Second Degree B.S.N.

The School of Nursing continues to accept applications for our 12 and 16-month cohorts that begin in Fall 2024. First consideration for program acceptance will be given to applicants who have submitted required application materials in their entirety by January 15 prior to the fall start

The School of Nursing offers a second-degree bachelor's program for non-nursing college graduates leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N). The curriculum – acknowledging the education, career and life experiences of the individual – requires fewer prerequisites for the nursing courses than the basic baccalaureate nursing program of study. Students may complete the second bachelor's degree in three semesters of full-time study.

The School of Nursing offers two options for completing the Second-Degree program of study. The accelerated track allows for completion over 16 months (3 traditional semesters of Fall-Spring-Fall). The new ‘fast track’ option can be completed in 12 months (Fall-Spring-Summer), which is August - August. Students accepted into this ‘fast-track’ will have an August graduation date. It is important to note that students are initially accepted to the 16-month program and must request consideration for the fast-track 12 month option at the time of accepting their seat in the program.

To be eligible for admission to the Second Degree Program, students must have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Students from all majors (including diploma or associate degree-prepared registered nurses with a baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing major) are eligible to enroll. In addition, registered nurses with a diploma or associate degree plus a baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing major are eligible to enroll.

Faculty advisors assist prospective students to assess their learning needs and identify learning resources available to them through the University. The prerequisite courses are available at Salisbury University; however, it is not mandatory for them to be taken at SU.

Licensure as a registered nurse requires application to the State Board of Nursing to take the National Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), documentation of completion of the nursing program, payment of a fee and a criminal background check.

Students entering the nursing program are required to meet physical and psychological requirements as outlined in the Salisbury University School of Nursing - "Fit for Duty" Technical Standards Verification form. Please see the health and enrollment requirements page for further details and access to the form. Students should be aware that drug testing and background checks are commonly required by clinical agencies. Students who have been convicted of a felony or have pled nolo contendere to a felony or to a crime involving moral turpitude, may not be eligible for some clinical placements and may be unable to complete program requirements. Likewise they may be ineligible for licensure as a Registered Nurse in some states including Maryland. See "Notice of Possible Implications of Criminal Convictions"

Clinical placements are in various locations and students are required to make their own travel arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Second Degree Program.

Visit our catalog to see the requirements for this program:

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Admission Requirements
Applicants for admission to the Second Degree Program must first meet all University requirements and be admitted to the University by the Admissions Office. Once admitted to the University, applications are reviewed by the School of Nursing for admission to the Second Degree Program. Admission is competitive and is based on evaluation of the applicant's overall qualifications.

To be eligible for admission to the Second Degree Program, students must meet the following requirements:
1. Have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative grade point average for previous academic work of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in the English language if an international student. Additional Salisbury University requirements for admission of international students must be met. All international applications will be reviewed by a University International Student Admissions Counselor, currently Agata Liszkowska who can be reached by email at: axliszkowska@salisbury.edu.
3. Proof of completion of academic coursework with a grade of "C" or higher in: basic statistics, microbiology, anatomy and physiology I and II (all body systems), pathophysiology, and chemistry (all with lab component except basic statistics). All prerequisite requirements must be completed no later than one month prior to the first day of class (Failure to do so may result in losing your seat in the class). Students with grades below "C" in any prerequisite courses will be ineligible for admission into the second degree program.
4. Ordinarily, students who have not been successful or who have been dismissed from a nursing program at another college/university are not considered for admission to Salisbury University's nursing program.
Application Requirements
Applicants to the Second Degree program must:
1. Submit to the Salisbury University Admissions Office:
  - The admissions application (submitted electronically).
  - The University application fee paid to Salisbury University.
  - TOEFL scores (international students). Originals must be submitted.
2. Complete the Application for the Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program directly in the Nursing Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS). First consideration will be given to applications received by January 15th of the year you intend to enroll; Submit transcripts from all previous academic institutions attended through the NursingCAS as part of the application process before January 15th for consideration for admission into the nursing program for fall. The School of Nursing continues to accept applications for our 12 and 16-month cohorts that begin in Fall 2024. First consideration for program acceptance will be given to applicants who have submitted required application materials in their entirety by January 15 prior to the fall start date. The School of Nursing Student Policies Committee reserves the right not to process applications if transcripts are not available. The application will include the following items:
  - A 1-2 page typed statement of educational and professional goals.
  - A current resume or curriculum vita.
  - All OFFICIAL transcripts from the first bachelor’s degree and any other academic course work. (must be submitted to both SU and CAS)
  - TWO academic and/or professional recommendations addressing potential for nursing study.