Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursi...

Bellarmine University's Healthcare Simulation Center is a state-of-the-art facility providing hands-on training in a safe, controlled environment. The center includes high-fidelity mannequins, task trainers, and advanced simulation technology that replicate real clinical scenarios. Students in nursing, respiratory therapy, and physical therapy gain valuable experience practicing clinical skills, decision-making, and patient care before entering real healthcare settings.

1. Complete a bachelor’s degree or higher in any discipline from a regionally accredited college or university.
2. Minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
3. Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
4. Grade of B- or better in all prerequisite natural science and nutrition courses.
5. Grade of C or better in all prerequisite courses.
6. Applicants who do not have a minimum 3.00 cumulative undergraduate GPA will be reviewed for admission if they meet the following requirements: prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or higher; grades of B or higher in Anatomy & Physiology I and II and Microbiology.
7. A student is not eligible for admission to the nursing major if he/she earns three or more unsatisfactory grades in the same course or any combination of these four courses: Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Microbiology, or equivalent courses transferred as prerequisites for admission. An unsatisfactory grade is defined as one grade lower than C, or two withdrawals from any single course or combination of the three courses listed. The policy refers to the final course grade, not a grade on a specific assignment.
8. Submit a personal statement which describes experiences which have led you to consider nursing as a career.
9. The Office of Graduate Admission reserves the right to request additional information or a personal interview. The admission decision will be made following receipt of additional information or the personal interview.
10. Completion of an American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR course. Students in the May cohort must complete the CPR course by May 1 of the program year. Students in the January cohort must complete the CPR course by December 13 immediately before their January start. You can find a provider at www.heart.org. We do not accept other forms of CPR training.
11. Satisfactory completion of all required criminal background and immunization documents. Students in the May cohort must complete these by May 1 of the program year. Students in the January cohort must complete these by December 13 immediately before their January start.
12. Mandatory drug testing. Students in the May cohort must complete this by May 1 of the program year. Students in the January cohort must complete this by December 13 immediately before their January start.
13. Admitted students must attend both the virtual and in-person mandatory Accelerated 2nd Degree B.S.N. Orientations. The dates will be provided at the time of admission.
14. If any transcript(s) or undergraduate degree(s) is from an international institution, applicants must provide an official copy of a World Education Services (www.wes.org) or Spantran (https://spantran.com) course-by-course credential evaluation to Nursing CAS. The evaluation should be for US equivalency. The Office of Graduate Admission reserves the right to request a certified copy of the original transcript(s).
15. Please note that the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is not eligible for students who require a new F-1 visa to study in the United States. However, students who currently hold an active F-1 visa and have been continuously enrolled in a SEVP-approved program for at least 12 months prior to the start of the ABSN program may be eligible. If you meet these criteria and are considering applying, we encourage you to contact our International Student Services Office to confirm your eligibility and discuss your specific situation.

Prerequisite Courses

• Anatomy & Physiology I and II (6-8 hours)
• Microbiology

Proof of Prerequisite Completion

• Because students cannot be enrolled in any other academic coursework while enrolled in the Accelerated B.S.N. program, you must provide proof that you have successfully completed all courses by the dates indicated in your admission notification.
• An email from the professor including the final grade, an unofficial transcript, or credit-by-exam printed grade report including the final letter grade will be acceptable for proof of course completion.
• If you are completing your bachelor’s degree in the spring semester of your program year, you should provide proof of course completion for all spring semester courses.
• Students who do not provide proof of successful completion of all academic coursework by the deadlines included in the admission notification will not be allowed to start the program.
• This information only applies to domestic students. International students must follow the instructions and deadlines for submitting final, official transcripts in the International Applicant Section below.

Application Deadlines

The application cycle for the Accelerated Bachelor of Nursing program is continuous. Apply today to become eligible to enroll when the next cohort begins. All applicants must apply through the Nursing Centralized Application Service (CAS) at www.nursingcas.org. Applicants must complete the entire application, including entry of all previous coursework. The CAS application fee is $60.

It takes Nursing CAS 4-6 weeks to verify your application and submit it to Bellarmine University after you submit it to Nursing CAS.

• You must submit all official transcripts (even if coursework is “In Progress”) directly to Nursing CAS. They will not verify an application without all transcripts.
• You may apply before enrolling or while enrolled in pre-requisite courses.
• You may apply if you will earn your bachelor’s degree in the spring semester of the program year.
• We do not require a supplemental application or fee.
• Upon admission to the program, students must submit a $100 non-refundable tuition deposit to confirm their position in the program.

Sample Semester

Session 1

Day	Course	Time
Monday	NURA 341	8:00am - 9:50am
Monday	NURA 302	12:00pm - 1:50pm
Monday	NURA 335	2:00pm - 3:50pm
Tuesday	NURA 335 (Clinical)	6:30am - 7:00pm
Wednesday	NURA 341	8:00am - 9:50am
Wednesday	NURA 302	12:00pm - 1:50pm
Wednesday	NURA 335	2:00pm - 3:50pm
Thursday	NURA 302 (Clinical)	9:00am - 12:00pm and 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Friday	NURA 341	8:00am - 9:50am
Friday	NURA 302	12:00pm - 1:50pm
Friday	NURA 335	2:00pm - 3:50pm

Session 2

Day	Course	Time
Monday	Simulation Labs / Open Labs	Assigned by Clinical Instructors
Tuesday	BIO 300	8:00am - 10:50am
Tuesday	NURA 300	12:15pm - 2:05pm
Tuesday	NURA 303	2:30pm - 4:00pm
Wednesday	NURA 300	6:30am - 7:00pm
Thursday	BIO 300	8:00am - 10:50am
Thursday	NURA 300	12:15pm - 2:05pm
Thursday	NURA 303	2:30pm - 4:00pm
Friday	NURA 300	12:15pm - 2:05pm
Friday	NURA 303	2:30pm - 4:00pm

Program Tuition

Cost Item	Amount
Tuition per Credit Hour	$905
Total Credit Hours	58
Total Tuition (includes books)	$52,490
Estimated Course Fees	$5,000
Total Estimated Tuition and Fees	$57,490

Tuition rates do not include supplies, travel to and from clinical sites, or additional personal expenses.

*Tuition and fee rates for students who select the one-year Accelerated B.S.N. program will remain at the above rate for the duration of their three-semester enrollment. Rates for students who select a part-time special format or who leave the one-year format are subject to tuition increases.

Additional expenses may include uniforms, supplies, transportation, and other personal costs related to clinical placements including:

• Uniforms and nursing supplies
• Transportation to clinical locations
• Parking and meals during clinical rotations
• Health records and immunization documentation
• Nurse aide training
• CPR certification
• Drug screening
• Required electronic device

Course fees support the maintenance of supplies used in the nursing skills lab and physical assessment lab and also include student insurance coverage. Clinical assignments take place at a variety of facilities and agencies throughout the Kentuckiana region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Accelerated Second Degree program like?

Students attend classes two to three days a week and are in clinical (hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings) two to three days a week, Monday through Friday; the exact schedule varies each semester. It is possible that you could have a clinical rotation on a weekend, however students who may be assigned to a weekend clinical would have a day off during the week so that they would only have class/clinical five days per week. Students complete courses and clinicals in all the major sub-specialty areas including adult health, women’s health, pediatrics, psychiatric-mental health, critical care, and community health nursing. Because of the intense nature of the program students are strongly advised not to work while in the program.

What are students in the program like?

Students come from a wide variety of backgrounds and majors. They enter this program either because they always wanted to be a nurse but were unable to find a program they could finish in a reasonable amount of time or because they wanted a career with better advancement opportunities, salaries, and benefits. Bellarmine attracts students from areas across the country including California, Washington, Oregon, Maryland, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Michigan, and New York. Students range in age from 21-65+ and the average age is 32. About 10% to 15% of students are men. Generally, half the students are married and many have children. Students in the program tend to be close-knit and supportive of each other, and they enjoy a close working relationship with the faculty.

Where do Bellarmine students complete clinical experiences?

Louisville is fortunate to have a diverse array of clinical sites. Our students are assigned to clinicals with the goal of exposing them to a variety of experiences and opportunities within nursing. We have clinical agreements with all the major metropolitan acute care hospitals as well as other community settings. You are responsible for your own transportation, parking, and meals.

Do I need previous health care experience?

While work or volunteer experience is advantageous, it is not required. However, because students begin clinical skills the first day of the program we do require completion of the Certified Nurse Aide course. If you are interested in getting a job or volunteer experience in the healthcare field, talk with an advisor.

What is the NCLEX-RN (licensure exam)?

Students graduate with a baccalaureate degree in nursing, but to become a registered nurse you must pass the RN licensure exam. The national licensure exam for registered nurses is called the NCLEX-RN. Bellarmine students complete a semester long NCLEX preparation class in the spring semester before graduation.

What is Bellarmine’s NCLEX-RN pass rate?

Bellarmine graduates consistently surpass the national, regional, and local first-time pass rates, and over the last five years they have averaged a 91.4% First Time Pass Rate. (Kentucky Board of Nursing data)

When should I submit my application?

We offer rolling admission and you may apply while still enrolled in prerequisite courses. We encourage students to apply by November 1.

May I apply while enrolled in prerequisite courses?

Yes, we strongly encourage you to apply before you complete the prerequisite courses. We will consider your application for conditional admission pending successful completion of all outstanding requirements.

Is there funding assistance available for this program?

Independent second degree students are eligible to borrow up to $12,500 each academic year for tuition and related expenses. Dependent second degree students are eligible to borrow up to $7,500 each academic year for tuition and related expenses. The Accelerated B.S.N. program is considered two academic years (even though it is one calendar year) because the summer semester is an extension of the previous academic year. Therefore, you are eligible to borrow up to $25,000 as an independent student or $15,000 as a dependent student for the Accelerated B.S.N. To apply for federal direct loans, visit www.fafsa.gov.

Please note if you have used loan eligibility while completing prerequisite courses during the fall and spring semesters prior to starting the program, it could affect the amount for which you are eligible to borrow the first semester (summer) of the program.

You can also apply for alternative loans. Alternative loans have a slightly higher interest rate than the federal Stafford loans and are based on credit worthiness. Students can borrow up to the cost of attendance in alternative loans. Visit the Bellarmine Financial Aid website for information about applying for alternative loans as well as comprehensive advice about financial aid.

Some hospitals also offer scholarship-to-work opportunities that will help you finance your nursing education. Visit your local hospitals’ website(s) or contact their Human Resources departments to learn about opportunities in your area.

• Applicants must submit all final, official transcripts to Nursing CAS at the time of your application or they will not process your application. Any final, official transcripts submitted to Nursing CAS are considered official and you do not need to submit those to Bellarmine University.
• Applicants must submit any official transcripts including “In Progress” coursework at the time of application as well.
• Any transcripts which include “In Progress” coursework or degree requirements at the time you submit the Nursing CAS application are not considered official.
• All final, official transcripts for any course completed in the spring semester must be submitted directly from the college or university directly to Bellarmine University by the deadlines on your Knights Next Steps Checklist. Final, official transcripts cannot be stamped “Issued to Student.”

Please complete the items under procedure for admission and submit the items below. Keep in mind that international students cannot be fully admitted to the university without all final, official transcripts (including credential evaluations or any US prerequisite coursework). It is critical that international students read the important links and documents for international students:

• Transfer International Student Instructions and Deadlines
• New International Student Instructions and Deadlines

1. Third party course-by-course credential evaluation: If any transcript(s) or undergraduate degree(s) is from an international institution, applicants must provide an official copy of a World Education Services (www.wes.org) or Spantran (www.spantran.com) course-by-course credential evaluation to Nursing CAS. The evaluation must be for US equivalency. Students using Spantran will also need to have an official transcript sent directly to the Bellarmine University Office of Admission. The Office of Admission reserves the right to request a certified copy of the original transcript(s).

2. Language Proficiency: The Nursing Program requires an official TOEFL iBT (Test of English as Foreign Language internet-based test) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score for verification of language proficiency for applicants who possess any of these criteria:

1. Born outside the US
2. English is not primary language
3. Obtained a degree or required admission prerequisites from a non-US institution

For consideration of admission, the Nursing Department requires the following evidence of language proficiency:

• TOEFL-iBT total score of 83 or higher AND a speaking score of 26 or higher OR
• IELTS total band score of 7 or higher AND a speaking band score of 8 or higher OR
• Duolingo score of 105 or higher

Only official score reports will be accepted, and score reports must be sent directly to Bellarmine University Admissions.

The Nursing Program reserves the right to require a TOEFL or IELTS from any applicant.

Alternatively, students may petition to use one of the following requirements to document English-language proficiency:

• Degree completion from a TOEFL exempt country OR
• Successful completion of language training at an approved center

Bellarmine University recognizes the following standards and centers:

• English Language Services level 112 (www.els.edu/english-programs)
• Interlink Level 5 (interlink.edu)
• Intensive English Program at Indiana University Level 6 (iep.indiana.edu/)

The Nursing Admissions, Progression & Graduation Committee may use discretion and approve other centers.

3. Financial Affidavit: All applicants must provide credible evidence (e.g. a bank statement, letter on bank stationary attesting to the availability of funds, etc.) of the ability to fund the cost of attending Bellarmine University for one academic year. If funds are provided by another person on behalf of the student, an affidavit must accompany the financial information.

• Financial Affidavit Instructions
• Financial Affidavit

4. Passport Biographical Page: Scan of passport ID page must show validity for 6 months post completion of the program.

5. Visa: If you are a transfer international student, please scan and submit your Visa in addition to your Passport Biographical page.