Second Degree BSN
Pursuing a second degree in nursing can be a life-changing decision towards a rewarding career. By leveraging knowledge and experience from your first degree, our program is a unique opportunity to build upon your existing skillset and experiences. We provide you with a strong clinical foundation beginning in your first week of study. These hands-on learning opportunities take place in our many clinical sites and state-of-the-art Learning and Simulation Center.
By the end of the program, you will be prepared to become a Registered Nurse (RN). Our most recent class scored a 96.67% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
Attend a virtual information session to learn more about the Second Degree BSN program and your next steps to enrollment.
Applications for Fall 2025 are now open - submit yours by June 1st, 2025.
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Scholarships
All admitted second degree students receive scholarships. Scholarships are available
up to $30,000.
Gain Clinical Practice
Under the supervision of expert clinical faculty and nurse preceptors, you will gain clinical experience at hospitals and community facilities throughout the Pittsburgh area. These experiences are a great way to apply knowledge and theory gained in the classroom to your clinical practice.
Program Information
Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 12 or 16 months through our accelerated Second Degree BSN program. This onsite nursing program is for those who already have a non-nursing bachelor's degree.
Program Type
Major
Degree
Bachelor's
School
Academic Department
Undergraduate Programs (Nursing)
Duration
12 or 16 months
Required Credit Hours
67
More about BSN Second Degree
NCLEX Ready
We will help you prepare to be successful on the NCLEX-RN exam, which you are eligible to take after graduation for licensure as a registered nurse (RN). Our graduates who tested in the 2023-2024 cycle achieved a 96.67% NCLEX-RN Exam first-time pass rate.
How Credits are Calculated
Prerequisites* taken for the Second Degree Program - 25 credits
Credits taken at Duquesne University School of Nursing in the Second Degree Program - 67 credits
Total Credits for the Second Degree Program - 128 credits
*Prerequisites may be completed at any accredited college or university, and online coursework is acceptable. For example, we do accept credit from Portage Learning, which offers all prerequisite courses required for the Second Degree program.
12 or 16 Month Options
Students will complete 67 credits over 12-months in three semesters, or 67 credits over 16-months to earn their Second Degree BSN in a slightly less intense schedule of four semesters.
- 3 credits; Fall Semester
- 3 credits; Fall Semester
- 6 credits; Fall Semester
- 4 credits; Fall Semester
- 3 credits; Fall Semester
- 3 credits; Fall Semester
- 6 credits (4 theory/2 clinical); Spring Semester
- 3 credits; Spring Semester
- 3 credits (2 theory/1 clinical); Spring Semester
- 3 credits (2 theory/1 clinical); Spring Semester
- 3 credits (2 theory/1 clinical); Spring Semester
- 3 credits (2 theory/1 clinical); Spring Semester
- 3 credits; Spring Semester
- 6 credits; Summer Semester
- 3 credits; Summer Semester
- 3 credits; Summer Semester
- 3 credits; Summer Semester
- 6 credits; Summer Semester