Information for Accepted Students

Admitted Students

Choosing to become a nurse may be one of the best decisions you will ever make. You have chosen to enter a challenging but highly rewarding career, and we are here to ensure you are prepared for anything.

We can't wait to welcome you on campus. Until then, please refer to this page for resources and different ways of connecting with campus contacts, current students and your fellow classmates.

Second Degree BSN Admitted Student Day

We invite admitted students to attend our Second Degree BSN Admitted Students Day. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, April 6th, 2025 at 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Important Dates

Deadline to Deposit: June 15

A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to become a student, and the deposit must be made by Sunday, June 15.

Pay your Deposit

Next Steps Communication: Early June

In early June, School of Nursing welcome packets will be emailed and are filled with useful information such as class registrations, student handbook review and health and clinical requirements.

Prerequisite Course Deadline: August 18, 2025

For success in this accelerated program, you must have a solid understanding of the content in the prerequisite courses. You may apply to the Second Degree BSN program prior to completing prerequisite coursework, but it must be completed prior to start of program with a grade of "C" or higher (a "C-" will not be accepted.)

The prerequisite coursework may completed at any accredited college or university. It may also be completed online.

View Prerequisite Coursework

Start of Fall Semester: August 25

Classes begin on Monday, August 25. The academic calendar has important dates for the semester.

Academic Calendar

Second Degree BSN Student Testimonials

Ainslee Ackerman

Ainslee Ackerman, Class of 2025

Why did you choose the 12/16 month track?

Ultimately, I am excited and ready to work. So, I chose the path that would allow me to graduate as soon as possible, which is the 12 month track. Additionally, my hometown is three hours from Pittsburgh, and I do not enjoy being far away from my family. Throughout the summer and early fall, I golf with my grandmother a few times a week. Once I graduate, I am planning to move back home. Thus, the 12 month plan allows me to move back home sooner and catch the tail-end of the golf season with my grandmother.

What drew you to choose Duquesne?

I was looking to find a school that offered a rigorous nursing program and the opportunity to continue my athletic career as a cheerleader. Duquesne has been able to fulfil both of those needs! I had also known someone currently enrolled in the 12 month track, and she had only the most positive remarks about Duquesne and its nursing program. I also could not help but notice the high NCLEX pass rate for Duquesne nurses; I knew I would be set up for success.

What is your favorite part of being in the nursing program?

I have really enjoyed building new connections! I never realized the incredible opportunity there was to make new friendships and professional relationships. I loved my first semester fundamentals clinical instructor and clinical group. It was fun to connect what I had just learned in class to clinical practice, alongside my new friends. Nothing beats the pre-clinical carpool rides with my best friends!

Emma Eberly

Emma Eberly, Class of 2025

Why did you choose the 12/16 month track?

I chose the 12-month program because I thought it was amazing that I could become a nurse in a year. I was looking for an option to become a nurse that was a quicker process and less time back in school so that I could get back to work.

What drew you to choose Duquesne?

I was drawn to Duquesne because I did my undergrad degree (early childhood education) here and loved my experience and all of my professors. When I began my teaching career, I felt extremely supported and prepared and was confident I would feel the same after finishing the nursing program.

What is your favorite part of being in the nursing program?

I have made some great friends throughout the nursing program. It is so great to have such a supportive community around you during the program. Also, although it is a short program, I feel like I am really learning so much so fast and love how much clinical experience we get!

Benjamin Sette, BSN, RN

Benjamin Sette, Class of 2023

Why did you choose the 16-month track?

I chose the 16-month track because it aligned with my education needs. I knew that I would be able to take the time to learn all that I needed to know in a way that fit my schedule and academic goals.

Why did you choose Duquesne?

I chose Duquesne because of its affiliation with the various hospital systems in the Pittsburgh area. My goal was to learn from a variety of different people all with varying degrees of knowledge and experience.

Tell us where you are now!

I am currently at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh in their Cardiac ICU. I couldn't be more excited about this opportunity! I know that I am very fortunate to have made the connections that I did while at Duquesne that helped make this career possible.

Zachary Carpenter, BSN, RN

Zachary Carpenter, Class of 2023

What made you choose Duquesne?

I decided to attend Duquesne based on the ABSN program's history of success in preparing new nurses for the workforce. Coming from a field outside of medicine, it was important for me to find a program that offered a wealth of clinical experience. Duquesne is deeply integrated into the region's best hospitals which has allowed me to learn key hands-on nursing skills. I have found the professors and support staff at Duquesne to be incredibly supportive of student success. The ABSN program is definitely challenging, but Duquesne provides us with the resources to be successful as students and future nurses. As a non-Pittsburgh native, I have also fallen in love with city. Pittsburgh has been a great place for me to begin my nursing journey.

References and Resources

University and Nursing Tours

Duquesne University Tour

View our beautiful campus via this virtual tour, which is led by Duquesne students.

Learning and Simulation Center

The Learning & Simulation Center will help you learn practical nursing skills in the safety of a simulation lab. Get an early look by watching our video tour of the lab space!

Nursing Resources

University Resources

Diversity and Student Inclusion

The Center for Excellence in Diversity and Student Inclusion helps by providing support services and opportunities for learning. The Center coordinates community-wide events and programs to celebrate, acknowledge campus leaders and raise awareness about critical issues.

Office of Commuter Affairs

The Office of Commuter Affairs works diligently to help you feel at home and part of the Duquesne family. See what sort of resources are available to commuters.

Office of Residence Life

The Office of Residence Life provides a highly trained staff of live-in Resident Directors, Assistant Resident Directors and Resident Assistants who are available to support you on a daily basis (24 hours a day, in fact).