The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Second Degree program enables a non-nurse with a baccalaureate degree to obtain a BSN degree in a 12-month or 16-month program. After three or four semesters of intensive full-time study and clinical practice in state-of-the-art health care settings, during which time all requirements for a BSN degree are met, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.

12-month Second Degree Pathway

The 12-month full-time program begins in August and includes three semesters of intensive coursework and clinical practice in health care settings.

16-month Second Degree Pathway

For those who seek a second degree program on a slightly less intense course schedule, the 16-month pathway begins in August and includes four semesters of rigorous coursework and clinical practice in health care settings. Additional costs may apply for the 16-month Second Degree Pathway option

BSN Framework and Outcomes

Second Degree BSN Curriculum

BSN Program Coursework

A grade of "C+" or better must be attained in all nursing courses and a grade of "C" or better must be attained in all non-nursing courses, including electives and laboratory courses, in order to progress in the nursing curriculum. Revisions to courses and coursework are ongoing.

W = Writing Intensive

12-month Program of Study

Fall Semester

Course # Course Name Credits
UPNS 119 Contemporary Professional Nursing and Technology 3
UPNS 200 Fundamentals of Nursing and Clinical Ethics (4 theory/2 clinical lab) 3
UPNS 218 Health Assessment (3 theory/1 clinical lab) 4
UPNS 324 Cultural Applications in Clinical Practice 6
UPNS 326 Pathophysiology for Nursing Practice 3
UPNS 339 Genetics in Nursing and Health 3
    Total 22

Spring Semester

Course # Course Name Credits
UPNS 309 Pharmacology for Nursing Practice 3
UPNS 232 Adult Health and Illness I (4 theory/2 clinical)                                       6
UPNS 344 Nursing for Children's Health (2 theory/1 clinical) 3
UPNS 348 Nursing for Maternal-Newborn Health (2 theory/1 clinical) 3
UPNS 355 Behavioral Health (2 theory/1 clinical) 3
UPNS 357 Population Health (2 theory/1 clinical)                                                         3
UPNS 411W Nursing Ethics Across the Lifespan 3
    Total 24

Summer Semester

Course # Course Name Credits
UPNS 400 Critically Ill Adult (4 theory/2 clinical) 6
UPNS 431 Enhancing Quality and Safety through EBP and Technology 6
UPNS 453 Transition to Professional Practice 3
UPNS 460 Advanced Clinical Concepts in Gerontology 3
UPNS 462 Leadership and Management Theory & Practice in Clinical Environments (2 theory/4 clinical) 3
    Total 21

16-month Program of Study

Fall Semester, Year One

Course # Course Name
Credits
UPNS 119 Contemporary Professional Nursing and Technology 3
UPNS 200 Fundamentals of Nursing and Clinical Ethics (4 theory/2 clinical lab) 3
UPNS 218 Health Assessment (3 theory/1 clinical lab) 4
UPNS 324 Cultural Applications in Clinical Practice 6
UPNS 326 Pathophysiology for Nursing Practice 3
   

Total 19

Spring Semester, Year One

Course # Course Name
Credits
UPNS 309 Pharmacology for Nursing Practice 3
UPNS 232 Adult Health and Illness I (4 theory/2 clinical) 6
UPNS 339 Genetics in Nursing and Health 3
UPNS 344*** Nursing for Children's Health (2 theory/1 clinical) 3
UPNS 348*** Nursing for Maternal-Newborn Health (2 theory/1 clinical) 3
    Total 18

Summer Semester, Year One

Course # Course Name
Credits
UPNS 431 Enhancing Quality and Safety through EBP and Technology 3
UPNS 460 Advanced Clinical Concepts in Gerontology 3
UPNS 462 Leadership and Management Theory & Practice in Clinical Environments (2 theory/4 clinical) 6
    Total 12

Fall Semester, Year Two

Course # Course Name
Credits
UPNS 355*** Behavioral Health ( 2 theory/1 clinical) 3
UPNS 357*** Population Health (2 theory/1 clinical) 3
UPNS 400 Critically Ill Adult (4 theory/2 clinical)                                                          6
UPNS 411W Nursing Ethics Across the Lifespan 3
UPNS 453 Transition to Professional Practice 3
    Total 18

*** These four specialty courses are taken in the spring and fall semesters. Half of the 16-month students will take Nursing for Children's Health and Nursing for Maternal-Newborn Health in the spring, and Behavioral Health and Population Health in the fall. The other half will take the reverse sequence.