Accelerated BSN?

LouBean · Jun 9, 2016

*waves*

I just graduated from Bellarmine (in Louisville, KY) from their 12-month accelerated BSN for second-degree students. I will copy and paste what I wrote to another poster on here a couple days ago. They had a couple specific questions that I answered, but this might be helpful:

Hello!

I just graduated a month ago from Bellarmine's accel program. The requirements aren't that unreasonable (Admission Requirements) and the impression I got in the admissions process was that if you met the requirements, you were pretty much in.

That being said... yes, a LOT of people dropped out in the beginning. Folks realize pretty quickly if they're not a good fit for the program. It moves fast, requires the commitment of a full-time job (plus some!), and it is pretty rigorous academically -- just because it's accelerated doesn't mean they skimp on material!

The best way to prepare for that first couple weeks? Honestly? You just really have to figure out if you can really commit to the program and put your life on hold for a year. You absolutely need a support system -- if you have to live with your parents, do it. Most of the folks who dropped out were just not in a good place to be able to focus on school.

As for the cost, they don't do any scholarships. You're stuck with loans. And if you want to work as a nursing aide somewhere PRN, you can, just know that you probably won't be doing more than one shift every couple of weeks. In other words, you are probably not going to be able to work enough to get you anything more than pocket money.

All in all, I really am grateful for this program. I found some really amazing friends that I wouldn't trade for anything. I had some great professors (had some real duds too, but you just have to suck it up in those classes). The program prepares you very well for the NCLEX (no one from my cohort has failed yet, at least) and the hospitals here LOVE Bellarmine accel grads -- nearly every single accel student I graduated with had a job offer before graduation. Those that didn't were applying out of state.

Hope that helps. Any other questions, let me know.

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · Jun 9, 2016

Accelerated 2nd Degree Track - BS | College of Health and Human Services

I would say that you have a very good chance of getting in. I graduated from ISU ABSN program in Aug 2014. The ABSN program has a near 100% NCLEX pass rate. In my cohort over half passed NCLEX at 75 questions. It is a 15 month program (Summer, Fall, Spring, Summer). Fall and Spring are regular length semesters.

crazydoglady89 · Jun 9, 2016

It really depends on the school. My hopeful program has a 3.0 minimum for overall and science GPA, however most people have a 3.6+ in the pre reqs.

Your grades seem really good! I'd say you have a decent chance for sure. My school uses pre req GPA as primary and then overall as tiebreaker.

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · Jun 9, 2016

Pre reqs are seperate for your actual bachelors GPA. Most schools require minimum of 3.0 GPA on first bachelors. Some are 3.2.

The best bet is to start looking at programs where you want to attend and see if you meet the requirements to attend.

The best resource is google. Try "accelerated nursing programs" and you will find many. The main thing is getting pre reqs done and applying. If you have them done then just apply. Specific questions about a certain school contact them. I think you have as good of a chance as anyone else with a 3.02 GPA on your first degree.

Good luck!