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I looked into it, trust me. It just seems to be more complicated than the time would be worth. It would add on an extra year or two even because of the app deadlines and all the classes. If I would have known I would have chosen Spalding or UofL no doubt!

First of all, I'm not "complaining" about the 77%. Second of all, unless you are an employee of the Bellarmine Nursing program I don't understand why you are trying to tell us you know how the program is. This is how it has gone for the 2008-09 cohort: Orientation: about 90 students (?) dropped down to 75 before the program began. First term: maybe 68 or so passed Second term: follwing this term I think the class is now down to about 40 or so. Bellarmine has the highest number of students ever, needing to retake a particular course from the second session (that was not taught by qualified instructors) for spring of 2009. What does this mean for those students? They have to wait until the term they were to GRADUATE to retake this 2nd session course. What does this mean? Simply, Bellarmine doesn't care if you fail out during the program but if you make it until the end of the program they will do anything to make sure you pass the NCLEX, because THAT is the only thing that goes on their record accessible to anyone via the internet. Check the updated stats on the NCLEX. I think 5 of the 20-25 students that actually graduated have already failed the NCLEX and those were only the ones that took it by July. Their program is poorly structered. Half of the nursing instructors have not practiced in 10 years, meaning they don't truly have relative opinion/knowledge and don't put forth too much effort to help you. The department as a whole is incredibly disorganized. To wrap this summary up, YES, I am still in the program. I wish I had chosen another school and regret spending my money here at Bellarmine. But to finish in May, I need to stay. I am not trying to discourage anyone, but I am warning everyone. Go to Bellarmine and TALK to students not the staff. You will see that many are very unhappy. It is not the BEST program like people say, it is the toughest to actually get through. This is only a warning. If you get into Spalding or U of L i would consider your options, thouroughly.

I know this reply is no help for the previous persons question, but for anyone who is currently looking into Bellarmines 2nd degree program: don't waste your time or money. They raised tution from 33,000 (2007) to almost 40,000 for the 2008 cohort. They require a 77% to pass each course. If you don't pass a course, obviously, you cannot continue in the program. They say the program is aimed at non-nursing majors, but they pretty much think your previous degree or job gave you relative experience. First day of clinicals they really didn't "teach us" they threw us into it after 2 weeks of (non helpful lectures and limited labs) so we spend our 40,000 teaching ourselves. If you don't have an extreme desire to go to Bellarmine, don't do it, unless you have LOTS of prior knowledge in the medical field. In that case you may be ok.

I need advice!! Has anyone gone through the Bellarmine 2nd degree BSN program?? I start in May & I'm verrrrry nervous and would *LOVE* any advice on what to expect...how are the teachers, testing....anything!! Thanks guys!