Students who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree in another discipline may apply for admission to the Accelerated Second Degree (ASD) in Nursing. Students in the ASD program are awarded a Bachelor of Science degree upon completion of all nursing academic requirements. Graduates of the ASD program will then be eligible to take the National Council licensing examination for licensure as a Registered Nurse. The Nursing Program is approved by the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing. The baccalaureate degree in Nursing and master’s degree in Nursing at the University of Saint Joseph are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, 202.887.6791.
Program Outcomes
The student will:
- Integrate empirical and theoretical knowledge in nursing practice
- Synthesize and use knowledge of personal self and esthetics to provide holistic care
- Assume responsibility and accountability for ethical practice
- Establish professional and caring relationships that promote health and healing through communication, collaboration, and negotiation
- Appraise and respond to the economic, legal, political, and social issues that impact health and wellness of individuals, families, groups, and communities in a caring context
- Assume a leadership role in one’s scope of practice
Criteria for Admission
Admission requirements: Selection and placement in any of the undergraduate Nursing programs is competitive and on a space-available basis. To register for Nursing courses and to be officially accepted into the Nursing major, students must fulfill prerequisite course requirements and meet the standards for academic performance required by the department of Nursing. The Department of Nursing reviews prospective transfer applicants in conjunction with the Office of Admissions. Applicants should contact the Office of Admissions for specific application deadlines.
Students are expected to apply to this program with the following completed:
- B.S. or B.A. in a non-Nursing degree
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Grade of C or above in all pre-requisite science courses (B’s or better are preferred) that must have been taken within the past eight years
- No repeated pre-requisite science or Nursing courses due to grades C- or lower.
- Transfer student grades earned previously in Biology and Chemistry courses are assessed for their equivalencies by the ASD program director in consultation with the natural science faculty
- Interviews are granted for students who have submitted an application and transcripts and who have the minimum GPA
- Placement in this program is competitive, is available on a space-available basis and is completed in a continuous 15-month cycle
Students are expected to have completed these prerequisites:
Application Requirements
- Completed application submitted online at www.usj.edu/admissions
- Official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended
- Personal statement indicating interest in Nursing and strength of academic preparation for success
- Letter of recommendation from previous employer or professor attesting to the candidate’s ability to do academic work
- Students with pre-requisite courses in progress at the time of application must submit mid-semester grades and then the final transcript
Health Requirement
- Physical examination and vaccination form upon entering the program, and every two years thereafter
- Immunization against: Rubeola, Rubella (or titer), Mumps, Poliomyelitis; Tetanus booster within 10 years
- Two-step Tuberculosis skin test
- Varicella (Chicken Pox) titer
- Hepatitis B vaccine
- Evidence of health insurance, submitted yearly
- Influenza vaccine yearly
Uniforms and Equipment for Clinical Experiences
Students are responsible for purchasing their own uniforms and several specific items of equipment necessary for clinical experience. Students are also responsible for arranging their own transportation to clinical agencies. For details regarding these requirements, see the Student Handbook for Nursing Majors.
Criminal Background Investigation and Drug Screening
All undergraduate students must have a Criminal Background Investigation (CBI) and drug testing completed and on file prior to first Nursing course. A letter will be provided to each student accepted into the major with instructions. The CBI may need to be updated throughout the program.
CPR Course Requirement
All students must provide annual evidence of completion of a CPR course for health care providers prior to starting clinical courses. The CPR course must be an American Heart Association or Red Cross designation good for two years.
Progression in the Nursing Major
To progress in the Nursing major, a student must:
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.33 or above in all Nursing courses AND
- Earn grades of C or better in all Nursing and science course
- If a student earns less than a C in any science or Nursing course, but maintains a GPA in Nursing of 2.33 or above (including the failed class grade), one repeat is permitted. Students must repeat the course before they can progress. No more than one science or Nursing course may be repeated. No repeat is allowed if the nursing GPA is below 2.33.
- Any student wishing to withdraw from a course must do so in accordance with the Registrar’s deadlines. Students may only withdraw from one Nursing course.
- A student who does not meet the above requirements to progress in the ASD program will be dismissed from the program and encouraged to explore other options
