Nursing, B.S. - Accelerated Second Degree

Also see

Nursing, B.S.  (Traditional, 4 years) Nursing, B.S. - RN to B.S. Multicultural Health Pathway   Nursing, B.S. - RN to B.S. Leadership Pathway  (Hartford Hospital staff only) Nursing, B.S. - RN to B.S. Geriatric Pathway  (Hartford Hospital staff only)

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Students who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree in another discipline may apply for admission to the Accelerated Second Degree 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 programs 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:

1. Integrate the aesthetics and empirics of Nursing with the natural/behavior sciences, the humanities, and interprofessional education to provide holistic care for individuals, families, groups, communities and populations
2. Demonstrate knowledge and skills in leadership that promote quality improvement and patient safety
3. Implements an evidence-based and theoretically guided framework for Nursing practice including the five patterns of knowing in Nursing and transition theory 
4. Utilize data from diverse sources with knowledge and skill in informatics and patient care technology to promote safety and optimal patient outcomes
5. Appraise and respond to the economic, legal, political, and social issues that impact health and wellness of individuals, families, groups, communities and populations
6. Communicate and collaborate with other members of the health care team to advocate for high quality and safe patient care
7. Deliver culturally appropriate Nursing care through health promotion and disease prevention to populations on a local and global level
8. Assume responsibility and accountability for ethical professional behavior and Nursing care.
9. Demonstrate competent nursing practice in diverse settings caring for individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations

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 reviews prospective transfer applicants with the Office of Admissions. Applicants should contact the 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 B- or above in all pre-requisite science courses, which must have been taken within the past eight years
• 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 to 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:

BIOL 110 - General Biology
BIOL 241 - Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology I
BIOL 242 - Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology II
BIOL 301 - Microbiology
CHEM 170 - Principles of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry
CHEM 240 - Biochemistry of the Human Body 
NUTR 380 - Nutrition for Nursing Practice
PSYC 238 - Human Development Through the Lifespan 

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 or two vaccines
• Hepatitis B vaccine
• Evidence of health insurance, submitted every semester
• Influenza vaccine yearly per due date established by the Department of Nursing

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 undergraduates must have a Criminal Background Investigation 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 background check 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 have an American Heart Association or Red Cross designation good for two years.

Progression in the Nursing Major

Effective August 20, 2014

Students in the ASD graduating class of 2015 must:

• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.33 or above in all Nursing courses. [Note: This is not a change in policy]
• Starting Fall 2014 semester, students must earn grades of B minus (B-) or better in all Nursing courses
• If a student earns less than a B minus (B-) in any Nursing course, one repeat of one course is permitted. Students must repeat the course before they can progress.
• Previously completed science or nursing courses for which students achieved a grade of C or better will not need to be retaken.
• Grades in science courses transferred from other institutions that have already been accepted are exempt from the repeat policy if they are less than a B minus (B-).
• A student may only withdraw once from a Nursing course over the duration of the Nursing program.
• A student who does not meet the requirements to progress in the Nursing major will be dismissed from the program.

The Nursing program has additional policies. Students must see the Nursing student handbook for details.

All other ASD students admitted to the University after January 1, 2015 must:

• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.67 or above in all Nursing courses
• Earn grades of B minus (B-) or better in all Nursing and science courses taken after August 1, 2014
• If a student earns less than a B minus (B-) in any science or Nursing course, one repeat of one nursing and one science course is permitted. Students must repeat the course before they can progress.
• Grades in science courses transferred from other institutions will count toward the repeat policy if they are less than a B minus (B-).
• A student may only withdraw once from a Nursing course over the duration of the Nursing program.
• A student who does not meet the requirements to progress in the Nursing major will be dismissed from the program.

The Nursing program has additional policies. Students must see the Nursing student handbook for details.