Degree Options
Announcements
Questions about applying? Call us at (317) 274-2806 to speak with a counselor.
Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Accelerated Track
Overview
Our second degree BSN track is specially designed for anyone who has earned a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field but wants to pursue a nursing career. As a 20 month, full-time program, the second degree BSN option prepares students to meet the current and future health needs of society through a solid academic foundation in the practice, science, and technology of nursing. The 20 month program begins once students have completed all needed general education courses and have been admitted to the second degree program.
Curriculum and career preparation
Many general education credit hours (such as the humanities, communications, and social sciences) from the first bachelor’s degree will be transferred and applied toward the BSN degree, making the 20 month completion possible. The 20 month time frame includes only nursing courses.
The second degree BSN track is an accelerated program and requires a dedicated time commitment in order to graduate in the 20-month time frame. It is absolutely crucial to understand this time commitment in order to progress and graduate as expected, as there is little opportunity to adjust for absences or tardiness in this program.
The curriculum emphasizes the following areas:
- Health promotion
- Disease prevention
- Maximum levels of wellness
- Health in adults, children, and families
Students work with nursing faculty and expert nurse preceptors as part of the clinical and practical experiences of the program, gaining exposure to hospital and/or community-based nursing with a focus on such areas as:
- Critical care
- Acute care
- Neonatal intensive care
- Pediatric intensive care
- Operating and emergency room
Upon completion of the second degree BSN option, you’ll be eligible to apply for a registered nurse (RN) license so you can enter the nursing workforce. You’ll also be prepared to pursue graduate education, if your ultimate career goal is an advanced nursing position such as a clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, or nursing administrator.
Careers
Our goal is to graduate nurses who are critical thinkers capable of using rational inquiry, intellectual curiosity, and creativity in problem-solving.
As a graduate of our second degree BSN option, you’ll have the valuable skills needed to serve as an effective communicator, a professional role model, and a responsible manager. Most importantly, you’ll have the skills needed to practice within the ethical and legal framework of the nursing profession, while keeping a political and global perspective.
Contact us
Once you have applied and have been accepted to IUPUI as a second degree seeking student, please contact the Center for Academic Affairs to schedule an advising appointment.
1111 Middle Drive, NU 122
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 274-2806
nursing [at] iupui [dot] edu
