Accelerated BSN/MSN Pathway
The College of Nursing offers an Accelerated BSN/MSN Pathway tailored for highly motivated, academically qualified individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. This pathway provides an efficient route to a nursing career, with admissions occurring twice a year in January and July.
Before advancing to the professional component of the program, students must first complete the pre-professional requirements. However, being enrolled as a nursing major in the pre-professional phase does not guarantee transition to the professional component. Admission to this phase is competitive and determined by the College of Nursing Admissions Committee and the Dean. Candidates are selected based on their potential to excel in the demanding field of nursing, with decisions made purely on merit, without discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, or disability. Applicants must also be in good academic standing with all previously attended institutions or nursing programs to qualify.
Once admitted to the professional component, students must meet clinical requirements, which may include rotations on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) as well as weekdays. During the first 12 months of the Accelerated BSN/MSN Pathway, students follow the same academic progression and promotion policies as the Traditional BSN Pathway. Additionally, they have the opportunity to take three fully online MSN-level courses: NU 578: Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nurses, NU 545: Physio-Pathological Basis of Advanced Nursing, and NU 518: Advanced Nursing Assessment.
Upon completing the 12-month program, students earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and are fully prepared to take the NCLEX-RN certification exam. This pathway offers a rigorous yet streamlined approach to transitioning into nursing and advancing into leadership or specialized roles in the field.
Admission Requirements for the Accelerated BSN/MSN Program
Admission to the College of Nursing is both selective and competitive, designed to identify the most qualified candidates who are best prepared to excel in our rigorous, fast-paced program.
Admission Requirements:
- Educational Background: Applicants must hold a degree from an accredited baccalaureate program with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Prerequisite Coursework: All prerequisite courses must be completed with a GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), and no individual course grade may be lower than a “C.”
- Application Deadlines: Submit your completed application by March 15 for Fall enrollment (July start) or July 15 for Spring enrollment (January start).
- Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $50.00 is required.
- Health Documentation: Provide completed Health Data Forms and proof of valid health insurance coverage.
- Contingent Requirements: Admission is contingent on a negative drug screening and a satisfactory background check.
- Transcript Submission: Submit unofficial transcripts from all previously attended universities for evaluation of prerequisite coursework.
Our program is built for those who are ready to meet the challenge and make a meaningful impact in the field of nursing. We look forward to reviewing your application!
Requirements for Admission to the Accelerated BSN Program
(To be successfully completed before admission to the Professional Component)
Course Credit Hours BLY 101 & BLY 101L Life Sciences & Lab (or higher)
4
BLY 213 & BLY 214 Microbiology & Lab OR
BMD 210 & BMD 210L Microbiology in Healthcare & Lab
4
BMD 251 Human Anatomy & Physiology I Includes Lab
4
BMD 252 Human Anatomy & Physiology II Includes Lab
4
CH 101 & CH 101L Chemistry & Lab (or higher)
4
PSY 120 Introduction to Psychology
3
ST 210 / ST 305 / BUS 245 / PSY 220 (Select one)
3
Total Prerequisite Credits 26
The College of Nursing evaluation is valid for one year and is based on the Transfer Credit Articulation completed by the Office of Admissions upon acceptance to the University of South Alabama (USA).
Prospective students can use the USA Transfer Evaluation System to explore which credits from their current or previous institution may transfer to USA. Please note that this is an unofficial evaluation of courses.
Transfer students can find detailed information on admission requirements, the Pathway USA Program, the Transfer Center, General Education/Core Curriculum, and STARS.
Accelerated BSN Program – Fall Enrollment
(To be successfully completed before admission to the Professional Component)
It is the policy of the College of Nursing to average grades for all coursework repeated
Written Communication
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| EH 101 English Composition I OR Exempt if English ACT 27 or above (must replace 3 cr.) | 3 0 |
| EH 102 English Composition II | 3 |
Humanities and Fine Arts
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
Fine Arts (Introduction to: Music, Drama, Art HY, Art Appreciation or Art Survey) | 3 |
| *Literature elective (American, British, or World) | 3 |
Humanities elective (Literature for sequence, philosophy, foreign Language, music, art, drama, or religion) | 3 |
| CA 110 Public Speaking | 3 |
History/Social and Behavioral Science
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| PSY 120 Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| *History elective (US or Western Civilization) | 3 |
| History/Social/Behavioral Science elective | 3 |
History/Social/Behavioral Science elective (history for sequence, Psychology, sociology, political science, geography, communications, or anthropology) | 3 |
Natural Sciences
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| BLY 101 & BLY 101L Life Sciences & Lab (or higher) | 4 |
| MA 110 or MA 112 Pre-calculus | 3 |
| CH 101 & CH101L Chemistry & Lab (or higher) | 4 |
Major Requirements
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
BLY 213 & BLY 214 Microbiology & Lab OR BMD 210 & BMD 210L Microbiology in Healthcare & Lab | 4 |
| BMD 251 Human Anatomy & Physiology I includes Lab | 4 |
| BMD 252 Human Anatomy & Physiology II includes Lab | 4 |
| ST 210 / ST 305 / BUS 245 / PSY 220 Statistics (Select one) | 3 |
| CIS 150 Introduction to Computer Applications elective OR CIS 010 Computer Proficiency Exam (must replace 3 credits) | 3 0 |
| ECO 215 Microeconomics OR ECO 216 Macroeconomics | 3 |
Total Credits 62
*Must have one history elective and one literature elective. In addition, you must choose a second history or second literature to complete a two-part sequence (e.g. US History I, US History II or American Literature I, American Literature II)
This evaluation by the College of Nursing is valid for only one year. It is contingent upon the Transfer Credit Articulation completed by the Office of Admissions at the time of acceptance to USA.
Traditional BSN Curriculum – Fall Admission
| Fall Semester | Credits |
|---|---|
| Fall Semester Long courses (13 weeks) | |
| NU 325 Health Assessment | 3 |
| NU 327 Pathophysiological Basis Nsg | 3 |
| HSC 343 Clinical Pharmacology | 3 |
| Fall 1 (3 weeks) | 3 |
| Nu 311 Clinical Nursing Skills | 3 |
| NU 312 Clinical Skills Immersion | 1 |
| HSC 342 Administration of Medication | 1 |
| Fall 2 (3 weeks) | |
| CMN 350 Psych/Mental Health Nsg | 2 |
| CMN 351 Psych/Mental Health Nursing Clinical | 2 |
| Fall 3 (7 weeks) | |
| NU 300 Foundations Prof Nsg | 5 |
| NU 301 Foundations Prof Nsg Clinical | 3 |
| Semester Credits | 26 |
| Spring Semester | Credits |
|---|---|
| Spring Semester Long course (13 weeks) | |
| NU 304 Evidence Based Practice | 3 |
| Spring 1 (7 weeks) | |
| MCN 352 Obstetric & Gynecologic Nursing Care | 2 |
| MCN 353 Obstetric & Gynecologic Nursing Clinical | 2 |
| MCN 354 Pediatric Nursing Care | 2 |
| MCN 355 Pediatric Nursing Care Clinical | 2 |
| Spring 1 (7 weeks) | |
| AHN 447 Adult-Geron Nsg | 4 |
| AHN 448 Adult-Geron Nsg Clinical | 4 |
| Spring 2 (3 weeks) | |
| CMN 420 Community Hlth Nsg | 3 |
| CMN 421 Comm Hlth Nsg Clinical | 1 |
| Semester Credits | 23 |
| Summer Semester | Credits |
|---|---|
| Summer Semester Long Course (13 weeks) | |
| NU 414 Issues & Trends in Healthcare | 3 |
| NU 332 Clinical Nutrition | 2 |
| Summer 3 (7 weeks) | |
| NU 412 Decision Making & Delegation | 3 |
| NU 460 Practicum | 5 |
| Semester Credits | 13 |
TOTAL CREDITS: 62
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is awarded upon successful completion of this program.
Students must apply for registered nurse (RN) licensure after completing the foundational nursing component of the curriculum. Before advancing to the specialty component, students are required to hold an active RN license or a temporary RN permit. Students who fail the licensure exam or allow their temporary permit to expire will be withdrawn from the program.
BSN Accelerated Fall Admission Schedule – Updated June 2019
Accelerated BSN Program – Spring Enrollment
| Spring Semester | Credits |
|---|---|
| Spring Semester Long course (13 weeks) | |
| NU 325 Health Assessment | 3 |
| NU 327 Pathophysiological Basis Nsg | 3 |
| HSC 343 Clinical Pharmacology | 3 |
| Spring 1 (3 weeks) | |
| Nu 311 Clinical Nursing Skills | 3 |
| NU 312 Clinical Skills Immersion | 1 |
| HSC 342 Administration of Medication | 1 |
| Spring 2 (3 weeks) | |
| CMN 350 Psych/Mental Health Nsg | 2 |
| CMN 351 Psych/Mental Health Nursing Clinical | 2 |
| Spring 3 (7 weeks) | |
| NU 300 Foundations Prof Nsg | 5 |
| NU 301 Foundations Prof Nsg Clinical | 3 |
| Semester Credits | 26 |
| Summer Semester | Credits |
|---|---|
| Summer Semester Long Course (13 weeks) | |
| NU 304 Evidence Based Practice | 3 |
| Summer 1 (7 weeks) | |
| MCN 352 Obstetric & Gynecologic Nursing Care | 2 |
| MCN 353 Obstetric & Gynecologic Nursing Clinical | 2 |
| MCN 354 Pediatric Nursing Care | 2 |
| MCN 355 Pediatric Nursing Care Clinical | 2 |
| Semester Credits | 11 |
| Fall Semester | Credits |
|---|---|
| Fall Semester Long courses (13 weeks) | |
| NU 414 Issues & Trends in Healthcare | 3 |
| NU 332 Clinical Nutrition | 2 |
| Fall 1 (7 weeks) | |
| AHN 447 Adult-Geron Nsg | 4 |
| AHN 448 Adult-Geron Nsg Clinical | 4 |
| Fall 2 (3 weeks) | |
| CMN 420 Community Hlth Nsg | 3 |
| CMN 421 Comm Hlth Nsg Clinical Fall 3 (7 weeks) | 1 |
| Fall 3 (7 weeks) | |
| NU 412 Decision Making & Delegation | 3 |
| NU 460 Practicum | 5 |
| Semester Credits | 25 |
TOTAL CREDITS: 62
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree is awarded upon completion of this component.
Students are required to apply for registered nurse licensure upon completion of the nursing foundation component of the curriculum. Prior to enrolling in the specialty component of the curriculum students must possess their RN licenses or hold a temporary registered nurse license. Any student failing the licensure examination or allowing their temporary permit to expire will be withdrawn from the program.
Health Requirements
The following tests, titers, and immunizations are mandatory for admission into the Nursing Program. It is crucial to begin these requirements early to ensure they are completed by the deadline specified in your admission packet.
- Hepatitis B: A titer* is required, or you must begin the vaccine series with a titer completed after the second semester.
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): A titer or proof of adult immunization is required.
- Varicella (Chickenpox): A titer or proof of adult immunization is required.
- Influenza (Flu) Vaccine: Current vaccination is mandatory.
- Tuberculosis (TB) Test: Acceptable tests include the 2-step PPD test, Quantiferon Gold test, or T-spot.
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine: Proof of vaccination is required.
*Titers are required to confirm immunity for Hepatitis B, MMR, and Varicella.
Important Note: Completing the Hepatitis B vaccine series can take up to six months, with an additional month after the final dose to complete the titer. The CDC defines adult immunization schedules as those for individuals aged 19 years and older.
Students accepted into the BSN program must complete all health requirements listed in the Medical Documents Manager. These requirements must be finalized no later than one month prior to the first day of classes for the professional component. Please note that students are not required to create a Castle Branch account until they have been officially admitted to the professional component.
Starting early and staying organized will help ensure a smooth transition into the program.
Admission to MSN Program
Accelerated BSN/MSN Program Overview
Students enrolled in the Accelerated BSN/MSN program are encouraged to continue their graduate studies at USA. As students approach the completion of their BSN degree, they can submit the College of Nursing Supplemental Application by the designated MSN application deadline. For detailed guidance on the application process, please reach out to the Graduate Advisors at info@northamptonuni.ac.
Note: During this stage of the program, financial aid eligibility will be limited to the types and amounts available to graduate students.
MSN Specialties
The MSN program offers a range of specialties designed to prepare students for advanced nursing roles in various disciplines. These include:
- Nursing Informatics
- Executive Nursing Administration
- Clinical Nurse Leader
- Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult/Gerontological Nursing (CNS-AG)
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PACNP)
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP)
- Psychiatric (Family) Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
- Dual Role: Family NP/Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
- Dual Role: Family NP/Emergency NP
Important Requirements for Nurse Practitioner Specialties:
Students aiming to pursue nurse practitioner specialties must have at least two years of clinical experience before beginning specialty courses. Additionally, a competitive undergraduate GPA is crucial when applying for a spot in the NP program.
All MSN coursework is delivered online, making it convenient for students to advance their education while meeting personal and professional obligations. Clinical requirements are completed at approved healthcare facilities to ensure robust hands-on training.
Graduation Requirements:
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree is awarded upon the successful completion of all program requirements. Students must formally apply for graduation in order to receive their degree. Graduation applications can be accessed through the Registrar’s website.
For further assistance with the application process or program details, please contact the Graduate Advisors at info@northamptonuni.ac.
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