What Pennsylvania Schools Offer Accelerated BSN Programs: Second Degree BSN

Holy Family University's 14-month Second Degree BSN Daytime program offers an accelerated path for bachelor's degree holders to enter nursing. This full-time campus program emphasizes critical thinking, clinical judgment, and culturally sensitive care, preparing graduates for roles in hospitals and specialties like ICU. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, prerequisite courses, and a personal statement; no SAT/ACT is needed as it's for second-degree students. The program is military-friendly and focuses on leadership development in healthcare settings.

• 14-month accelerated program
• Full-time day schedule
• Focus on critical thinking
• Culturally sensitive care emphasis
• Bachelor's degree required
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Specific prerequisite courses needed
• Personal statement required
• Prepares for various healthcare settings
• Leadership and specialty areas focus

The Second Degree Distance Hybrid BSN at Holy Family University combines online coursework with in-person clinicals over 14 months, ideal for fast-tracking a nursing career. Accredited by CCNE, it costs $883 per credit and stresses compassionate care through hands-on experiences. Admission demands a bachelor's degree, 3.0 GPA, and Pennsylvania residency; no entrance exam is required. This hybrid model supports NCLEX-RN preparation and is tailored for those seeking flexible, impactful healthcare roles.

• 14-month duration.
• Hybrid online and in-person.
• $883 per credit hour.
• CCNE accredited.
• Clinical placement support.
• 3.0 GPA requirement.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• PA residency required.
• Focus on compassionate care.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN.

Designed for working professionals, Holy Family University's 22-month Second Degree BSN Evenings + Weekends program provides a part-time campus option in Philadelphia. It covers 59 credits with a focus on evidence-based practice and culturally sensitive care, enabling career transitions into nursing. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, science/math prerequisites, and a personal statement; no SAT/ACT is necessary. Graduates gain skills for diverse settings like public health, with leadership opportunities in a military-friendly environment.

• 22-month program duration.
• Evening and weekend classes.
• 59 credits required.
• Part-time, campus-based.
• Focus on critical thinking.
• Evidence-based practice emphasis.
• Culturally sensitive care training.
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement.
• Science and math prerequisites.
• Personal statement needed.

Thomas Jefferson University's Accelerated BSN Plus (ABSN+) is a 12-month, full-time campus program for individuals with a prior bachelor's degree in another field. This intensive pathway allows students to earn a BSN while accumulating nine graduate credits toward a Master's degree. The program emphasizes hands-on clinical training at Jefferson Health hospitals and state-of-the-art simulation labs, with a unique global clinical capstone experience in Rome. Admission requires prerequisite credits but no ACT or SAT exam. It focuses on leadership, quality care, and interprofessional collaboration, offering guaranteed admission to MSN/DNP programs upon completion.

• 12-month duration
• Full-time study
• On-campus format
• Earn 9 graduate credits
• Clinical experiences at Jefferson Health
• Simulation lab training
• Global clinical capstone in Rome
• Guaranteed MSN/DNP admission
• Requires prior bachelor's degree
• Prerequisite credits needed

Thomas Jefferson University's Accelerated BSN Plus (ABSN+) with a Midwifery concentration is a 12-month, campus-based program designed for those holding a bachelor's degree in another discipline. It prepares students for roles in women's and neonatal health through rigorous academic and clinical practice, integrating undergraduate and graduate credits. Training includes hands-on experience in simulation centers and Jefferson Health hospitals, with potential global opportunities. Admission requires prerequisite credits and a prior degree, with no ACT or SAT exam needed. The program supports full-time study and offers guaranteed progression to MSN or DNP programs, focusing on midwifery skills.

• 12-month duration.
• Focus on Midwifery.
• Combines BSN and MSN credits.
• Hands-on clinical practice.
• Simulation center training.
• Full-time study required.
• Prior bachelor's degree needed.
• Guaranteed MSN/DNP admission.
• Global clinical opportunities.
• Center City, Dixon campuses.

Wilkes University's Accelerated BSN program is designed for career changers with a bachelor's degree, offering a fast-track 15-month CCNE-accredited curriculum. This hybrid format combines online coursework with hands-on clinical rotations in Northeastern Pennsylvania or the Lehigh Valley, preceded by a two-week on-campus residency. The program emphasizes NCLEX-RN preparation, boasting high pass rates, and requires a 3.0 GPA and specific prerequisites for admission. No ACT or SAT is needed, as it targets degree holders seeking an efficient transition into nursing.

• 15-month program
• CCNE-accredited
• Hybrid online/campus format
• 48 credit hours
• Two-week campus residency
• Clinicals in PA/Lehigh Valley
• High NCLEX pass rates
• Bachelor's degree required
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Specific prerequisite courses

Misericordia University's Accelerated BSN program provides a 16-month pathway to nursing licensure for students with previous college experience. This hybrid program blends online coursework with hands-on skills labs and clinical rotations, eliminating the need for entrance exams. With three annual start dates and no waitlist, it's ideal for career changers and recent graduates seeking CCNE-accredited preparation for the NCLEX-RN. The Roman Catholic-affiliated institution offers military-friendly policies and focuses on comprehensive nursing education without requiring ACT or SAT scores for admission.

• 16-month program
• Hybrid learning format
• No entrance exam
• Three start dates yearly
• CCNE-accredited
• Onsite skills labs
• Clinical rotations included
• For career changers
• Recent graduates welcome
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN

DeSales University's 15-month Accelerated BSN program is tailored for individuals holding a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field, offering an intensive pathway to nursing. The curriculum combines rigorous coursework with extensive hands-on clinical experiences, enhanced by advanced simulation technology and real-world clinical partnerships. Emphasizing compassionate care, the program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam, achieving pass rates above state and national averages. Admission requires a 2.75 GPA, completion of prerequisite courses, and a bachelor's degree, with no ACT or SAT exam needed. Tuition is $48,800, covering all nursing coursework, fees, and NCLEX preparation.

• 15-month program duration.
• High NCLEX pass rates.
• Hands-on clinical experiences.
• Advanced simulation technology.
• Requires bachelor's degree.
• 2.75 GPA for admission.
• Prerequisite courses needed.
• $48,800 tuition cost.
• Covers NCLEX prep.
• Compassionate care focus.

Drexel University's Nursing Accelerated Career Entry (ACE) BSN Program is an 11-month, full-time campus-based program tailored for individuals holding a bachelor's degree who seek a rapid transition into nursing. It emphasizes intensive nursing science education combined with clinical practice, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare roles. The program boasts a high NCLEX pass rate of 96.63%, state-of-the-art simulation facilities, and instruction from world-class faculty. Prerequisites include a bachelor's degree, specific science courses, and a competitive GPA of 3.0 or better. With fall and spring start dates and full tuition at $60,036, it does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam, focusing instead on prior academic achievement and readiness for accelerated study.

• 11-month full-time program.
• High NCLEX pass rate 96.63%.
• State-of-the-art simulation spaces.
• Competitive GPA requirement 3.0.
• Fall and spring start dates.
• Full program tuition $60,036.
• Bachelor's degree prerequisite.
• World-class faculty.
• Diverse clinical affiliations.
• Innovative curriculum.

Saint Francis University's Second Degree/Accelerated BSN program offers a 16-month pathway for bachelor's degree holders to transition into nursing, requiring a 3.0 GPA and specific prerequisites but no ACT or SAT exams. It emphasizes hands-on learning through clinical rotations and simulation suites, achieving a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate. The curriculum integrates Franciscan values to foster compassionate care, with small clinical groups for personalized education and CCNE accreditation ensuring quality.

• 16-month completion time.
• 100% NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate.
• Hands-on simulated and clinical experiences.
• Small clinical groups for personalized learning.
• State-of-the-art simulation suites.
• Focus on Franciscan values in nursing.
• Requires bachelor's degree for admission.
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement.
• Comprehensive curriculum covering key nursing topics.
• Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Gwynedd Mercy University's Accelerated Nursing Program (ABSN) is a 16-month, 67-credit hybrid second-degree BSN designed for students with a bachelor's in another field. It combines online coursework with in-person clinical rotations at top healthcare facilities, covering nursing fundamentals, health assessment, and pharmacology. The program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Online prerequisite courses are available at $365 per credit. As a bachelor's-level program, it requires an ACT or SAT entrance exam. The Roman Catholic-affiliated university is military-friendly and features experienced faculty and state-of-the-art simulation equipment.

• 16-month accelerated program
• 67-credit hybrid format
• Designed for second-degree students
• Online prerequisite courses available
• Clinical rotations at top facilities
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
• Accredited by CCNE
• Meets national licensure requirements
• Experienced faculty and leaders
• State-of-the-art simulation equipment

The University of Pittsburgh's Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN is a one-year campus program for those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree, providing a swift transition into nursing. It integrates academic rigor with clinical experiences to ready students for the NCLEX-RN exam and a healthcare career. Admitted students can access an $8,333 scholarship spread over three terms. Prerequisites are necessary, but the program offers flexibility in evaluating prior coursework. As a bachelor's-level program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams, making it ideal for career changers seeking a meaningful profession without standardized test barriers.

• One-year program duration.
• Campus-based learning.
• $8,333 scholarship available.
• Prerequisite courses required.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
• Ideal for career changers.
• Flexible course assessment.
• Clinical experiences included.
• Solid foundation for graduate study.
• No GRE required for application.

Villanova University's Second Degree Accelerated BSN program offers a fast-paced pathway for college graduates to enter nursing, with options for a 14-month Express Track or a 23-month Flex Track. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the curriculum includes clinical simulation and expert faculty mentorship. At $52,500 for 2024 tuition, it requires a prior bachelor's degree and does not mandate ACT or SAT exams for admission. This program emphasizes research opportunities and a supportive community, ideal for career changers seeking an efficient transition into nursing.

• 14-Month Express Track available.
• 23-Month Flex Track option.
• Tuition $52,500 (2024).
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Accredited by CCNE.
• Expert faculty mentorship.
• Research collaboration opportunities.
• Supportive learning community.
• Professional membership options.
• Graduate study pathways.