Accelerate your way to a nursing career with an accelerated second degree BSN

You can use your bachelor’s degree from any field to fast track your way into one of the world’s most in-demand professions by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with Carlow’s second degree nursing program.

With this degree in hand, you’ll be sought after by health care entities around the country. Carlow prepares nurses with critical thinking and problem solving skills. Not only is Carlow in the heart of Pittsburgh’s medical district with close proximity to clinical sites, its strong, reputable nursing program has a high NCLEX pass rate. 

Go for your dream job

The Carlow University Second Degree BSN program gave Matthew McGrogan ’20 the foundation necessary to land his dream job in a cardiovascular ICU.

“This BSN program is perfectly paced because it was created for people who have already earned a degree and are ready to jump right in. I was worried that some classes would feel unnecessary and slow, however, all of the classes we took were fast-paced and gave us the information needed to become well-rounded nurses. The professors took the time to get to know all of us on a one-on-one basis.”

Olivia Miller, ’21, biology major and runner on the track & field/cross country team.
Degree:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Campus:

Oakland

Transfer Credits:

Up to 32 credits

Accelerated Second degree BSN curriculum

Carlow’s second degree BSN curriculum is in an accelerated format over 15 months. The program requires 32 credits of nursing support courses and 63 credits of nursing courses, including theory courses, clinical experiences and NCLEX seminars. As a convenience, some courses are offered in 8-week sessions, while others are 16 weeks long. 

Clinical nursing experience is an integral part of the program and is completed at various health care agencies in the area.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. The curriculum meets the requirements for NCLEX and APRN licensure in all U.S. states and territories.

Quick facts

  • Gain hands-on experience in our simulation lab, CSCIL
  • Study in the heart of Pittsburgh’s medical district and benefit from Carlow partnerships with area health care providers 
  • Take advantage of an accelerated 15-month curriculum
  • Prepare for the NCLEX in a program, accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, with pass rates among the highest in Southwestern Pennsylvania

Alternate degree completion options

Earn your second degree in nursing while attending Carlow as a part-time student. View or download a sample plan of study [pdf].

Career opportunities for second degree BSN

After completing the second degree BSN nursing program, you will be eligible to take the State Board Examination in Nursing (NCLEX-RN) and be prepared to practice as a generalist in a variety of health care settings. Second degree BSN graduates are prepared to practice as generalists in a variety of health care settings, in entry-level nursing positions and nurse residency programs.  

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts jobs for registered nurses will grow 7% from 2019 to 2029 due to an increased emphasis on preventive care; increasing rates of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity; and demand for health care services from baby boomers.


Olivia Miller, ’21, biology major and runner on the track & field/cross country team.

Great clinical sites prepare you for your nursing career

Carlow’s Nursing: Second Degree program was perfect for Mary Nicola ’20 because she already had a bachelor’s degree.

“I was able to earn my bachelor’s in nursing in a little over a year. Although the program challenged me, I felt very supported by my classmates and professors. The tutors were all great and helped me achieve my academic goals. Carlow also had great options for clinical sites; it helped me reach my goals and prepared me to be a great nurse.

Admission requirements and application process

  • Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
  • Must have cumulative GPA 2.85 or better from all college-level courses
  • Complete nine prerequisite courses:
    • Within the last seven years and from the same institution:
      • Anatomy & Physiology I w/Lab (4 credits) 
      • Anatomy & Physiology II w/Lab (4 credits)
    • Within the last 10 years:
      • Chemistry w/Lab (4 credits) 
      • Life Span Development (3 credits) 
      • Microbiology w/Lab (4 credits) 
      • Nutrition (taught by a registered dietitian and approved by Carlow) (3 credits) 
      • Pathophysiology (3 credits) 
      • Sociology (3 credits) 
      • Statistics (3 credits) 
  • Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall

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BSN faculty

If you have specific questions about the program, contact Angela Summer.

Contact Admissions

If you are interested in this program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

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