If you hold a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than nursing, our BSN Accelerated Second Degree Program is the perfect way to start your nursing career in a reduced amount of time.

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing is quickly becoming the standard for nurses everywhere. But what if you didn’t earn a BSN while in college?

Our Bachelor of Science in Nursing with an accelerated second-degree track gives you the opportunity to transfer credits from your existing bachelor’s degree and take the nursing courses you need to earn a BSN in just over one year. Applications for this program are due August 1 of each year and classes begin the following January. Whether you’re looking to advance your current nursing career or make a career change into nursing, this program puts you a step ahead.

Tuition-Free Scholarships

Thanks to a community partnership with Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center, the University of Mary has multiple tuition-free scholarship opportunities for its Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN program. Complete the program on-site as a full-time student in only 4 semesters. Apply by December 15 to begin your nursing career tuition-free!

Apply for a Tuition-Free Scholarship

Take the First Step

Get in touch with any questions or submit a simple application for admission.

We will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance so you can enroll and begin your classes!

University of Mary's nursing program in the Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences provided Josh Sipes with small class sizes and one-on-one attention from world-class nursing faculty.

At a Glance

193,100
Projected six percent increase in the number of new nursing jobs.

Program Length

16 months

Format

  • In-person at our main campus in Bismarck, ND

Tuition per Semester

$10,000

Scholarships & Aid

In keeping with our commitment to supporting working adults seeking further education, we offer each eligible candidate tuition-free scholarships.

Is This the Degree For Me?

Who It’s For

  • Students who already hold a bachelor's in another subject and now want to earn a BSN
  • Career changers looking to go into nursing

Career Paths

  • Nurse Manager
  • Health Educator
  • Public Health Nurse
  • Nurse Case Manager
  • Occupational Health Nurse

What You’ll Learn

Through our BSN Accelerated Second Degree Program, you’ll gain important nursing skills and medical knowledge. If you’re looking to change careers, our BSN program will prepare you to sit for the NCLEX nurse licensing exam and become a registered nurse. University of Mary nursing program graduates have an NCLEX pass rate in the 90th percentile. When you graduate, you’ll be prepared to:

  • Create healing environments by developing and maintaining respectful, caring, professional relationships based upon an understanding of person-environment interactions and the individual human experiences of health, illness, and healing.
  • Provide safe, quality, cost-effective care to patients, families, and populations.
  • Collaborate with patients, families, and communities as part of nursing and health care teams.
  • Integrate informatics and communication systems to improve patient care outcomes.
  • Engage in lifelong learning through the application of evidence-based knowledge from nursing and the arts and sciences as the basis for nursing practice.

Our mission states: “The University of Mary exists to serve the religious, academic, and cultural needs of the people in this region and beyond.” The accelerated second-degree program in nursing was developed to provide a 16-month, in-person course of study for motivated candidates with a baccalaureate degree who wish to pursue their goal of becoming a professional nurse. Students who already have a degree and now choose nursing are known to be mature, high-performing, and achieve a high NCLEX pass rate on the first attempt. Our dedicated faculty provides a comprehensive learning experience that integrates the Christian, Catholic, and Benedictine values of the university.

Jocelyn Dunnigan

Accreditations

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

    The baccalaureate degree, master's degree, and doctor of nursing practice programs at the University of Mary are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

    View Accreditation (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education)

Program Details

Program Information

Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.

Your first step is to get in touch with any questions or submit the simple application for admission. We will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance so you can enroll and begin your classes!

If you are serving or have served our country, we sincerely thank you. Our military services office is here to work closely with active duty, retired, reserve, and eligible family members qualified for military benefits. Learn how we can help you with the application process and review the benefits you have earned.

For a full list of fees, visit our Tuition and Fees page.

The University of Mary is committed to putting your educational goals within reach. Learn what scholarships you qualify for.

Students accepted into the accelerated nursing program must have a bachelor’s degree from a institutionally accredited colleges and universities recognized by the US Dept. of Education and meet the admission requirements for the major. Applications open January prior to the August 1 deadline.

Transfer Students

We welcome students from various backgrounds, including transfer students from regionally accredited colleges and universities and those with military or career and work experience. 

How do I show my previous college, military, or work experience?

  • Official transcripts (if applicable) from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 should be submitted directly to the Office of Admissions.
    • Did you graduate from the University of Mary? Then we’ll get your Mary transcript for you!
    • At most other schools, you can request transcripts by going to the National Student Clearinghouse or by contacting the registrar’s office. 
      • Have your transcripts sent to:

        Office of Admissions

        University of Mary

        7500 University Drive

        Bismarck, ND 58504
      • Or request to send electronic transcripts to registrar@umary.edu.
  • Students with previous career or work experience can earn credits for prior learning.
    • You can choose to test for prior learning credits — we convert your test scores into college credit.
    • You can request a portfolio review for prior learning credits. You’ll assemble documentation to show your experience, which will be reviewed and evaluated by an experienced faculty member.
  • Military experience can count towards a degree.
WHAT WILL I NEED TO APPLY?
  • All of our programs require you to fill out the general application form in addition to submitting the application fee and your transcripts.
  • Any program-specific requirements you’ll need to submit in addition to the items listed above can be found in our catalog.

At the University of Mary, we review every application on an individual basis, ensuring that the materials you submit are evaluated with care and attention. Reach out to us if you have any questions in filling out your application.

Get Started Today

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