BSN Accelerated Second Degree Program

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’s 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.

Take the First Step
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!

At a Glance

438,000
Projected 10-year increase in the number of new nursing jobs

Program Length

As little as 13 months

Format

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

Tuition per Semester

$12,665

Next Start Date: 1/10/2022

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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.

The University of Mary has the proud heritage of educating nurses for this region and beyond since 1959. The Second Degree program was initiated to meet the nursing shortage, while providing determined individuals the opportunity to complete their new career path in 13 months. 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. The University of Mary offers this accelerated program in the classroom with a low student to faculty ratio, so participants are fully engaged in the Christian, Catholic, and Benedictine traditions integral to a graduate of our university.

Mary Beth Johnson Assistant Professor of Nursing and Coordinator of 2nd Degree Accelerated BSN Program

Accreditations

Program Details

Course Requirements

Please visit our catalog for a list of all courses and credits.

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!

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

View the student handbook for more information.

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.

  • Tuition: $12,500 per semester
  • Application fee: $30
  • Student activities fee: $7 per credit
  • Technology fee: $43 per credit
  • Global studies fee: $45 when admitted
  • Parking and security fee: $150 per semester
  • University Center/Wellness Center fee: $125 per semester

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 regionally accredited university and meet the admission requirements for the major. Applications open January prior to the August 1 deadline.

The following will be needed when you have applied for admission so we can get you accepted into the undergraduate program:

  • A non-refundable $30 application fee
  • Transcripts (official or unofficial) from every college previously attended.
    • Attended the University of Mary before? 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
  • 3.0 GPA on a minimum of 24 credits on prerequisite courses (for a list of these classes please reference the catalog)
  • Grade of “C” or higher in each of the nursing prerequisite courses and official transcript for transferred credits

Admissions and a free preliminary transfer credit review can be completed with unofficial transcripts from any previous colleges or universities you attended. Official, final transcripts must be submitted prior to enrolling in classes.

Get Started Today

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