Accelerated BSN Program for Second Degree Students

Program Contact:  Tyler Traister, 203-582-7856

The Accelerated BSN program is designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in another discipline, who are interested in pursuing nursing as a second bachelor’s degree. The curriculum builds on the individual’s prior educational preparation, and the degree is completed in 12-13 months, with start dates in August and January. Students concentrate solely on nursing courses during the one-year program. The curriculum is framed using The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Baccalaureate Education.

The accelerated BSN must be pursued on a full-time basis.

Technical Standards for School of Nursing Students

Quinnipiac University School of Nursing provides the following technical standards to inform incoming and enrolled students of the performance abilities and characteristics that are necessary to successfully complete the requirements of the nursing curriculum and provide effective and safe healthcare. The student must meet technical standards with or without reasonable accommodations and maintain related satisfactory demonstration of these standards for progression throughout the program and graduation from the program.

An individual must be able to independently, with or without reasonable accommodation, meet the following technical standards of general abilities, and those specifically of key areas for technical standards in nursing include having abilities and skills in the areas of: (1) Observation, (2) Communication, (3) Motor, (4) Intellectual, Conceptual, Integrative, Quantitative, (5) Behavioral-Social, and (6) Ability to Manage Stressful Situations. 

General Abilities

The student is expected to possess functional use of the senses of vision, touch, hearing and smell so that data received by the senses may be integrated, analyzed and synthesized in a consistent and accurate manner. A student must also possess the ability to perceive pain, pressure, temperature, position, vibration and movement which are important to the student's ability to gather significant information needed to effectively evaluate patients. A student must be able to respond promptly to urgent situations that may occur during clinical training activities and must not hinder the ability of other members of the healthcare team to provide prompt treatment and care to patients.

Specific Key Areas

1. Observational Ability
   The student must have sufficient capacity to make accurate visual observations and interpret them in the context of laboratory studies, medication administration, and patient care activities. In addition, the student must be able to document these observations and maintain accurate records.
2. Communication Ability
   The student must communicate effectively to elicit information and to translate that information to others. Each student must have the ability to read, write, comprehend and communicate effectively within the English language to facilitate communication with patients, their family members and other professionals in healthcare settings. In addition, the student must be able to present information in a professional, logical manner and provide patient counseling and instruction to effectively care for patients and their families. The student must possess verbal and written communication skills that permit effective communication with instructors and students in the classroom, laboratory and clinical settings.
3. Motor Ability
   The student must be able to perform gross and fine motor movements with sufficient coordination needed to perform complete physical examinations utilizing the techniques of inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation and other diagnostic maneuvers. A student must develop the psychomotor skills reasonably needed to perform or assist with procedures, treatments, administration of medication, and management and operation of diagnostic and therapeutic medical equipment, and such maneuvers to assist with patient care activities such as lifting, wheelchair guidance and mobility. The student must have sufficient levels of neuromuscular control and eye-to-hand coordination as well as possess the physical and mental stamina to meet the demands associated with extended periods of sitting, standing, moving and physical exertion required for satisfactory and safe performance in the clinical, laboratory and classroom settings including performing CPR, if necessary. The student must possess the ability of manual dexterity that would be required for certain activities, such as drawing up solutions in a syringe.
4. Intellectual, Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities
   The student must be able to develop and refine problem-solving skills that are crucial to practice as a nurse. Problem solving involves the abilities to measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize objective and subjective data, and to make decisions, often in a time-urgent environment, that reflect consistent and thoughtful deliberation and sound clinical judgment. Each student must demonstrate mastery of these skills and possess the ability to incorporate new information from peers, teachers and the nursing and medical literature to formulate sound judgment in patient assessment, intervention, evaluation, teaching, and setting short- and long-term goals.
5. Behavioral, Social and Professional Attributes
   Compassion, integrity, motivation, effective interpersonal skills and concern for others are personal attributes required of those in the nursing programs. Personal comfort and acceptance of the role of a nurse functioning under supervision of a clinical instructor or preceptor is essential for a nursing student. The student must possess the skills required for full utilization of the student's intellectual abilities; the exercise of good judgment; the prompt completion of all responsibilities in the classroom, laboratory and clinical settings; and the development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients and other members of the healthcare team. Each student must be able to exercise stable, sound judgment and to complete assessment and interventional activities. The ability to establish rapport and maintain sensitive, interpersonal relationships with individuals, families and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds is critical for practice as a nurse. The student must be able to adapt to changing environments; display flexibility; accept and integrate constructive criticism given in the classroom, laboratory and clinical settings; effectively interact in the clinical setting with other members of the healthcare team; and learn to function cooperatively and efficiently in the face of uncertainties inherent in clinical practice. The student must demonstrate intent and desire to follow the ANA Standards of Care and Nursing Code of Ethics.
6. Ability to Manage Stressful Situations
   The student must be able to adjust to and respond effectively to stressful situations in both the classroom and clinical settings, including emergency situations. The student will experience multiple stressors while in the nursing program. Stressors may be (but are not limited to) personal, patient/family care, faculty/peer and/or program-related.

Accessibility and the School of Nursing Technical Standards

The Quinnipiac University School of Nursing maintains a strong institutional commitment to equal educational opportunities for qualified students with disabilities who apply for admission and/or who are already enrolled. Our core values include: diversity of ideas, persons and cultures; supportive learning environments; scholarly undertakings to advance education and practice; ethical conduct in personal and professional arenas; holistic nursing across the spectrum of healthcare; interprofessional education and collaboration; innovative learning methodologies; systematic assessment and evaluation; and lifelong learning. These core values translate into our work with students, including those with disabilities. The mission of the School of Nursing is to provide leadership in nursing and healthcare through innovative undergraduate and graduate education that embraces holism, interprofessionalism and inclusivity. 

The Technical Standards are not intended to deter any candidate for whom reasonable accommodation will allow equal access to Quinnipiac University programs and services and fulfillment of the complete curriculum. A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to an instructional activity, facility, program or service that removes barriers and enables a qualified student with a disability to have an equal opportunity to participate in all Quinnipiac University student activities.

Decisions regarding reasonable accommodation are determined on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration each student’s disability-related needs, supporting medical documentation, history of use of accommodations and program requirements. While Quinnipiac University will make every effort to work with students with disabilities to accommodate their disability-related needs, Quinnipiac University is not required to provide accommodations that fundamentally alter the student learning outcomes or waive essential program requirements.

The Office of Student Accessibility (OSA), located in the Learning Commons on Mount Carmel and North Haven, provides students with disabilities a confidential review within the interactive accommodation process to determine whether there are any reasonable accommodations that would provide equal access to the student learning outcomes. The OSA serves prospective and current students with disabilities affecting mobility, vision, hearing and learning as well as physical or mental health challenges. The OSA can be contacted at 203-582-7600 ​​​​​​​or by emailing access@qu.edu 

Accelerated BSN Curriculum

The BSN degree under this program is 123 credits, including: prerequisites, general education requirements and nursing courses, which are distributed as follows:

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Accelerated BSN Curriculum Requirements
Nursing Course Prerequisites		15
Anatomy & Physiology I & II with labs
Microbiology with lab
Statistics
Transfer Credit from Previous Bachelor's Degree		47
Total Nursing Credits		61
Professional Component Nursing Courses
NUR 300	Core Concepts in Nursing
NUR 302	Nursing Science and Information Literacy
NUR 304	Introduction to Professional Nursing Practice
NUR 306	Health Assessment
NUR 307	Core Nursing Practicum
NUR 318	Care of Women, Newborns and Families
NUR 320	Care of Children and Families
NUR 323	Women, Children and Families Practicum
NUR 324	Care of Adults with Complex Health Needs I
NUR 325	Adult Care Practicum I
NUR 326	Pathophysiology and Pharmacotherapy I
NUR 330L	Holistic Nursing Integration Lab I
NUR 340L	Holistic Nursing Integration Lab II
NUR 400	Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing
NUR 401	Psychiatric-Mental Health Practicum
NUR 408	Evidence-Based Nursing Practice and Scholarship
NUR 424	Care of Adults with Complex Health Needs II
NUR 425	Adult Care Practicum II
NUR 426	Pathophysiology and Pharmacotherapy II
NUR 428	Community and Public Health Nursing
NUR 429	Community and Public Health Nursing Practicum
NUR 430L	Holistic Nursing Integration Lab III
NUR 432	Contemporary Issues and Roles in Nursing
NUR 433	Transition to Professional Practice
NUR 434L	Capstone Seminar Lab
NUR 440L	Holistic Nursing Integration Lab IV
Total Credits		123

The curriculum for the professional component is subject to modification as deemed necessary by the nursing faculty to provide students with the most meaningful educational experience and to remain current with professional standards and guidelines. Nursing courses must be taken in the sequence presented in the Accelerated BSN curriculum and students must successfully complete one semester or term before progressing to the next.

Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN® examination, and qualify for entry-level nursing positions or graduate study. Those students contemplating applying for graduate study in nursing at Quinnipiac should refer to the Graduate Studies section of the catalog.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, the BSN graduate will demonstrate the following competencies:

1. Integrate the university's core liberal education into generalist nursing practice.
2. Apply principles of basic organizational and system leadership to deliver high-quality and safe patient care.
3. Employ evidence to deliver best practices in healthcare.
4. Utilize information management and patient care technologies to deliver safe and effective health care.
5. Recognize the impact of healthcare policy, finance and regulatory environments on the delivery of patient care.
6. Demonstrate interprofessional communication and collaboration for improving health outcomes.
7. Incorporate the concepts of prevention and population health in the delivery of health care.
8. Exhibit professional standards and values.

Admission Requirements: Undergraduate Nursing

Admission requirements include graduation from a regionally accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 (B) and completion of prerequisite coursework. All prerequisite courses must be taken within the last five years with a grade of B- or better; and must be completed prior to entering the accelerated program. Transfer credit is evaluated according to university policy. A criminal background check and drug screening are required prior to attending the mandatory orientation. Incoming and current students are advised that final acceptance and continuation is dependent on a successful background investigation and clearance. The application deadline is around April 1 for the August start date, and August 1 for the January start date; decision letters are sent during the months of April and September. Applicant information is available on the Quinnipiac website.

Professional Progression Policy

1. To progress and remain in good standing, accelerated nursing students must attain a semester GPA of 2.67 (B-) and receive a grade of C+ or higher in each classroom and laboratory experience (77 or higher) and a Pass (P) in all clinical practica.
2. A student who receives less than a C+ (77) in one nursing course (C, C-, D, F) is unable to progress to the next semester or term. This student will be given the opportunity to repeat the failed nursing course at the time of the next course offering and at the student's expense. 
3. A student who receives less than a C+ (77) in more than one nursing course (C, C-, D, F) will not be permitted to progress in the program and will be required to change their major out of nursing.
4. A student who receives a grade of Incomplete (I) in any nursing course (lecture, lab or practicum) must meet ALL course requirements for conversion to a letter grade or Pass (P) before the start of the subsequent semester or term or according to a specific written academic plan approved by the program director or designee. Failure to do so will require the student to withdraw from the nursing major.
5. A student who earns grades of C+ or better in all nursing courses yet has less than a 2.67 semester GPA will be placed on academic probation and will receive an academic plan to progress in the nursing major. This student must achieve a 2.67 semester GPA by the end of the next semester or term. The student who does not meet these academic criteria will be required to change their major out of nursing.
6. A student must achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.67 in the final semester to meet the graduation requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
7. A student who is performing at an unsatisfactory level either academically or clinically at the mid-semester point will be notified by the program director. Written notification will be sent to the student via email. Any student who is having difficulty with academic performance and needs help with study skills or test-taking strategies will be advised to utilize the resources offered by the Learning Commons.
8. At the end of each semester, course grades, semester and cumulative GPAs for each nursing student are reviewed by the program director.

Appeal Process

A student who wishes to appeal a progression decision must write a letter to the director of the undergraduate nursing program within five business days of receiving notice of their inability to progress.

1. Appeals will be considered by the Progression Appeal Committee, chaired by the associate dean.
2. Decision and procedural actions will be communicated in writing to the student via email.

The full policy for progression appeal is available in the Undergraduate Student Handbook and Policy Manual located in the Student Community on Blackboard.

A student wishing to appeal a course grade should follow the grade appeal process detailed in the University Catalog.

Eligibility for Licensure

Graduates are eligible for registered nurse licensure in Connecticut or other states upon satisfactory achievement of the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®). In accordance with the Connecticut General Statutes (Sec. 19a-14), the State of Connecticut may deny licensure to applicants who have been convicted of a felony or have committed an act which would not confirm to the accepted standards of practice of the profession, including abuse or excessive use of drugs or alcohol. Students should be aware of what the licensure requirements are in the state in which they intend to apply for licensure. A copy of the statute is available for review in the School of Nursing Dean’s Office.  

The Quinnipiac BS in Nursing Program meets the State of Connecticut education requirements for a Registered Nurse License. For information about other states, see the Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosures page in the catalog. Applicants should investigate requirements prior to accepting an offer of admission to Quinnipiac for the BS in Nursing program. The licensure boards in each state establish their own requirements for licensure or certification for their state. The state professional licensing boards will make decisions on whether or not an individual is eligible for license based on regulation in place at time of application for licensure. Please see the National Council State Board of Nursing website for more guidance on Registered Nurse Licensure as well as the licensure requirements and contact information for each state/jurisdiction.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, Master of Science in Nursing program and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Quinnipiac University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (aacnnursing.org/CCNE). 

Clinical Requirements

Students must arrange their own transportation to and from clinical agencies. CPR certification for the healthcare provider must be obtained prior to enrolling in the first nursing course, and maintained throughout the program. The School of Nursing has additional health and clinical readiness requirements in addition to those required by the university. A criminal background check and drug screening are required. Incoming and current students will be advised that final program acceptance and continuation is dependent on a successful background investigation and clearance.