Pre-Nursing Program

About the Program

The Second Degree Accelerated BSN (“BSNExpress”) is a 14-month second degree program for college graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in another discipline who wish to embark on a career in Nursing.  This program offers a minimum of five seats each year in Villanova University Fitzpatrick College of Nursing’s Second Degree Accelerated BSN Program to Arcadia students who have satisfied all of the admission requirements.

The program incorporates all the standard components of the Bachelor of Science in nursing program in a concentrated timeframe.
 
The BSNExpress, which is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, begins in May and ends in August of the following year. While the track is intense, students are able to take advantage of the same opportunities that are available to other BSN students.

Degrees 
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science from Arcadia University.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Villanova University.
 

Prerequisite Courses

• Anatomy & Physiology I (with Lab) (4 Credits)
• Anatomy & Physiology II (with Lab) (4 Credits)
• Chemistry (with Lab) (4 Credits)
• Microbiology (with Lab) (4 Credits)
• Statistics (3 Credits)
• Human Development (lifespan) (3 Credits)
• Nutrition (3 Credits)
• Pathophysiology (3 Credits)
• Theology/Religious Studies (3 Credits)

In recognition of achievement of the first undergraduate degree, the accepted student will receive transfer credit for 25 credits as general elective credits applied towards their nursing degree. (25 Credits)

Total Prerequisite credits applicable towards degree (61 Credits)

Total credits for BSN Degree (133 credits)

All of the above courses must be taken prior to starting the Accelerated BSN. You may apply to the program before finishing all prerequisites. 

Minimum Criteria to be Considered

Students completing the BA/BS Program will be accepted into the BSNExpress Track if they satisfy the eligibility requirements and are interviewed and accepted by the Villanova University Fitzpatrick College of Nursing.   The eligibility requirements are as follows:

• Completion of the prerequisite requirements with a grade of C or better in each course.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 at Arcadia University.
• Submission of a completed application by October 1st of the applicant’s Junior year at Arcadia.
• Meeting all of the standards applicable to applicants for the BSNExpress Track.  The current admissions standards for the BSNExpress Track are available at: https://www.villanova.edu/university/nursing/academic-programs/undergraduate/second-degree-accelerated-bsn/admission.html
• Successful formal interview following completion of the application.

The final decision on admission to the BSNExpress Track will be made by the Villanova University Fitzpatrick College of Nursing Admissions Committee after the formal interview is complete and all application materials have been reviewed.