Program Contact:  Claire Puzarne 203-582-6574

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.

Accelerated BSN Curriculum

The BSN degree under this program is 127 credits, including: prerequisites, general education requirements and nursing courses, which are distributed as follows:

Accelerated BSN Curriculum Requirements
Nursing Course Prerequisites15
Anatomy & Physiology I & II with labs
Microbiology with lab
Statistics
Transfer Credit from Previous Bachelor's Degree51
Total Nursing Credits61
Professional Component Nursing Courses
Core Concepts in Nursing
Nursing Science and Information Literacy
Introduction to Professional Nursing Practice
Health Assessment
Core Nursing Practicum
Care of Women, Newborns and Families
Care of Children and Families
Women, Children and Families Practicum
Care of Adults with Complex Health Needs I
Adult Care Practicum I
Pathophysiology and Pharmacotherapy I
Holistic Nursing Integration Lab I
Holistic Nursing Integration Lab II
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing
Psychiatric-Mental Health Practicum
Evidence-Based Nursing Practice and Scholarship
Care of Adults with Complex Health Needs II
Adult Care Practicum II
Pathophysiology and Pharmacotherapy II
Community and Public Health Nursing
Community and Public Health Nursing Practicum
Holistic Nursing Integration Lab III
Contemporary Issues and Roles in Nursing
Transition to Professional Practice
Capstone Seminar Lab
Holistic Nursing Integration Lab IV
Total Credits127

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 course work. 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 chair 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 2.67 semester GPA and a cumulative GPA of 3.00 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 chair. 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 chair.

Appeal Process

A student who wishes to appeal a progression decision must write a letter to the chair of the undergraduate nursing program within one week 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 Resource 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 has 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. Quinnipiac has not determined if the program meets the state education requirements in any other state, U.S. territory, or District of Columbia. 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). The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program for Nurse Anesthesia is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).

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.

NUR 300. Core Concepts in Nursing.3 Credits.

This course introduces students to core concepts in nursing, and focuses on assessment and nursing interventions to support and protect health. The delivery of safe, evidence-based, holistic, patient-centered care is emphasized. Knowledge, attitude and skill acquisition opportunities are provided in campus lab and applied in clinical practicum.

Prerequisites: Traditional BSN Program: all preprofessional courses, NUR 304.
Corequisites: Traditional BSN Program: Take NUR 302, NUR 306, NUR 330L, NUR 307.
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring

NUR 302. Nursing Science and Information Literacy.3 Credits.

This course examines historical and contemporary nursing science. Students are introduced to patterns of knowing, clinical reasoning and select disciplinary and interdisciplinary concepts and theories useful in nursing practice. This course also focuses on information literacy and information management in the delivery of quality patient care. Knowledge, attitude and skill acquisition opportunities are provided in campus lab and applied in clinical practicum.

Prerequisites: Traditional BSN Program: all preprofessional courses, NUR 304.
Corequisites: Traditional BSN Program: Take NUR 300, NUR 306, NUR 330L, NUR 307.
Offered: Every year, Fall

NUR 304. Introduction to Professional Nursing Practice.3 Credits.

The purpose of this course is to introduce nursing students to professional practice central to the provision of safe, and high-quality nursing care. This course focuses on the role of the nurse (including historical, ethical, political, social and legal aspects of nursing), nursing theory, health promotion through the lifespan, diversity and inclusion and concepts essential to the School of Nursing's Mission, Vision and Values.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring

NUR 306. Health Assessment.3 Credits.

This course focuses on health assessment of individuals across the lifespan. Students are introduced to a holistic approach to assessment taking into consideration bio-psycho-social-spiritual, environmental and cultural aspects. Knowledge, attitude, and skill acquisition opportunities are provided in campus lab and applied in clinical practicum.

Prerequisites: Traditional BSN Program: all preprofessional courses, NUR 304.
Corequisites: Traditional BSN Program: Take NUR 300, NUR 302, NUR 330L, NUR 307.
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring

NUR 307. Core Nursing Practicum.2 Credits.

This clinical practicum is taken concurrently with NUR 300, 302, 306 and 330L. Students participate in 84 hours of supervised clinical practice in a variety of health care settings.

Prerequisites: Traditional BSN Program: all preprofessional courses, NUR 304.
Corequisites: Traditional BSN program: Take NUR 300, NUR 302, NUR 306, NUR 330L.
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring

NUR 318. Care of Women, Newborns and Families.2 Credits.

This course examines topics related to nursing management for women, newborns and families, and emphasizes health promotion, wellness and the illness states of childbearing families. The delivery of safe, evidence-based, holistic, patient-centered care is emphasized. Knowledge, attitude and skill acquisition opportunities are provided in campus lab and applied in clinical practicum.

Prerequisites: Traditional BSN Program: Take NUR 300, NUR 302, NUR 304, NUR 306, NUR 307, NUR 330L.
Corequisites: Traditional BSN Program: Take NUR 320, NUR 323, NUR 324, NUR 325, NUR 326, NUR 340L.
Offered: Every year, Spring and Summer

NUR 320. Care of Children and Families.2 Credits.

This course examines topics related to nursing management of infants, children and families, and emphasizes health promotion, wellness and the illness states of these populations. The delivery of safe, evidence-based, holistic, patient-centered care is emphasized. Knowledge, attitude and skill acquisition opportunities are provided in campus lab and applied in clinical practicum.

Prerequisites: Traditional BSN Program: Take NUR 300, NUR 302, NUR 304, NUR 306, NUR 307, NUR 330L.
Corequisites: Traditional BSN Program: Take NUR 318, NUR 323, NUR 324, NUR 325, NUR 326, NUR 340L.
Offered: Every year, Spring and Summer

NUR 323. Women, Children and Families Practicum.1-2 Credits.

This clinical practicum is taken concurrently with NUR 318 and NUR 320. Students participate in 84 hours of supervised clinical practice in a variety of health care settings.

Prerequisites: Traditional BSN Program: Take NUR 300, NUR 302, NUR 304, NUR 306, NUR 307, NUR 330L.
Corequisites: Traditional BSN Program: Take NUR 318, NUR 320, NUR 324, NUR 325, NUR 326, NUR 340L.
Offered: Every year, Spring and Summer

NUR 324. Care of Adults with Complex Health Needs I.3 Credits.

This course examines concepts of nursing management for adults with complex health care needs. The delivery of safe, evidence-based, holistic, patient-centered care is emphasized. Knowledge, attitude and skill acquisition opportunities are provided in campus lab and applied in clinical practicum.

Prerequisites: Traditional BSN Program: Take NUR 300, NUR 302, NUR 304, NUR 306, NUR 307, NUR 330L.
Corequisites: Traditional BSN Program: Take NUR 318, NUR 320, NUR 323, NUR 325, NUR 326, NUR 340L.
Offered: Every year, Spring

NUR 325. Adult Care Practicum I.2 Credits.

This clinical practicum is taken concurrently with NUR 324. Students participate in 84 hours of supervised clinical practice in a variety of health care settings.

Prerequisites: Traditional BSN Program: Take NUR 300, NUR 302, NUR 304, NUR 306, NUR 307, NUR 330L.
Corequisites: Traditional BSN Program: Take NUR 318, NUR 320, NUR 323, NUR 324, NUR 326, NUR 340L.
Offered: Every year, Spring

NUR 326. Pathophysiology and Pharmacotherapy I.3 Credits.

This course integrates pathophysiology and pharmacotherapy relevant to concurrent junior spring semester nursing courses. Students are introduced to medications used for health maintenance and the treatment of illness. Legal, ethical and regulatory issues also are examined.

Prerequisites: Traditional BSN Program: Take NUR 300, NUR 302, NUR 304, NUR 306, NUR 307, NUR 330L.
Corequisites: Traditional BSN Program: Take NUR 318, NUR 320, NUR 323, NUR 324, NUR 325, NUR 340L.
Offered: Every year, Spring

NUR 330L. Holistic Nursing Integration Lab I.2 Credits.

This integrated campus laboratory experience provides the opportunity to develop nursing knowledge and attitudes, and to practice skills relevant to concurrent junior fall semester nursing courses. Students participate in learning modalities such as guided practice, clinical simulation and problem-based learning activities to develop clinical reasoning. (5 hrs./week, 70 hrs./semester)

Prerequisites: Traditional BSN Program: all preprofessional courses, NUR 304.
Corequisites: Traditional BSN Program: Take NUR 300, NUR 302, NUR 306, NUR 307.
Offered: Every year, Fall and Spring

NUR 340L. Holistic Nursing Integration Lab II.2 Credits.

This integrated campus laboratory experience provides the opportunity to develop nursing knowledge and attitudes, and to practice skills relevant to concurrent junior spring semester nursing courses. Students participate in learning modalities such as guided practice, clinical simulation, and problem-based learning activities to develop clinical reasoning. (5 hrs./week, 70 hrs./semester)

Prerequisites: Traditional BSN Program: Take NUR 300, NUR 302, NUR 304, NUR 306, NUR 307, NUR 330L.
Corequisites: Traditional BSN Program: Take NUR 318, NUR 320, NUR 323, NUR 324, NUR 325, NUR 326.
Offered: Every year, Spring

NUR 400. Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing.3 Credits.

This course examines concepts of nursing management for individuals with psychiatric-mental health needs across the lifespan. The delivery of safe, evidence-based, holistic, patient-centered care is emphasized. Knowledge, attitude and skill acquisition opportunities are provided in campus lab and applied in clinical practicum.

Prerequisites: Traditional BSN Program: all 300 level nursing courses.
Corequisites: Traditional BSN Program: Take NUR 401, NUR 408, NUR 424, NUR 425, NUR 426, NUR 430L.
Offered: Every year, Fall and Summer

NUR 401. Psychiatric-Mental Health Practicum.1-2 Credits.

This clinical practicum is taken concurrently with NUR 400. Students participate in 84 hours of supervised clinical practice in a variety of health care settings.

Prerequisites: Traditional BSN Program: all 300 level nursing courses.
Corequisites: Traditional BSN Program: Take NUR 400, NUR 408, NUR 424, NUR 425, NUR 426, NUR 430L.
Offered: Every year, Fall and Summer

NUR 408. Evidence-Based Nursing Practice and Scholarship.2 Credits.

This course focuses on the related knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary for evidence-based decision making in clinical practice. Students learn the basic elements of evidenced based practice and participate in the process of retrieval, appraisal, and synthesis of evidence. Students develop scientific literacy and enhanced information fluency.

Prerequisites: Traditional BSN Program: all 300 level nursing courses.
Corequisites: Traditional BSN Program: Take NUR 400, NUR 401, NUR 424, NUR 425, NUR 426, NUR 430L.
Offered: Every year, All

NUR 424. Care of Adults with Complex Health Needs II.3 Credits.

This course examines concepts of nursing management for adults with complex, high-acuity health care needs requiring sophisticated patient care technologies. The delivery of safe, evidence-based, holistic, patient-centered care is emphasized. Knowledge, attitude and skill acquisition opportunities are provided in campus lab and applied in clinical practicum.

Prerequisites: Traditional BSN Program: all 300 level nursing courses.
Corequisites: Traditional BSN Program: Take NUR 400, NUR 401, NUR 408, NUR 425, NUR 426, NUR 430L.
Offered: Every year, Fall and Summer

NUR 425. Adult Care Practicum II.2 Credits.

This clinical practicum is taken concurrently with NUR 424. Students participate in 84 hours of supervised clinical practice in a variety of health care settings.

Prerequisites: Traditional BSN Program: all 300 level nursing courses.
Corequisites: Traditional BSN Program: Take NUR 400, NUR 401, NUR 408, NUR 424, NUR 426, NUR 430L.
Offered: Every year, Fall and Summer

NUR 426. Pathophysiology and Pharmacotherapy II.2 Credits.

This course integrates pathophysiology and pharmacotherapy relevant to concurrent senior fall semester nursing courses. Students are introduced to medications used for health maintenance and the treatment of illness. Legal, ethical and regulatory issues also are examined.

Prerequisites: Traditional BSN Program: all 300 level nursing courses.
Corequisites: Traditional BSN Program: Take NUR 400, NUR 401, NUR 408, NUR 424, NUR 425, NUR 430L.
Offered: Every year, Fall and Summer

NUR 428. Community and Public Health Nursing.3 Credits.

This course focuses on concepts of community and public health nursing. Emphasis is on primary, secondary and tertiary prevention and nursing management for individuals, groups and populations with health problems in community settings. The delivery of safe, evidence-based, holistic, patient-centered care is emphasized. Knowledge, attitude and skill acquisition opportunities are provided in campus lab and applied in clinical practicum.

Prerequisites: Traditional BSN Program: Take NUR 400 NUR 401 NUR 408 NUR 424 NUR 425 NUR 426 NUR 430L.
Corequisites: Traditional BSN Program: Take NUR 429, NUR 432, NUR 433, NUR 450L, NUR 454.
Offered: Every year, Spring

NUR 429. Community and Public Health Nursing Practicum.1-2 Credits.

This clinical practicum is taken concurrently with NUR 428. Students participate in 84 hours of supervised clinical practice in a variety of health care settings.

Prerequisites: Traditional BSN Program: Take NUR 400 NUR 401 NUR 408 NUR 424 NUR 425 NUR 426 NUR 430L.
Corequisites: Traditional BSN Program: Take NUR 428, NUR 432, NUR 433, NUR 450L, NUR 454.
Offered: Every year, Spring

NUR 430L. Holistic Nursing Integration Lab III.2 Credits.

This integrated campus laboratory experience provides the opportunity to develop nursing knowledge and attitudes, as well as to practice skills relevant to concurrent senior fall or summer semester nursing courses. Students participate in learning modalities such as guided practice, clinical simulation and problem-based learning to develop clinical reasoning. (5 hrs./week, 70 hrs./semester)

Prerequisites: Traditional BSN Program: all 300 level nursing courses.
Corequisites: Traditional BSN Program: Take NUR 400, NUR 401, NUR 408, NUR 424, NUR 425, NUR 426.
Offered: Every year, Fall and Summer

NUR 432. Contemporary Issues and Roles in Nursing.3 Credits.

This course analyzes trends and issues in contemporary health care and their effect on the consumer, the nursing profession and society. It incorporates social intelligence, diversity awareness, creativity and sensitivity required for leadership roles and management functions in dynamic health care environments.

Prerequisites: Traditional BSN Program: Take NUR 400 NUR 401 NUR 408 NUR 424 NUR 425 NUR 426 NUR 430L.
Corequisites: Traditional BSN Program:Take NUR 428, NUR 429, NUR 433, NUR 450L, NUR 454.
Offered: Every year, All

NUR 433. Transition to Professional Practice.2 Credits.

This capstone practicum facilitates the transition from nursing student to professional nurse. Synthesis of knowledge from all course work is integrated into the delivery of safe, evidence-based, holistic, patient-centered care. Students participate in 84 hours of supervised clinical practice in a variety of health care settings.

Prerequisites: Traditional BSN Program: Take NUR 400 NUR 401 NUR 408 NUR 424 NUR 425 NUR 426 NUR 430L.
Corequisites: Traditional BSN Program: Take NUR 428, NUR 429, NUR 432, NUR 450L, NUR 454.
Offered: Every year, All

NUR 434L. Capstone Seminar Lab.1 Credit.

This capstone seminar provides the opportunity for students working in small faculty-mentored groups to complete a capstone project that demonstrates synthesis of program learning outcomes, and American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice. Students participate in 35 hours of a seminar lab in which they create and disseminate evidence-based capstone projects. For accelerated nursing students only.

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall and Summer

NUR 440L. Holistic Nursing Integration Lab IV.2 Credits.

This integrated campus laboratory experience provides the opportunity to develop nursing knowledge and attitudes, and to practice skills relevant to concurrent senior summer semester nursing courses. Students participate in learning modalities such as guided practice, clinical simulation and problem-based learning activities to develop clinical reasoning. Students also prepare for the nursing licensure examination (NCLEX-RN ©) with emphasis on content review, transition into professional nursing practice and computer-simulated test taking using web-based technology. For accelerated nursing students only. (70 hrs./semester)

Prerequisites: None
Offered: Every year, Fall and Summer