How rigorous is the BSNA program, and will I have time for outside commitments?

The Accelerated BSN program is intentionally structured as a full-time, intensive 15-month program designed for students who can fully commit to the rigorous demands of nursing education.

What full-time means in BSNA

• 60 credits of nursing coursework completed in 15 months
• All nursing courses are taken as full-time students
• Courses cannot be taken out of sequence
• Hybrid courses include clinical experiences that may be scheduled on evenings, nights, or weekends
• Attendance at all experiential learning components is required
• Attendance and participation in all scheduled collaborative learning sessions (CLS) are strongly encouraged and contribute to the Professional Nursing Portfolio evaluated in NUR-4500

Attendance is mandatory for clinical

Attendance at all clinical and laboratory experiences is mandatory and essential to course objectives and program success. This includes virtual simulations, virtual experience modules, orientations, and trainings.

• Tardies and absences are tracked cumulatively over the entirety of the program
• Three instances of tardiness equal one clinical absence
• If you reach 10% absent or tardy at any point, you will fail the course in which the threshold is met and be discharged from the program
• Absences are not permitted in specialty courses (NUR-3450, NUR-4210, NUR-4220, NUR-4420) — a single absence in a specialty course will result in a failing grade for the course
• Clinical site assignments are not based on proximity to public transportation, and preferential scheduling requests cannot be honored

What this means for planning

When deciding whether the BSNA program is the right fit, consider the time commitment required for full-time nursing coursework, clinical rotations on variable schedules, study and preparation time, and the requirement to maintain clinical compliance throughout the program.

Need help?

If you have questions about the program's demands, schedule an advising appointment with a W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions advisor before applying or accepting your seat. Contact [e-mail] or 609-633-6460.