Accelerated BSN Programs in Maryland

Program Length & Format

• Two program options:
  • 16-month track (three traditional semesters: Fall, Spring, Fall)
  • 12-month fast-track (Fall, Spring, Summer; August to August)
• Program delivered as full-time study with in-person clinical placements
• Students initially accepted to the 16-month track; request for 12-month fast-track must be made when accepting program seat
• Clinical placements occur at off-campus sites; students must arrange their own transportation

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale noted for eligibility
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency; TOEFL originals required
• Applicants previously unsuccessful or dismissed from another nursing program ordinarily are not considered
• Proof of meeting University admission requirements required before School of Nursing review

Prerequisites

• Required courses:
  •  (grade of C or higher): basic statistics; microbiology; anatomy and physiology I and II (all body systems);
    pathophysiology; chemistry (lab component required for chemistry, microbiology,
    anatomy/physiology, and pathophysiology; basic statistics may not require lab)
• All prerequisites must be completed no later than one month before the first day of class
• Any prerequisite grade below C makes applicant ineligible for admission

Deadlines

• Complete online Second Degree application in CAS by January 15 of intended enrollment year for first consideration
• Submit all official transcripts from previous institutions through CAS before January 15 for consideration
• All prerequisite coursework must be finished no later than one month prior to program start date

Application

• Submit Salisbury University admissions application and pay university application fee
• Submit Second Degree B.S.N. application in CAS (by January 15)
• Provide all official transcripts from first bachelor’s degree and any other academic coursework (submitted to both SU and CAS)
• Include a 1–2 page typed statement of educational and professional goals, current resume/CV, and two academic and/or professional recommendations
• International applicants must submit original TOEFL scores

Selection Process

• Admission decisions made after School of Nursing review based on evaluation of applicant’s overall qualifications
• Admission to Salisbury University does not guarantee acceptance into the Second Degree B.S.N. program
• First consideration given to applicants who submit required materials by January 15
• School of Nursing Student Policies Committee may not process applications lacking transcripts

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Clinical placements at various regional sites; students responsible for travel and related expenses
• Students must meet physical examination and immunization requirements per CDC recommendations for health care workers
• Clinical agencies may require criminal background checks and drug testing prior to participation
• Current CPR certification for health care providers (American Heart Association or American Red Cross) required

Credit Transfer

• Prerequisite courses may be completed at Salisbury University or other institutions
• Students must have at least 30 credits at 300/400 level for graduation; at least 15 of those credits must be taken at Salisbury University
• Students must complete 30 of the last 37 credit hours at Salisbury University
• Program may not equal 120 total credits; students may need additional electives to meet 120-credit graduation requirement

International Students

• Must demonstrate English language proficiency; original TOEFL scores required
• International applications reviewed by University International Student Admissions Counselor (Agata Liszkowska)
• Must meet additional Salisbury University requirements for international student admission

Contacts

• School contact: Laurie Bishop, School of Nursing, Devilbiss Hall (DH) 339
• Campus address: 1101 Camden Avenue, Salisbury, MD 21801

Program Length & Format

• Two-year full-time program
• Program completed during fall and spring terms
• No evening or weekend cohort available
• Curriculum follows the same undergraduate nursing major requirements as first-time undergraduates

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing
• Admission to the nursing major and admission to the university are both required for enrollment
• applicants follow the same academic criteria and degree requirements as first-time undergraduate nursing applicants
• Age and breadth of prior undergraduate studies may affect admission policy applicability

Application

• Apply to the nursing major; wait to submit the university second bachelor’s application until after receiving the nursing admission decision
• Admitted nursing applicants must submit the university second bachelor’s application and complete the university admission process by institutional deadlines
• Students cannot begin the nursing program unless admitted and enrolled as degree-seeking students
• Application instructions and deadlines available on the program web page

Selection Process

• Admission decisions follow the same review and criteria used for first-time undergraduate nursing applicants
• Screening and policy application depend on prior coursework age and scope

Alternative Pathways

• Entry-level Master of Science (ELMS) program available beginning Fall 2022 as an alternate option for career changers to nursing
• ELMS is a separate pathway from the second bachelor’s degree

Contacts

• Towson University main address: 8000 York Road, Towson, MD 21252
• Program and application information available on the Towson University Department of Nursing web pages