Caldwell University

Program Length & Format

• Accelerated BSN (Second Degree) requires 88 total credits
• Nursing prerequisite: 25 credits prior to nursing courses
• Nursing major coursework: 62 credits
• Curriculum may allow completion of the third semester during summer session if cohort size is sufficient
• full-time
• Clinical and laboratory courses held on campus and at affiliated healthcare facilities
• Simulation labs integrated into curriculum for clinical skill development

Admission Requirements

• Must hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) prior to admission
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 overall on all undergraduate coursework
• Nursing prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of B- (80%) or higher
• Science prerequisite courses must be no older than five years at time of application
• Prerequisites may be repeated once; both attempts considered for admission
• All nursing major courses must be completed at Caldwell University
• Criminal background check required before clinical placement
• Submission of a personal essay stating reasons for pursuing nursing
• One letter of recommendation from a college professor
• Résumé detailing academic and professional background
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended

Entrance Exams

• No standardized entrance exams
• HESI standardized testing used during program for progression and remediation

Prerequisites

• Human Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab (4 credits)
• Human Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab (4 credits)
• Principles of Chemistry with Lab (4 credits)
• Microbiology with Lab (4 credits)
• General Psychology I (3 credits)
• Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
• Statistics (3 credits)

Deadlines

• April 1

Selection Process

• Selection based on academic performance (GPA) and completion of prerequisite coursework
• Applicants ranked higher if transcripts confirm prerequisite completion
• Interview required with faculty prior to admission decision
• Interview assesses academic readiness, motivation, and alignment with program expectations

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Clinical experiences offered at healthcare agencies and community centers in the region
• Clinical clearance requires immunizations, CPR certification, criminal background check, drug screening, and professional liability insurance before placement
• Simulation labs feature adult, birthing, and pediatric manikins with high fidelity computer control
• Simulation scenarios cover emergency procedures, quality and safety, leadership, delegation, and evidence-based practice
• Open lab hours available for independent skills practice with prior faculty instruction and scheduling
• Clinical and laboratory attendance mandatory; make-up required for absences

Credit Transfer

• Transfer credit accepted for prerequisites with grades of B- or higher completed within five years
• All nursing major courses must be completed at Caldwell University; no nursing course transfer credit accepted
• Official transcript evaluation provided after admission

Contacts

• Nursing Admission inquiries: contact Caldwell University Nursing Transfer and Second Degree Application office via university website
• General Nursing Department: School of Nursing and Health Services at Caldwell University accessible through official university contacts (not listed specifically)