A second-degree BS in nursing is the first step toward becoming a nurse. While there are other degree options for nurses, a BS in nursing provides more training and job opportunities and serves as a jumping-off point for career growth. You can earn a second degree through an accelerated program.
It’s never too late to become a nurse, even if you have already earned a bachelor’s degree. If you are established in a career but wish you had become a registered nurse (RN) instead, the University of Mount Saint Vincent’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing (ABSN) program can set you on the right track.
Through the program, you can leverage your non-nursing bachelor’s degree to earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in nursing in as few as 16 months. Whether you have a Bachelor of Arts and are looking for BA to BS in nursing programs, or you come from a science background, a second-degree BS in nursing helps you confidently launch your nursing career.
Explore why you should pursue a degree in nursing, how to earn the degree, and the benefits of doing so.
Why Pursue a Second Degree in Nursing?
A second-degree BS in nursing can kickstart a rewarding nursing career, allowing you to enjoy many benefits typically unavailable to nurses beginning their careers with an associate degree. BS in nursing-educated RNs are in high demand. Recent studies have shown that facilities with a high proportion of BS in nursing RNs have high rates of positive patient outcomes.
Because BS in nursing RNs are in high demand, employers may offer more competitive salaries to attract them. Earning this degree might also help you find employment quickly after obtaining a license. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing:
- 25% of the healthcare employers surveyed require new hires to hold a BS in nursing.
- 69.8% of employers surveyed strongly prefer to hire RNs with a BS in nursing.
- At the time of graduation, the average job offer rate for BS in nursing graduates is 84%.
- 96% of new BS in nursing graduates found employment 4 to 6 months after graduation.
Earning a second-degree BS in nursing will boost your credentials as you start your nursing career. It also prepares you for career growth opportunities. Many nurses advance their careers by returning to school to earn a Master of Science in nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice to become Advanced Practice Registered Nurses or to pursue other advanced roles.
If you follow the same path, these graduate programs require students to hold a BS in nursing to qualify.
Further explore why earning a BS in nursing is important.
Pathways to Earning a Second-degree BS in Nursing
There are two pathways to earning a BS in nursing: a traditional four-year program or an accelerated program. Traditional programs are best for those without college experience, while accelerated programs are nursing programs for bachelor’s degree holders or transfer students.
How Does an Accelerated BS in Nursing Program Work?
At the University of Mount Saint Vincent, the ABSN program is for those seeking a second degree in nursing. Students can earn a BS in nursing in as few as 16 months, and with three start dates a year, you can get started fast.
ABSN programs offer the same quality and comprehensive education as traditional programs. Because ABSN programs build off your previous education, they focus primarily on nursing and advanced science topics. The ABSN program at the Mount includes three curriculum components that prepare students for today’s healthcare environment:
- Nursing Theory Coursework: In-person classes cover core nursing topics, such as pathophysiology, health promotion, pharmacology, and more.
- Nursing Skills and Simulation Labs: These hands-on labs allow students to practice foundational nursing skills, such as IV placement, in a simulated, controlled environment. Students also participate in mock clinical scenarios.
- Clinical Rotations: Starting the first semester, students work in healthcare facilities across several nursing specialties, providing direct patient care under close supervision.
Steps to Transition from a Non-Nursing Bachelor’s to a Nursing Degree
Enrolling in an accelerated BS in nursing program is the most efficient route from a non-nursing bachelor’s to a nursing degree. While every program’s admission process varies, the process for the ABSN program at Mount Saint Vincent is as follows:
1. Speak to an Admission Counselor
Mount Saint Vincent offers comprehensive admission support to our applicants. After filling out the contact form, an admission counselor will contact you to discuss the admission requirements and the ABSN program. They will also guide you through every step of the process, answer your questions, and help you keep on track for your target start date.
2. Create an Academic Plan
It is critical that all students in the ABSN program enter with a science and general education foundation. This is why students must satisfy the prerequisite requirements before enrolling. The number of prerequisite courses you must complete depends on your non-nursing degree.
For example, if you have a Bachelor of Arts degree, you will likely need to complete more prerequisite courses than someone with a BS in biology. Your admission counselor will help identify which credits transfer and which courses you must complete. They will then help create an academic plan so you can complete the prerequisite requirements in time for your target start date.
3. Complete Prerequisite Courses
The next step is to complete all required prerequisite courses. You can complete these courses at Mount Saint Vincent as a non-matriculated student or at an approved, accredited institution. Students must earn a B or higher in all science courses and a C or higher in English and mathematics.
4. Apply to the University of Mount Saint Vincent
The last step of the admission process is to submit the online application through the student portal. You must also include the following materials:
- One letter of recommendation
- An essay detailing why you wish to become a nurse
- Official college transcripts
Your admission counselor will work with you to ensure all necessary materials are included and answer any questions you may have about the application.
Benefits of Nursing Programs for Bachelor Degree Holders
As a second-degree student, there are many benefits to enrolling in an accelerated BS in nursing program that you would likely not experience in a traditional, four-year program. Consider the following:
- You can earn your BS in nursing in as few as 16 months through the Mount’s ABSN, allowing you to earn your license and embark on your nursing career sooner.
- The Mount’s ABSN offers three start dates a year, increasing the program’s accessibility.
- The ABSN program offers smaller class sizes with a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing students to gain more personalized attention from faculty.
- Students have access to Academic Success Coaches who can provide personalized support and resources.
Discover the many benefits of pursuing a nursing career.
Earn a Second-Degree BS in Nursing with Mount Saint Vincent
The University of Mount Saint Vincent’s ABSN program prepares students to become practice-ready nurses equipped to face the challenges of nursing and excel in today’s healthcare industry. With three start dates a year in the spring, summer, and fall and five locations throughout New York City, the ABSN program provides an accessible pathway to earning a second-degree BS in nursing fast.
Contact an admission counselor today to learn if the ABSN program is right for you and how you can get started.