Overview of Accelerated BSN

The accelerated BSN option is an intense 15-month, on-campus option for students who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in a field other than nursing.

Why is our Accelerated BSN program a good choice for nurses?

By integrating professional, theoretical and liberal-arts knowledge, the undergraduate program prepares nurses to provide direct and indirect care to individuals, families, groups, communities and populations. Graduates can function as providers, designers, and coordinators of care and as members of the nursing profession. Graduates may also choose to continue their education in advanced practice, educator, leadership care management and research roles.

Requirements

Following admission to the program students complete 55 credit hours of nursing courses over 4 semesters. A non-nursing bachelor’s (at minimum) degree, either completed or in progress to complete before the May start date is required.

A 3.0 cumulative GPA or greater is required to apply. Your GPA will be verified through the MU Admissions Office upon acceptance to the university. Official transcripts must be submitted to the MU Admissions office.
Students who have been successful in this option have demonstrated an ability to handle a fast-paced intense learning environment. They possess organizational and time management skills and are highly motivated individuals.

The Accelerated BSN has a once a year start date beginning in May and concluding in July the following year. This includes a summer, fall, spring and summer session. All regular scheduled MU breaks and holidays are observed.

Financial planning for a second degree is crucial. Investigating your financial/tuition options is highly recommended. Go to MU Financial Aid to explore your options 

International Requirements
If English is your second language, successfully passing TOEFL or the IELTS is required. Applicants must achieve a minimum composite score of 84 and minimum speaking sub-score of 26 on the Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an overall score of 6.5, with a minimum speaking band score of 8 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

There are seven prerequisite courses. You must have completed five of the seven prerequisites or have them in progress to complete in the fall semester prior to the start date. (If you have not taken the Pathophysiology prerequisite, it is highly suggested you wait for the spring semester if accepted.)

Prerequisite Course Requirements

Chemistry – 2 credit hours (does not require a lab)
Nutrition or Diet Therapy – 3 credit hours
Microbiology – 4 to 5 credit hours (lab requirement)
Human Anatomy – 4 to 5 credit hours (lab requirement)
Physiology – 4 to 5 credit hours (lab requirement)
Pathophysiology* – 4 to 5 credit hours
Statistics – 3 credit hours

*MU’s Pathophysiology course requires completion of Anatomy and Physiology

Prerequisite Course Notes:
Prerequisite courses may be taken at any accredited college or university.
Five out of the seven required prerequisite courses must be successfully completed by the December preceding admission. The remaining two prerequisites then need to be completed in the spring before the start date.
Depending on the college or university, certain courses may be required as a prerequisite to these requirements.
Completion of prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of C or better.

Funding Your Education

Estimated cost for the BSN program is $36,000* for accelerated option.

Typically, grants are not available since this is a second bachelor’s program. Traditional student loans can be used if a student did not use all of their available loans during their first degree. Students in financial need should also consider utilizing the Nursing Federal Loan program. Please consult with MU Financial Aid to learn more about financing your program. 

Another option to finance your program is the MU Health scholarship. Students can apply for this scholarship during their first summer in the Accelerated program. This option requires the student to work at MU Health for two years after they graduate. MU Health provides $15,000 towards the program and pay back is not required as long as the student works with MU Health for two years following graduation from the Accelerated program. 

Students are also encouraged to seek internal, departmental scholarships. These scholarships may be applied to the fall and spring semesters.  

The School of Nursing also keeps a list of external scholarships. 

*Program cost is for in-state tuition and illustrative purposes only. Your hours and costs will differ, depending on your state of residence, transfer hours, course choices at Mizzou and your academic progress. See more about tuition from the Cashier’s Office.

 

Learn More About Funding Your Education

Hear from Our Students

Fall 2020 BSN graduate

"It's a challenging program that produces great nurses. I felt like I had great clinical experiences and it was evident that I was more experienced and confident in the clinical setting compared to nursing students who went to other schools."

Photo of graduates

Questions? Contact Us.

If you have questions, please contact the MU Sinclair School of Nursing student services at 573-882-0277 or nursing@missouri.edu.