-- MSU Quick Links -- Angel Stuinfo Academic Calendar Course Descriptions Course Schedule Admissions & Aid Registrar's Office MSU Library MSU Information	Academic Programs Accelerated Second Degree Program FAQ What degree would I earn if I completed this program? How long is this program and when could I begin the required courses? How do I apply for this program? When can I submit my application for the program? Do you require the GRE? How many people are admitted into this program to start each May? What happens if I am not admitted when I apply? Can I apply for this program if I am an international student? There are nine prerequisite courses required for this program. Do I have to have them completed before I apply for the program? Do I have to complete the prerequisite courses at MSU? How can I determine what is an appropriate equivalent course to complete at institutions other than MSU? How can I enroll at MSU to take prerequisite courses if I have never attended there before? Is there a time limit on the eligibility of prerequisite courses? Will there be enough time to complete the requirements for a BSN in just 14 months? How is the coursework in the program structured? Will I be able to work while enrolled in the program? Can I attend the program part-time? Where are clinical requirements for this program completed? Do I have my choice of placement for the clinical requirements? Is there financial aid available? What types of careers in the Nursing profession are open to me with a BSN? What degree would I earn if I completed this program? [back to top] Students that complete the Accelerated Second Degree program at MSU earn a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN). How long is this program and when could I begin the required courses? [back to top] This program is 14 months in length, encompassing four semesters at MSU (Summer, Fall, Spring, and Summer). The program begins each May. Candidates must, however, complete 9 prerequisite courses prior to being formally admitted into the program. How do I apply for this program? [back to top] Application for the Accelerated Second Degree program requires a candidate to submit separate applications, one each to MSU and the College of Nursing. Candidates should submit a Transfer Admission Application to MSU with a major preference code of 4023. Along with the application submitted to the College of Nursing, a candidate will also include an essay, two letters of recommendation, and a resume. When can I submit my application for the program? [back to top] Application for this program typically occurs during the Fall Semester each year, for consideration to begin the program the following May. Applications are not carried forward from one year to the next. Do you require the GRE? [back to top] The College of Nursing does not require any entrance examinations for application to this program. How many people are admitted into this program to start each May? [back to top] This program admits 50 people to begin each May. Notification for admissions begins the first of December What happens if I am not admitted when I apply? [back to top] Any candidate that is not admitted may consider reapplication for the program during the next application window in order to be considered for admission the next year. Can I apply for this program if I am an international student? [back to top] International students may apply for admission and are encouraged to contact the MSU Office of Admissions (www.admissions.msu.edu) and the Office for International Students and Scholars (www.oiss.msu.edu) for assistance with application and visas inquiries. There are nine prerequisite courses required for this program. Do I have to have them completed before I apply for the program? [back to top] Completion of the prerequisite courses is a condition for admission into the program. Prerequisite courses need not be completed prior to submitting an application for admission into the program, with the exception of Anatomy and Physiology. All prerequisite courses however, must be complete by the start of the program in May if admission is granted. Do I have to complete the prerequisite courses at MSU? [back to top] Prerequisite coursework need not be completed at MSU. It may be completed at any accredited and recognized college or university that offers an equivalent course to the requirement. How can I determine what is an appropriate equivalent course to complete at institutions other than MSU? [back to top] MSU’s transfer equivalency website (http://transfer.msu.edu) is a good resource to use when determining equivalent courses. There is also a transfer course grid located under the prerequisite section for the Accelerated Second Degree program on the College of Nursing website. How can I enroll at MSU to take prerequisite courses if I have never attended there before? [back to top] There are two ways to enroll for prerequisite courses at MSU.  Option 1 is to apply for undergraduate admission into MSU (www.admissions.msu.edu/apply.asp).  If admitted under this process, a student is required to declare a non-nursing major while completing prerequisite coursework.  The nursing major is only available as an option for students that have already been admitted into the nursing program.  Option 2 is to apply for enrollment as a Lifelong Education student (http://www.reg.msu.edu/ROInfo/EnrReg/LifelongEducation.asp). The purpose of the Lifelong Education status is to permit and facilitate access to MSU courses (on-campus, off-campus, or workshop) for persons not wishing to pursue an undergraduate or graduate MSU degree. This status is limited to persons who have attained a high school diploma or its equivalent. Lifelong Education is a non-degree seeking status requiring a much shorter application process.  Is there a time limit on the eligibility of prerequisite courses? [back to top] Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology must have been completed within the previous 10 years leading up to the anticipated start date for the program. Will there be enough time to complete the requirements for a BSN in just 14 months? [back to top] The curriculum of the Accelerated Second Degree program is patterned after the curriculum of our Traditional Nursing program. The Traditional program requires 4 semesters of nursing study over two years. The Accelerated program allows students the opportunity to complete the 4 semesters of nursing study by successively enrolling in the required coursework and eliminating summer semester breaks. All theory hours, clinical hours, and learning objectives are the same for both programs. How is the coursework in the program structured? [back to top] For the Accelerated Second Degree program theory (classroom) and clinical (experiential) instruction are accomplished on separate days in a traditional face to face format.. Theory instruction is completed on campus in East Lansing and is one day a week with the exception of summer.. In addition, clinical instruction is completed off campus and may occasionally include weekends. Will I be able to work while enrolled in the program? [back to top] We strongly recommend that students in this program choose not to work. The time commitment and the degree of flexibility that the program requires makes holding any type of employment difficult. Most students find that they spend between 40 to 70 hours per week devoted to the various aspects of this program (attending class, studying, etc). Can I attend the program part-time? [back to top] There is no part-time option available. Where are clinical requirements for this program completed? [back to top] Clinical experiences are completed in a variety of locations throughout Southeast, West and Mid-Michigan. Do I have my choice of placement for the clinical requirements? [back to top] Students are assigned to a clinical location, but their preferences are taken into consideration. Is there financial aid available? [back to top] Most students are eligible for some form of Federal Financial Aid, however, what is available is likely to be limited causing most students to need additional sources of aid. Other sources of aid can include scholarships, grants, and alternative education loans, to name a few. What types of careers in the Nursing profession are open to me with a BSN? [back to top] There are many possibilities open to a BSN prepared nurse in today’s nursing profession. In addition to positions at the entry point of the profession, BSN prepared nurses are also eligible to pursue graduate study at either the Masters or Doctoral level. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing is a good resource to consider when exploring both short and long-term career options (http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Education/nurse_ed/resindex.htm). You may also find additional information at discover nursing at this link (http://www.discovernursing.com/jnj-specialtyID_237-dsc-specialty_detail.aspx).