Program Overview
Elite clinical training in a hospital-based college — Barnes-Jewish College’s 12-month Accelerated Option BSN places students inside BJC HealthCare, with clinical rotations at nationally ranked Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, plus three start dates a year for flexible entry.
The Accelerated Option BSN at Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing is an intensive, full-time, 12-month pathway designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. The program runs across three consecutive terms and admits students in Spring, Summer, and Fall, emphasizing a rapid transition from academic preparation to clinical practice.
As a hospital-based nursing college within BJC HealthCare, Goldfarb gives students clinical access to nationally ranked Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
Coursework, simulation, and clinical rotations are scheduled throughout the week and may include daytime, evening, and weekend experiences; because of the accelerated structure, outside employment is strongly discouraged.
Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
Accreditation
Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The BSN program holds professional nursing accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and maintains approval from the Missouri State Board of Nursing. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
ABSN Admission Summary
Admission to the Accelerated Option requires completion of a prior bachelor’s degree and strong academic performance in science and core prerequisite coursework. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until classes are filled.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in core prerequisite courses
- At least 27 credit hours of core prerequisites
Core Prerequisites (27 Credit Hours Minimum)
- Anatomy & Physiology I with lab
- Anatomy & Physiology II with lab
- Microbiology with lab
- Nutrition
- Statistics
- General Psychology
- Human Growth & Development (lifespan)
- English Composition I
Prerequisite timing requirements
- Anatomy & Physiology I & II and Microbiology must meet recency standards
- Core prerequisites may not be repeated more than twice within a specified timeframe
- All grades are included in GPA calculations
Additional Admission Policies
- Applications reviewed on a rolling basis; waitlists may apply once seats are filled
- Applicants with two failing grades or dismissal from another accredited nursing program are not eligible
- International applicants may require TOEFL scores (minimum iBT score 85 with section minimums)
Published Deadlines: Summer application deadline April 10; Fall application deadline July 31.
Curriculum
The curriculum covers 58 credit hours, including fundamental nursing courses, pharmacology, health assessment, adult health management, pediatric nursing, psychiatric mental health, gerontological nursing, and community health.
NURS 3240A Applied Pathophysiology for Nursing: An Analytical Approach
This course explores the physiological changes associated with diseases, emphasizing the connection between body systems. Students learn to analyze symptoms, identify underlying causes, and apply pathophysiological concepts in clinical settings. The course integrates current research and evidence-based practices to enhance clinical reasoning skills.
NURS 3180A Health Assessment for the Professional Nurse
Students develop essential health assessment skills through a combination of theory, hands-on practice, and case-based learning. The course covers comprehensive data collection, physical examination techniques, and documentation strategies to ensure accurate patient evaluations. Updated content includes current issues such as opioid use and human trafficking.
NURS 4935A Fundamentals of Nursing
This course introduces nursing principles, patient-centered care, and clinical reasoning. It emphasizes foundational skills, evidence-based practice, and the role of nursing in health promotion. Students engage in simulated and real-world applications to build confidence in patient care across various settings.
NURS 3170A Nursing Pharmacology
Students learn the fundamentals of pharmacology, including drug classifications, mechanisms of action, and safe medication administration. The course integrates physiology, chemistry, and nursing principles to enhance understanding of drug interactions and patient responses. Critical thinking exercises and case studies prepare students for clinical decision-making.
NURS 3380A Application of Evidence-Based Practice and Leadership Principles
This course teaches students how to evaluate and apply research in clinical practice. It covers the evidence-based practice process, quality improvement initiatives, and leadership strategies in nursing. Case studies and real-world scenarios help students develop problem-solving skills essential for improving patient outcomes.
NURS 3350A Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
Focusing on mental health disorders and psychiatric care, this course prepares students to assess, diagnose, and treat patients with mental illnesses. It integrates the nursing process with evidence-based psychiatric interventions, emphasizing therapeutic communication and patient-centered care.
NURS 3370A Gerontological Nursing
Students learn to provide holistic care for older adults, addressing physical, psychological, and social aspects of aging. The course explores disease management, health promotion, and ethical considerations in gerontological nursing. Case studies and simulations enhance practical skills in elder care.
NURS 3360A Nursing of Women and Childbearing Families
This course covers maternal and newborn care, emphasizing safe and effective nursing interventions. Students learn about prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum care, as well as complications and neonatal assessments. Family-centered care and cultural competence are integral components of the curriculum.
NURS 4945A Nursing Management of Adult Health Care
Students explore medical-surgical nursing concepts related to adult patient care. The course covers disease processes, treatment protocols, and nursing interventions for acute and chronic conditions. Case-based learning and simulations reinforce critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills.
NURS 4910A Nursing Management of Adult Health II Synthesis
Building on prior coursework, this advanced course focuses on complex patient care scenarios in medical-surgical nursing. Students integrate clinical knowledge, leadership skills, and evidence-based practices to manage critical and multi-system health conditions effectively.
NURS 4160A Nursing of Children and Families
This course emphasizes pediatric nursing care, from infancy to adolescence. Students learn about growth and development, pediatric disease processes, and family-centered care. Clinical experiences include diverse settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community health organizations.
NURS 4360A Integration of Nursing Knowledge
A capstone course that synthesizes nursing concepts, leadership skills, and clinical decision-making. Students apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios, preparing for transition into professional practice. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, ethical considerations, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
NURS 4260A Population Health Nursing
Students examine the principles of community and public health nursing, focusing on health promotion and disease prevention. The course includes virtual simulations and fieldwork experiences to develop skills in epidemiology, policy advocacy, and population-based interventions.
More detail is available in the Barnes-Jewish College nursing catalog.
Clinical Experience
Clinical education occurs at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and additional BJC HealthCare facilities in the St. Louis metropolitan area — nationally recognized teaching hospitals affiliated with Washington University Medical Center.
Clinical rotations may occur during weekdays, evenings, or weekends, and placement location preferences cannot be guaranteed. Simulation laboratory experiences supplement direct patient care exposure.
Tuition
Estimated total tuition and required program fees are approximately $49,322:
- 58 credit hours × $789 per credit = $45,762
- One-time Accelerated BSN program fee = $1,250
- Per-term fee ($770 × 3 terms) = $2,310
Additional expenses such as textbooks, uniforms, transportation, and clinical supplies are not included in this estimate.
Confirm current figures via the official tuition and fees page.