Program Overview
Strong outcomes in a major healthcare hub — Carlow University’s 15-month Accelerated Second Degree BSN posts a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate (among the highest in Southwestern Pennsylvania), set in Pittsburgh near major hospital systems, with transfer-credit flexibility that can meaningfully lower the cost.
The Accelerated Second Degree BSN at Carlow University is designed for individuals who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, delivered in a full-time, 15-month format after completion of required prerequisites. A Catholic university founded in the Sisters of Mercy tradition, Carlow delivers coursework primarily on campus with some online components, and its Pittsburgh location provides proximity to major hospitals and healthcare systems for clinical training.
Recent cohorts have achieved a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate, among the highest in Southwestern Pennsylvania, and graduates are well-prepared for entry-level nursing positions and nurse residency programs in hospitals, clinics, and specialty care settings.
Accreditation & Outcomes
The Accelerated Second Degree BSN at Carlow University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. Carlow University is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
The program reports one of the highest NCLEX-RN pass rates in Southwestern Pennsylvania, with recent cohorts achieving 100% first-time pass rates. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
ABSN Admission Summary
Admission to Carlow’s Second Degree BSN requires a completed bachelor’s degree and specific science prerequisites within defined time limits. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for a fall start term.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field from an accredited institution
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.85
- Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges
- Completion of all prerequisite coursework before the program start
Students must maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA while enrolled to remain in good academic standing.
Prerequisite Courses
Within the last 7 years (taken at the same institution):
- Anatomy & Physiology I with lab (4 credits)
- Anatomy & Physiology II with lab (4 credits)
Within the last 10 years:
- Chemistry with lab (4 credits)
- Life Span Development (3 credits)
- Microbiology with lab (4 credits)
- Nutrition (3 credits; must meet Carlow approval standards)
- Pathophysiology (3 credits)
- Sociology (3 credits)
- Statistics (3 credits)
Up to 32 transfer credits may be accepted, depending on prior coursework evaluation.
Curriculum
The accelerated curriculum consists of nursing support courses and core nursing coursework delivered in a compressed timeline, with approximately 32 credits of nursing support courses and 63 credits of nursing courses, including theory, clinical instruction, and NCLEX-focused seminars.
Courses are structured in both 8-week and 16-week sessions, allowing for focused progression through content areas.
NU 110 Wellness Across the Lifespan
This course explores health promotion and disease prevention across the adult lifespan, emphasizing the impact of personal, environmental, behavioral, financial, and cultural factors on health. Students examine current nursing issues, ethical concerns, and healthcare policy while developing advocacy skills.
NU 2161/62 Health Assessment
Students learn health assessment principles, patient-centered care, and the nursing process. The course includes simulation and clinical experiences to develop assessment, communication, and basic nursing care skills across diverse populations.
NU 223 Pharmacology I
An introduction to nursing pharmacology, focusing on medication history, administration routes, and legal regulations. The course covers fundamental pharmacodynamics concepts relevant to nursing practice.
NU 234 Pharmacology II
This course expands on pharmacology principles, covering pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenomics, and drug interactions. Students learn about major drug groups, medication calculations, and age- or ethnicity-related pharmacodynamic changes.
NU 2171/72 Health Promotion
Students apply nursing processes to promote health, prevent disease, and provide therapeutic care. The course includes clinical experiences that enhance therapeutic communication and basic nursing care skills with diverse populations.
NU 102 Professional Issues
An introduction to the nursing profession, covering its history, philosophy, and ethical responsibilities. Students explore healthcare issues, socioeconomics, political influences, and risk behavior modifications before beginning clinical experiences.
NU 3181/82 Nursing Care for Adults I
This course focuses on nursing care for adults with acute and chronic conditions affecting the cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, and renal systems. Students learn to implement evidence-based interventions and collaborate with healthcare professionals.
NU 3191/92 Nursing Care for Adults II
A continuation of Adult Nursing I, this course covers care for patients with gastrointestinal, immunological, endocrine, and musculoskeletal conditions. Emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary collaboration and legal and ethical nursing practices.
NU 3161/62 Nursing Care for Children I
Students learn family-centered care approaches for infants, children, and adolescents. The course focuses on health promotion, prevention, and evidence-based nursing care in pediatric settings.
NU 3171/72 Nursing Care for Women
This course covers nursing care for women across the lifespan, including pregnancy, childbirth, and gynecologic health. It emphasizes patient-centered care, maternal health promotion, and the impact of healthcare policies on women’s health.
NU 3121/22 Mental Health Nursing
A study of psychiatric nursing care, focusing on mental health promotion, therapeutic interventions, and treatment of psychiatric disorders. Students examine ethical issues and mental health policies while gaining hands-on clinical experience.
NU 4211/12 Complex Problems I
This course integrates nursing theory with clinical practice, emphasizing evidence-based care for patients with complex health conditions. Students complete a capstone project focused on improving healthcare outcomes.
NU 320 Research
An introduction to nursing research, exploring the scientific inquiry process and its application to evidence-based practice. Students develop skills in critiquing research studies relevant to nursing care.
NU 415 NCLEX Seminar
A preparatory course that reviews key nursing concepts and test-taking strategies to help students succeed on the NCLEX-RN exam.
NU 4111/12 Leadership/Practicum with RN
A senior-level practicum where students apply leadership principles and professional nursing skills. The course includes a capstone project focused on improving clinical practices through research-based interventions.
NU 422 Complex Problems II/Critical Care
Students learn to manage critically ill patients with complex multisystem conditions. The course builds on previous medical-surgical nursing knowledge and emphasizes clinical reasoning in high-acuity care settings.
NU 463 Evidence-Based Capstone
A culminating project where students develop a quality improvement proposal based on evidence-based practice. The project integrates research, informatics, and professional nursing principles.
NU 451 Introduction to Epidemiology
An overview of epidemiological concepts, including disease risk, distribution, and prevention strategies. Students analyze the impact of personal, behavioral, genetic, and environmental factors on public health.
NU 420 Legal, Ethical, and Political Issues in Health Care
This course examines legal and ethical considerations in nursing, exploring healthcare policies, cultural competence, and the political forces that shape healthcare systems.
NU 4181/82 Community Nursing
A senior-level course on community health nursing, focusing on disease prevention, epidemiology, and healthcare accessibility. Students apply nursing processes in diverse community settings.
NU 4151 NCLEX Seminar II
An advanced NCLEX preparation course designed to reinforce nursing knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary for licensure exam success.
More detail is available in the Carlow Second Degree BSN plan of study.
Clinical Experience and Simulation
Clinical education is integrated throughout the program and completed at healthcare agencies across the Pittsburgh region, giving students access to major hospital systems. Students also practice skills in Carlow’s simulation laboratory (CSCIL), which supports competency development before and during clinical placements. Clinical and lab hours align with traditional BSN program standards.
Tuition
Carlow lists Second Degree Nursing tuition at $695 per credit, so estimated total tuition ranges from approximately $43,785 to $66,025, depending on the number of transfer credits accepted:
- 63 credits × $695 = $43,785 (if maximum transfer credit is applied)
- 95 credits × $695 = $66,025 (if additional coursework is required at Carlow)
Final cost depends on transfer evaluation and course load. Confirm current figures via the official tuition and fees page.