BSN Second Degree • Academics • Penn Nursing

Accelerated Second Degree BSN students Jacqueline Harper and Linda Schnolis document their findings during their practice sessions held in the Helene Fuld Pavilion for Innovative Learning.Our BSN Second Degree program offers a streamlined path to a BSN degree for those with a different bachelor’s degree from any institution. It is particularly appropriate for those who would like to work in the profession before specializing or pursuing an advanced practice degree.

The Penn advantage

Our Second Degree curriculum features the same hands-on learning experiences that typify our BSN program, and engages students through state-of-the-art simulations, comprehensive mentorship, clinical practice, and community engagement options.

You even have the option to begin graduate-level coursework at Penn while finishing your BSN through our submatriculation program. Eligible students may apply to submatriculate into one of our MSN programs after completing the first summer clinical.

Why Our Accelerated Program?

<div class="lw_blurbs_body"><p class="lwitem32"><img width="250" height="250" alt="" data-decoration="true" src="/live/image/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/0,1068,2133,3200/9551_Penn_Nursing_ad-185.rev.1561406069.jpg" class="lw_image lw_image9551 lw_align_left" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/0,1068,2133,3200/9551_Penn_Nursing_ad-185.rev.1561406069.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/0,1068,2133,3200/9551_Penn_Nursing_ad-185.rev.1561406069.jpg 3x" data-max-w="2133" data-max-h="3200"/>Why did I choose the BSN Second Degree program at Penn Nursing? From an early age, I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to caring for others. When I discovered more about nursing as a profession and career, I felt that I had found my calling. The way nurses are taught to consider the patient in the context of their environment, and to recognize the importance of both physical and emotional well-being, resonated with me more than the medical model of care. My passion for primary care also aligned with the nursing profession, especially with the developing role of the nurse practitioner. My career goals center around helping children grow into their healthiest selves with whatever cards life deals them. Complementing this mindset is my passion for developmental pediatrics and working with children with developmental differences. I hope to continue to advance the role of nurse practitioners in primary care settings and specifically in developmental <a href="/pediatric/pediatric-primary-care-nurse-practitioner/">pediatrics</a>. </p><p class="lwitem32"> –Jessica Rose</p></div>
<div class="lw_blurbs_body"><p><img width="250" height="250" alt="" data-decoration="true" src="/live/image/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/0,33,560,593/9601_Azucena_Villalobos.rev.1564000194.jpg" class="lw_image lw_image9601 lw_align_left" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/27/width/250/height/250/crop/1/src_region/0,33,560,593/9601_Azucena_Villalobos.rev.1564000194.jpg 2x" data-max-w="560" data-max-h="840"/>As a daughter of Mexican immigrants, I was exposed firsthand to the social factors – such as language barriers and lack of education, insurance, and access to care – that disproportionately affect the health and wellbeing of underprivileged communities. As a nurse, I will work to close these gaps. Healthcare is about more than just treating illnesses, and it was important to me to attend a school that would provide me with the knowledge and tools necessary to address the array of issues affecting patients and communities. I chose Penn Nursing due to the value this institution places on community engagement and social justice. It has challenged me to think critically and outside the box, and I’ve had the pleasure of learning not only from my instructors, but also from my cohort—everyone brings a multitude of experiences, ideas, and backgrounds. It has been an incredible journey!</p><p> – Azucena Villalobos</p></div>

After Penn

Once you’ve completed your BSN degree, you can sit for the NCLEX exam to become a licensed Registered Nurse.

Penn Nursing graduates are highly sought after by employers in the region and beyond, and most find jobs immediately after graduation. In addition, our vast network of alumni happily serve as mentors and guides for graduates weighing career options.

How to apply

For details on our application process, see the Admissions section.