Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Accelerated

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Accelerated program is for students who have already successfully completed a bachelor’s degree in a different field. The program only admits into clinicals during the fall semester each year and requires a two-step application process outlined below (see Application Process). Students must complete all pre-requisites prior to entering clinicals, including pathophysiology that must be taken at FranU. Most applicants need to enter FranU at least 1-2 semesters before they begin the nursing program in the fall to complete their pre-requisite courses.

Applicants to the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program must complete an application specific to the BSN clinical program. Applications are due on or before January 15 for fall admission.

Application Process

• Submit an undergraduate application here. The student type will be “already has a bachelor’s degree” for a Spring or Summer semester. All pre-requisites must be completed prior to entering clinicals, including pathophysiology that must be taken at FranU.
• If admitted, students will then meet with the Office of Advising to schedule classes. Advising for new students for the spring semester opens in mid-October. Advising for the summer semester opens in early April. Students will receive communication via email to schedule an appointment.
• If it is determined during the advising appointment that applicants will have all pre-requisites completed in time to enroll in clinicals for the fall semester, students will receive the link to the clinical application. Applicants are unable to access the clinical application prior to admission to FranU. Applying to the Accelerated Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a two-step process.

Program Admissions Requirements

Admission to the Accelerated BSN program is a competitive selection process. Applicants to the Accelerated BSN program should meet the following minimum admission criteria listed below. Meeting minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission to the Accelerated BSN program.

• Be in good academic standing at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University.
• Have an earned bachelor’s degree in any field.
• Complete at least 12 hours of the following required pre-requisite courses with a grade of C or better prior to application to the clinical nursing program and must appear on the transcript.
  • BIOL 2310: Anatomy and Physiology I (3 hours)
  • BIOL 2311: Anatomy and Physiology II (3 hours)
  • BIOL 2325: Microbiology (3 hours)
  • Science lab (1 hour)
  • PSYC 2330: Developmental Psych (3 hours)
  • PHIL or RELS: Ethics elective (3 hours)
  • MATH 2315: Statistics (3 hours)
  • BIOL 2320: Nutrition (3 hours)
  • NURS 2410: Pathophysiology (4 hours)
  • THEO 1310: Introduction to Theology (3)
• Have earned a grade point average of 3.0 on the combination of any completed required pre-requisite coursework and all previous coursework (Elective Arts/Sciences courses) applied to the BSN program
• Have completed with a grade of C or better, have in progress, or plan to complete all remaining prerequisite coursework prior to beginning the clinical program. Students must earn a grade of C or better in NURS 2410 (Pathophysiology) within 3 years of admission. Students may only attempt NURS 2410 twice within a 3 year period. Any grade, including a W, constitutes an attempt.
• Have earned a grade of C or better in all courses applied to the ABSN program
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• Additional factors may influence acceptance into the Accelerated BSN program.
  

Students who will enroll in this option already have earned a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and will only need to complete the courses required for completion of the BSN degree. The entire degree requires completion of 120 credit hours. Students will complete the nursing courses full time in 16 months.

Application Process

Applicants to the pre-licensure ABSN program must submit an application specific to the BSN program to the Office of Admission by January 15 for the August class. For general information related to making application, refer to the Admissions section of this catalog.

Application Decisions

Admission decisions are made in a manner consistent with the University's policy on admission. Applicants will be considered on a competitive basis. Factors considered in the review of applications include: the admission criteria listed in this section of the catalog, the ability to meet the Core Performance Standards of the School of Nursing, the  University's policy on admission and other individual characteristics or attributes that increase likelihood of success in the program.

Upon acceptance into the BSN Program, students are required to:

1. Attend new nursing student orientation;
2. Submit to a criminal background check (at the student's expense);
3. Comply with the health and safety requirements of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University School of Nursing;
4. Submit an application for approval to enroll in a clinical nursing course;

The Nurse Practice Act of Louisiana requires that all students must be approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) to enroll in clinical nursing courses.  The LSBN requires persons who have been arrested, charged with or convicted of any criminal offense in any state to petition the Louisiana State Board of Nursing in writing for the right to practice as a student nurse in Louisiana. The LSBN also requires persons who have any addiction or impairment which may affect their ability to practice nursing to petition for the right to practice as a student nurse prior to enrolling in a clinical nursing course. The Application for Approval to Enroll in a Clinical Nursing Course form will be provided to the student once accepted into the program. Final program acceptance is contingent upon LSBN approval.

School of Nursing Health Requirements

All health and safety requirements should be completed prior to the start of any clinical course. These requirements include:

1. MMR, Tetanus-diptheria booster, and meningococcal immunizations,

2. Hepatitis B Vaccine series,

3. Evidence of immunity to caricella (chickenpox) or the vaccine,

4. TB (tuberculosis) skin test,

5. Evidence of influenza vaccine,

6. Covid vaccine or exemption,

7. Physical exam,

8. Negative drug screen, and

9. Current CPR (American Heart Association approved)

Licensure

Requirements for professional licensure and certification can vary by state and can change without notice. All students should consult the state licensing body in the state in which they reside or seek to be licensed to ensure that the degree they earn will meet requirements for licensure in that state. https://franu.edu/offices-services/distance-education/licensure-disclosures

Program Mission

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs build on a foundation of the arts and sciences to form self-directed, nurse generalists prepared to assume leadership roles in the delivery of evidence-based nursing care. The nursing programs develop professional nurses within an educational climate of honesty, respect, inquiry, service, and collaboration.

Program Goals

1. At least 80% of graduates who test will pass the NCLEX-RN licensure exam on the first attempt.
2. At least 65% of students admitted to the pre-licensure BSN program will complete the program within 150% of program length (7 semesters).
3. At least 90% of graduates will be employed within 12 months of graduation.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, the graduate will be able to:

1. Provide holistic nursing care to individuals, families, communities, and populations across the lifespan, the health continuum, and healthcare contexts.
2. Integrate knowledge from the arts, sciences, and nursing in the delivery of high-quality nursing care.
3. Translate existing evidence into safe nursing practice.
4. Communicate and collaborate in respectful partnerships to optimize health.
5. Function as a leader and change agent within dynamic healthcare systems using knowledge of health policies and legal principles.
6. Apply ethical principles while serving as an advocate and a caring healthcare provider.
7. Demonstrate reflective practice to support continuous personal and professional growth.

Accreditation

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Questions about accreditation of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is Continuing Accreditation

— View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm