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Accelerated Second-Degree Bachelor of Science A.S.D.B.S.

Program Overview:

The Accelerated Second-Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ASDBS) program at St. Francis College is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and are ready to transition into professional nursing. Through an intensive course of study, students develop the clinical knowledge and judgment needed to provide safe, compassionate care.

Learning takes place in the classroom and extends into simulation, skills laboratories and supervised clinical experiences throughout the New York metropolitan area. Coursework spans the major areas of professional nursing practice, including health assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-newborn care, pediatrics, mental health, community health and nursing leadership. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to connect theory to real-world patient care.

At St. Francis College, students are supported by experienced nursing faculty and a range of academic resources throughout the program. Preparation for the NCLEX-RN is also integrated into the student experience. Rooted in the College’s Franciscan tradition, the program prepares graduates to enter nursing practice with professionalism, cultural awareness and a strong commitment to the communities they serve.

PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES

PLO 1: Apply knowledge from the arts and sciences to the care of individuals and families throughout the health-illness continuum.
PLO 2: Apply knowledge and skills in leadership, quality improvement, and patient safety to provide quality health care.
PLO 3: Translate current evidence into clinical decision making and professional nursing care.
PLO 4: Utilize technology and informatics appropriately in professional nursing settings.
PLO 5: Apply knowledge of health care policy, finance, and regulatory environments both directly and indirectly to influence the function of the health care system.
PLO 6: Collaborate and communicate effectively among health professionals to promote quality and safe patient care in a variety of health care settings.
PLO 7: Apply health promotion and disease prevention at the individual and population level to improve health.
PLO 8: Demonstrate autonomy, integrity, self-assessment, and social justice as part of developing the professional nursing role.
PLO 9: Provide culturally competent nursing care to individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations across the lifespan across a variety of health care environments.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

 

Code

Title

Credits

 

General Education Requirements

51

WRI 1

Writing

3

WRI-1100

Writing and Research

 

OC1

Presentation

3

COM-1000

Fundamentals of Public Speaking

 

QR1

Mathematics

4

MAT-1105

College Algebra

 

DL

Digital Literacy

3

ALC

Arts and Literature across Cultures

6

RS

Religion

3

REL-1101 or REL-1102

Survey of the World Religions or Death and the Afterlife

 

SSS

Social Sciences

6

SOC-1000

Principles of Sociology

 

 

Select one SSS course

 

EP

Ethics and Philosophy

6

NSS

Natural Sciences

8

BIO-1140 & BIO-1140L

Anatomy & Physiology I & Lab

 

BIO-1141 & BIO-1141L

Anatomy & Physiology II & Lab

 

HGP

Historical and Global Perspectives

6

FH

Personal Wellness

3

HS-1207

Nutrition

 

 

Major Requirements

76

NUR-2221

Introduction to Nursing Therapeutic Skills

3

NUR-3001

Nursing Informatics

3

NUR-3311

Geriatric Nursing

3

NUR-3323

Physical Assessment & Lab

4

NUR-3334

Nursing Care of the Adult-Lecture

5

NUR-3335

Nursing Care of the Adult-Clinical

3

NUR-3336

Nursing Pathophysiology

3

NUR-3450

Nursing Pharmacology

3

NUR-3501

Nursing Seminar I

1

NUR-3423

Leadership and Management

3

NUR-4423

Community Health Nursing – Clinical

3

NUR-4424

Community Health Nursing – Lecture

4

NUR-4440

Critical Care Medical Surgical Nursing – Lecture

4

NUR-4444

End of Life Nursing

3

NUR-4502

Nursing Seminar II

1

NUR-4600

Nursing Research

3

NUR-4446

Psychiatric Nursing-Lecture

3

NUR-4446C

Psychiatric Nursing-Clinical

2

NUR-4447

Nursing Care of Child & Family - Clinical 

3

NUR-4448

Nursing Care of Child & Family- Lecture

4

NUR-4449

Critical Care-Medical Surgical Nursing- Clinical

4

MAT-2301

Statistics

3

BIO-3300

Microbiology

3

BIO-3300L

Microbiology Lab

1

CHE-1105

Chemistry for Health Sciences

3

CHE-1105L

Chemistry for Health Sciences Lab

1

 

Total Credits

127

CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS

The Accelerated Second-Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing curriculum provides a comprehensive foundation in the sciences, liberal arts, and professional nursing practice. The 122-credit curriculum includes 44 credits of general education requirements, 63 credits of major requirements, and 15 credits of selected liberal arts coursework.

Strong Science and General Education Foundation
Students build essential knowledge through coursework in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry for the health sciences, psychology, sociology, statistics, mathematics, communication, and the humanities. This interdisciplinary foundation supports clinical reasoning, effective communication, and an understanding of the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence health.

Hands-On Nursing Skills and Health Assessment
Courses such as Therapeutic Skills and Health Assessment integrate classroom instruction with laboratory experiences, allowing students to develop foundational nursing competencies, assessment techniques, and skills necessary for safe, patient-centered care.

Comprehensive Adult and Critical Care Nursing
Students progress from adult nursing concepts and clinical experiences to advanced medical-surgical and critical care nursing. Coursework in pathophysiology and pharmacology strengthens students’ understanding of disease processes, medications, and evidence-informed nursing interventions.

Care Across the Lifespan and Diverse Populations
The curriculum prepares students to address the needs of patients, families, and communities across a variety of healthcare settings. Specialized coursework and clinical experiences include psychiatric nursing, nursing care of children and families, and community health nursing.

Clinical Learning Experiences
Multiple clinical courses provide opportunities for students to apply nursing knowledge in practice settings. Clinical education spans adult health, critical care, psychiatric nursing, child and family nursing, and community health, helping students integrate theory, clinical judgment, communication, and patient-care skills.

Leadership, Research, Technology, and Innovation
Upper-level coursework expands students’ preparation beyond direct patient care through study in nursing leadership, nursing research, theory and role development, innovation, health literacy, and healthcare informatics. These courses prepare graduates to engage with evidence-based practice and the evolving technological and organizational demands of healthcare.

Preparation for Professional Nursing Practice
Nursing Seminar I and Seminar II support students as they integrate knowledge from across the curriculum. Seminar II emphasizes NCLEX-RN preparation and the transition to professional practice, helping students prepare for the next stage of their nursing careers.

Upon completion of all requirements, students earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with a curriculum designed to prepare them for entry into professional nursing practice and eligibility for RN licensure, subject to applicable licensing requirements.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Graduates of the Accelerated Second-Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing program are prepared to pursue registered nursing opportunities across a wide range of healthcare settings. Career paths may include:

• Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse
• Critical Care / Intensive Care Registered Nurse
• Emergency Department Registered Nurse
• Pediatric Registered Nurse
• Maternal-Newborn Registered Nurse
• Psychiatric / Mental Health Registered Nurse
• Ambulatory Care Nurse
• Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Nurse
• Clinical Research Nurse
• Occupational Health Nurse
• Public Health Nurse
• School Nurse
• Rehabilitation Nurse
• Home Health Nurse
• Telehealth Nurse
• Care Coordinator
• Case Management Nurse
• Oncology Nurse
• Infusion Nurse
• Perioperative / Operating Room Nurse
• Community Health Nurse
• Wellness and Preventive Care Nurse

Registered nurses in the New York metropolitan area have strong earning potential, with compensation varying by specialty, experience and employer. Recent federal wage data place average RN earnings in the New York metropolitan area at approximately $111,000 annually.

A BSN also provides a strong foundation for continued professional growth and graduate education. With additional experience or advanced study, nurses may pursue opportunities in advanced practice, leadership, education, research or healthcare administration. 

Graduate pathways may include a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD in Nursing.
 

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