The second degree nursing program is an accelerated program for those students who have achieved a baccalaureate degree in a discipline other than nursing. It consists of four (4) consecutive full-time terms starting in the fall of each year.
Program Overview
The nursing degree program at RMU builds on the natural and behavioral sciences, integrating liberal arts and professional courses into a cohesive program. Students develop strong technical skills, as well as the clinical judgment and critical thinking necessary to succeed in today's rapidly changing health care system. Clinical experiences are conducted in community and hospital settings.
The program has a unique focus on business, communications, global perspective and technology in addition to strong clinical skills, and preparation for the licensing exam to become a registered nurse. All students will utilize handheld computer technology capable of storing software applications and data at their fingertips. Students learn to care for patients in state-of-the-art clinical facilities as well as in RMU's Regional Research and Innovation in Simulation Education (RISE) Center. Students also have the opportunity to travel internationally to better understand global health issues.
Depending on the applicant's previous degree and course work, many of the core and prerequisite course requirements can be satisfied by transfer credits. Once students start courses with clinical, the degree can be completed in four consecutive semesters over a 15-month period.
Program Objectives 
The B.S.N. degree program prepares students to:
- Demonstrate critical thinking, clinical decision-making and psychomotor skills necessary for safe and competent practice
- Integrate methods of research and scholarship to make and prioritize diagnoses, plan, implement and evaluate the care of individuals, groups and communities
- Assess health and incorporate principles and methods of health promotion and health education in nursing care of individuals, groups and communities
- Integrate traditional and developing methods of discovering, retrieving and using information in nursing practice
- Demonstrate professional behaviors when providing nursing care to individuals and families
- Describe how health care delivery systems are organized and financed and the effect on patient care
- Communicate clearly and succinctly in speech and writing.
R.N. Licensure
Following completion of the degree, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) required for practice as a registered nurse (RN).
Requirements
By virtue of the achievement of the first undergraduate degree, the applicant will receive transfer credit or advanced standing for ALL of the following courses (36 credits): 
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General Psychology - 3 credits
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Literature - 3 credits
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Sociology - 3 credits
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Economics - 3 credits
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History/Political Science - 3 credits
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Arts/Humanities - 3 credits
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Open Electives - 6 credits
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Communication Skills - 12 credits
The student MUST complete the following required pre-requisite non-nursing courses (30 credits) prior to the start of the nursing major:
- Statistics - 3 credits
- Anatomy and Physiology I with lab - 4 credits
- Anatomy and Physiology II with lab - 4 credits
- Microbiology with lab - 4 credits
- Human Growth and Development - 3 credits
- Nutrition - 3 credits
- Pathophysiology - 3 credits
However, the following two (2) courses may be taken during the 15-month nursing program.
- Healthcare Information System - 3 credits
- Accounting 1020 or HSAM 1500, 2100 or 3200 - 3 credits
After fulfilling the pre-requisite courses, the students must complete the nursing curriculum (59 credits):
- NURS 2010 Introduction to Professional Nursing
- NURS 2020 Nursing Assessment & Health Promotion
- NURS 2060 Nursing Care of the Aging Adult
- NURS 3015 Foundations of Nursing Practice
- NURS 3020 Management of Adult I
- NURS 3030 Pharmacology for Health Professionals
- NURS 3040 Nursing Research
- NURS 3050 Nursing Care of Mothers, Newborns and Families
- NURS 3055 Nursing Care of Children and Families
- NURS 3060 Nursing Ethics
- NURS 4015 Community Health
- NURS 4020 Advanced Management of Adult II
- NURS 4025 Nursing Care of Psychiatric Clients
- NURS 4031 Transition to Professional Practice
- NURS 4035 NCLEX Licensure Prep for Success
- NURS 4041 Preparation for Professional Practice
Sample Curriculum - BS in Nursing, Second Degree Track
Second Degree Curriculum
Admission Requirements
The following are required for admission to the Nursing Second Degree Track:
- Robert Morris University application for admission - Apply Online
- Baccalaureate degree in a discipline other than nursing
- Undergraduate QPA of at least 3.0 with submission of official transcript from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Evidence of strength in science and math courses
- Documentation of high school or college Chemistry with lab
- Current resume
All admission materials should be submitted to the Office of Admissions unless an applicant has previously attended Robert Morris University. If the applicant has previously attended RMU, the student should contact the Nursing Enrollment Coordinator and Advisor in the Department of Nursing.
After the required materials have been received in Admissions, the review of the applicant’s file will take place in the Department of Nursing.
With acceptance to the Second Degree Nursing major, a meeting with the Nursing Advisor is strongly recommended.
Application Deadlines
Admission into the Second Degree Nursing Program is competitive. Please observe the following deadlines:
March 15: All application materials are due and must be submitted to the Office of Admissions. However, early application is recommended. Applications are reviewed after submission of all required materials.
April 16: Accepted students must submit a $150 deposit and the Candidate’s Reply Form to the Office of Admissions to hold their place in the fall class.
Completed applications are reviewed regularly within the Department of Nursing and a decision regarding acceptance will be rendered in a timely manner.