The BSN Program at Mount St. Joseph University offers a three-year undergraduate nursing pathway, complementing its esteemed traditional four-year BSN program. The accelerated track targets high school students from institutions with substantial college credits and caters to those aspiring for a bachelor's degree within a condensed timeframe. This track aligns with the growing demands of prospective nurses in the healthcare sector, ensuring the continuity of our faith-based liberal arts education in the nursing education market. In response to the intensified nursing workforce shortage post-COVID-19, our three-year track emerges as a strategic solution, enabling students to graduate sooner, minimize tuition costs, and promptly contribute to filling critical gaps in healthcare. The nursing department aims to attract highly motivated individuals to join our pioneering program through collaboration with high school guidance counselors and alignment with dual-credit options available to high school students. While ensuring the same rigorous training and educational quality, this accelerated track reflects our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of students and the surrounding community. We invite prospective students to embark on an expedited yet comprehensive journey toward a fulfilling nursing career.

Graduate sooner to minimize tuition costs
Promptly contribute to filling critical gaps in healthcare
Eligible to receive support from a dedicated Academic Success Coach
  Admission Criteria and Application Process

Three-Year Pathway Students: (out of high school less than four years) the nursing department evaluates applicants from a holistic perspective and considers a strong applicant one who meets the following criteria for the nursing program:

  • Recommended ACT score of 21 or higher/SAT score of 1070 or higher.
  • Weighted high school cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
  • Completed high school Chemistry, Algebra I, and Algebra II with a “C” or higher.
  • Place above MTH 098 – Intermediate Algebra.
  • Applicants must complete a minimum of 22 transfer credits that align with the program’s curriculum by high school graduation and 28 transfer credits that align with the curriculum before the start of the clinical nursing program. In addition, four transfer courses by high school graduation must equate to five of the nursing prerequisites listed below:
    • BIO 197/197A
    • BIO 198/198A
    • SOC 103
    • PSY 103
    • CHE 104/104A/104R 
  • Two letters of recommendation acknowledge the applicant's attributes that will contribute to their success as a nursing student in a three-year accelerated track.
  • A personal statement outlining the applicant’s interest in nursing, reasons for choosing a 3-year track, and the applicant’s plan for thriving in the nursing program as an accelerated student.
  • A mandatory meeting with the applicant is required before enrollment.
  Summer Curricular Requirements
To be eligible for the accelerated track and gain direct entry into the clinical nursing program, applicants must fulfill individualized prerequisites and attend designated orientation sessions during the summer preceding the start of the following fall semester. These preparatory steps are tailored to equip high school students with the necessary foundation to handle the accelerated nursing track's demands and facilitate a seamless transition into the program.
  Advising and Planning
Our program is dedicated to providing personalized advising tailored to support prospective students embarking on the three-year nursing track. Recognizing each student's journey from high school to college is unique; we emphasize individualized guidance to facilitate efficient navigation through the nursing curriculum. Our committed advisors partner with students to craft a customized plan that aligns with their academic ambitions, fits within their unique schedules, and guarantees a seamless progression through the rigorous curriculum. This advising approach facilitates the accelerated track's requirements, enabling students to make well-informed choices regarding their education and future nursing careers. With our comprehensive support, students are thoroughly equipped to embrace the demands of the accelerated program, advancing confidently toward their aspiration of becoming proficient nursing professionals. It is important to note that three-year students are not required to take summer courses except for the summer immediately before their inaugural fall semester at the University.
  Mentorship and Support
Our program offers a blend of personalized guidance and mentorship for students pursuing the accelerated three-year track, anchored by the dedicated efforts of our Academic Success Coach, nursing faculty, and advisors. This comprehensive approach fosters student growth, enhances retention and graduation rates, and prepares students for success in their studies and future healthcare careers. By bringing together faculty, advisors, mentors, and specialized tutors, we focus on developing the essential behaviors, habits, and academic skills needed to navigate the challenges of the nursing program and excel in the dynamic healthcare field. We are committed to nurturing confident, skilled, and thriving nursing professionals through this integrated support system.
  Contact Information

Leadership:

Sandra Matthias
BSN Program Director
1-513-244-4707

Additional Resources

3-Year BSN Pathway - Fact Card

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