For over 25 years, the nursing department provided an opportunity for RNs to earn their BSN degree through part-time study in the Weekend College. Building on our expertise in adult education, the department redesigned the program to better fit the needs of today’s RNs by offering a completely accelerated RN to BSN degree starting in fall of 2003. And, new for fall 2007, the College offers two options for an accelerated Masters of Science in Nursing: Leadership in Nursing Education and Leadership in Nursing Administration.

Accelerated RN to BSN Completion Program for Registered Nurses

Notre Dame’s Nursing Program is a truly accelerated RN-BSN program, offering most RNs the opportunity to take every class they need, including the sciences and the liberal arts, in an accelerated format. Students begin their program of study with an upper-level nursing course designed to hone the skills that are essential to academic success. The remaining seven nursing courses are spaced throughout the two-and-half year baccalaureate program.

Nursing majors must complete a minimum of 120 credits and all College and nursing department requirements to earn the Bachelor of Science degree. The required credits include 24 general education credits, 8 elective credits, 28 credits of department requirements, 30 upper-level nursing credits per the Maryland RN-BSN Articulation Agreement, and 30 upper-level nursing credits earned at Notre Dame.

Some aspects of this innovative program are:

• completing all bachelor's degree requirements beyond the associate degree in approximately two-and-a-half years
• studying one day a week for four hours throughout the calendar year, with breaks around major holidays
• taking classes on the same day, at the same time, throughout the entire degree program
• learning with a cohort of RN colleagues
• dynamic curriculum features clinical experiences with older adults, families and community-based settings
• curriculum designed to assist RNs to make successful transitions back to an academic setting
• students begin upper-level nursing courses immediately upon entry into program
• service-learning experiences enhance class and clinical education/learning
• emphasis on contemporary issues facing nursing care delivery in today's challenging health care environment
• clinical courses designed for experienced RNs that enhance and expand
• evidenced based knowledge and practice for different populations
• One to two week Study Abroad options that can be taken in lieu of one clinical course
• final, "Capstone" course promotes leadership and examines the transition from the program into future career opportunities, including graduate education and life-long learning
• working with faculty in collegial relationships where students' clinical knowledge and skills are highly valued
• a partially accelerated option is also available

For more information, visit our Accelerated section on the website, email us at accelerate@ndm.edu or call us at 410-532-5500.

The nursing program is approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (3343 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30326, 404-975-5000).

Maryland RN to BSN Articulation Model
The accelerated nursing program at College of Notre Dame of Maryland is a participant in the Maryland RN to BSN Articulation Model. Therefore, all registered nurses admitted to the Accelerated College for September 2003 and later will enter under the terms of this model, as they apply to College of Notre Dame's nursing program:

• Up to 60 non-nursing community college credits will be accepted in transfer;
• RNs with an active license in Maryland or a compact state will be granted 30 upper-level nursing credits per the articulation model;
• No nursing challenge exams are required for admission to the accelerated nursing program;
• Under the terms of the model, no community college nursing credits will be transferred;
• RNs will complete the remaining 30 upper-level nursing credits and any additional program requirements through Notre Dame.

A minimum of 30 earned credits from College of Notre Dame of Maryland are required for graduation.

Please note: To earn honors at graduation, students must complete a minimum of 60 credits in graded course work at College of Notre Dame of Maryland. This excludes credits earned through pass/fail courses, standardized testing, petitioning for credit, transfer, and CLEP examinations.