College of Health Professions, Nursing and Pharmacy

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Second Degree Program Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements for the Accelerated BSN Program?
Bachelor’s degree, preferred 3.0 cumulative GPA, all prerequisites completed with a grade of C or better, & a preferred 3.0 or higher in the following prerequisites: Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology, & Chemistry.

What are the prerequisites required for the Accelerated BSN Program?

  • Anatomy w/ lab
  • Physiology w/ lab
  • Microbiology w/ lab
  • Chemistry w/ lab
  • Statistics 
  • Nutrition
  • Human Growth and Development (Developmental Psychology)

Prerequisites must be completed by August 1.

Do I need to take the GRE for admissions into the program?
The GRE is not required for admission into the program.

Are letters of recommendation required? If yes, how many?
Yes, one letter of recommendation is required. Applicants are allowed to submit up to three.

What is the application deadline?
View the application deadline here

What is the timeline to apply?
The NursingCAS application for the Accelerated BSN Second Degree Program is open from mid-August to mid-June. Currently, there is only one start for the ABSN Program per year (Fall). 

Where can I find instructions and FAQs regarding my NursingCAS application?
You may view NursingCAS application instructions and FAQ here!

How many credits is the program?
67 credits

Are international students eligible to enroll in the program?
Manchester University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Second Degree Program does not have approval from Homeland Security to accept international students for the fall 2024 semester. International Students are not eligible to apply to the Accelerated BSN Second Degree Program at this time. We are seeking approval for fall 2024.

Who is this program for?
Second-degree students looking for a career change to pursue nursing.

What will I be able to do with this degree?
The Accelerated BSN Second Degree Program is for future nurses who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field and would like to pursue a path toward becoming a registered nurse. Manchester offers a full-time, in person, 16-month program that can get you on the fast track to a new, meaningful and rewarding career.

Can a student transfer in credits?
Transfer credits are not accepted for the Accelerated BSN Second Degree Program.

Can I earn continuing education (CE) credits from the Accelerated BSN Program?
No

Can I complete the program part-time?
The Accelerated BSN Second Degree Program is a 16-month accelerated program and cannot be completed part-time.

Am I able to take a break from the program if I need to?
This would be reviewed on a case-by-case situation. Students would contact the director of the nursing program.

Does the program have to be completed within a certain timeframe?
Yes, the Accelerated BSN Second Degree Program is a cohort model and is 16-months.

Do courses need to be completed in a certain order?
The program is a cohort model which means courses need to be completed in the established order.

What are some highlights of the curriculum?
Student centered learning, case studies, team work, lab and simulation learning experiences, & online course work as well as small cohorts to affirm strong relationships among students and faculty.

What days of the week/times do students meet for class/lab?
Students should plan to have classes, labs, & clinical Mondays-Fridays 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., clinical days may start at 6 a.m.

What academic support is available if I am struggling in a class?
The best support can be found by contacting the  course faculty or faculty advisor, they will be able to provide specific instructions for improvement. Additionally, Manchester University has a Student Success Center that provides academic resources that empower students to overcome challenges, improve skills and gain a competitive edge. 

Will students be assigned a faculty advisor?
At the start of the program, students will be assigned a faculty advisor.

How often will I meet with an advisor? How available and supportive is the program staff? 
Students will meet with their faculty advisor each semester. Program staff, including the program director, will meet with enrolled students on a regular basis to assist in each student’s progression.

Where do classes and labs take place?
Classes are held at Manchester University’s Fort Wayne campus & the Parkview Mirro Center. Clinical sites vary within the Fort Wayne and surrounding area.

How many hours per week will I spend on coursework?
This is based on the credit hours of the course. For every credit hour there should be 2-3 clock hours outside of class working on the course. For example, a 3-credit hour course you would expect to spend 9 hours a week studying. Although, it should be stressed that at times you may have more or less work depending on the class and the subject.

Does Manchester University offer technical support for students?
Students can request assistance via several mechanisms.  The Manchester University ITS Help Desk is available M-F, 8a.m. - 5 p.m. EST and can be reached at 260-470-5454. Outside of business hours, requests can be submitted using an online form found at: https://service.manchester.edu/welcome.portal. Our learning management system, Canvas, provides 24/7 support. All students can use the Manchester University Canvas support line at 877-227-9487 or use Canvas' live chat option.

What are your online learning center platforms?
We use the learning management system, Canvas, to administer all coursework.

How would you describe the class environment?
The class sizes for the Accelerated BSN Second Degree Program are small. The program’s goal is to remain small to ensure that there is significant interaction, collaboration and teamwork among all faculty and students.

Are there internships or jobs available?
No

Can I take other courses at the same time as I am enrolled?
This program is a full course load in an accelerated format. We advise that you do not take courses outside of the program.

What is the difference between the curriculum for Traditional BSN Program and the Accelerated BSN Second Degree Program?
The curriculum in the Traditional BSN Program and the Accelerated BSN Second Degree Program are the same. The difference between the two include admission requirements and length of program.

Does Manchester University provide housing to graduate or second degree students?
No, Manchester University does not provide housing to adult, graduate, or professional students. A housing resource guide can be found here. The information provided in this survey is based on student opinions and doesn't necessarily reflect exact and updated information, nor the opinions of Manchester University.

What is the cost per credit hour for the Accelerated BSN Second Degree Program?
Tuition and fee information can be found on the website, here.

How can I go on a campus tour?
Campus tours can be arranged through the Office of Graduate Admissions. You can schedule a virtual or on-campus visit here. Please call 260-470-2703 or email gradadmissions@manchester.edu for more information. 

Who can I contact with questions about the program?
Contact the Office of Graduate Admissions for questions regarding the Accelerated BSN Second Degree Program at 260-470-2703 or gradadmissions@manchester.edu

Accreditation Status: 
The Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program and and Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program at Manchester University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).