Do you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and want to become a registered nurse? The VCU School of Nursing offers two options for second-degree candidates to shift careers and obtain a B.S. in nursing.
Whether your first B.S. degree is in history, accounting or some other field, you may apply to either the accelerated B.S. track - our year-round and quickest option to become an RN - or the traditional B.S. track - a two and a half-year curriculum that does not meet during the summer.
The accelerated B.S. track provides a basic nursing education to students seeking their first nursing degree. A fast-paced and rigorous program, this track combines intense classroom study with clinical experience at VCU Medical Center and other health care facilities in the Richmond metropolitan area.
The 19-month program, which starts with a new cohort each summer, develops the nursing knowledge and skills needed for professional practice. After earning a B.S. in nursing, graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurse licensure.
Additional program and policy information is located in the B.S. Student Handbook.
Review our application instructions and details, program overview, admission and degree requirements. Please note that several Bulletin updates for the second-degree options are underway. We encourage you to attend one of our information sessions or contact us as vcu_nurse@vcu.edu if you have questions.
Lastly, here are the NCLEX pass rates for your review from the Virginia Board of Nursing website.
