Accelerated BSN FAQs
Review the FAQs to understand the requirements and expectations for the Accelerated BSN program. Email AccelNursing@cord.edu with additional questions.
Review the FAQs to understand the requirements and expectations for the Accelerated BSN program. Email AccelNursing@cord.edu with additional questions.
We are located in Moorhead, Minnesota, which has a population of approximately 45,000 and borders North Dakota on its eastern side. Fargo is located across the Red River and has a population of 133,000. The local area is referred to as the F-M area. Concordia College is not affiliated with other universities that have the same name.
Our Accelerated BSN is a fast track to becoming an RN. The program is completed within a year and is ideal for college graduates who have completed a baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing major from a U.S. regionally accredited institution.
The 12-month program begins in January. Students complete the program in December of the same year.
No. Our program is classroom-based and follows the academic year and summer sessions. Students have classes 3-4 days per week and clinical experiences 2-3 days per week. Clinical schedules vary across day, evening, night shift, on weekdays, and possibly weekends.
No. Admission to Concordia is not completed until an applicant has been accepted into the program.
Yes. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
International students are required to have a baccalaureate or graduate degree in a non-nursing major from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university in order to apply for the accelerated nursing program. If you do not have a degree from a U.S. institution with regional accreditation, you do not meet the requirements for this program.
F-1 status would be available to students who have recently completed an academic year of study in the U.S. to qualify for curricular practical training to complete clinicals. Please consult with Concordia's Global Learning Office if an F-1 visa is needed.
Twenty students are accepted to the program each year.
This program is ideal for anyone who wants to change careers or students deciding late in their baccalaureate study to pursue a career in nursing.
The program length is three semesters and includes 54 credit hours. Visit the program overview page for all course details.
Yes. Successful completion of our program results in the awarding of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN) and you are able to sit for the Nursing Candidate Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and become a registered professional nurse (RN).
No. This program is designed for individuals who have already acquired a baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing major. This program is not intended to be a ladder program for LPN to baccalaureate-purposed RNs.
We do not require students to be Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) or Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). Baccalaureate-prepared nurses function under a completely different scope and standard of practice. Experience in these areas does not influence an individual's chance of admission nor does the type of major completed with the earned baccalaureate degree. Additionally, we do not give preference to applicants based on the school where the previous baccalaureate degree was earned.
Admission to our program is competitive and based on selective and cumulative GPA and other application requirements including references, a personal statement, and a resume.
The application cycle opens in March each year for the next January start. Qualified applicants who complete the process earlier in the application cycle will have a better chance of being admitted. The admission team will begin reviewing applications as they are completed on a monthly basis. Students will be notified of a decision once the final application review is complete.
Applicants must meet all the following requirements to be considered for acceptance:
Note: Students may be provisionally accepted to the program pending degree completion and/or completion of prerequisite coursework. Final official transcripts indicating degree and/or prerequisite completion are required to be fully accepted in the program.
International students are required to have a baccalaureate or graduate degree in a non-nursing major from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university in order to apply for the accelerated nursing program. If you do not have a degree from a U.S. institution with regional accreditation, you do not meet the requirements for this program.
Additionally, students must have a valid, unexpired visa through the duration of the program to participate in clinical activities. Students must work with Concordia's international student admission team to ensure visa requirements and financial arrangements are in order.
Prerequisite requirements:
Psychology: General, Introductory, or Lifespan
Human Nutrition: General or Lifespan
Human Anatomy and Physiology: Must cover the following body systems including neurological, cardiac, respiratory, GI, GU, musculoskeletal, and integumentary. Courses that are part of a series must be completed at the same institution (there are limited exceptions to this requirement). This course must include a linked lab.
Microbiology: Fundamental or General. This course must include a linked lab.
Chemistry: Introductory Chemistry or higher is accepted. Allied Health or Survey of Chemistry courses are accepted. A course that addresses organic and/or biochemistry content is highly recommended to prepare for coursework in the nursing major. This course must include a linked lab.
Mathematics: College Algebra, Statistics, or higher math
Your application is completed through NursingCAS. Visit the Applicant Help Center for specific details about the application process.
Select Spring 20XX as the semester you will start the program.
Select Concordia College, Moorhead MN / Accelerated BSN as your program of interest.
Complete the three NursingCAS application sections and the Concordia College section, which includes documents, prerequisites, reference selection, and questions.
Submit your application and pay the application fee.
Applications will be reviewed when all documents have been submitted and transcripts are validated. Applicants are able to check the status of their application on their NursingCAS account.
The following are required to complete your application:
Official transcripts (with all degree and prerequisite coursework completed) from all post-high school U.S. regionally accredited colleges and/or universities sent directly to NursingCAS. (See transcript FAQ for further information)
Two professional references (See reference FAQ for further information)
Current one-page resume
A personal statement 500-750 words in length addressing your motivation for returning to school, vocational, and career goals and what you believe to be the necessary characteristics and attributes of a healthcare professional
All prerequisite coursework with required documentation
Request your official transcripts from each regionally accredited U.S. college or university's registrar's office and have them sent directly to: NursingCAS Transcript Processing Center, PO Box 9201, Watertown MA 02471. Your transcripts will be reviewed and verified by NursingCAS and attached to your application. Transcripts are only reviewed through the application process. We do not review unofficial transcripts due to the volume of applicants for the program.
We require two professional references. Employers, supervisors, professors advisors, or clergy make great references. The individuals you choose should be able to comment on your ability to empathize and care for all clients in a nonjudgmental and culturally appropriate manner. This may include examples of observed behaviors. We suggest you identify your references early and let them know they will be receiving a reference request from nursingcasinfo@nursingcas.org on your behalf. Our Accelerated BSN program page has a designated tab for you to request your references.
Once your application is complete and verified by NursingCAS, you will receive an email from Concordia, via NursingCAS, that your application is ready for review. The admission team will begin reviewing applications in March, then on a monthly basis. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, so we strongly suggest you apply early. Applicants will be notified of admission to the Accelerated BSN program promptly following review. Upon acceptance, students are required to pay a nonrefundable deposit of $250. This deposit reserves a seat in the program and is applied toward programmatic expenses during the first semester.
Concordia has long-standing relationships with a variety of healthcare organizations in the community. Students benefit from having all clinical experiences planned and arranged by nursing faculty to acquire 500 hours of clinical practice. We retain a ratio of one faculty to seven students in all clinical settings to ensure direct supervision and strong mentorship. We have contracts with 15 clinical agencies to provide a variety of experiences across specialties, diverse patient populations, and the lifespan.
Following the program students will be able to:
Apply concepts from arts, humanities, and sciences to professional nursing practice.
Communicate clearly and effectively.
Apply critical thinking skills in deliberate decision-making.
Provide nursing care in accordance with Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice (ANA, 2015) and Nursing's Social Policy Statement: The Essence of the Profession (ANA, 2010).
Provide nursing care in accordance with the Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements (ANA, 2015).
Sit for the Nursing Candidate Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become an RN.
The Accelerated BSN program at Concordia College is designed for full-time students to complete in 12 months. Per credit tuition is $795. There are other fees students are responsible for. Please see the program cost page for further details.
Questions related to tuition and financial aid are addressed through the Business Office (218.299.3150) and Financial Aid Office (218.299.3010) on campus. Scholarships may be available through regional health systems, but they are not provided through the nursing department or Concordia College. You must seek out these opportunities on their own. Read more under the Scholarships and Financial Aid tab on the program cost page.
The nursing faculty at Concordia place a strong emphasis on advising and mentoring students to achieve their greatest potential. You will receive individual guidance throughout the program and in your next steps toward becoming an RN.
The Fargo-Moorhead community has a variety of housing options available. On-campus housing is primarily for undergraduate students; however, there may be exceptions. If you have questions about housing, contact our admission team.
Yes, students are responsible for transportation to all clinical experiences. The Fargo-Moorhead area does not offer transportation that coincides with all clinical shifts. Students are able to ride share to some clinicals with other students. The use of Uber, Lyft, and/or taxis is not a dependable means of transportation for clinical assignments.