Shenandoah’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing: Accelerated Second Degree Track, prepares you with the necessary skills and knowledge for entry-level nursing positions in a variety of diverse settings.
The 15-month track is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another discipline. Because of the intensity of the program, we strongly recommend you not be employed while enrolled in this accelerated program of study.
At Shenandoah, our role is to help you prepare for success in this challenging and satisfying health profession. As a student here, you will have opportunities to share and learn from your fellow students, faculty and practicing nurses, from within the classroom to a range of clinical environments including hospitals, medical practices and pharmacies.
Learn More About This Program
Our programs are challenging, but the rewards of completing your degree and entering this critical profession are many. We are committed to providing an outstanding education to nurses at all levels—from people entering the profession with a Bachelor’s degree in nursing, to advanced practice nurses seeking doctoral-level training. Our programs are dynamic and responsive to the needs of our students and the health care industry. Shenandoah Nursing offers classes in Winchester at the Health and Life Sciences Building, and in Ashburn at the Shenandoah Northern Virginia campus, conveniently located on Route 7 just east of Leesburg. We’re excited to share our programs with you.
I wanted to be in healthcare and nursing was the obvious choice. I chose the accelerated second degree program because it was a good fit for my career goals. Transition to professional practice was the best class with Dr. Ballard. It prepared me to be a real nurse. She taught us about orientation to our unit, crucial conversations, nurse residency, Magnet, how to get involved in committees, how to write a portfolio. It got me my job and it got me my clinical ladder promotion. It truly prepared me for professional practice and how to be a real nurse.
Christine Baker | Accelerated Second Degree Nursing, ’12
Career and Salary Possibilities
Nursing is the fastest-growing occupation in the U.S. and the demand is expected to rise through 2020. Graduates enjoy high starting salaries and flexible schedules in terms of hours and locations. As a nurse, you’ll have numerous opportunities for specialization and career advancement.
The B.S.N. degree is the entry-level degree for many health care organizations. It prepares you to perform clinical practice in today’s high tech health care environment, using clinical reasoning and critical thinking along with a caring demeanor.
The Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing prepares you to deliver, manage and lead nursing care in a variety of health care settings and participate in personal and professional development. You will be ready to do this in many settings, such as hospitals (acute care), clinics, medical practices, health departments, hospice and the military. You can work in international care, home care, trauma care or school nursing (you may teach in vocational LPN programs) and pursue graduate studies in advanced practice nursing, nursing education and research.
Career and Salary Examples for Nursing Majors:
- Nurse with BSN:$50,000-$75,000
- Nursing Manager: $81,831
- Nurse Case Manager: $67,342
- Family Nurse Practitioner (NP): $87,866
- Clinical Nurse Manager: $77,671
- Emergency Room Nurse: $67,546
The Career Services Office provides a comprehensive range of services and resources to assist Shenandoah students in their career search. Services offered include resume and cover letter building, mock interviews, and professional dining etiquette workshops.
Classes
Our Nursing program has small classes, and focuses on Ethics and Genomics which is the future of nursing. We also offer Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Relief courses which is very rare. Many schools have one skills lab, where as our students complete three. We don’t just teach skills, we give a reasoning behind the skills, and then preform them in a real world simulations.
You’ll learn to:
- analyze knowledge associated with professional nursing practice and membership within the nursing profession
- demonstrate skill in the delivery, management and leadership of professional nursing care
- demonstrate values consistent with the ethical delivery of professional nursing care
- exemplify unique meanings associated with professional nursing
- actively and intellectually engage in professional nursing experiences
View the Full Program Curriculum
Learning support services are available to all students in every course at Shenandoah. Free peer tutoring with a student who has previously succeeded in the course is available for any course across the university. The Writing Center is available for every stage of the writing process from thesis development to proofreading and bibliography assistance. The Math Enrichment Center is available for math and science assistance. Professors and Academic Advisors across the university also have office hours and open door policies to ensure Shenandoah students succeed academically.
Faculty
We have a low faculty-student ratio with small classes and clinical groups so you’ll receive personal attention from faculty. The result is a close-knit, collaborative community of nursing students, faculty and clinical preceptors.
There’s a special bond between Shenandoah University students and their professors. You’ll enjoy close relationships with faculty members who will mentor you in and out of the classroom. This remains a hallmark of our nursing education.
Shenandoah’s experienced and practicing faculty take every opportunity to provide you with the academic foundation you’ll need to meet the standards and rising expectations for practice in the nursing profession. They provide an environment where you can be inquisitive, grow and excel.
I would have to say the relationships and connections I built with professors and classmates was the most memorable part of my program. Being such a small school, you have the opportunity to develop close relationships with your peers and create lifelong friendships. When you are surrounded by faculty that want to see you succeed as well as friends and classmates who support you throughout your college and post grad life, you can’t help but feel grateful for the strenuous program that brought you together.
Kelsey Van Sickler | Nursing, ’14
Application Information
Shenandoah University works on rolling admissions and accepts applications throughout the year. Applications are reviewed individually and holistically.
Submit your application, review required admissions materials, find our admissions standards, and learn more about our Transfer Nursing Application Information.
