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Accelerated Second Degree Nursing

Degree

Bachelor of Science, Major

School/College

Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies
One student in red scrubs and a professor in front of a simulation mannequin.

Fairfield University’s Accelerated Second Degree Nursing (ASDNU) program provides a unique opportunity for those with bachelor’s degrees in fields other than nursing to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in an accelerated format.

Two Locations, One Outstanding Program

15 Months | On-Campus | Austin, TX; Fairfield, CT

Attend A Virtual Information Session

Join us for a virtual information session to learn how this transformative program—offered at our Austin, TX and Fairfield, CT campuses—can jumpstart your nursing career. Explore the curriculum and ask questions from the comfort of your home.

Register Today

By the Numbers

Top 3%

Best College for Nursing in the Nation
– Niche’s 2023 Best Colleges

Top 15%

Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs
– U.S. News & World Report

Top 5%

Nursing Program in the Nation
– College Factual

What You'll Learn and Do

Be supported through every step.

Faculty members are experts in their field and work diligently to provide a simulation-focused approach to their teaching. Faculty advisors work closely with students to provide academic advice, individualized attention, and career planning. Small classes are a key component to the program, simulating clinical practice to give students a real-world sense of life in the industry.

Gain guaranteed clinical experience.

The curriculum combines theoretical and clinical components. Each school year, clinical work increases until the majority of time is spent in nursing courses. To ensure that students receive the clinical experience needed, Fairfield has partnerships with many clinical facilities, including hospitals, outpatient departments, rehabilitation and community health centers, public health departments, long-term care facilities, and healthcare clinics.

Develop skills and career-readiness.

Our second-degree programs are designed to draw upon your prior education and experience, which serves as a foundation for nursing courses. Students will develop the social awareness, critical thinking skills, aesthetic sensibility and values to become competent and compassionate nurses, capable of providing quality care to people in any setting. The Egan School has a 100% employment rate six months post-graduation.

Earn your degree in 15 months.

The full-time accelerated nursing programs allow you to earn a second bachelor’s degree in 15 months. You will grow personally and professionally as you gain the skills and clinical readiness required to pass the NCLEX licensure exam and start your new career as a nurse. In 2025, the first-time NCLEX pass rate across both campuses was 91%, surpassing the national average.

Video Poster

Accelerated Second Degree Program

Take a look at some of the state-of-the-art facilities at the nationally-ranked Egan School.

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Course Requirements

Accelerated Second Degree BSN Program (ASDNU)

60 credits

Contact Us

Office of Graduate and Professional Studies Admission
ASDNUadmiss@fairfield.edu
(203) 254-4184

Learn from Industry Experts 

Fairfield University’s Egan School boasts experienced faculty who inspire students to become leaders across social and healthcare environments. These students actively engage with faculty in practice, policy, scholarship, and service.

View All Faculty

Robin Cook
Robin Cook
Director of Second Degree Nursing, Austin | Associate Professor of the Practice, Nursing
Christopher Lacerenza
Christopher Lacerenza
Director of Second Degree Nursing Program (Connecticut), Assistant Professor of the Practice, Nursing

Accreditations

CCNE Accredited

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

All baccalaureate degree programs in nursing, master’s degree programs in nursing (including the Master’s Entry to Practice program), and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at Fairfield University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Learn More About CCNE Accreditation
NLN Center for Excellence in Nursing Education

NLN Accredited

Fairfield Egan's Nursing program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Center of Excellence.

SSH - Society for Simulation in Healthcare

SSH Accreditation

Fairfield's undergraduate Nursing program is accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare.

Admissions

All applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher from an accredited institution and must complete prerequisites prior to starting the program. Any courses not completed during the applicant’s previous undergraduate program may be taken at Fairfield University or any other accredited university. A final official transcript must be submitted showing final course grades before starting the ASDNU program.

Fairfield, CT Admissions

Each annual cohort starts at the end of May with between 50-60 students and concludes 15-months later at graduation in August. The admission application process is completely online. Please contact Admission staff with any questions you may have at ASDNUadmiss@fairfield.edu. 

Exterior of the Egan School at night.

Austin, TX Admissions

Fairfield’s Austin Campus admits two cohorts each year. The next cohort will start in May 2026 and conclude 15 months later. Beginning in 2027, cohorts will start in January and September of each year. The admission application process is completely online. Please contact Admission staff with any questions you may have at ASDNUadmiss@fairfield.edu.

Exterior of the Austin, TX building.

Clinical Placements

100% of nursing students will obtain their required clinical experience—504 clinical hours and 112 lab hours plus additional practice time and class simulation—at the following approved clinical sites.

  • Greenwich Hospital
  • Stamford Hospital
  • Norwalk Hospital
  • Danbury Hospital
  • Bridgeport Hospital
  • Yale New Haven Hospital
  • Milford Hospital
  • Griffin Hospital
  • St. Vincent’s Medical Center
  • Baylor Scott & White Health (Austin, TX)
  • Ascension Seton (Austin, TX)
  • Central Texas Veterans Health Care Systems (Austin, TX)

The ASDNU program helped me remake myself and launch a stable and fulfilling career in nursing. This could not have been done without the Egan School’s phenomenal professors and instructors, who truly foster growth and confidence in their students. The program builds, feeds, and maintains a camaraderie amongst its students, and many of my classmates will be my friends for life."

- Michael Willis '25

News & Career Resources

Featured

Image of a group of students seating, with one individual clapping in celebration.

Nursing Graduates Celebrate Achievements at Multiple Campuses

Pinning ceremonies at Fairfield University’s Austin and Main Campuses honored 68 new graduates of the Accelerated Second Degree Nursing Program.

Healing and Men(ding): Fairfield U’s Second Degree Program Outpaces National Trend for Male Nursing Majors

Two female nursing students simulating a midwifery scenario with a simulation doll.

Fairfield Egan Among the Best in the Nation

More Egan News

Resources for Student Success

The University Career Center serves Fairfield University students with comprehensive career support services, programming, and resources.

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Fairfield supports the scholarly success and intellectual growth of our students by providing various resources on campus including the Science Center, Writing Center, DiMenna-Nyselius Library, and more.

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Get started at Fairfield.

Get In Touch

  • 1073 North Benson Road
    Fairfield, CT 06824

  • (203) 254-4000

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