Accelerated Second Degree Nursing

All Majors & Minors

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-žž�� | 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.

By the Numbers

#7

Best Nursing Schools in the U.S.

– College Raptor (2025)

#21

Top Schools for a Bachelor’s in Nursing

– College Factual (2025)

#74

Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs

– U.S. News & World Report (2026)

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.

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.

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

60 credits

Contact Us

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

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. Courses not completed during the applicant’s previous undergraduate program may be taken at any accredited university. A final official transcript must be submitted showing final course grades before starting the ASDNU program.

The admission application process is . If you have questions, please contact Admission staff at ASDNUadmiss@fairfield.edu.

Admission Application Process

Tuition and Financial Aid

Credits: 60

Semesters: 4

Cost per Semester: $14,330 per semester

Cost per semester does not include fees or annual increases. Figures are based on the 2026-27 rate.

Tuition & Costs

Financial Aid

Robin Cook

Director of Second Degree Nursing, Austin | Associate Professor of the Practice, Nursing

Christopher Lacerenza

Director of Second Degree Nursing, Connecticut | Assistant Professor of the Practice, Nursing

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.

NLN Accredited

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

SSH Accreditation

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

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

Learn more

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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