Frequently Asked Questions:  Accelerated

Do I have to do the 15 hours at Rockhurst University?
Yes, Rockhurst University and Research College of Nursing are jointly offering the BSN degree.  All nursing students, whether traditional or accelerated must complete 15 hours at Rockhurst University to be eligible for the joint degree.  Accelerated Option students must complete these hours prior to beginning the one-year of nursing.

What if I took courses at Rockhurst previously?
Any 15 hours of credit taken at Rockhurst University will satisfy the 15-hour residency requirement.

Do I have to complete the 15 hours before I can apply?
No, it just has to be realistic that you will finish them prior to beginning nursing coursework and then you must provide documentation showing you completed the requirement.

When does the accelerated nursing program begin?
The accelerated BSN nursing coursework begins each August and runs for 12 months so students will graduate the following August. 

When do the classes meet and can I work while I’m in the program?
The classes meet Monday-Thursday from 8-5 however clinical days could start as early as 6:30am.  Friday is not a scheduled class day, except for occasional College events (once a semester). Friday is reserved so that students may use it to complete service-learning hours, and read and prepare for the next week's classes. Due to the accelerated pace of the program, students are encouraged not to work so that they have adequate time to complete requirements successfully in this rigorous nursing program.