Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Second Degree
Methodist College offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Second Degree, an online and weekend program for those who have earned a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing and wish to become a registered nurse. In addition, Methodist College offers a Master of Science in Nursing Prelicensure for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree, who want to become a registered nurse and earn a Master of Science in Nursing degree for career opportunities or to pursue doctoral studies.
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Second Degree Prelicensure degree, graduates will then be qualified to sit for the national licensing exam, NCLEX-RN. Our first-time pass rate continues to surpass state and national averages.
New Bachelor of Science in Nursing Curriculum
In Spring 2022, Methodist College launched a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing Second Degree curriculum that is streamlined and reflects alignment with changes in nursing education. The new curriculum reduces the required number of credit hours from 122 to 120.
Interested students are encouraged to apply early and submit their high school and any college transcripts as soon as possible to not only expedite the application process, but assist the advising team to best guide students through the course registration process.
Time to completion will depend on whether the student attends part-time or full-time. Students must be able to attend weekend face-to-face classes, face-to-face clinical experiences in the Peoria, Illinois area, blended classes, and online classes. Online classes are offered as asynchronized or synchronized meetings on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Weekends include Saturday mornings through Sunday late afternoons.
Prior to beginning 200-level nursing courses in the BSN Second Degree program, the following courses must be completed:
- Anatomy and Physiology I or equivalent - 4 credit hours
- Anatomy and Physiology II or equivalent - 4 credit hours
- Microbiology or equivalent
General Admission Requirements
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Submission of a complete application for admission and application fee
- Submission of official transcripts from each college and university attended (send via email to MC_OfficeofRecordsRegistrar@carle.com)
- Proof of completion of a bachelor's degree
BSN SECOND DEGREE SAMPLE CURRICULUM
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
REQUEST INFORMATION
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CATALOG AND HANDBOOKS
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES INFOGRAPHIC
For more information, please call 309-672-5513 or email a member of our Admissions staff.
Student Housing
The Prairie Sky Apartments are located next to the Methodist College campus and offer fully furnished apartments in 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom and 2 bedroom suite options. The student-only housing is conveniently located next to the Grand Prairie retail and dining complex and is easily accessible to biking and walking trails.
Master of Science in Nursing Prelicensure
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Prelicensure degree is for individuals with a bachelor's degree in another subject, who want to become registered nurses and earn a Master of Science in Nursing degree for career opportunities or to pursue doctoral studies. Students in the MSN-Prelicensure will take the 21 credits of foundation course work and the required curriculum to be prepared to sit for the licensure exam to become a registered nurse.
Professional Licensure
A state's laws may require individuals to be licensed or have a certificate to practice a profession in that state, such as nursing. If a student lives outside Illinois and is pursing a degree in a field that requires a license or certification to practice, it is important for that student to determine whether their degree from Methodist College will qualify them for that license or certification in their home state.
Students should contact their home state's licensing board to obtain the applicable requirements, rules, and regulations of their home state, and are responsible for determining whether an online distance education program will meet their home state's requirements for certification, licensure prior to enrollment at Methodist College.
Please be aware, programs that require a professional licensure in your home state may have different requirements particularly for any clinical or internship experience that may take place in your state. We strongly encourage you to reach out to the appropriate licensing agency in your home state before enrolling in an academic program outside of your home state.
State Requirements for Nursing Licensure (pdf)
Professional Nursing Licensure requirements by state for RN programs (National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
If information regarding the field is not provided in the entry for the student's home state, then the student should consult the licensing agency indicated for their state for further information.