Choosing to become a nurse may be one of the best decisions you will ever make. You have chosen to enter a challenging but highly rewarding career, and we are here to ensure you are prepared for anything.

As a Duquesne nursing student, you will gain critical thinking skills needed for the dynamic health care environment, while also learning how to see and treat a patient holistically. By blending traditional classroom instruction with simulation labs and hands-on clinical experiences, you will enter the profession with a strong, broad-based clinical foundation for nursing practice.

We can't wait to welcome you on campus. Until then, please refer to this page for resources and different ways of connecting with campus contacts, current students and your fellow classmates.

BSN Second Degree Alumni

2022 Alumna

Do you have any advice for prospective and incoming Second Degree students? 

Katherine Kolber
For prospective students, if you're on the fence about putting off a year of your life to come back to school for Nursing, do it. It's well worth it. I had considered the switch to Nursing for three years before actually starting the program. It can be scary to make such a major career change depending on your first degree and background, but I wish I would have had someone telling me to go for it and how worth it it would be. My previous degrees were in Business and Psychology. I worked in Advertising and Marketing for 5 years previously. If you're not feeling fulfilled or like your work is meaningful in your current career, you will absolutely find fulfillment with Nursing. I wish I had made the change earlier. 

For incoming students, enjoy the more relaxed pace of the Fall semester, because Spring semester and Summer semester are very busy. On the positive side, since you're eating, sleeping, and breathing nursing for an entire year, you'll gain more confidence as you get more entrenched in the program. You really feel like all of the knowledge you've learned comes together in the Summer semester. It's easy to get caught up in your work, but I would encourage you to do something for yourself once a day that's not school-related. The power center is great for a workout during your lunch break or even doing something as simple as stepping off campus and getting a quick bite to eat in the city with classmates. Duquesne's location is great with it being in the heart of the city. 

What does an average "day in life" look like for a Second Degree student? 

It depends on the day. In both the Spring and the Summer semesters you'll be in a full day of lectures both Monday and Tuesday with clinical rotations on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. On the lecture days, you'll spend a lot of time in class and most likely complete assignments that are due when you're out of class. I found clinical days to be a good time to study for the next upcoming exam when I got out of the hospital. 

Why did you decide to attend Duquesne University School of Nursing? 

There are a few reasons I chose Duquesne. I was looking at two other accelerated 12-month Nursing programs back home in New York. Neither of those programs started students in clinical rotations until the second half of the program. With an accelerated program being so fast-paced, I wanted to start my clinical experience in the hospital right away. Having classroom lectures paired with the clinical hands-on portion really helped solidify what I was learning in class. We started in the hospital during our second week of classes which is huge and uncommon for many other accelerated programs. I also knew Duquesne had an excellent reputation for Nursing. The most successful nurses I know attended Duquesne. Along with being a reputable school, I wanted the fastest program possible. I appreciated that Duquesne offered the 12-month option.

August 2020 Alumna

Sarah Wright

The professors were always available to meet for office hours in order to clarify information taught. The director of the ABSN program and professor, Amber Kolesar, was incredibly helpful and understanding of my learning style. She worked hard to give her students tips and tricks to remember key nursing knowledge that I still use in my job today.

Wright's Experience

December 2020 Alumna

Zachary Kruger
I chose the 16-month track because, although intense, it is a little slower paced than the 12 months. One would think that it would be overwhelming, but I never felt that way. There are busy moments, sure, but you learn to work through it and how to plan around classes. Personally, I liked the way that the program was structured. The classes gave me a strong foundation of scientific concepts and nursing practices before leading into a heavier clinical schedule.

Kruger's Experience

 

References and Resources

Deadline to Deposit: June 15

A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to become a student, and the deposit must be made by Thursday, June 15.

Pay your Deposit

Next Steps Communication: Early June

In early June, School of Nursing welcome packets will be emailed and are filled with useful information such as class registrations, student handbook review and health and clinical requirements.

Start of Fall Semester: August 21

Classes begin on Monday, August 21. The academic calendar has important dates for the semester.

Academic Calendar

Duquesne University Tour

View our beautiful campus via this virtual tour, which is led by Duquesne students.

Learning and Simulation Center

The Learning & Simulation Center will help you learn practical nursing skills in the safety of a simulation lab. Watch an official video tour of the Learning and Simulation Center and/or join our nursing recruiters for a walkthrough of the Center.

Diversity and Student Inclusion

The Center for Excellence in Diversity and Student Inclusion helps by providing support services and opportunities for learning. The Center coordinates community-wide events and programs to celebrate, acknowledge campus leaders and raise awareness about critical issues.

Office of Financial Aid

Duquesne University is pleased to announce a $10,000 Tuition Award to all new Second Degree BSN students enrolled in the Fall 2023 semester, regardless of whether you select the 12-month or 16-month format of study. Please review the other Financial Aid opportunities specific to Second Degree BSN students.

Financial Aid PowerPoint as presented at the March 25, 2023 Accepted Student Day.

Office of Commuter Affairs

The Office of Commuter Affairs works diligently to help you feel at home and part of the Duquesne family. See what sort of resources are available to commuters.

Office of Residence Life

The Office of Residence Life provides a highly trained staff of live-in Resident Directors, Assistant Resident Directors and Resident Assistants who are available to support you on a daily basis (24 hours a day, in fact).