Program Overview

Accelerated Nursing Program Overview

The Accelerated Nursing Program at Pacific Lutheran University is designed for individuals with at least 60 college credits in another field of study. The program is a 16-month, full-time course of study that blends online nursing coursework with hands-on nursing labs and in-person clinical rotations.

Program Structure

• The program consists of four full-time semesters, with a total of 68 credit hours.
• Students complete online coursework, nursing labs, and clinical rotations.
• The program is designed to prepare students to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Curriculum

First Semester

• NURS 305: Pathophysiology/Pharmacology I (4 credits)
• NURS 306: Foundations of Care Delivery & Health Promotion (3 credits)
• NURS 307: Health & Physical Assessment (3 credits)
• NURS 308: Clinical Practicum I (3 credits)
• NURS 309: Professional Foundations & Principles of Leadership (2 credits)
• NURS 310: Scholarly Writing Concepts (1 credit)
• Total: 16 credits

Second Semester

• NURS 311: Pathophysiology/Pharmacology II (2 credits)
• NURS 314: Care of Chronic Conditions (3 credits)
• NURS 315: Psychiatric Mental Health Principles (2 credits)
• NURS 316: Clinical Practicum II (5 credits)
• NURS 317: Theory & Evidence (1 credit)
• NURS 318: Research Methods (2 credits)
• NURS 319: Health Care Technology (1 credit)
• Total: 16 credits

Third Semester

• NURS 401: Care of Complex Conditions (3 credits)
• NURS 402: Pathophysiology/Pharmacology III (2 credits)
• NURS 403: Clinical Practicum III (5 credits)
• NURS 404: Health Care Diversity (4 credits)
• NURS 405: Informed Practice (2 credits)
• Total: 16 credits

Fourth Semester

• NURS 406: Continuity of Care (3 credits)
• NURS 407: Clinical Practicum IV (6 credits)
• NURS 483: Transition to Practice (1 credit)
• NURS 498: Capstone Project (2 credits)
• NURS 408: Organizational & Economic Context of Care (2 credits)
• NURS 409: Health Policy (2 credits)
• Total: 16 credits

Clinical Rotations

• Clinical rotations take place in respected healthcare facilities in and around Seattle.
• Students gain practical experience caring for patients across the healthcare continuum.
• Areas of nursing practice covered include:
  • Adult health
  • Women and children
  • Mental Health
  • Critical care
  • Community health
• Students work under the guidance of experienced nurses and healthcare professionals.
• By the time of graduation, students will have gained 600 hours of real-world experience.

Online Coursework

• Online coursework lays the foundation for the program, covering topics such as pathophysiology, health care diversity, and professional foundations.
• The online learning environment utilizes asynchronous classes, allowing students to access coursework on their own schedule.
• Activities include:
  • Active learning guides
  • Discussion boards
  • Informational videos
  • NCLEX-RN preparation materials
  • Patient case studies
  • Textbook readings

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must have at least 60 college credits in another field of study.
• The program enrolls students every February, June, and September.
• Admissions representatives support students throughout the admissions process.
• Prerequisites and admissions requirements are outlined in the program's admissions overview.