Dual Degree: BSN/BLA

Dual Degree Nursing Pathway Designed for Adults

If you’ve dreamed of becoming a nurse but haven’t been admitted into a traditional nursing program or completed a four-year degree, Xavier’s BLA/BSN Nursing Pathway offers a flexible and efficient route to achieve your goal. Designed for adult learners with previous college credit, this hybrid dual-degree program allows you to earn both a Bachelor of Liberal Arts (BLA) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with the convenience of online coursework.

You’ll complete your classes online throughout both phases of the program, then transition into the BSN portion with in-person labs, simulation experiences, and clinical rotations at one of our two Ohio locations: Columbus or Cleveland. Each campus offers hands-on training, advanced simulation labs, and personalized support to help you graduate confident and career-ready.

Accelerated & Flexible: Designed for adults with prior college credit, this pathway starts with liberal arts courses and leads into an accelerated four-semester BSN program.

Online Learning & In-Person Experience: Complete your coursework online while participating in hands-on clinicals and simulation labs—held exclusively at our Columbus or Cleveland satellite campuses.

Jesuit, Values-Driven Education: Rooted in Xavier’s Jesuit tradition, the program emphasizes compassionate care, ethical leadership, and service—preparing you to lead and serve with integrity.

Supportive & Career Focused: Receive personalized advising, access to expert faculty, and career resources designed to help adult learners thrive in a high-demand healthcare field.

Eligibility & Program Requirements

To qualify for the BSN portion of the BLA/BSN Pathway, students must:

Complete the general education CORE requirements (hours vary)
Complete the following prerequisites with a grade of "C" or higher:
BIOL 140/141Anatomy & Physiology 1 with a lab (4 credit hours)
BIOL 142/143 Anatomy and Physiology 2 with a lab (4 credit hours)
BIO 200/201 Microbiology with a lab (4 credit hours)
SOCI 101 or 167 Sociology (3 credit hours)
CHEM 150/151 Chemistry with a lab (4 credit hours)
MATH 116 or 156 Statistics (3 credit hours)
PSYC 277 Psychological Disorders (3 credit hours)
Have a cumulative GPA of 2.7 and a preferred science GPA of 3.0 in the following courses: A&P 1 and 2, Microbiology, Statistics

You’ll start in the BLA program, completing prerequisites and core courses online with support from a dedicated advisor. Once eligible, you’ll apply to transition into the Accelerated BSN, which combines online nursing courses with in-person labs and clinicals at our Columbus or Cleveland campuses.

Have questions about your eligibility? Contact Wendy Steinberg, Assistant Director of APEX Recruitment and Admissions, at steinbergw@xavier.edu.

Practice with Purpose

Graduates of the BLA/BSN Nursing Pathway are prepared to step into meaningful roles across healthcare settings, including but not limited to:

Hospital & Acute Care – Medical-Surgical Nurse, ICU Nurse, Emergency Room Nurse
Primary & Specialty Care – Clinic Nurse, Family Practice Nurse, Pediatric Nurse
Community & Public Health – Public Health Nurse, Health Educator, Immunization Coordinator
Mental & Behavioral Health – Psychiatric Nurse, Addiction Recovery Nurse, Crisis Intervention Nurse
Long-Term & Home-Based Care – Geriatric Nurse, Hospice Nurse, Home Health RN
Care Coordination & Advocacy – Nurse Case Manager, Patient Navigator, Wellness Advocate