Southwestern University has entered into an articulation agreement with Baylor University designed to provide SU graduates with an accelerated path toward earning a nursing degree.

The partnership provides preferential admission consideration and reserved seats for qualified Southwestern graduates in the FastBacc® Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Baylor’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing (LHSON) in Dallas. The FastBacc® accelerated BSN program allows students with a previous bachelor’s degree and a completed set of prerequisite courses to earn their BSN in as little as 12 months.

FastBacc® is an intensive full-time program that begins each summer with a combination of teaching methodologies, including traditional classroom, online courses, clinical and lab experiences, and hybrid interactive learning courses. Upon successful completion of the program, students can apply to the Board of Nursing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a registered nurse.

“Academic Affairs is excited to offer this opportunity to students pursuing a career in nursing,” Vice President for Academic Affairs Alisa Gaunder said. “The program’s manageable prerequisites complement a strong liberal arts foundation, encouraging academic exploration and breadth. Students will transition seamlessly into an intensive one-year nursing program after graduation. With a 98% NCLEX pass rate, Baylor provides a proven path to success. We are proud to move forward with this promising partnership.”

As part of the collaboration between two historic Texas universities, Baylor and Southwestern faculty and staff will work together to facilitate student success. Southwestern advisors will guide pre-nursing undergraduates to ensure the proper prerequisite coursework is completed at SU, and that potential applicants understand the faith-based environment at LHSON.

Since the FastBacc® admission process requires an interview, Baylor faculty will periodically travel to Southwestern to interview potential candidates in Georgetown. Baylor advisors will also assist Southwestern students with the LHSON application process, and routinely communicate with SU advisors to share updates or revisions to admission standards and policies.

Southwestern students interested in the program are required to apply to Baylor University and must meet all transfer requirements in order to be eligible for admission. All students who are admitted to the LHSON must meet all prerequisites, including the required competitive grade point average.

Representatives from LHSON will be visiting Southwestern in the near future, and more information about this new partnership will be shared with the campus community in the coming weeks.