What is an Accelerated Nursing Program (ABSN)
Accelerated Nursing Programs (ABSN) also known as Second Degree BSN program is specifically designed for people who have already earned bachelors degree in another field and wish to become a Registered Nurse. These programs may also be referred to Direct Entry or Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs. Typically, a Second Degree BSN program will take about 9 to 14 months to complete. It may take longer if you choose to enroll part-time. By earning your BSN you will be regarded as a highly employable nurse.
Learn additional information about BSN programs in our Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) Guide. A BSN is one of the degrees you can earn in order to become a registered nurse (RN). BSN programs prepare you through classwork and clinical experiences to sit for the NCLEX exam and work as an RN.
Related Degree: Direct Entry MSN or Accelerated MSN Degree.
Why Should I Consider an Accelerated Nursing Degree (ABSN) / Second Degree BSN?
If you already have bachelors and are hoping to make a career change into nursing doing one of these programs may be just the path for you. You won’t have to waste time taking core courses such as history and English. Instead you can just jump right in and focus on the nursing specific courses. Another advantage of getting your BSN is that if you decide to further your career even more later and earn your PhD or become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), you will have the required degree to apply.
Number of Accelerated BSN Programs in the United States
About 235 ABSN programs exist in the U.S. giving you plenty of options to choose from. Research ABSN programs offered in your state or online.
Accelerated Nursing Programs by State
List of Accelerated BSN Programs
University | Offered as | City/State |
---|---|---|
University of Mobile | Campus, Online | Mobile, AL |
University of North Alabama | Campus, Online | Florence, AL |
Samford University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Birmingham, AL |
Mount St Mary’s University-Los Angeles | Campus | Los Angeles, CA |
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs – Traditional | Campus, Online | Colorado Springs, CO |
University of South Alabama | Campus, Online | Mobile, AL |
Grand Canyon University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Phoenix, AZ |
Northern Arizona University | Campus, Online | Flagstaff, AZ |
College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Barry University | Campus, Online | Miami, FL |
Florida National University-Miami | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Miami, FL |
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Fort Lauderdale, FL |
Blessing Rieman College of Nursing | Campus, Online | Quincy, IL |
California State University-Stanislaus | Campus, Online | Turlock, CA |
Concordia University Irvine | Campus, Online | Irvine, CA |
Lakeview College of Nursing | Campus | Danville, IL |
Lewis University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Romeoville, IL |
Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences | Campus | Rock Island, IL |
California State University-Northridge | Campus | Northridge, CA |
National University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | La Jolla, CA |
Methodist College | Campus, Online | Peoria, IL |
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Edwardsville, IL |
Oak Point University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Oak Brook, IL |
Samuel Merritt University | Campus, Hybrid | Oakland, CA |
University of Northern Colorado | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Greeley, CO |
Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Indianapolis, IN |
Marian University | Campus, Online | Indianapolis, IN |
San Diego State University | Campus | San Diego, CA |
Regis University-Choice | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Denver, CO |
Spalding University | Campus, Hybrid | Louisville, KY |
Louisiana College | Campus, Online | Pineville, LA |
University of Southern Maine | Campus, Hybrid | Portland, ME |
Johns Hopkins University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Baltimore, MD |
University of Colorado College of Nursing (Traditional) | Campus, Online | Denver, CO |
University of Connecticut-Storrs Campus | Campus, Hybrid | Storrs, CT |
Fairfield University | Campus, Hybrid | Fairfield, CT |
Stevenson University | Campus, Online | Stevenson, MD |
Curry College | Campus | Milton, MA |
University of Massachusetts-Amherst | Campus, Online | Amherst, MA |
University of Massachusetts-Boston | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Boston, MA |
Quinnipiac University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Hamden, CT |
University of Saint Joseph | Campus, Hybrid, Online | West Hartford, CT |
University of Delaware | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Newark, DE |
Northeastern University – Accelerated | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Boston, MA |
University of Detroit Mercy | Campus | Detroit, MI |
Eastern Michigan University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Ypsilanti, MI |
Michigan State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | East Lansing, MI |
University of Michigan-Flint | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Flint, MI |
Oakland University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Rochester Hills, MI |
Wayne State University | Campus, Hybrid | Detroit, MI |
The College of Saint Scholastica | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Duluth, MN |
Cox College | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Springfield, MO |
Southern Connecticut State University | Campus | New Haven, CT |
The Catholic University of America | Campus, Hybrid | Washington, DC |
George Washington University | Campus, Online | Washington, DC |
Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Saint Louis, MO |
Caldwell University | Campus, Online | Caldwell, NJ |
Georgetown University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Washington, DC |
University of Central Florida | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Orlando, FL |
Florida Atlantic University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Boca Raton, FL |
Felician University | Campus, Online | Lodi, NJ |
Florida State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Tallahassee, FL |
University of Florida – Gainesville | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Gainesville, FL |
Georgian Court University | Campus | Lakewood, NJ |
Adelphi University | Campus, Hybrid | Garden City, NY |
CUNY Lehman College | Campus, Hybrid | Bronx, NY |
Dominican College of Blauvelt | Campus, Hybrid | Orangeburg, NY |
College of Mount Saint Vincent | Campus, Hybrid | Bronx, NY |
The College of New Rochelle-ASDBS | Campus | , NY |
University of North Dakota | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Grand Forks, ND |
Jacksonville University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Jacksonville, FL |
University of Miami | Campus, Hybrid | Coral Gables, FL |
University of North Florida | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Jacksonville, FL |
University of Akron Main Campus | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Akron, OH |
University of South Florida College of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid | Tampa, FL |
Albany State University | Campus, Online | Albany, GA |
Brenau University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Gainesville, GA |
Capital University | Campus | Columbus, OH |
The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences | Campus, Online | Cincinnati, OH |
Cleveland State University | Campus, Online | Cleveland, OH |
Kent State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Kent, OH |
Mount Carmel College of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Columbus, OH |
Walsh University Gary And Linda Byers School of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid | North Canton, OH |
Emory University | Campus, Hybrid | Atlanta, GA |
Georgia Southwestern State University | Campus, Online | Americus, GA |
Holy Family University | Campus | Philadelphia, PA |
Salve Regina University | Campus, Hybrid | Newport, RI |
Kennesaw State University | Campus, Hybrid | , GA |
Mercer University | Campus, Online | Macon, GA |
Idaho State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Pocatello, ID |
Cumberland University | Campus, Online | Lebanon, TN |
Valdosta State University | Campus, Hybrid | Valdosta, GA |
Bradley University | Campus, Online | Peoria, IL |
East Tennessee State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Johnson City, TN |
University of Memphis | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Memphis, TN |
Angelo State University | Campus, Hybrid | San Angelo, TX |
Baylor University | Campus, Hybrid | Waco, TX |
Mennonite Nursing at Illinois State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Normal, IL |
Loyola University – Chicago | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Chicago, IL |
Anderson University | Campus | Anderson, IN |
The University of Texas at Arlington | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Arlington, TX |
The University of Texas at El Paso | Campus, Online | El Paso, TX |
The University of Texas at Tyler | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Tyler, TX |
Texas Christian University | Campus | Fort Worth, TX |
Eastern Mennonite University | Campus, Online | Harrisonburg, VA |
Old Dominion University | Campus, Online | Norfolk, VA |
Ball State University | Campus, Online | Muncie, IN |
Indiana Wesleyan University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Marion, IN |
Shenandoah University -Eleanor Wade Custer | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Winchester, VA |
Wheeling University BA-BS To BSN Program | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Wheeling, WV |
Edgewood College | Campus | Madison, WI |
Milwaukee School of Engineering | Campus | Milwaukee, WI |
University of Wisconsin-Madison | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Madison, WI |
ECPI University | Campus, Online | Virginia Beach, VA |
Wichita State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Wichita, KS |
Rockhurst University | Campus | Kansas City, MO |
Baldwin Wallace University | Campus | Berea, OH |
University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Oklahoma City, OK |
Valparaiso University | Campus, Hybrid | Valparaiso, IN |
Allen College | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Waterloo, IA |
Gwynedd Mercy College | Campus, Hybrid, Online | , PA |
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | Campus, Hybrid, Online | , TN |
Linfield College | Campus, Online | McMinnville, OR |
Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix | Campus, Hybrid | Phoenix, AZ |
Touro University | Campus, Online | Henderson, NV |
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus | Campus, Online | University Park, PA |
Northeastern University | Campus, Online | Boston, MA |
MidAmerica Nazarene University | Campus, Online | Olathe, KS |
University of Saint Mary | Campus, Online | Leavenworth, KS |
Bellarmine University | Campus, Online | Louisville, KY |
Northern Kentucky University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Highland Heights, KY |
Eastern Kentucky University | Campus, Online | Richmond, KY |
Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Science Center | Campus, Hybrid | New Orleans, LA |
University of Kentucky | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Lexington, KY |
Fransciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University | Campus, Online | Baton Rouge, LA |
University of Louisville-Louisville | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Louisville, KY |
Southeastern Louisiana University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Hammond, LA |
University of New England | Campus | Biddeford, ME |
Salisbury University | Campus, Hybrid | Salisbury, MD |
Concordia College at Moorhead | Campus | Moorhead, MN |
Regis College | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Weston, MA |
University of Mississippi Medical Center | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Jackson, MS |
University of Missouri-Columbia | Campus, Online | Columbia, MO |
University of Missouri-Kansas City | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Kansas City, MO |
University of Missouri-St Louis | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Saint Louis, MO |
Truman State University | Campus | Kirksville, MO |
Research College of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Kansas City, MO |
St Luke’s College of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Kansas City, MO |
William Jewell College | Campus | Liberty, MO |
Creighton University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Omaha, NE |
MSU Bozeman College of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid | Bozeman, MT |
University of Nebraska Medical Center | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Omaha, NE |
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | Campus, Hybrid | Teaneck, NJ |
New Jersey City University | Campus | Jersey City, NJ |
Seton Hall University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | South Orange, NJ |
University of New Mexico College of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Albuquerque, NM |
Thomas Edison State College | Campus, Online | Trenton, NJ |
CUNY Hunter College | Campus, Hybrid | New York, NY |
William Paterson University of New Jersey | Campus, Hybrid | Wayne, NJ |
NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid | New York, NY |
Molloy College | Campus | Rockville Centre, NY |
Pace University – The Lienhard School of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid, Online | New York, NY |
University of Rochester School of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid | Rochester, NY |
University at Buffalo | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Buffalo, NY |
Stony Brook University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Stony Brook, NY |
Downstate Health Sciences University | Campus, Hybrid | Brooklyn, NY |
Utica College | Campus, Online | Utica, NY |
Wagner College | Campus | Staten Island, NY |
Gardner-Webb University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Boiling Springs, NC |
North Carolina A & T State University | Campus | Greensboro, NC |
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Chapel Hill, NC |
North Carolina Central University | Campus, Online | Durham, NC |
Queens University of Charlotte | Campus | Charlotte, NC |
Winston-Salem State University | Campus, Online | Winston-Salem, NC |
Western Carolina University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Cullowhee, NC |
Muskingum University | Campus | New Concord, OH |
Ursuline College | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Pepper Pike, OH |
Oregon Health and Science University – Accelerated Portland | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Portland, OR |
Eastern University | Campus | Saint Davids, PA |
DeSales University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Center Valley, PA |
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania | Campus, Online | Edinboro, PA |
Drexel University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Philadelphia, PA |
Misericordia University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Dallas, PA |
Duquesne University | Campus, Online | Pittsburgh, PA |
University of Pittsburgh | Campus, Online | Pittsburgh, PA |
Pennsylvania State University | Campus, Hybrid | University Park, PA |
Villanova University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Villanova, PA |
Robert Morris University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Moon Township, PA |
Waynesburg University | Campus | Waynesburg, PA |
West Chester University of Pennsylvania | Campus, Online | West Chester, PA |
Wilkes University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Wilkes-Barre, PA |
Clemson University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Clemson, SC |
Medical University of South Carolina | Campus, Online | Charleston, SC |
Augustana University | Campus | Sioux Falls, SD |
University of Sioux Falls | Campus, Online | Sioux Falls, SD |
South Dakota State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Brookings, SD |
Belmont University | Campus, Hybrid | Nashville, TN |
Tennessee Technological University | Campus, Online | Cookeville, TN |
Concordia University-Texas | Campus, Online | Austin, TX |
University of the Incarnate Word | Campus, Hybrid, Online | San Antonio, TX |
Union University | Campus, Hybrid | Jackson, TN |
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio | Campus, Hybrid | San Antonio, TX |
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Houston, TX |
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Lubbock, TX |
University of Utah College of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Salt Lake City, UT |
Jefferson College of Health Sciences | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Roanoke, VA |
George Mason University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Fairfax, VA |
Marymount University | Campus, Hybrid | Arlington, VA |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Richmond, VA |
University of Washington | Campus | Seattle, WA |
West Virginia University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Morgantown, WV |
Bellin College | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Green Bay, WI |
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Oshkosh, WI |
University of Wyoming | Campus | Laramie, WY |
Purdue University | Campus, Hybrid | West Lafayette, IN |
California State University-San Marcos | Campus, Hybrid, Online | San Marcos, CA |
Western Governors University | Campus, Online | Salt Lake City, UT |
Nevada State College | Campus, Online | Henderson, NV |
Saint Louis University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | , MO |
Rutgers University-Camden | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Camden, NJ |
Rutgers University SON Newark | Campus, Hybrid | Newark, NJ |
Hartwick College | Campus | Oneonta, NY |
Duke University | Campus, Hybrid | Durham, NC |
Concordia – St. Paul’s | Campus | Saint Paul, MN |
Anderson University | Campus, Online | Anderson, SC |
Linfield College-School of Nursing | Campus | Portland, OR |
If notice any errors in our RNCareers database, please contact us.
Entrance Requirements for Accelerated Nursing Programs
Each university will vary somewhat in their application requirements. in general you can expect them to align with George Washington University’s requirements:
- You must have a bachelors degree in another field. You will be required to submit proof of completion such as your transcripts. You should also have graduated with a GPA of at least 3.0.
- Additionally, there are certain pre-requisite courses you will have to take. These may be:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Ethics
- Nutrition
- Microbiology
- Statistics
- As a part of your application you will have to submit letters of recommendation.
- Make sure you submit an up to date resume to highlight your experience.
- Most programs will require you to write at least 1 essay or a personal statement.
- Submitting the application will likely involve a fee. This can vary from school to school.
- Some programs require prospective students to interview as well.
Online Accelerated Nursing Programs
Many schools now have at least partially online options for completing your BSN. These programs can enable you to continue working and meet other life goals while you pursue your education. These programs use technology to deliver classes online and allow you to complete assignments and class discussions from the comfort of your own home. They will also work with you to help you get obtain clinical experiences near your home or in a location convenient for you.
What Will I Study While Attending an ABSN Program?
Earning your BSN whether in a traditional or accelerated format requires that you complete certain courses. These courses are necessary to be eligible to take the NCLEX exam to become an RN. The benefit is that since this is your second degree, you will not have to repeat core courses that are not nursing related. George Washington University’s program offers a good example of what a typical second degree BSN curriculum will look like:
- Pharmacology
- Health Policy, Quality, and Political Process
- Pathophysiology
- Ethics in Nursing
- Evidence-Based-Practice for Healthcare Researchers
- Pediatric Nursing Theory and Clinical
- Nursing Practice and Clinical Reasoning II: Advanced Adult Medical-Surgical
- Nursing Practice and Clinical Reasoning I: Adult and Aging Acute and Chronic Illness
- Nursing Practice and Clinical Reasoning IV: Maternity and Women’s Health Care
- Nursing Practice and Clinical Reasoning III: Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
- Health Assessment Theory and Clinical
- Nursing Leadership
- Transition into the Nursing Profession
- Children and Families
Clinical Requirements for Accelerated Nursing Programs ABSN
The required clinical hours to become an RN are determined by your state board of nursing (BON). In general you can expect to complete about 500 hours of supervised clinical practice during your 12 month education. During this time you will be able to gain confidence in your nursing skills by providing direct care to patients in a supervised setting. This will allow you to practice in a safe manner. That way when you go out into the nursing world you will have the confidence that you can provide safe care and you will also know your limitations as you continue to learn. In your clinical setting you will be supervised by an experienced nurse.
How Much Do ABSN Programs Cost?
It always comes down to money. Luckily for you there are a ton of ways to pay for your nursing education. It is also worth noting that the price of doing a second degree BSN will depend on the school you attend. Private schools will almost always cost more than public ones and both offer comparative quality educations. There are also various programs listed below that can help you pay for your nursing education. Here are price examples from a public and private school:
- George Washington University: $70,800/year
- Boston College: $1,404/credit or $42,120/year
The Nurse Corps Loan Forgiveness program and Public Service Loan Forgiveness are two examples of programs that will pay for your education if you commit to working in medically underserved areas. This can help take the financial pressure out of pursuing a second bachelors degree. Some other repayment options are listed here:
- Individual Hospital Repayment Programs
- Perkins Loan Cancellation
- Military Programs
Our handy state guides are designed to help you find scholarships offered in your state as well!
How Much Do Nurses With a BSN Earn?
Having your BSN will give you a lot of flexibility in the type of salary you can earn. This, along with being an overall fulfilling career will makes nursing a desirable path. Your salary will change depend on where you work. Urban locations will pay more, but your cost of living will also likely be higher. Community health centers may not pay as much as private ones, but you will also be more likely to be eligible for the loan forgiveness programs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows RNs earning a median of $66,640 annually. You can earn the most in California, Hawaii, Alaska, Massachusetts, and Oregon at a salary between $80,000 to $96,000.
Read our BSN Salary Guide.
What are Some Specialty Areas I Could Work in with a BSN?
You will be able to work in almost any type of practice setting. Some locations may require a bit of experience first, but with your BSN you be fully prepared to gain that experience. Some areas where you may find yourself working are:
- Emergency Department: As a part of a larger team you will help triage and provide care to people with medical emergencies.
- Labor and Delivery: Helping care for laboring women and participating in the birth of their children can be incredibly rewarding.
- Oncology: Oncology nurse care for patients with cancer before, during, and after their treatment.
- Medical Surgical Floor: As a med-surg nurse you will care for patients with acute conditions or after they have had surgery.
- Operating Room: As a part of the OR team you ensure patient safety and provide care for them while they are being operated on.
- Trauma Nurse: You will play a vital role caring for acutely ill or severely injured patients. Often you will work with an emergency department team.
- Telemetry Nurse: As a telemetry nurse you will be monitoring patients whose conditions could change quickly. this role is important for ensuring they receive care quickly.
- Traveling Nurse: You will travel around the country providing care for patients in your specialty during short period of time such as 12 weeks. You will often go where you are needed most.
- School Nurse: You will provide nursing care for students by administering medications and vaccines, providing first aid, and educating them on health concepts.
4 Steps To Register for the NCLEX
Be sure to talk to your school about the requirements for signing up for the NCLEX. They can help you with timing and steps. The process can take some time, so don’t wait until the last minute. Here are some important steps you need to take to register for the big day:
- Check out your state’s Board of Nursing (BON) website to sign up so that you are eligible to take the NCLEX. The NCBSN website has information you need on your state’s BON.
- Your NCLEX eligibility requirements can be found through your BON.
- After this you should register for the test through Pearson VUE. Don’t forget to find your program code when doing this! If you’re not sure where to find it, contact your school.
- The last step is to use our NCLEX tips and practice exams to study!
- About the Author
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Lauren is a Registered Nurse and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner who works in an OB/GYN clinic in the Boston area. She completed a Direct Entry MSN program at Boston College in May 2017 after obtaining a BS in Forensic Science and a BS in Biology from the University of New Haven, so she has special awareness of how confusing the many paths to nursing can be! She is passionate about enhancing and clarifying the nursing role globally as well as combatting human trafficking from a public health standpoint. In her free time Lauren enjoys writing and traveling.