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 asCity/State
Samuel Merritt University Campus, HybridOakland, CA
College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Barry University Campus, OnlineMiami, FL
Mercer University Campus, OnlineMacon, GA
Valparaiso University Campus, HybridValparaiso, IN
Johns Hopkins University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineBaltimore, MD
University of Mississippi Medical Center Campus, Hybrid, OnlineJackson, MS
Georgian Court University CampusLakewood, NJ
University at Buffalo Campus, Hybrid, OnlineBuffalo, NY
Cleveland State University Campus, OnlineCleveland, OH
Robert Morris University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineMoon Township, PA
Union University Campus, HybridJackson, TN
Marymount University Campus, HybridArlington, VA
Wichita State University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineWichita, KS
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus Campus, OnlineUniversity Park, PA
San Diego State University CampusSan Diego, CA
University of Central Florida Campus, Hybrid, OnlineOrlando, FL
Valdosta State University Campus, HybridValdosta, GA
Allen College Campus, Hybrid, OnlineWaterloo, IA
Salisbury University Campus, HybridSalisbury, MD
Cox College Campus, Hybrid, OnlineSpringfield, MO
New Jersey City University CampusJersey City, NJ
Stony Brook University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineStony Brook, NY
Kent State University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineKent, OH
Villanova University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineVillanova, PA
Angelo State University Campus, HybridSan Angelo, TX
Virginia Commonwealth University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineRichmond, VA
Rockhurst University CampusKansas City, MO
Northeastern University Campus, OnlineBoston, MA
University of Colorado College of Nursing (Traditional) Campus, OnlineDenver, CO
Florida Atlantic University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineBoca Raton, FL
Idaho State University Campus, Hybrid, OnlinePocatello, ID
MidAmerica Nazarene University Campus, OnlineOlathe, KS
Stevenson University Campus, OnlineStevenson, MD
Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing Campus, Hybrid, OnlineSaint Louis, MO
Seton Hall University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineSouth Orange, NJ
Downstate Health Sciences University Campus, HybridBrooklyn, NY
Mount Carmel College of Nursing Campus, Hybrid, OnlineColumbus, OH
Waynesburg University CampusWaynesburg, PA
Baylor University Campus, HybridWaco, TX
University of Washington CampusSeattle, WA
Saint Louis University Campus, Hybrid, Online, MO
Concordia College Bronxville, NY
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs – Traditional Campus, OnlineColorado Springs, CO
Florida National University-Miami Campus, Hybrid, OnlineMiami, FL
Bradley University Campus, OnlinePeoria, IL
University of Saint Mary Campus, OnlineLeavenworth, KS
Curry College CampusMilton, MA
University of Missouri-Columbia Campus, OnlineColumbia, MO
Thomas Edison State College Campus, OnlineTrenton, NJ
Utica University Campus, OnlineUtica, NY
Muskingum University CampusNew Concord, OH
West Chester University of Pennsylvania Campus, OnlineWest Chester, PA
Concordia University-Texas Campus, OnlineAustin, TX
West Virginia University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineMorgantown, WV
Rutgers University-Camden Campus, Hybrid, OnlineCamden, NJ
University of Northern Colorado Campus, Hybrid, OnlineGreeley, CO
Florida State University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineTallahassee, FL
Mennonite Nursing at Illinois State University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineNormal, IL
Bellarmine University Campus, OnlineLouisville, KY
University of Massachusetts-Amherst Campus, OnlineAmherst, MA
University of Missouri-Kansas City Campus, Hybrid, OnlineKansas City, MO
William Paterson University of New Jersey Campus, HybridWayne, NJ
Wagner College CampusStaten Island, NY
Ursuline College Campus, Hybrid, OnlinePepper Pike, OH
Wilkes University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineWilkes-Barre, PA
University of the Incarnate Word Campus, Hybrid, OnlineSan Antonio, TX
Wheeling University BA-BS To BSN Program Campus, Hybrid, OnlineWheeling, WV
Rutgers University SON Newark Campus, HybridNewark, NJ
University of Mobile Campus, OnlineMobile, AL
Regis University-Choice Campus, Hybrid, OnlineDenver, CO
University of Florida – Gainesville Campus, Hybrid, OnlineGainesville, FL
Lakeview College of Nursing CampusDanville, IL
Eastern Kentucky University Campus, OnlineRichmond, KY
University of Massachusetts-Boston Campus, Hybrid, OnlineBoston, MA
University of Missouri-St Louis Campus, Hybrid, OnlineSaint Louis, MO
University of New Mexico College of Nursing Campus, Hybrid, OnlineAlbuquerque, NM
Gardner-Webb University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineBoiling Springs, NC
Walsh University Gary And Linda Byers School of Nursing Campus, HybridNorth Canton, OH
Salve Regina University Campus, HybridNewport, RI
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Campus, HybridSan Antonio, TX
Bellin College Campus, Hybrid, OnlineGreen Bay, WI
Hartwick College CampusOneonta, NY
University of North Alabama Campus, OnlineFlorence, AL
Central Connecticut State University CampusNew Britain, CT
Jacksonville University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineJacksonville, FL
Lewis University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineRomeoville, IL
University of Kentucky Campus, Hybrid, OnlineLexington, KY
Northeastern University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineBoston, MA
Truman State University CampusKirksville, MO
Adelphi University Campus, HybridGarden City, NY
North Carolina A & T State University CampusGreensboro, NC
Oregon Health and Science University – Accelerated Portland Campus, Hybrid, OnlinePortland, OR
Clemson University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineClemson, SC
The University of Texas at Arlington Campus, Hybrid, OnlineArlington, TX
Edgewood College CampusMadison, WI
Duke University Campus, HybridDurham, NC
Samford University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineBirmingham, AL
University of Connecticut-Storrs Campus Campus, HybridStorrs, CT
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale Campus, Hybrid, OnlineFort Lauderdale, FL
Loyola University – Chicago Campus, Hybrid, OnlineChicago, IL
University of Louisville-Louisville Campus, Hybrid, OnlineLouisville, KY
Regis College Campus, Hybrid, OnlineWeston, MA
Research College of Nursing Campus, Hybrid, OnlineKansas City, MO
CUNY Hunter College Campus, HybridNew York, NY
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Campus, Hybrid, OnlineChapel Hill, NC
DeSales University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineCenter Valley, PA
Medical University of South Carolina Campus, OnlineCharleston, SC
The University of Texas at El Paso Campus, OnlineEl Paso, TX
Milwaukee School of Engineering CampusMilwaukee, WI
Baldwin Wallace University CampusBerea, OH
University of South Alabama Campus, OnlineMobile, AL
Fairfield University Campus, HybridFairfield, CT
University of Miami Campus, HybridCoral Gables, FL
Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences CampusRock Island, IL
Northern Kentucky University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineHighland Heights, KY
University of Detroit Mercy CampusDetroit, MI
St Luke’s College of Nursing Campus, Hybrid, OnlineKansas City, MO
CUNY Lehman College Campus, HybridBronx, NY
North Carolina Central University Campus, OnlineDurham, NC
Drexel University Campus, Hybrid, OnlinePhiladelphia, PA
Augustana University CampusSioux Falls, SD
The University of Texas at Tyler Campus, Hybrid, OnlineTyler, TX
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Campus, Hybrid, OnlineOshkosh, WI
University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center Campus, Hybrid, OnlineOklahoma City, OK
Grand Canyon University Campus, Hybrid, OnlinePhoenix, AZ
Quinnipiac University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineHamden, CT
University of North Florida Campus, Hybrid, OnlineJacksonville, FL
Methodist College Campus, OnlinePeoria, IL
Spalding University Campus, HybridLouisville, KY
Eastern Michigan University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineYpsilanti, MI
William Jewell College CampusLiberty, MO
Dominican College of Blauvelt Campus, HybridOrangeburg, NY
Queens University of Charlotte CampusCharlotte, NC
Duquesne University Campus, OnlinePittsburgh, PA
South Dakota State University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineBrookings, SD
Texas Christian University CampusFort Worth, TX
University of Wisconsin-Madison Campus, Hybrid, OnlineMadison, WI
Concordia – St. Paul’s CampusSaint Paul, MN
Northern Arizona University Campus, OnlineFlagstaff, AZ
University of Saint Joseph Campus, Hybrid, OnlineWest Hartford, CT
University of South Florida College of Nursing Campus, HybridTampa, FL
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Campus, Hybrid, OnlineEdwardsville, IL
Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Science Center Campus, HybridNew Orleans, LA
Michigan State University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineEast Lansing, MI
MSU Bozeman College of Nursing Campus, HybridBozeman, MT
Molloy College CampusRockville Centre, NY
Winston-Salem State University Campus, OnlineWinston-Salem, NC
Eastern University CampusSaint Davids, PA
University of Sioux Falls Campus, OnlineSioux Falls, SD
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Campus, Hybrid, OnlineHouston, TX
University of Wyoming CampusLaramie, WY
Gwynedd Mercy College Campus, Hybrid, Online, PA
California State University-Stanislaus Campus, OnlineTurlock, CA
Southern Connecticut State University CampusNew Haven, CT
Albany State University Campus, OnlineAlbany, GA
Anderson University CampusAnderson, IN
Louisiana College Campus, OnlinePineville, LA
University of Michigan-Flint Campus, Hybrid, OnlineFlint, MI
Creighton University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineOmaha, NE
College of Mount Saint Vincent Campus, HybridBronx, NY
Western Carolina University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineCullowhee, NC
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania Campus, OnlineEdinboro, PA
Belmont University Campus, HybridNashville, TN
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Campus, Hybrid, OnlineLubbock, TX
Purdue University Campus, HybridWest Lafayette, IN
Anderson University Campus, OnlineAnderson, SC
California State University-Northridge CampusNorthridge, CA
University of Delaware Campus, Hybrid, OnlineNewark, DE
Brenau University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineGainesville, GA
Ball State University Campus, OnlineMuncie, IN
Fransciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University Campus, OnlineBaton Rouge, LA
Oakland University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineRochester Hills, MI
University of Nebraska Medical Center Campus, Hybrid, OnlineOmaha, NE
The College of New Rochelle-ASDBS Campus, NY
University of North Dakota Campus, Hybrid, OnlineGrand Forks, ND
Holy Family University CampusPhiladelphia, PA
Cumberland University Campus, OnlineLebanon, TN
University of Utah College of Nursing Campus, Hybrid, OnlineSalt Lake City, UT
ECPI University Campus, OnlineVirginia Beach, VA
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Campus, Hybrid, Online, TN
Concordia University Irvine Campus, OnlineIrvine, CA
The Catholic University of America Campus, HybridWashington, DC
Emory University Campus, HybridAtlanta, GA
Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis Campus, Hybrid, OnlineIndianapolis, IN
Southeastern Louisiana University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineHammond, LA
Wayne State University Campus, HybridDetroit, MI
Caldwell University Campus, OnlineCaldwell, NJ
NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing Campus, HybridNew York, NY
University of Akron Main Campus Campus, Hybrid, OnlineAkron, OH
Misericordia University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineDallas, PA
East Tennessee State University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineJohnson City, TN
Jefferson College of Health Sciences Campus, Hybrid, OnlineRoanoke, VA
California State University-San Marcos Campus, Hybrid, OnlineSan Marcos, CA
Linfield University Campus, OnlineMcMinnville, OR
Mount St Mary’s University-Los Angeles CampusLos Angeles, CA
George Washington University Campus, OnlineWashington, DC
Georgia Southwestern State University Campus, OnlineAmericus, GA
Marian University Campus, OnlineIndianapolis, IN
University of New England CampusBiddeford, ME
Concordia College at Moorhead CampusMoorhead, MN
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus Campus, HybridTeaneck, NJ
Pace University – College of Health Professions (CHP) Campus, Hybrid, OnlineNew York, NY
Capital University CampusColumbus, OH
Pennsylvania State University Campus, HybridUniversity Park, PA
University of Memphis Campus, Hybrid, OnlineMemphis, TN
Eastern Mennonite University Campus, OnlineHarrisonburg, VA
Western Governors University Campus, OnlineSalt Lake City, UT
Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix Campus, HybridPhoenix, AZ
National University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineLa Jolla, CA
Georgetown University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineWashington, DC
Kennesaw State University Campus, Hybrid, GA
Indiana Wesleyan University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineMarion, IN
University of Southern Maine Campus, HybridPortland, ME
The College of Saint Scholastica Campus, Hybrid, OnlineDuluth, MN
Felician University Campus, OnlineLodi, NJ
University of Rochester School of Nursing Campus, HybridRochester, NY
The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences Campus, OnlineCincinnati, OH
University of Pittsburgh Campus, OnlinePittsburgh, PA
Tennessee Technological University Campus, OnlineCookeville, TN
George Mason University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineFairfax, VA
Nevada State University Campus, OnlineHenderson, NV
Touro University Campus, OnlineHenderson, NV

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:

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:

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Your NCLEX eligibility requirements can be found through your BON.
  3. 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.
  4. The last step is to use our NCLEX tips and practice exams to study!

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