What is a Second Degree BSN or Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
First off, you might want to read our Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) Guide to learn more about the over all degree. 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. The second degree BSN program is specifically designed for people who already have a bachelors degree in another field. These programs may also be referred to Direct Entry or Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs. Typically, a Second Degree BSN program will take about 2 years. It may take longer if you choose to enroll part-time. By earning your BSN you will be regarded as a highly employable nurse.
Related Degree: Direct Entry MSN or Accelerated MSN Degree.
Why Should I Consider an Accelerated BSN / 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.
List of Accelerated BSN Programs
University | Offered as | City/State |
---|---|---|
Nevada State College | Campus, Online | Henderson, NV |
Linfield College-School of Nursing | Campus | Portland, OR |
Western Governors University | Campus, Online | Salt Lake City, UT |
California State University-San Marcos | Campus, Hybrid, Online | San Marcos, CA |
ECPI University | Campus, Online | Virginia Beach, FL |
Purdue University | Campus, Hybrid | West Lafayette, IN |
University of Wyoming – Basic BS | Campus | Laramie, WY |
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Eau Claire, WI |
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Oshkosh, WI |
University of Wisconsin-Madison | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Madison, WI |
Milwaukee School of Engineering | Campus | Milwaukee, WI |
Edgewood College | Campus | Madison, WI |
Bellin College | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Green Bay, WI |
WV University Morgantown Campus BA-BS To BSN Program | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Morgantown, WV |
Wheeling University BA-BS To BSN Program | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Wheeling, WV |
University of Washington | Campus | Seattle, WA |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Richmond, VA |
Shenandoah University -Eleanor Wade Custer | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Winchester, VA |
Old Dominion University | Campus, Online | Norfolk, VA |
Marymount University-Accelerated | Campus, Hybrid | Arlington, VA |
Jefferson College of Health Sciences US28507100 | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Roanoke, VA |
Eastern Mennonite University | Campus, Online | Harrisonburg, VA |
Geo. Mason Univ. Acc 2nd Deg | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Fairfax, VA |
University of Utah | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Salt Lake City, UT |
Texas Christian University | Campus | Fort Worth, 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 |
The University of Texas Medical Branch @ Galveston | Campus, Online | Galveston, TX |
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 |
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio | Campus, Hybrid | San Antonio, TX |
Concordia University-Texas | Campus, Online | Austin, TX |
Baylor University | Campus, Hybrid | Waco, TX |
Union University | Campus, Hybrid | Jackson, TN |
Angelo State University | Campus, Hybrid | San Angelo, TX |
Tennessee Technological University | Campus, Online | Cookeville, TN |
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Knoxville, TN |
University of Memphis | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Memphis, TN |
Cumberland University | Campus, Online | Lebanon, TN |
East Tennessee State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Johnson City, TN |
Belmont University | Campus, Hybrid | Nashville, TN |
South Dakota State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Brookings, SD |
University of Sioux Falls | Campus, Online | Sioux Falls, SD |
Medical University of South Carolina | Campus, Online | Charleston, SC |
Clemson University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Clemson, SC |
Salve Regina University | Campus, Hybrid | Newport, RI |
Anderson University | Campus, Online | Anderson, SC |
Wilkes University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Wilkes-Barre, PA |
Villanova University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Villanova, PA |
Waynesburg University | Campus | Waynesburg, PA |
West Chester University of Pennsylvania | Campus, Online | West Chester, PA |
University of Pittsburgh | Campus, Online | Pittsburgh, PA |
Robert Morris University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Moon Township, PA |
PA State University | Campus, Hybrid | University Park, PA |
Misericordia University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Dallas, PA |
Holy Family University | Campus | Philadelphia, PA |
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania | Campus, Online | Edinboro, PA |
Gwynedd Mercy College | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Gwynedd Valley, PA |
Drexel University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Philadelphia, PA |
Eastern University | Campus | Saint Davids, PA |
DeSales University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Center Valley, PA |
OHSU Accelerated Portland | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Portland, OR |
Wright State University-Main Campus | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Dayton, OH |
Ursuline College | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Pepper Pike, OH |
Walsh University Gary And Linda Byers School of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid | North Canton, OH |
Ohio University-Main Campus (Athens) | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Athens, OH |
Mount Carmel College of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Columbus, OH |
Kent State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Kent, OH |
Cleveland State University | Campus, Online | Cleveland, OH |
The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences | Campus, Online | Cincinnati, OH |
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | Campus, Hybrid | Cincinnati, OH |
Capital University | Campus | Columbus, OH |
Case Western Reserve University | Campus, Hybrid | Cleveland, OH |
Baldwin Wallace University | Campus | Berea, OH |
University of North Dakota | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Grand Forks, ND |
University of Akron Main Campus | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Akron, OH |
Winston-Salem State University | Campus, Online | Winston-Salem, NC |
Western Carolina University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Cullowhee, NC |
Queens University of Charlotte | Campus | Charlotte, NC |
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Chapel Hill, NC |
Duke University | Campus, Hybrid | Durham, NC |
Utica College-ASDBS | Campus, Online | Utica, NY |
SUNY Health Science Center Brooklyn | Campus, Hybrid | Brooklyn, NY |
University at Buffalo | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Buffalo, NY |
SUNY Health Science Center Stony Brook | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Stony Brook, NY |
The Sage Colleges | Campus, Hybrid | Troy, NY |
University of Rochester | Campus, Hybrid | Rochester, NY |
The College of New Rochelle-ASDBS | Campus | New Rochelle, NY |
Niagara University-ASDBS | Campus | Niagara University, NY |
College of Mount Saint Vincent | Campus, Hybrid | Bronx, NY |
Molloy College | Campus | Rockville Centre, NY |
Hartwick College | Campus | Oneonta, NY |
Dominican College of Blauvelt | Campus, Hybrid | Orangeburg, NY |
CUNY Hunter College | Campus, Hybrid | New York, NY |
CUNY Lehman College | Campus, Hybrid | Bronx, NY |
Columbia University in the City of New York | Campus, Hybrid | New York, NY |
Adelphi University | Campus, Hybrid | Garden City, NY |
All UNM BSN graduates Aggregated | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Albuquerque, NM |
William Paterson University of New Jersey | Campus, Hybrid | Wayne, NJ |
Seton Hall University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | South Orange, NJ |
New Jersey City University-Fast Track Jersey City | Campus | Jersey City, NJ |
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | Campus, Hybrid | Teaneck, NJ |
Georgian Court University | Campus | Lakewood, NJ |
University of Nebraska Medical Center | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Omaha, NE |
Creighton University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Omaha, NE |
MSU Bozeman College of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid | Bozeman, MT |
William Jewell College | Campus | Liberty, MO |
St Luke’s College of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Kansas City, MO |
Southeast Missouri State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Cape Girardeau, MO |
Research College of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Kansas City, MO |
Saint Louis University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Saint Louis, MO |
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 |
Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Saint Louis, MO |
Cox College | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Springfield, MO |
The College of Saint Scholastica | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Duluth, MN |
Concordia College at Moorhead | Campus | Moorhead, MN |
Wayne State University | Campus, Hybrid | Detroit, MI |
Oakland University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Rochester Hills, MI |
University of Michigan-Flint | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Flint, MI |
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Campus, Hybrid | Ann Arbor, MI |
Michigan State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | East Lansing, MI |
University of Detroit Mercy | Campus | Detroit, MI |
Eastern Michigan University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Ypsilanti, MI |
Northeastern University – Accelerated | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Boston, MA |
University of Massachusetts-Amherst | Campus, Online | Amherst, MA |
University of Massachusetts-Boston | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Boston, MA |
Curry College | Campus | Milton, MA |
Stevenson University | Campus, Online | Stevenson, MD |
Johns Hopkins University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Baltimore, MD |
Salisbury University | Campus, Hybrid | Salisbury, MD |
University of Southern Maine | Campus, Hybrid | Portland, ME |
Southeastern LA Univ | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Hammond, LA |
Louisiana College | Campus, Online | Pineville, LA |
Spalding University | Campus, Hybrid | Louisville, KY |
Northern Kentucky University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Highland Heights, KY |
University of Louisville-Louisville | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Louisville, KY |
University of Kentucky | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Lexington, KY |
Eastern Kentucky University | Campus, Online | Richmond, KY |
Bellarmine University | Campus, Online | Louisville, KY |
Wichita State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Wichita, KS |
University of Saint Mary | Campus, Online | Leavenworth, KS |
MidAmerica Nazarene University | Campus, Online | Olathe, KS |
Valparaiso University | Campus, Hybrid | Valparaiso, IN |
Allen College | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Waterloo, IA |
Saint Mary’s College | Campus, Online | Notre Dame, IN |
Marian University | Campus, Online | Indianapolis, IN |
Indiana Wesleyan University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Marion, IN |
Indiana University-South Bend | Campus, Online | South Bend, IN |
Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Indianapolis, IN |
Anderson University | Campus | Anderson, IN |
Ball State University | Campus, Online | Muncie, IN |
Resurrection University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Chicago, IL |
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Edwardsville, IL |
Loyola University – Chicago | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Chicago, IL |
Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences | Campus | Rock Island, IL |
Lakeview College of Nursing | Campus | Danville, IL |
Lewis University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Romeoville, IL |
Mennonite Nursing at Illinois State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Normal, IL |
Blessing Rieman College of Nursing | Campus, Online | Quincy, IL |
Bradley University | Campus, Online | Peoria, IL |
Idaho State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Pocatello, ID |
Valdosta State University | Campus, Hybrid | Valdosta, GA |
Kennesaw State University | Campus, Hybrid | Kennesaw, GA |
Emory University | Campus, Hybrid | Atlanta, GA |
Georgia Southwestern State University | Campus, Online | Americus, GA |
University of South Florida College of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid | Tampa, FL |
University of Miami | Campus, Hybrid | Coral Gables, FL |
University of North Florida | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Jacksonville, FL |
Jacksonville University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Jacksonville, FL |
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Fort Lauderdale, FL |
Florida State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Tallahassee, FL |
University of Florida – Gainesville | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Gainesville, FL |
Florida Atlantic University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Boca Raton, FL |
Florida National University-Miami | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Miami, FL |
University of Central Florida | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Orlando, FL |
College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Barry University | Campus, Online | Miami, FL |
George Washington University | Campus, Online | Washington, DC |
Georgetown University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Washington, DC |
University of Delaware | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Newark, DE |
The Catholic University of America | Campus, Hybrid | Washington, DC |
Southern Connecticut State University-Accelerated | Campus | New Haven, CT |
Quinnipiac University-Accelerated | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Hamden, CT |
University of Saint Joseph-Accelerated | Campus, Hybrid, Online | West Hartford, CT |
Fairfield University-Accelerated | Campus, Hybrid | Fairfield, CT |
Regis University-Choice | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Denver, CO |
University of Connecticut-Storrs Campus – Accelerated | Campus, Hybrid | Storrs, CT |
University of Northern Colorado | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Greeley, CO |
University of Colorado College of Nursing (Traditional) | Campus, Online | Denver, CO |
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs – Traditional | Campus, Online | Colorado Springs, CO |
Samuel Merritt University | Campus, Hybrid | Oakland, CA |
San Diego State University | Campus | San Diego, CA |
Mount St Mary’s University-Los Angeles | Campus | Los Angeles, CA |
National University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | La Jolla, CA |
Loma Linda University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Loma Linda, CA |
Concordia University Irvine | Campus, Online | Irvine, CA |
California State University-Long Beach | Campus | Long Beach, CA |
California State University-Northridge | Campus | Northridge, CA |
California State University-Stanislaus | Campus, Online | Turlock, CA |
Azusa Pacific University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Azusa, CA |
California Baptist University | Campus, Online | Riverside, CA |
Northern Arizona University | Campus, Online | Flagstaff, AZ |
Grand Canyon University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Phoenix, AZ |
Samford University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Birmingham, AL |
University of South Alabama | Campus, Online | Mobile, AL |
University of North Alabama | Campus, Online | Florence, AL |
University of Mobile | Campus, Online | Mobile, AL |
Northeastern University | Campus, Online | Boston, MA |
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus | Campus, Online | University Park, PA |
Touro University | Campus, Online | Henderson, NV |
Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix | Campus, Hybrid | Phoenix, AZ |
Linfield College | Campus, Online | McMinnville, OR |
Concordia – St. Paul’s | Campus | St. Paul, MN |
University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Oklahoma City, OK |
Rutgers University-Camden | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Camden, NJ |
Rutgers University SON Newark | Campus, Hybrid | Newark, NJ |
University of Mississippi Medical Center | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Jackson, MS |
LSU Health Science Center | Campus, Hybrid | New Orleans, LA |
Methodist College | Campus, Online | Peoria, IL |
Duquesne University | Campus, Online | Pittsburgh, PA |
If notice any errors in our RNCareers database, please contact us.
Entrance Requirements for Second Degree BSN 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 Second Degree BSN 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 Earning My 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 BSN Programs
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 2 year 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!