Posted by The demand for registered nurses is increasing, and accelerated BSN programs for non-nurses are a great way for non-nurses to transition into the field. These programs are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to become registered nurses in a shorter amount of time than traditional BSN programs.
In the next section, we will be looking at what the Accelerated BSN program is.
So, Without further Ado!
Table of Contents
What is an Accelerated BSN program?
An Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is a fast-track nursing program designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field.
The program is designed to prepare students to become registered nurses (RNs) in a shorter amount of time than traditional nursing programs.
ABSN programs are typically 11-18 months in length and require students to complete a rigorous curriculum that includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience.
The curriculum of an ABSN program is designed to build on the knowledge and skills that students have gained in their previous degree programs. Students will learn about nursing theory, patient care, pharmacology, and other essential topics.
They will also gain hands-on experience working with patients in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
Accelerated BSN Program Admission Requirements
To be eligible for admission to an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, you must meet certain requirements. The requirements for ABSN programs vary, but generally include:
- A bachelor’s degree in any major from an accredited college or university.
- A minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0.
- Completion of prerequisites in courses such as anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and statistics.
- Two to three letters of recommendation.
It’s important to note that admission requirements may vary depending on the institution offering the program.
List of the Top 20 Universities that offer Accelerated BSN Programs for Non-Nurses
Below is a list of the top 20 universities that offer accelerated BSN programs for non-nurses:
- Emory University – Atlanta, GA
- Johns Hopkins University – Baltimore, MD
- University of Alabama at Birmingham – Birmingham, AL
- University of Arizona – Tucson, AZ
- University of California, Los Angeles – Los Angeles, CA
- University of Colorado – Denver, CO
- University of Delaware – Newark, DE
- University of Florida – Gainesville, FL
- University of Louisville – Louisville, KY
- University of Massachusetts Amherst – Amherst, MA
- University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, MI
- University of Missouri – Columbia, MO
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Chapel Hill, NC
- University of Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, PA
- University of Rochester – Rochester, NY
- University of San Francisco – San Francisco, CA
- University of South Carolina – Columbia, SC
- University of Texas at Arlington – Arlington, TX
- University of Texas at Austin – Austin, TX
- University of Wisconsin-Madison – Madison, WI.
Top 20 Accelerated BSN Programs for Non-Nurses
1. Emory University – Atlanta, GA
- Tuition fee: $51,306 for both in-state and out-of-state students.
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia
The Distance Accelerated BSN Program offered by Emory University is a one-year program that enables students to earn a nursing degree in three semesters of study.
The program is designed for students who have earned a previous bachelor’s degree in another discipline from an accredited college or university. The program is offered online and requires three on-campus intensive sessions during the program.
The program is limited to 30 students per cohort, which ensures that every student has individual attention and can get to know their classmates.
The program is designed to develop clinical and critical thinking skills through a blend of lecture and practice based on the clinical judgment instructional model.
The program prepares graduates to enter the nursing profession with solid practice skills and the confidence to use those skills to help people who need competent, caring nurses.
2. Johns Hopkins University – Baltimore, MD
- Tuition fee: The estimated cost of attendance for the ABSN program is $1,925 per credit hour.
- Location: Baltimore, Maryland
The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program for students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in another field and have finished the basic requirements for their BSN.
The program is offered in two different formats: Summer-Entry and Fall-Entry. The Summer-Entry program is 13 months long and begins in May, while the Fall-Entry program is 17 months long and begins in August.
The program requires students to complete courses such as Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Nutrition, Human Growth & Development Across the Lifespan, and Statistics.
3. University of Alabama at Birmingham – Birmingham, AL
- Location: Birmingham, Alabama
The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers an Accelerated master’s in nursing Pathway (AMNP) for individuals with bachelor’s degrees (or higher) in a non-nursing field who desire a career change to nursing.
The accelerated curriculum provides pre-licensure coursework leading to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree in only three semesters.
The program is designed to provide an entry-level nursing pathway for individuals who want to transition into the nursing profession.
The School of Nursing at the University of Alabama at Birmingham offers the program. The School of Nursing offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing, including the BSN Pathway and the RN to BSN Pathway.
4. University of Arizona – Tucson, AZ
- Tuition fee: $12,000 per year for in-state students and $36,000 per year for out-of-state students
- Location: Tucson, Arizona
The University of Arizona College of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that can be completed in Tucson or Gilbert, Arizona. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
The program is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in another discipline who wish to become a Registered Nurse (RN) by completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The program is offered both on campus and online, offering more flexibility for students.
The Accelerated BSN clinical nursing program is a full-time, 12-month upper-division clinical nursing program designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in another discipline who wish to become a Registered Nurse (RN) by completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
5. University of California, Los Angeles – Los Angeles, CA
- Location: Los Angeles, California
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program for non-RN students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing.
The program is designed to be completed in 15 months and consists of approximately 53-semester units of study in both didactic and clinical coursework.
Upon completion of the program, students will be awarded a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Cal State LA and will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX examination for RN licensure.
The ABSN program at UCLA is a rigorous and fast-paced program that prepares students for a career in nursing. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become competent and compassionate nurses.
The curriculum includes courses in nursing theory, health assessment, pharmacology, and nursing research, among others. Students will also gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in various healthcare settings.
6. University of Colorado – Denver, CO
- Tuition fee: $1,248 per credit hour for international students
- Location: Boulder, Colorado
The University of Colorado – Denver, CO offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, which is designed for students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing.
The program is a full-time, on-campus pathway that allows eligible students to complete their nursing degree in 12 months. The program is rigorous and requires applicants to have an earned bachelor’s degree and healthcare experience.
7. University of Delaware – Newark, DE
- Tuition fee: The tuition fee for the program is $56,755 for out-of-state students.
- Location: Newark, Delaware
The University of Delaware offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program for individuals who have already obtained a baccalaureate degree in another field and wish to pursue a career in nursing. The program is designed to be completed in 17 months and is offered on-campus.
The program requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the previous baccalaureate degree and a science prerequisite GPA with preference given to those course credits obtained from a four-year college or university.
The curriculum is full-time and includes courses in professional nursing practice, pathophysiologic foundations, family health and wellness, health assessment, pharmacology across the lifespan, nursing care of adults, leadership in professional practice, and clinical reasoning.
8. University of Florida – Gainesville, FL
- Tuition fee: The estimate for the total cost of attendance for a full-time undergraduate student is $22,299 per year.
- Location: Gainesville, Florida
The University of Florida in Gainesville offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program for students with a baccalaureate degree or higher in another field to pursue a baccalaureate degree in nursing.
The program is completed in four consecutive semesters in an accelerated track. The curriculum includes classroom and laboratory activities alongside supervised clinical practice experiences. The program is offered at the Gainesville and UF Health Jacksonville campuses.
The College of Nursing’s ABSN program is designed to transition individuals with undergraduate and graduate degrees in other fields into nursing.
9. University of Louisville – Louisville, KY
- Tuition fee: $611 per credit.
- Location: Gainesville, Florida
The University of Louisville offers a Second-Degree Accelerated BSN program that prepares students with a bachelor’s degree in any area outside of nursing to become entry-level professional nurses.
The program is designed to be completed in four semesters (15 months, prerequisites not included) with courses beginning in summer and continuous enrollment through summer of the following year.
10. University of Massachusetts Amherst – Amherst, MA
- Tuition fee: $1,500 per credit
- Location: Amherst, Massachusetts
The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers an Accelerated BS in Nursing program for students with bachelor’s degrees in non-nursing fields. The program is full-time and takes only 16 months to complete.
The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and clinical experience they need to launch their nursing career, and it is supported by the resources of a world-class university, renowned faculty, and supportive staff.
The program curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure as a Registered Nurse in Massachusetts.
The program is offered by the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing at the UMass Amherst campus. The college is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
11. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, MI
- Tuition fee: The tuition fee for the ABSN program is $1,500 per credit hour.
- Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
The University of Michigan School of Nursing offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program that is designed for individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in another field and are interested in pursuing a career in nursing.
The program is offered at the Ann Arbor campus and can be completed in 16 months of full-time study.
The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in nursing theory and practice, as well as clinical experience in a variety of settings. Students will take courses in subjects such as pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment, and will also participate in clinical rotations in areas such as pediatrics, obstetrics, and mental health.
12. University of Missouri – Columbia, MO
- Tuition fee: $36,000
- Location: Columbia, Missouri
The Accelerated BSN program at the University of Missouri – Columbia is a 15-month, on-campus option for students who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in a field other than nursing.
The program integrates professional, theoretical, and liberal-arts knowledge to prepare nurses to provide direct and indirect care to individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations.
Graduates can function as providers, designers, and coordinators of care and as members of the nursing profession. Graduates may also choose to continue their education in advanced practice, educator, leadership care management, and research roles.
13. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Chapel Hill, NC
- Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program that is designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field and are interested in pursuing a career in nursing.
The program is offered by the UNC School of Nursing and is designed to be completed in four semesters. The program is highly competitive, and applicants must meet certain prerequisites before they can be considered for admission.
The ABSN program at UNC Chapel Hill is known for its innovative teaching methods and interprofessional education.
14. University of Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, PA
- Tuition fee: $30,038
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA offers an Accelerated Second-Degree BSN program that allows students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree or higher to earn their BSN in one year.
The program is designed for those who would like to work in the nursing profession before specializing or pursuing an advanced practice degree.
The program is highly selective and requires a rigorous application process to select the best-qualified candidates. As a Penn nursing student, you’ll work closely with faculty and engage with the two teaching hospitals on campus as well as with clinical sites throughout the region.
15. University of Rochester – Rochester, NY
- Tuition fee: $26,550 per semester
- Location: Rochester, New York
The Accelerated Bachelor’s in Nursing Program (ABSN) at the University of Rochester is designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree and want to accelerate their path to nursing.
The program is offered at the University of Rochester School of Nursing, which is a nationally ranked nursing school in upstate New York.
The ABSN program is designed to prepare aspiring nurses to take on the critical role of providing quality care for patients. The program awards a fully accredited nursing degree in just 12 or 24 months to prepare students to pass their licensing exam and practice as an RN.
16. University of San Francisco – San Francisco, CA
- Tuition fee: $700 per unit
- Location: San Francisco, California
The Accelerated BSN Program at the University of San Francisco is a 15-month program that prepares students for entry-level positions in professional nursing practice in a variety of settings including hospitals, community clinics, long-term care, home care, and community health agencies.
The program is offered through the College of Professional & Global Education at SF State and is supported by the San Mateo Community College District and the CSU.
The program is designed for applicants who have already completed a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
The program provides the basis for leadership and graduate education in nursing. Graduates of the program are eligible for public health nursing certification in California upon licensure as a Registered Nurse.
The program requires students to complete all prerequisite courses below from an accredited College or University by the time of application:
- Human Anatomy with Lab
- Human Physiology with Lab
- Microbiology with Lab
- Statistics
- Nutrition
17. University of South Carolina – Columbia, SC
- Location: Columbia, South Carolina
The University of South Carolina offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program that is designed for individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in another field and are interested in pursuing a career in nursing.
The program is designed to be completed in 16 months and is offered at the Columbia, SC campus.
The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become competent and compassionate nurses.
The curriculum includes courses in nursing theory, health assessment, pharmacology, and nursing research. Students will also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in various healthcare settings.
18. University of Texas at Arlington – Arlington, TX
- Tuition fee: $8,995
- Location: Arlington, Texas
The University of Texas at Arlington offers an Accelerated Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that can be completed in as little as 15 months. The program is offered by the College of Nursing and Health Innovation and is available online and on campus.
The program is designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing and are not registered nurses.
The program is accredited and provides students with the opportunity to learn from experienced faculty members and gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations.
The program is structured to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of nursing theory and practice. Students will learn about health promotion, disease prevention, and patient care across the lifespan. The curriculum includes courses in nursing research, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and nursing leadership.
19. University of Texas at Austin – Austin, TX
- Tuition fee: $6,781 for in-state students and $16,909 for non-resident students
- Location: Austin, Texas
The University of Texas at Austin offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing and are interested in pursuing a career in nursing. The program is designed to be completed in 15 months with full-time study.
The ABSN program at the University of Texas at Austin is a dynamic course of study that is both theoretical and practical.
The program prepares graduates to work in a wide variety of clinical settings and provides the necessary foundation for master’s and doctoral degrees in nursing.
20. University of Wisconsin-Madison – Madison, WI
- Location: Madison, Wisconsin
The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program that is designed for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and are seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
The program is 12 months long and provides hands-on care under the supervision of clinical experts each semester. Students participate in active simulations using state-of-the-art technology and become nurse leaders who can change lives and the community they serve.
FAQs
How long does it typically take to complete an Accelerated BSN Program?
The duration varies, but most Accelerated BSN programs can be completed in 12 to 18 months, depending on the specific program and its structure.
What are the typical admission requirements for Accelerated BSN Programs?
Admission requirements may vary, but common prerequisites include a non-nursing bachelor's degree, a minimum GPA, completion of specific prerequisite courses, letters of recommendation, and relevant work or volunteer experience.
Are financial aid and scholarships available for Accelerated BSN Programs?
Yes, many programs offer financial aid options, and some may have scholarships or grants. It's advisable to check with the individual programs and explore external scholarship opportunities.
What should I consider when choosing between different Accelerated BSN Programs?
Consider factors such as accreditation, curriculum, clinical experiences, faculty expertise, location, and program outcomes. It's crucial to choose a program that aligns with your goals and preferences.
What are the career prospects after completing an Accelerated BSN Program?
Graduates of Accelerated BSN Programs are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and, upon passing, can pursue various nursing roles in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.
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Conclusion
The top 20 accelerated BSN programs for non-nurses listed in this article, offer a great opportunity for students to become registered nurses in a year or less.
These programs are designed to be flexible and convenient, and they provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the nursing profession. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in nursing, I would highly recommend considering one of these programs.
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