Is an ABSN Right for Me?
An online accelerated BSN program could be the best choice for you if you:
- Have a bachelor’s degree in another field
- Have work experience and are looking to change careers
- Want to take advantage of your previous prerequisite coursework to shorten the time to completion for earning your BSN
At-A-Glance Comparison of Traditional BSN vs. Accelerated BSN Programs
| Accelerated BSN | Traditional BSN | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 11-18 months | Four years |
| Time off | No breaks | Summer and winter semester breaks |
| Prior education requirements | An undergraduate degree, including specific prerequisite courses, is required for admission | A high school diploma is sufficient for admission |
| Quality | Equivalent | |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online ABSN Programs
Applicants vary, but many ABSN students are from non-nursing backgrounds looking to transition quickly to the field. Applicants must have a prior bachelor's degree in any discipline and complete prerequisite coursework prior to starting the program. ABSN students may be looking to change careers after working for years in another industry, or they could be recent college graduates who want a fast route into nursing.
Applicants must have a full bachelor’s degree including specific prerequisite course credits to apply to an ABSN program. ABSN programs leverage prior college coursework to give students the quickest route to entry to the nursing field, despite having little to no field experience.
Prerequisite requirements vary, but you should expect to complete most of them prior to applying and will need to have successfully completed all of the requirements prior to starting the program. . A few common prerequisites, courses include Anatomy and Physiology (1 & 2), Nutrition, Chemistry, Microbiology, Sociology, and Psychology are typical prerequisites of an ABSN program.
ABSN programs are of the same educational caliber as their traditional BSN counterparts. The coursework is rigorous and relevant to today’s dynamic healthcare environment.
Yes, several reputable universities offer ABSN programs online. All of the programs featured on this site are fully CCNE accredited and are offered by some of the nation’s top universities. Accredited programs are necessary to ensure that graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Online ABSN programs offer additional benefits including the facilitation of clinical placement, personalized support services for students, as well as on-campus residencies to maximize learning.
With many online ABSN programs, graduates are ready to start a rewarding career in just about a year. You can become a nurse quickly and touch countless lives in your community.
RNs with BSN degrees typically have more options than RNs with associate’s degrees and can work in a variety of healthcare environments, including:
- Hospitals
- Emergency rooms
- Surgical units
- Long-term or memory care
- Hospice
- Private practice
- Homecare services
- Schools
- Public health departments
- Clinical research units
Your Path to Becoming a BSN-Educated Registered Nurse
- Research the best ABSN programs.
- Complete the program prerequisites.
- Apply for admission.
- Complete didactic coursework online which will include weekly milestones and assignments and may require specific log-in times during the semester for a unique experience engaging with your peers and instructor. Attend required on-campus skills residency.
- Complete clinical rotations near your home (throughout the program).
- Graduate.
- Apply to your state board of nursing for licensure through examination.
- Take and pass NCLEX-RN, the licensure examination for RNs, to obtain your nursing license.
- Start your nursing career!
Take the first step toward your ABSN today. Fill in the form to speak to a university advisor who can help you get into a great nursing program and on your way to a new career.