Accelerated nursing programs rigorously cover a significant amount of material in a short amount of time, so students should anticipate a competitive admissions process. The best candidates possess a proven track record for success.
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) Overview
Earning an ABSN prepares you to become a registered nurse (RN) and helps you develop critical thinking and decision making-skills. Most programs require a bachelor’s degree, which can be in a non-nursing field.
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Opportunities with an ABSN
partial online offering
clinical hours required
Good career mobility
Most administrative and supervisory positions require a BSN.
Path to advancement
Grants entry to master’s or doctoral nursing programs, leading to career advancement and higher salaries.
Job potential
With a BSN, a range of specialized nursing jobs outside of the traditional floor nursing is available.
Skills Learned
- Clinical and leadership skills
- Case management
- Community participation
- Nursing care of children and adults
Image: SDI Productions / E+ / Getty Images
Featured ABSN Specialties
adn or bsn Required
Registered Nurse
RNs focus on health promotion and patient education. RNs may check vital signs, take patient histories, administer diagnostic tests, and perform procedures such as drawing blood, performing skin and wound care, and monitoring IV medications.
Salary
$73,300
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Job Outlook
7% increase from 2019-2029
Learn More About
Registered Nurses 
adn or bsn Required
Geriatric Nurse
Geriatric nurses provide patient care that addresses the unique needs of the aging population. They care for patients with medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, dementia, osteoporosis, and mobility limitations.
Salary
$64,870
SOURCE: PayScale
SOURCE: PayScale
Job Outlook
Positive Growth in Coming Years
Learn More About
Geriatric Nurses
adn or bsn Required
OB/GYN Nurse
OB/GYN nurses work with expectant mothers before, during, and after labor and delivery. They assist obstetricians and gynecologists to provide a variety of patient services for females during the childbearing years.
Salary
$60,000
SOURCE: PayScale
SOURCE: PayScale
Job Outlook
7% increase from 2019-2029
Learn More About
OB/GYN Nurses
asn or bsn Required
Travel Nurse
Travel nurses perform general RN duties in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare sites across the United States, often providing services in underserved areas. Most U.S. placements run between 1-3 months; overseas contracts require a 1-2 year commitment.
Salary
$79,000
SOURCE: PayScale
SOURCE: PayScale
Job Outlook
7% increase from 2019-2029
Learn More About
Travel Nurses
adn or bsn Required
Neonatal Nurse
Neonatal nurses provide care to critically ill newborns, monitor premature or sick infants, and educate and comfort parents and families. Working in neonatal intensive care units, these RNs take care of newborns for a few days to several months.
Salary
$60,797
SOURCE: PayScale
SOURCE: PayScale
Job Outlook
7% increase from 2019-2029
Learn More About
Neonatal Nurses
How Much Will I Make With an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing?
Hourly Salary
$32.78
SOURCE: PayScale.com
SOURCE: PayScale.com
Monthly Salary
$7,141
SOURCE: PayScale.com
SOURCE: PayScale.com
Annual Salary
$85,700
SOURCE: PayScale.com
SOURCE: PayScale.com
How To Get an ABSN
Decide Type of ABSN Program
There are several types of ABSN programs, including traditional, bridge, and online. Figure out what works best for you.
Find ABSN Program
After deciding which factors are important to you in a school, use our degree finder to find programs that fit your criteria.
Apply to ABSN Programs
Common application requirements include GPA, essay, references, CV or resume, volunteer experience, and prior coursework.
Secure Funding for ABSN Programs
There are many ways to finance your degree, including financial aid, grants, scholarships, and loans.
Attend ABSN Classes
Complete the required courses and obtain clinical hours to get hands-on experience. Learn how to work independently with your own patients.
Graduate with an ABSN
Congrats on earning your degree! Now you can take the NCLEX-RN and become a registered nurse (RN), or continue your education and get your MSN.
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NurseJournal.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Featured Online Programs
Types of Bachelor’s Degrees in Nursing
Admission Requirements for an ABSN Program
Admission to an ABSN program requires each applicant to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. Programs may require prerequisite courses, including chemistry for healthcare professionals, anatomy, physiology, or microbiology. Admission requirements vary among schools, but most programs require the following:
- A 2.5-3.0 GPA
- Official transcripts
- Up to three letters of recommendation
- A personal statement or essay
- An entrance interview
- A criminal background check
- Drug screening
- Resume
Schools value candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Candidates should provide additional details that reflect their motivation or eligibility for pursuing nursing to stand out among other applicants.
Core Concepts in an ABSN Program
Accelerated nursing programs provide conceptual knowledge, reinforced by applied experiences. Many programs emphasize these topics:
- Scholarship for evidence-based practice
- Professional nursing leadership
- Health and illness
- Healthcare context and systems
- Patient-centered care
The best programs teach students how to provide education and quality care for patients’ families as well. While each school maintains a distinct curriculum, most programs explore other health-related issues including the following:
- Health assessment and foundational skills for nursing practice
- Foundations of interpersonal practice
- Community and public health nursing
Program outcomes also apply theories for proper intervention, collaborate with healthcare teams, and evaluate research. Enrollees graduate with multiple soft skills, such as strong discipline, effective communication, time management, and critical thinking. Successful completion of an accelerated BSN also allows graduates to qualify for the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs.
Clinical and Lab Components in an ABSN Program
Clinicals and labs comprise a critical component of ABSN programs. These practical experiences allow students to apply conceptual knowledge in real-world environments. Students should expect to perform these tasks:
- Work in multiple healthcare settings
- Complete background checks
- Follow all protocols and policies
- Work under licensed RNs
Schools may require immunization records, documentation of negative test results for tuberculosis, and a current basic life support certification. Students can also take charge by asking questions and volunteering for additional tasks.
What To Expect From an Online ABSN Program
Online ABSN programs accommodate learners who require flexible hours to earn their degrees. Distance courses may follow an asynchronous format, allowing students to complete assignments at any time before deadlines. Students engage with classmates and instructors through discussion boards, private chats, and email.
However, programs may also use a synchronous format, which requires enrollees to attend live classes through their webcams. While online ABSN programs allow students to complete courses remotely, clinical rotations and labs require in-person attendance.
Should I Get an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing?
Accelerated BSN programs offer a pathway for professionals to transition into new careers. However, students should ensure that ABSN programs meet their needs.
Pros to an Accelerated BSN
Cons to an Accelerated BSN
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How competitive are ABSN programs?
-
Are ABSN programs hard to get into?
ABSN programs vary in competitiveness. For instance, schools may not offer a highly developed nursing program, making their admission requirements less restrictive. Contrastingly, a school with a larger department, technology, and resources may set high expectations for applicants. Students should research admission requirements before formally applying to any program.
-
Who offers accelerated nursing programs?
Aspiring RNs can find accelerated nursing programs in any state. More schools also offer online ABSN programs to accommodate professionals. Students can contact local universities to identify programs or research the best accelerated BSN programs that meet their needs.
Explore BSN Programs
Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Four-Year BSN Programs
Best Online ADN-to-BSN Programs
Best Online LPN-to-BSN Programs
Reviewed by:
Elizabeth Clarke, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW
Elizabeth Clarke, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW is a board-certified family nurse practitioner. A native of Boston, Massachusetts, Clarke tired of the cold and snowy winters and moved to Coral Gables, Florida in order to complete her undergraduate degree in nursing at the University of Miami. After working for several years in the UHealth and Jackson Memorial Medical systems in the cardiac and ER units, Clarke returned to the University of Miami to complete her master of science in nursing (MSN). Since completing her MSN degree, Clarke has worked providing primary and urgent care to pediatric populations.
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