The Best Online ABSN Programs
- Best Online ABSN Programs and Schools
- Program Accreditation
- Program Overview
- Applying to an Online ABSN Program
- FAQ
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / DigitalVision / Getty ImagesAccelerated bachelor of science in nursing (ABSN) programs, sometimes called second-degree nursing programs or accelerated nursing programs, allow graduates with a bachelor’s degree in another field to earn a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree, typically in less than two years. Most require prerequisite courses in physiology, human biology, microbiology, or other courses. Whether in-person or online, ABSN programs are rigorous, but many students find the fast progress to a nursing degree worth it.
This guide describes the best accelerated nursing programs, how to apply, and what to expect. If you are considering a career change to nursing, explore more with this helpful information.
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best online ABSN programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
Learn More About the Best Online ABSN Programs and Schools
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,478
- Out-of-state$19,810
- In-State$6,916
- Out-of-state$25,759
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate44%
- Students Enrolled69,402
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Madison, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,273
- Out-of-state$36,333
- In-State$10,728
- Out-of-state$24,054
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate54%
- Students Enrolled44,257
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment18%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Florida
- Jacksonville, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,996
- Out-of-state$16,799
- In-State$8,978
- Out-of-state$20,517
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate72%
- Students Enrolled17,117
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
Allen College
- Waterloo, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$17,612
- Out-of-state$17,612
- In-State$17,040
- Out-of-state$17,040
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled656
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment82%
- AccreditationYes
Saint Louis University
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$44,700
- Out-of-state$44,700
- In-State$20,880
- Out-of-state$20,880
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled12,799
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment12%
- AccreditationYes
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
- Stillwater, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,366
- Out-of-state$20,877
- In-State$5,531
- Out-of-state$21,034
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled24,079
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
- Knoxville, TN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,332
- Out-of-state$28,522
- In-State$11,468
- Out-of-state$29,656
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled29,460
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
Western Carolina University
- Cullowhee, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$1,000
- Out-of-state$5,000
- In-State$4,435
- Out-of-state$14,842
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled12,167
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
Georgia Southern University
- Statesboro, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,371
- Out-of-state$15,425
- In-State$4,977
- Out-of-state$19,890
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate54%
- Students Enrolled26,054
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
Midway University
- Midway, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$24,500
- Out-of-state$24,500
- In-State$6,240
- Out-of-state$6,240
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate60%
- Students Enrolled1,357
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment73%
- AccreditationYes
Why Is Online ABSN Program Accreditation Important?
Accreditation is a rigorous process used to assess the quality of a program and whether graduates have the knowledge and skills to practice nursing safely. This protects everybody involved, including you, which is why you must have a degree from an accredited program to qualify for a nursing license.
Most accredited nursing programs do not accept transfer credits from an unaccredited program. Accreditation is so vital to program value that this guide to the best online ABSN programs includes only accredited programs.
How Do Online ABSN Programs Work?
ABSN programs require certain prerequisite courses, either as part of your existing undergraduate degree or that you take before you enter the ABSN program. Many schools require students to have taken these prerequisite courses within a certain number of years to ensure that your knowledge is based on the most recent science and findings.
ABSN programs are generally fast-paced. Some programs discourage students from working while studying, while a few specifically require that students not work another job while studying. The best accelerated nursing program for you should be at a pace you can manage.
Applying to an Online ABSN Program
While students with a bachelor’s degree in any subject are eligible to apply to an online ABSN program, a degree, minor, or significant coursework in topics related to nursing are particularly helpful for admission. These often include biology, chemistry, physiology, public health, or psychology.
Admission Materials
Undergraduate transcripts; transcripts of any other college-level courses; at least two references; criminal background check; application with essay or personal statementGPA Requirement
Typically, 3.0 or higher. Some programs have specific grade requirements for prerequisite courses.Other Requirement
Prerequisite courses, such as human anatomy, college-level mathematics, or microbiology, either as part of your undergraduate degree or taken separately. Schools may require scientific courses to be recent (within 3-5 years) and a minimum grade.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online ABSN Programs
What is the difference between an ABSN and a BSN?
An ABSN program builds on your existing bachelor’s degree and course prerequisites so that you can earn a BSN much faster. Most in-person or online ABSN programs take 1-2 years to complete, while a BSN takes four years.
Are accelerated nursing degrees worth it?
ABSN programs are fast-paced and most programs recommend or require that you not work while in the course. Whether this is worth it to you depends on your circumstances and goals.
How long does an accelerated bachelor’s in nursing take?
Most ABSN programs take between one and two years, with many running approximately 16 months. However, you may need to take some prerequisite classes first, especially if you did not major in a field related to nursing or took those courses a long time ago.
Can you complete an ABSN online?
Many schools offer online ABSN programs, but you will need to complete your clinical hours in person. Make sure you can find local placement or can travel to a placement site.
