An accelerated BSN program has a lot of appeal to many prospective nurses. This type of program enables you to earn your Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN) on a fast-track timeline, and become eligible to gain licensure as a Registered Nurse. However, it’s important to know that accelerated BSN programs – also called ABSN programs or second degree nursing programs – have very specific requirements.
Are you a candidate for an accelerated nursing program? Let’s find out. Below, we outline the common ABSN requirements and what is needed to enroll in Goodwin’s accelerated BSN program.
ABSN Prerequisites
Before you can enroll in an accelerated BSN program, you will need to hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing area of study. ABSN programs are specifically designed for candidates who already have a bachelor’s degree, but who are looking to change careers and become a nurse.
From there, specific ABSN educational requirements vary by institution. At Goodwin University, for example, ABSN candidates are required to hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited college or university, and have graduated with a minimum GPA of 3.0 to qualify.
In addition to having a bachelor’s degree in hand, it is typically expected that you fulfill a variety of course requirements before enrolling into an ABSN program. Again, the specific prerequisite requirements will vary school to school. Typically, though, ABSN prerequisites include math and science courses that help to lay the foundation for your accelerated nursing curriculum. These may include:
- Biology
- Microbiology
- Chemistry
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Lifespan Development
- Statistics
At Goodwin University, prerequisite courses for the ABSN program must have been completed with a minimum grade of “C” or “C+”, depending on the specific course. For example, the biology, anatomy and physiology course requirements require a C+ grade or better, earned within the last five years. You can learn more about the specific ABSN course requirements here.
When applying to an ABSN program, it is important to contact an admissions counselor to help determine your eligibility. An admissions counselor can review your academic transcripts and identify which coursework will transfer over, which meets the prerequisite ABSN requirements, and which (if any) prerequisites are still outstanding prior to your enrollment.
ABSN Requirements for Enrollment
If you meet the eligibility requirements for an ABSN program, and have completed the necessary ABSN prerequisite courses, you can begin your application into a program. The application process will vary by nursing school. Typically, it involves submitting an application to the university or college, as well as a dedicated application to their accelerated nursing program. They may also require documentation, such as transcripts and letters of reference, in part with your application.
Goodwin University’s ABSN application requirements are as follows:
- Complete the application for admission into Goodwin University.
- Complete the application into the accelerated BSN program.
- Submit official college transcripts along with your ABSN application. This will prove that you meet the educational requirements for admission, as detailed above. It will also help to transfer any relevant coursework over, and speed up the time to complete your Bachelor’s in Nursing.
- Complete any outstanding prerequisite biology courses, as these may be needed for the pre-admission examination.
- Take the examination for pre-admission. This exam is offered three times per year, and can be taken up to six times (one time per semester).
Once you are accepted into the ABSN program, you will need to fulfill some final requirements prior to starting your classes. These are designed to ensure you are healthy, prepared, and safe to provide patient care:
- Obtain malpractice insurance and become a member of the National Student Nurse Association.
- Submit a medical examination report by a healthcare provider, to ensure you are healthy both mentally and physically before starting the program.
- Fulfill any required immunizations prior to beginning your nursing coursework, including your annual flu shot.
- Become certified in Cardio-Pulmonary-Resuscitation (CPR) by the American Heart Association or Red Cross, before starting the coursework. This must also be maintained throughout the program.
- Submit a background check and drug screening. Fees cover the cost of the initial screenings. These is designed to detect any issues that might interfere with future licensure.
These requirements are common for the majority of nursing programs and programs that will lead to careers in direct patient care. Again, to learn more about Goodwin’s specific admission requirements, click here.
ABSN Requirements for Graduation
To earn an accelerated BSN degree at Goodwin University, you will need to successfully complete 60 credits of core nursing coursework, over the course of four semesters. These are designed to provide you with the technical and critical-thinking skills needed to become a great nurse. You will learn nursing theory, research, and leadership skills as well as practical tactics to deliver effective patient care. You will walk away knowing how to coordinate care for patients, deliver information to families, perform healthcare procedures and testing, assess patients for ailments, communicate with medical teams, and more. The required ABSN courses that will help you hone these skills include, but are not limited to:
- Health Assessment and Skill Development
- Pharmacology for Nurses
- Principles of Pathophysiology
- Mental Health Nursing
- The Wellness Continuum (across the age spectrum)
- Community and Public Health Nursing
- Nursing Leadership
Upon completion of the ABSN program requirements—and, ultimately, your Bachelor’s in Nursing degree—you will be qualified to complete the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) to become a licensed RN. This is what will enable you to practice and start making a difference in others’ lives.
Interested in learning more about the accelerated BSN requirements at Goodwin University? Request more information online, or call us at 800-889-3282 to learn more.
Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.