The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Author: Shannon Lee
Shannon Lee Arrow up right
Freelance Writer, Editor, & Novelist
Shannon Lee has over 20 years of experience writing thousands of articles in the higher education sector, with a particular focus on medical and health topics. Drawing on her personal background as the daughter of two professionals who retired from major hospital systems, she specializes in nursing, healthcare, and allied health writing.
Areas of Expertise
Check HealthcareNursingHealthcare Admin
HealthcareNursingHealthcare Admin
Editor: Wes Ricketts
Wes Ricketts has created award-winning content in higher education and healthcare for nearly 20 years. He founded EduMed in 2018 to give future college students a go-to resource for information on degree programs in nursing and allied health. Wes’s research and writing interests include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as caregiving for loved ones with degenerative conditions. Wes holds a master’s degree in history from Western Washington University, where he also led workshops focused on historical research and longform writing skills.
Areas of Expertise
Check EditorialSenior CareDementia Care
EditorialSenior CareDementia Care

Review the Best Online Accelerated BSN Programs

Online accelerated BSN programs are for students who hold bachelor’s degrees in other fields and want to become registered nurses quickly. Let’s take a look at how these programs work, what they offer, and which ones stand out.

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Author: Shannon Lee
Shannon Lee Arrow up right
Freelance Writer, Editor, & Novelist
Shannon Lee has over 20 years of experience writing thousands of articles in the higher education sector, with a particular focus on medical and health topics. Drawing on her personal background as the daughter of two professionals who retired from major hospital systems, she specializes in nursing, healthcare, and allied health writing.
Areas of Expertise
Check HealthcareNursingHealthcare Admin
HealthcareNursingHealthcare Admin
Editor: Wes Ricketts
Wes Ricketts has created award-winning content in higher education and healthcare for nearly 20 years. He founded EduMed in 2018 to give future college students a go-to resource for information on degree programs in nursing and allied health. Wes’s research and writing interests include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as caregiving for loved ones with degenerative conditions. Wes holds a master’s degree in history from Western Washington University, where he also led workshops focused on historical research and longform writing skills.
Areas of Expertise
Check EditorialSenior CareDementia Care
EditorialSenior CareDementia Care

FIND THE PROGRAM FOR YOU

  1. Take our quiz
  2. Match with schools
  3. Connect with favorites

Take our 4-step quiz to match with top schools in your field. Review options and connect with your favorites.

I want my
In

Online ABSN programs accommodate people with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. The fast-track curriculum bypasses general education requirements and focuses on nursing material with online coursework and clinicals done at local healthcare facilities.

Is an ABSN right for you? To help you decide, we share three program profiles below.

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) Online – University of Indianapolis

The University of Indianapolis offers a full-time, 15-month online ABSN program. Coursework is 100% online. Clinicals, which use a 1:1 model, are completed at local facilities and two on-campus skills events.

Each student meets with a success advisor and an academic advisor. The UIndy program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Duration: 15 months (4 semesters)

Mode: Online with local clinicals and four on-campus residencies

Cost: $860/credit

Admissions Requirements:

Curriculum: Below are four sample courses that show what the 56-credit hour program entails.

  • Nursing Health Assessment (3 credits) – How to perform a complete and holistic health assessment of individuals and families using clinical reasoning and physical findings to differentiate between normal and abnormal findings.
  • Transitional Care in Primary and Population Health (3 credits) – Population-focused nursing via theoretical and practical applications. Study of social and health policy, environmental issues, and community partnerships.
  • Complex Transitional Nursing Care (4 credits) – The study of professional nursing practice and its role in promoting health and injury prevention in complex patient populations. A holistic approach to nursing using advanced technologies and the collaboration of health care teams.
  • Transition to Professional Nursing Practice (3 credits) – Allows students to develop their professional roles under the guidance of a mentor. Strong focus on NCLEX-RN examination prep.

Best For: Students who want to transition to nursing quickly and enter the workforce in the shortest time possible.

Online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Cleveland State University

The online ABSN from Cleveland State is a full-time program comprised of online coursework with two residencies. Accredited by the CCNE, the program leverages past undergraduate work to accelerate nurse-related coursework and prepares students to deliver patient care in a wide range of healthcare environments.

The program includes:

  • 764 clinical hours
  • 171 lab hours
  • Clinical placement services
  • NCLEX exam prep

Duration: 16 months

Mode: Online coursework with two residencies

Cost: $301-$339/credit (in-state), $429-$483/credit (out-of-state)

Admissions Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • 2.5 cumulative GPA, 3.0 prerequisite GPA
  • Resume
  • Interview
  • Essay
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended

Curriculum:

  • Nursing Theory & Professional Practice – Covers theory development in nursing, nursing models, nursing attributes, values, ethics, and history. Fosters development of nursing communication skills and appreciation of cultural diversity.
  • Nursing Pharmacology – Covers drug classifications, especially those used to care for patients experiencing stressors. Focuses on nursing implications.
  • Nursing Research – Introduces students to the research process and discusses the contributions of research to the advancement of nursing practice. Sharp focus on critical analysis and interpretation of research reports.
  • Nursing Leadership & Management – Concentrates on leadership theories and concepts related to the delivery of care within the community. Explores the roles of developing leader and consultant/collaborator.

Best For: Students who want a more personal approach with strong support from start to finish. Ideal for those who need affordable tuition.

Accelerated BSN Programs (Online) – The University of Tulsa

The University of Tulsa’s online ABSN is designed for working professionals and adult learners. The program waives 31 credits of general education courses and requires around 60 core nursing credits. Tulsa’s program includes the Roy Adaptation Model and prepares students to pass the NCLEX-RN.

Duration: 18 months (depending on schedule and transfer credits)

Mode: Online coursework, 5-day onsite boot camp, and local clinicals.

Cost: $625/credit hour

Admissions Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Professional CV
  • $150 enrollment deposit
  • Background check
  • All prerequisites completed with a C grade or better, including chemistry in medicine, human anatomy with lab, and human physiology with lab.

Curriculum:

The online ABSN at Tulsa includes courses in four primary categories:

  • Prerequisites (12 credits) – Four courses in chemistry, physiology, and anatomy.
  • Electives (6 credits) – Three general elective credits and three nursing major electives.
  • Nursing Foundation (11 credits) – Four courses in nutrition, microbiology, psychology, and research.
  • Nursing Major (60 credits) – Twenty-two courses across nursing fundamentals, acute and chronic care, public health, nursing science, and informatics. Includes a capstone.

Best For: Students who would benefit from completing clinicals near home via coordination with a current employer or a local healthcare facility.

What to Consider Before You Apply

Before applying for online ABSN programs, consider the following questions:

  1. Am I ready for an accelerated program that involves full-time study?
  2. Do I have a career path in mind?
  3. Am I ready to do all my academic coursework online?
  4. Do I have the financial aid I need? Are scholarships available?

What Prospective Online ABSN Students Ask

Want to know more about ABSN programs? Below, we answer the most common questions about admissions, costs, financial aid, and accreditation.

How long does it take to earn an ABSN online?

Most programs can be completed in 15 to 20 months. However, the actual timeframe depends on the school’s policy on credit transfers and your speed in the online coursework.

What’s the minimum GPA needed for admission to an ABSN program?

Most programs require a minimum 2.5 GPA, but some more lenient programs may allow enrollment with a 2.0 or lower. In those cases, make sure they hold the proper accreditation.

Look for programs that have different GPA requirements for their prerequisites. Some may ask for a 3.0 in these core classes. Check out our healthcare admissions student handbook for more information on admissions expectations.

How do you succeed in an ABSN?

The number one factor to success is time management. According to ABSN students, organizing and managing your time is critical, especially when balancing courses and clinicals.

The second most important thing is a support group – peers, professors, and family/friends. Create strong bonds with these people so you can get help when you need it.

How Much Does an Online ABSN Program Cost?

An online ABSN often costs more than non-accelerated BSN programs, and the final cost of an online degree can vary based on financial aid, scholarships, and additional fees. To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a brief list of programs and tuition rates.

School NameProgram TypeTuition & Fees
Arkansas State UniversityOnline$19,564 tuition
Cleveland State UniversityOnline$21,684 + $8,432 fees (in-state),
$30,885 + $8,432 fees (out-of-state)
Holy Family UniversityOnline$52,077 tuition
The University of IndianapolisOnline$36,504/year + $610 program fee/semester
The University of TulsaOnline$625/credit hour (textbooks included)

Career & Salary: Registered Nurses with BSNs

Show entries
Filters
  • Area
  • 10th Percentile
  • Median
  • 90th Percentile
U.S.
10th Percentile $66,030
Median $93,600
90th Percentile $135,320
Alabama
10th Percentile $53,360
Median $71,040
90th Percentile $98,840
Alaska
10th Percentile $82,400
Median $110,690
90th Percentile $137,400
Arizona
10th Percentile $69,930
Median $96,890
90th Percentile $123,480
Arkansas
10th Percentile $57,380
Median $77,130
90th Percentile $99,960
California
10th Percentile $100,120
Median $140,330
90th Percentile $208,880
Connecticut
10th Percentile $78,660
Median $101,590
90th Percentile $132,840
Delaware
10th Percentile $72,850
Median $92,610
90th Percentile $127,340
District of Columbia
10th Percentile $81,880
Median $104,550
90th Percentile $135,620
Florida
10th Percentile $66,670
Median $82,850
90th Percentile $110,530
Georgia
10th Percentile $66,110
Median $86,560
90th Percentile $124,810
Hawaii
10th Percentile $82,380
Median $136,320
90th Percentile $146,480
Idaho
10th Percentile $65,690
Median $86,100
90th Percentile $118,460
Illinois
10th Percentile $64,930
Median $86,410
90th Percentile $112,320
Indiana
10th Percentile $63,720
Median $80,740
90th Percentile $103,820
Iowa
10th Percentile $62,210
Median $76,960
90th Percentile $98,280
Kansas
10th Percentile $60,630
Median $78,060
90th Percentile $97,870
Kentucky
10th Percentile $63,180
Median $79,910
90th Percentile $104,430
Louisiana
10th Percentile $62,830
Median $78,880
90th Percentile $111,810
Maine
10th Percentile $66,330
Median $82,860
90th Percentile $104,870
Maryland
10th Percentile $75,470
Median $96,830
90th Percentile $121,150
Massachusetts
10th Percentile $76,950
Median $101,970
90th Percentile $173,590
Michigan
10th Percentile $70,150
Median $85,670
90th Percentile $106,770
Minnesota
10th Percentile $75,830
Median $100,870
90th Percentile $128,200
Mississippi
10th Percentile $58,130
Median $74,470
90th Percentile $104,040
Missouri
10th Percentile $58,510
Median $79,770
90th Percentile $103,140
Montana
10th Percentile $67,720
Median $81,560
90th Percentile $109,450
Nebraska
10th Percentile $63,290
Median $81,020
90th Percentile $101,500
Nevada
10th Percentile $77,960
Median $101,990
90th Percentile $132,990
New Hampshire
10th Percentile $69,250
Median $96,830
90th Percentile $120,120
New Jersey
10th Percentile $81,670
Median $102,730
90th Percentile $130,540
New Mexico
10th Percentile $70,630
Median $88,260
90th Percentile $121,200
New York
10th Percentile $77,930
Median $105,600
90th Percentile $153,420
North Carolina
10th Percentile $64,180
Median $81,860
90th Percentile $107,110
North Dakota
10th Percentile $65,770
Median $78,260
90th Percentile $99,540
Ohio
10th Percentile $66,060
Median $81,250
90th Percentile $103,650
Oklahoma
10th Percentile $64,110
Median $81,160
90th Percentile $105,320
Oregon
10th Percentile $95,040
Median $123,990
90th Percentile $143,410
Pennsylvania
10th Percentile $67,410
Median $87,610
90th Percentile $116,590
Rhode Island
10th Percentile $72,090
Median $99,960
90th Percentile $128,520
South Carolina
10th Percentile $64,200
Median $79,900
90th Percentile $102,040
South Dakota
10th Percentile $51,980
Median $69,510
90th Percentile $92,570
Tennessee
10th Percentile $59,540
Median $79,030
90th Percentile $102,040
Texas
10th Percentile $64,660
Median $90,010
90th Percentile $122,060
Utah
10th Percentile $67,980
Median $82,270
90th Percentile $106,960
Vermont
10th Percentile $70,840
Median $85,150
90th Percentile $117,310
Virginia
10th Percentile $64,370
Median $88,820
90th Percentile $124,040
Washington
10th Percentile $86,490
Median $112,180
90th Percentile $149,370
West Virginia
10th Percentile $53,060
Median $79,990
90th Percentile $106,830
Wisconsin
10th Percentile $74,970
Median $86,070
90th Percentile $109,270
Wyoming
10th Percentile $64,660
Median $81,790
90th Percentile $108,350
Showing 1 to 10 of 51 entries

Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.


Show entries
Filters
  • Area
  • Curr. Jobs
  • Proj. Jobs
  • New Jobs
  • Growth %
  • Avg. Ann. Openings
United States
Curr. Jobs 3,172,500
Proj. Jobs 3,349,900
New Jobs 177,400
Growth % 5.60%
Avg. Ann. Openings 193,100
Alabama
Curr. Jobs 51,980
Proj. Jobs 54,290
New Jobs 2,310
Growth % 4.40%
Avg. Ann. Openings 3,090
Alaska
Curr. Jobs 6,130
Proj. Jobs 6,800
New Jobs 670
Growth % 10.90%
Avg. Ann. Openings 420
Arizona
Curr. Jobs 59,110
Proj. Jobs 72,050
New Jobs 12,940
Growth % 21.90%
Avg. Ann. Openings 4,820
Arkansas
Curr. Jobs 28,750
Proj. Jobs 30,920
New Jobs 2,170
Growth % 7.50%
Avg. Ann. Openings 1,820
California
Curr. Jobs 333,700
Proj. Jobs 376,900
New Jobs 43,200
Growth % 12.90%
Avg. Ann. Openings 23,420
Colorado
Curr. Jobs 53,720
Proj. Jobs 63,290
New Jobs 9,570
Growth % 17.80%
Avg. Ann. Openings 4,100
Connecticut
Curr. Jobs 35,420
Proj. Jobs 38,310
New Jobs 2,890
Growth % 8.20%
Avg. Ann. Openings 2,270
Delaware
Curr. Jobs 11,720
Proj. Jobs 13,570
New Jobs 1,850
Growth % 15.80%
Avg. Ann. Openings 870
District of Columbia
Curr. Jobs 11,110
Proj. Jobs 11,750
New Jobs 640
Growth % 5.80%
Avg. Ann. Openings 680
Florida
Curr. Jobs 202,780
Proj. Jobs 228,070
New Jobs 25,290
Growth % 12.50%
Avg. Ann. Openings 14,110
Georgia
Curr. Jobs 81,800
Proj. Jobs 94,310
New Jobs 12,510
Growth % 15.30%
Avg. Ann. Openings 5,990
Idaho
Curr. Jobs 15,480
Proj. Jobs 18,580
New Jobs 3,100
Growth % 20.00%
Avg. Ann. Openings 1,230
Illinois
Curr. Jobs 138,050
Proj. Jobs 142,310
New Jobs 4,260
Growth % 3.10%
Avg. Ann. Openings 7,960
Indiana
Curr. Jobs 67,390
Proj. Jobs 71,020
New Jobs 3,630
Growth % 5.40%
Avg. Ann. Openings 4,090
Iowa
Curr. Jobs 35,700
Proj. Jobs 39,270
New Jobs 3,570
Growth % 10.00%
Avg. Ann. Openings 2,370
Kansas
Curr. Jobs 32,310
Proj. Jobs 33,910
New Jobs 1,600
Growth % 5.00%
Avg. Ann. Openings 1,940
Kentucky
Curr. Jobs 47,300
Proj. Jobs 50,400
New Jobs 3,100
Growth % 6.60%
Avg. Ann. Openings 2,940
Louisiana
Curr. Jobs 43,740
Proj. Jobs 47,040
New Jobs 3,300
Growth % 7.50%
Avg. Ann. Openings 2,770
Maine
Curr. Jobs 14,840
Proj. Jobs 15,040
New Jobs 200
Growth % 1.30%
Avg. Ann. Openings 820
Maryland
Curr. Jobs 48,810
Proj. Jobs 52,370
New Jobs 3,560
Growth % 7.30%
Avg. Ann. Openings 3,080
Massachusetts
Curr. Jobs 30,060
Proj. Jobs 32,600
New Jobs 2,540
Growth % 8.40%
Avg. Ann. Openings 1,940
Michigan
Curr. Jobs 104,150
Proj. Jobs 106,910
New Jobs 2,760
Growth % 2.70%
Avg. Ann. Openings 5,950
Minnesota
Curr. Jobs 68,040
Proj. Jobs 71,630
New Jobs 3,590
Growth % 5.30%
Avg. Ann. Openings 4,120
Mississippi
Curr. Jobs 29,980
Proj. Jobs 31,910
New Jobs 1,930
Growth % 6.40%
Avg. Ann. Openings 1,860
Missouri
Curr. Jobs 76,960
Proj. Jobs 84,580
New Jobs 7,620
Growth % 9.90%
Avg. Ann. Openings 5,110
Montana
Curr. Jobs 10,360
Proj. Jobs 11,890
New Jobs 1,530
Growth % 14.80%
Avg. Ann. Openings 750
Nebraska
Curr. Jobs 22,900
Proj. Jobs 24,670
New Jobs 1,770
Growth % 7.70%
Avg. Ann. Openings 1,460
Nevada
Curr. Jobs 24,290
Proj. Jobs 28,810
New Jobs 4,520
Growth % 18.60%
Avg. Ann. Openings 1,880
New Hampshire
Curr. Jobs 13,690
Proj. Jobs 14,600
New Jobs 910
Growth % 6.60%
Avg. Ann. Openings 850
New Jersey
Curr. Jobs 81,520
Proj. Jobs 86,640
New Jobs 5,120
Growth % 6.30%
Avg. Ann. Openings 5,030
New Mexico
Curr. Jobs 19,020
Proj. Jobs 21,940
New Jobs 2,920
Growth % 15.40%
Avg. Ann. Openings 1,390
New York
Curr. Jobs 204,040
Proj. Jobs 256,080
New Jobs 52,040
Growth % 25.50%
Avg. Ann. Openings 5,200
North Carolina
Curr. Jobs 106,190
Proj. Jobs 123,650
New Jobs 17,460
Growth % 16.40%
Avg. Ann. Openings 7,930
North Dakota
Curr. Jobs 11,500
Proj. Jobs 12,700
New Jobs 1,200
Growth % 10.40%
Avg. Ann. Openings 770
Ohio
Curr. Jobs 131,390
Proj. Jobs 135,860
New Jobs 4,470
Growth % 3.40%
Avg. Ann. Openings 7,630
Oklahoma
Curr. Jobs 37,490
Proj. Jobs 39,290
New Jobs 1,800
Growth % 4.80%
Avg. Ann. Openings 2,240
Oregon
Curr. Jobs 42,720
Proj. Jobs 47,680
New Jobs 4,960
Growth % 11.60%
Avg. Ann. Openings 2,930
Pennsylvania
Curr. Jobs 148,790
Proj. Jobs 155,810
New Jobs 7,020
Growth % 4.70%
Avg. Ann. Openings 8,890
Rhode Island
Curr. Jobs 11,920
Proj. Jobs 12,700
New Jobs 780
Growth % 6.50%
Avg. Ann. Openings 740
South Carolina
Curr. Jobs 45,140
Proj. Jobs 49,610
New Jobs 4,470
Growth % 9.90%
Avg. Ann. Openings 2,990
South Dakota
Curr. Jobs 14,590
Proj. Jobs 16,510
New Jobs 1,920
Growth % 13.20%
Avg. Ann. Openings 1,030
Tennessee
Curr. Jobs 60,020
Proj. Jobs 67,720
New Jobs 7,700
Growth % 12.80%
Avg. Ann. Openings 4,200
Texas
Curr. Jobs 233,850
Proj. Jobs 267,980
New Jobs 34,130
Growth % 14.60%
Avg. Ann. Openings 16,900
Utah
Curr. Jobs 25,300
Proj. Jobs 31,710
New Jobs 6,410
Growth % 25.30%
Avg. Ann. Openings 2,170
Vermont
Curr. Jobs 7,030
Proj. Jobs 7,650
New Jobs 620
Growth % 8.80%
Avg. Ann. Openings 460
Virgin Islands
Curr. Jobs 600
Proj. Jobs 490
New Jobs -110
Growth % -18.30%
Avg. Ann. Openings 20
Virginia
Curr. Jobs 70,190
Proj. Jobs 73,240
New Jobs 3,050
Growth % 4.30%
Avg. Ann. Openings 4,160
Washington
Curr. Jobs 61,030
Proj. Jobs 69,180
New Jobs 8,150
Growth % 13.40%
Avg. Ann. Openings 5,150
West Virginia
Curr. Jobs 22,830
Proj. Jobs 23,780
New Jobs 950
Growth % 4.20%
Avg. Ann. Openings 1,350
Wisconsin
Curr. Jobs 62,260
Proj. Jobs 65,570
New Jobs 3,310
Growth % 5.30%
Avg. Ann. Openings 3,770
Wyoming
Curr. Jobs 5,130
Proj. Jobs 5,740
New Jobs 610
Growth % 11.90%
Avg. Ann. Openings 350
Showing 1 to 10 of 52 entries

Source: Projections Central

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

The Best Online ABSN Programs

EduMed.org is committed to providing accurate and reliable rankings, continually advancing its data collection and analysis efforts. Each year, we gather the latest information on degree programs from over 7,000 schools across the country. Using data from the U.S. Department of Education and the institutions themselves, we evaluate factors such as the number of online programs, tuition costs, institutional aid, and more to deliver trustworthy rankings. Below, you’ll find our most recent list of the best online ABSN programs.

# School Name Online Enrollment Tuition Students w/ Aid
1
95% Online Enrollment
$$$$ Tuition
69% Students w/ Aid
2
57% Online Enrollment
$$$ Tuition
97% Students w/ Aid
3
47% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
98% Students w/ Aid
4
72% Online Enrollment
$$$ Tuition
97% Students w/ Aid
5
5

La Salle University

Philadelphia, PA
13% Online Enrollment
$$$$ Tuition
92% Students w/ Aid
6
6
17% Online Enrollment
$$$ Tuition
100% Students w/ Aid
7
65% Online Enrollment
$$$ Tuition
99% Students w/ Aid
8
51% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
98% Students w/ Aid
9
68% Online Enrollment
$$$ Tuition
97% Students w/ Aid
10
64% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
73% Students w/ Aid

Shannon Lee AUTHOR

Shannon Lee has over 20 years of experience writing thousands of articles in the higher education sector, with a particular focus on medical and health topics. Drawing on her personal background as the daughter of two professionals who retired from major hospital systems, she specializes in nursing, healthcare, and allied health writing.

Read More About Shannon Lee

Wes Ricketts EDITOR

Wes Ricketts has created award-winning content in higher education and healthcare for nearly 20 years. He founded EduMed in 2018 to give future college students a go-to resource for information on degree programs in nursing and allied health. Wes’s research and writing interests include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as caregiving for loved ones with degenerative conditions. Wes holds a master’s degree in history from Western Washington University, where he also led workshops focused on historical research and longform writing skills.

Read More About Wes Ricketts
Logo of EDUMED, featuring a stylized graduation cap forming the letter 'M' in a monochromatic orange, with the rest of the letters in purple on a green background.
Privacy Settings

When you visit the EduMed website, we store cookies on your browser to collect information. This information may pertain to you, your preferences, or your device and is primarily used to ensure the site functions as expected and to deliver a more personalized experience. You can choose to disable certain types of cookies; however, this may affect your experience on the site and limit the services we can provide. Click on the different category headings to learn more and customize your settings. Please note that you cannot opt out of our First Party Strictly Necessary Cookies, as these are essential for the proper functioning of the website (e.g., displaying the cookie banner, remembering your preferences, logging into your account, redirecting upon logout, etc.).