Reviewing 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.
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Expert-Backed Tips for Finding the Right Accelerated BSN Program
Accelerated BSN programs are designed for students who want to move fast, and the programs in this guide have all been vetted for quality and outcomes. Whether an accelerated format is the right fit depends on how you perform under pressure, what you’re setting aside during the program, and whether the pace actually serves your learning style. Our experts share what to consider.
Arrange Your Life Before Starting
Accelerated BSN programs are intense, and it’s hard to fully appreciate that until you’re in one. The students I’ve seen succeed in them almost always arranged their life before starting, not during. If you’re preparing to go down this road, be sure your finances, family life, and other obligations are aligned, because you’ll have little extra bandwidth once the program starts.
Check First-Time NCLEX Pass Rates
Look up the school’s NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates, especially when researching and evaluating accelerated BSN programs. These programs move at a very fast pace, so a strong pass rate can be a good sign that students are receiving the support and preparation they need to succeed. The state Board of Nursing won’t give you that information by program, but you can call the school directly to ask.
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:
- Bachelor’s degree in any field
- Minimum GPA of 2.82
- HESI A2 test score (proctored)
- Completion of all prerequisite courses
- Qualified based on state authorization 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.
Online ABSN Programs by State
- California (CA)
- Connecticut (CT)
- Florida, FL
- Georgia (GA)
- Illinois (IL)
- Maryland (MD)
- Massachusetts (MA)
- New York (NY)
- New Jersey (NJ)
- Ohio (OH)
- Pennsylvania (PA)
- Tennessee (TN)
- Texas (TX)
- Virginia (VA)
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 Name | Program Type | Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
School Name | Program Type Online | Tuition & Fees $19,564 tuition |
School Name | Program Type Online | Tuition & Fees $21,684 + $8,432 fees (in-state), $30,885 + $8,432 fees (out-of-state) |
School Name | Program Type Online | Tuition & Fees $52,077 tuition |
School Name | Program Type Online | Tuition & Fees $36,504/year + $610 program fee/semester |
School Name | Program Type Online | Tuition & Fees $625/credit hour (textbooks included) |
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.
Career & Salary: Registered Nurses with BSNs
Registered Nurses
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Alabama | 51,980 | 54,290 | 2,310 | 4.40% | 3,090 |
| Alaska | 6,130 | 6,800 | 670 | 10.90% | 420 |
| Arizona | 59,110 | 72,050 | 12,940 | 21.90% | 4,820 |
| Arkansas | 28,750 | 30,920 | 2,170 | 7.50% | 1,820 |
| California | 333,700 | 376,900 | 43,200 | 12.90% | 23,420 |
| Colorado | 53,720 | 63,290 | 9,570 | 17.80% | 4,100 |
| Connecticut | 35,420 | 38,310 | 2,890 | 8.20% | 2,270 |
| Delaware | 11,720 | 13,570 | 1,850 | 15.80% | 870 |
| District of Columbia | 11,110 | 11,750 | 640 | 5.80% | 680 |
| Florida | 202,780 | 228,070 | 25,290 | 12.50% | 14,110 |
| Georgia | 81,800 | 94,310 | 12,510 | 15.30% | 5,990 |
| Idaho | 15,480 | 18,580 | 3,100 | 20.00% | 1,230 |
| Illinois | 138,050 | 142,310 | 4,260 | 3.10% | 7,960 |
| Indiana | 67,390 | 71,020 | 3,630 | 5.40% | 4,090 |
| Iowa | 35,700 | 39,270 | 3,570 | 10.00% | 2,370 |
| Kansas | 32,310 | 33,910 | 1,600 | 5.00% | 1,940 |
| Kentucky | 47,300 | 50,400 | 3,100 | 6.60% | 2,940 |
| Louisiana | 43,740 | 47,040 | 3,300 | 7.50% | 2,770 |
| Maine | 14,840 | 15,040 | 200 | 1.30% | 820 |
| Maryland | 48,810 | 52,370 | 3,560 | 7.30% | 3,080 |
| Massachusetts | 30,060 | 32,600 | 2,540 | 8.40% | 1,940 |
| Michigan | 104,150 | 106,910 | 2,760 | 2.70% | 5,950 |
| Minnesota | 68,040 | 71,630 | 3,590 | 5.30% | 4,120 |
| Mississippi | 29,980 | 31,910 | 1,930 | 6.40% | 1,860 |
| Missouri | 76,960 | 84,580 | 7,620 | 9.90% | 5,110 |
| Montana | 10,360 | 11,890 | 1,530 | 14.80% | 750 |
| Nebraska | 22,900 | 24,670 | 1,770 | 7.70% | 1,460 |
| Nevada | 24,290 | 28,810 | 4,520 | 18.60% | 1,880 |
| New Hampshire | 13,690 | 14,600 | 910 | 6.60% | 850 |
| New Jersey | 81,520 | 86,640 | 5,120 | 6.30% | 5,030 |
| New Mexico | 19,020 | 21,940 | 2,920 | 15.40% | 1,390 |
| New York | 204,040 | 256,080 | 52,040 | 25.50% | 5,200 |
| North Carolina | 106,190 | 123,650 | 17,460 | 16.40% | 7,930 |
| North Dakota | 11,500 | 12,700 | 1,200 | 10.40% | 770 |
| Ohio | 131,390 | 135,860 | 4,470 | 3.40% | 7,630 |
| Oklahoma | 37,490 | 39,290 | 1,800 | 4.80% | 2,240 |
| Oregon | 42,720 | 47,680 | 4,960 | 11.60% | 2,930 |
| Pennsylvania | 148,790 | 155,810 | 7,020 | 4.70% | 8,890 |
| Rhode Island | 11,920 | 12,700 | 780 | 6.50% | 740 |
| South Carolina | 45,140 | 49,610 | 4,470 | 9.90% | 2,990 |
| South Dakota | 14,590 | 16,510 | 1,920 | 13.20% | 1,030 |
| Tennessee | 60,020 | 67,720 | 7,700 | 12.80% | 4,200 |
| Texas | 233,850 | 267,980 | 34,130 | 14.60% | 16,900 |
| Utah | 25,300 | 31,710 | 6,410 | 25.30% | 2,170 |
| Vermont | 7,030 | 7,650 | 620 | 8.80% | 460 |
| Virgin Islands | 600 | 490 | -110 | -18.30% | 20 |
| Virginia | 70,190 | 73,240 | 3,050 | 4.30% | 4,160 |
| Washington | 61,030 | 69,180 | 8,150 | 13.40% | 5,150 |
| West Virginia | 22,830 | 23,780 | 950 | 4.20% | 1,350 |
| Wisconsin | 62,260 | 65,570 | 3,310 | 5.30% | 3,770 |
| Wyoming | 5,130 | 5,740 | 610 | 11.90% | 350 |
Source: Projections Central
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