What Michigan Schools Offer Accelerated BSN Programs: Second Degree BSN

Michigan continues to face a pressing demand for qualified nurses, and accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs, designed for individuals who already hold a degree in another field, are playing a critical role in addressing the state's workforce needs. These second-degree pathways provide a fast track into nursing, equipping career changers and professionals with the clinical knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to meet the growing demands for patient care. With Michigan's diverse healthcare landscape ranging from urban hospital systems to rural clinics, the need for adaptable, well-trained nurses has never been greater. For motivated students, ABSN programs represent both a practical solution to the state's nursing shortage and a promising opportunity to transition into a rewarding, high-impact profession.
2026 Best ABSN Programs in Michigan
University of Detroit Mercy
Detroit, MI - Private 4-year - udmercy.edu
Bachelor's - Second Degree Option BSN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Detroit Mercy's Second Degree Option BSN provides an accelerated pathway for bachelor's degree holders seeking nursing credentials. This innovative hybrid program condenses nursing education into a rigorous 16-month curriculum with seven-week academic terms. Students benefit from a collaborative cohort model that encourages peer support and professional networking. The program strategically balances online coursework with on-campus learning, accommodating diverse student schedules. Admission requires a competitive 3.0 GPA and successful completion of prerequisite courses within the past seven years. With a commitment to flexible learning and comprehensive nursing preparation, the program stands out for its efficient and student-centered approach to professional nursing education.
- Accelerated 16-month program.
- Hybrid online and campus learning.
- Cohort model for student support.
- Seven-week fast-paced terms.
- 3.0 GPA preferred for admission.
- Prerequisites must be recent.
- Financial aid available.
- Early application encouraged.
- Supportive relationships fostered.
- Flexible for various life stages.
University of Michigan-Flint
Flint, MI - Public 4-Year - umflint.edu
Bachelor's - Accelerated Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Michigan-Flint's Accelerated Second Degree BSN program transforms professionals with non-nursing bachelor's degrees into skilled registered nurses through an intensive 16-month curriculum. The program distinguishes itself with cutting-edge learning environments like the advanced Nursing Simulation Center, emphasizing evidence-based clinical practice and hands-on training. Students benefit from comprehensive preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam, boasting impressive first-time pass rates. Competitive admissions prioritize applications submitted by January 15 for fall enrollment. The military-friendly institution offers financial support and scholarships, ensuring accessibility for qualified candidates seeking rapid nursing career transition.
- 16-month accelerated program
- High NCLEX-RN pass rate
- State-of-the-art Simulation Center
- Competitive admission
- Financial aid available
- Hands-on clinical placements
- Focus on evidence-based practice
- Prepares for RN licensure
- Scholarships for eligible students
- January 15 fall application deadline
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI - Public 4-Year - wayne.edu
Bachelor's - BSN Second Career/Degree
Campus Based - Visit Website
Wayne State University's Accelerated BSN Second Career program offers a dynamic pathway for bachelor's degree holders seeking to transition into nursing. The 20-month intensive program delivers comprehensive nursing education through a blend of on-campus learning and Detroit-area clinical experiences. Students complete 65 nursing credits with guaranteed clinical placements each semester, ensuring robust practical training. The curriculum emphasizes health assessment, nursing fundamentals, and research methodologies. Designed for career changers, the program starts annually in spring/summer and requires a bachelor's degree and minimum 2.0 GPA. Applicants should prepare for a rigorous, fast-tracked nursing education that prepares them for immediate professional practice.
- 20-month accelerated program
- Guaranteed clinical placements
- Starts spring/summer semester
- 65 total nursing credits
- 2.0 GPA requirement
- On-campus learning
- Detroit-area clinical experiences
- For career changers
- Bachelor's degree required
- Combines research and practice
Bachelor's - BSN for Veterans
Campus Based - Visit Website
Wayne State University's BSN for Veterans program provides a specialized nursing pathway tailored specifically for military service members transitioning to civilian healthcare careers. Featuring unique clinical rotations at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, the program leverages veterans' existing skills and experiences. Students benefit from mentorship, dedicated study groups, and potential credits for prior military healthcare training. The competitive admission process requires a minimum 3.0 GPA in prerequisite courses. This campus-based program focuses on academic excellence and hands-on nursing experience, offering veterans a structured and supportive environment to launch their nursing professional journey.
- Campus-based program
- Clinical rotations at VA Medical Center
- Specialized support for veterans
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Competitive admission
- Credits for military healthcare experience
- Focus on veterans' unique needs
- Hands-on nursing experience
- Academic excellence emphasis
- Tailored for veterans
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI - Public 4-Year - gvsu.edu
Bachelor's - Accelerated Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Grand Valley State University's Accelerated Second Degree BSN program offers a transformative pathway for bachelor's degree holders seeking a nursing career. This intensive, face-to-face program spans 33 credits and leverages the AACN's Baccalaureate Essentials framework. Students benefit from rigorous clinical training, cutting-edge simulation technology, and personalized faculty mentorship. The program demands academic excellence, requiring a competitive 3.0 GPA for admission and completion of prerequisite coursework. Graduates emerge as competent, critically thinking nursing professionals prepared for diverse healthcare environments. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the program ensures high-quality education and strong professional preparation. The curriculum emphasizes comprehensive clinical skills, communication proficiency, and advanced healthcare knowledge.
- Face-to-face format.
- 33 credits required.
- Accredited by CCNE.
- Competitive admission process.
- 3.0 GPA requirement.
- Clinical coursework included.
- State-of-the-art technology.
- Exceptional faculty support.
- Relevant clinical practicums.
- Based on AACN Essentials.
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI - Public 4-Year - msu.edu
Bachelor's - Accelerated Second Degree BSN
Campus Based - Visit Website
Michigan State University's Accelerated Second Degree BSN program offers an intensive pathway for career changers seeking nursing credentials. Strategically designed as a comprehensive 15-month full-time program, it transforms professionals with existing bachelor's degrees into skilled nursing practitioners. Located in both East Lansing and Detroit, the curriculum integrates advanced nursing science with comprehensive biological, physical, and behavioral science foundations. Notably impressive is the program's 92% first-time NCLEX-RN exam pass rate, demonstrating exceptional educational quality. Students benefit from a structured learning environment that rapidly transitions non-nursing professionals into competent registered nurses. The program's military-friendly status and focused curriculum make it an attractive option for motivated individuals seeking an accelerated nursing career transition.
- 15-month program.
- Full-time study.
- Starts in May.
- Ends in August.
- 92% NCLEX-RN pass rate.
- East Lansing location.
- Detroit location option.
- For non-nursing bachelor's holders.
- Builds on prior degree.
- Prepares for nursing licensure.
Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI - Public 4-Year - oakland.edu
Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Oakland University's Accelerated BSN program provides a dynamic pathway for career changers with prior bachelor's degrees seeking nursing certification. This intensive four-semester track delivers comprehensive nursing education through robust clinical experiences across Southeastern Michigan healthcare settings. Prospective students must demonstrate academic excellence with a minimum 3.0 pre-nursing GPA and achieve B- or higher grades in prerequisite coursework. The program strategically prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN examination by emphasizing critical thinking, clinical decision-making, and patient-centered care approaches. Military-friendly and competitively structured, the program offers conditional admission for final semester students and requires holistic application review including professional references and personal essays. Students benefit from specialized training at the Anton/Frankel Center, positioning them for leadership roles in contemporary healthcare environments.
- Full-time, four-semester program.
- Requires a bachelor's degree in any non-nursing field.
- Pre-nursing GPA of 3.0 or higher required.
- B- or better in prerequisite courses.
- Diverse clinical experiences in Southeastern Michigan.
- Prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN.
- Focus on clinical decision-making and critical thinking.
- Emphasizes patient-centered care.
- Leadership roles in healthcare preparation.
- Holistic admission review process.
Madonna University
Livonia, MI - Private 4-year - madonna.edu
Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Madonna University's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) offers a dynamic pathway for aspiring nurses seeking rapid professional transformation. This innovative 16-month hybrid program strategically blends online coursework with immersive simulation labs and comprehensive clinical rotations in metro Detroit. Ideal for career changers and transfer students holding at least 60 non-nursing college credits, the program emphasizes a holistic educational approach rooted in Catholic and Franciscan values. Designed to efficiently prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam, the curriculum provides three annual start dates, enabling flexible entry points. Prospective students should note prerequisite requirements and the program's commitment to creating a supportive, values-driven learning environment that bridges academic rigor with practical nursing skills.
- 16-month accelerated program.
- Hybrid online and in-person learning.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Three start dates yearly.
- Requires 60 non-nursing credits.
- Simulation labs in Detroit.
- Clinical rotations included.
- Rooted in Franciscan values.
- For career changers.
- Supportive learning environment.
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI - Public 4-Year - ferris.edu
Bachelor's - Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Ferris State University's Pre-Licensure BSN program delivers comprehensive nursing education through an intensive five-semester professional sequence. Students benefit from intimate learning environments with small cohort sizes, ensuring personalized instruction and hands-on clinical experiences. The program's curriculum is strategically designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN examination, providing robust clinical training across diverse healthcare settings. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the program emphasizes practical skills development and theoretical knowledge. Prospective students should note that standard entrance requirements typically include prerequisite coursework and potential ACT/SAT score submissions. Graduates emerge well-positioned for immediate nursing career opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and specialized healthcare environments.
- Five-semester professional sequence.
- Small cohort sizes.
- Eligible for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Accredited by CCNE.
- Opportunities in various healthcare settings.
Spring Arbor University
Spring Arbor, MI - Private 4-year - arbor.edu
Bachelor's - Accelerated BSN
Campus Based - Visit Website
Spring Arbor University's Accelerated BSN program offers a transformative pathway for career changers seeking rapid entry into nursing. Strategically designed for individuals holding a prior bachelor's degree, this intensive 12-14 month curriculum provides comprehensive nursing education with minimal time investment. Located in Jackson County, Michigan, the program emphasizes hands-on learning and local healthcare workforce development. Students can expect a rigorous academic experience that prepares them for professional nursing roles efficiently. While specific entrance exam requirements are not detailed, the program's focused approach appeals to motivated professionals transitioning into healthcare. The campus-based format ensures direct interaction with faculty and clinical training opportunities.
- 12-14 month completion.
- For prior degree holders.
- Campus-based program.
- Strengthens local healthcare.
- No long commutes.
List of Michigan Accelerated BSN Programs
Allendale, MI
Grand Valley State University
- Bachelor's - Accelerated Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Face-to-face format.
- 33 credits required.
- Accredited by CCNE.
- Competitive admission process.
- 3.0 GPA requirement.
- Clinical coursework included.
- State-of-the-art technology.
- Exceptional faculty support.
Detroit, MI
University of Detroit Mercy
- Bachelor's - Second Degree Option BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Accelerated 16-month program.
- Hybrid online and campus learning.
- Cohort model for student support.
- Seven-week fast-paced terms.
- 3.0 GPA preferred for admission.
- Prerequisites must be recent.
- Financial aid available.
- Early application encouraged.
Wayne State University
- Bachelor's - BSN Second Career/Degree
Campus Based - Website
- 20-month accelerated program
- Guaranteed clinical placements
- Starts spring/summer semester
- 65 total nursing credits
- 2.0 GPA requirement
- On-campus learning
- Detroit-area clinical experiences
- For career changers
East Lansing, MI
Michigan State University
- Bachelor's - Accelerated Second Degree BSN
Campus Based - Website
- 15-month program.
- Full-time study.
- Starts in May.
- Ends in August.
- 92% NCLEX-RN pass rate.
- East Lansing location.
- Detroit location option.
- For non-nursing bachelor's holders.
Flint, MI
University of Michigan-Flint
- Bachelor's - Accelerated Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 16-month accelerated program
- High NCLEX-RN pass rate
- State-of-the-art Simulation Center
- Competitive admission
- Financial aid available
- Hands-on clinical placements
- Focus on evidence-based practice
- Prepares for RN licensure
Livonia, MI
Madonna University
- Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 16-month accelerated program.
- Hybrid online and in-person learning.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Three start dates yearly.
- Requires 60 non-nursing credits.
- Simulation labs in Detroit.
- Clinical rotations included.
- Rooted in Franciscan values.
Owosso, MI
Baker College
- Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 18-month program duration.
- On-campus learning in Michigan.
- Aligns with CCNE requirements.
- Prepares for NCLEX examination.
- Clinical experiences included.
- Requires previous bachelor's degree.
- Science prerequisites needed.
- Fast track to nursing career.
Rochester Hills, MI
Oakland University
- Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Campus Based - Website
- Full-time, four-semester program.
- Requires a bachelor's degree in any non-nursing field.
- Pre-nursing GPA of 3.0 or higher required.
- B- or better in prerequisite courses.
- Diverse clinical experiences in Southeastern Michigan.
- Prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN.
- Focus on clinical decision-making and critical thinking.
- Emphasizes patient-centered care.
Spring Arbor, MI
Spring Arbor University
- Bachelor's - Accelerated BSN
Campus Based - Website
- 12-14 month completion.
- For prior degree holders.
- Campus-based program.
- Strengthens local healthcare.
- No long commutes.
2026 Affordable ABSN Programs in Michigan
School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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University of Michigan-Flint |
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University of Detroit Mercy |
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Wayne State University |
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Baker College |
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Oakland University |
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Are you exploring nursing schools in Michigan? With the state's growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals, this is an exciting time to begin your journey into a nursing career. If you're ready to take the next step, be sure to check out our state-specific guides for comprehensive insights and resources.
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