What Michigan Schools Offer Accelerated BSN Programs: Second Degree BSN

Wayne State University's Accelerated BSN pathway offers a fast-paced, 20-month campus program for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. This intensive curriculum combines rigorous coursework in health assessment, pharmacology, and evidence-based practice with hands-on clinical experiences across Detroit's diverse healthcare settings. Students benefit from guaranteed clinical placements each semester, small class sizes, and personalized support from expert faculty, preparing them to deliver comprehensive care across the lifespan—including adult, pediatric, psychiatric, and community-focused nursing. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and pursue careers as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations. Admission does not require the SAT or ACT; instead, prior academic performance and prerequisite completion are considered.

• 20-Month program
• 65 total credit hours
• 1 start dates per year
• Starts spring/summer
• Guaranteed clinical placement each semester
• On-campus teaching from expert faculty
• Community-focused research laboratories
• Clinical experiences in Detroit area

Wayne State University's BSN for Veterans is a campus-based program uniquely designed for veterans transitioning to civilian life and nursing careers. The curriculum includes clinical rotations at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, along with specialized instructors, mentors, and study groups tailored to veteran students. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA in prerequisite courses, and credit may be awarded for prior military healthcare experience. Admission is competitive, with a strong focus on meeting veterans' unique needs and backgrounds. The program emphasizes hands-on experience and academic excellence, fully preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN and rewarding careers in healthcare. This program does not require the SAT or ACT for admission.

• 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

University of Detroit Mercy’s Second Degree Option BSN is an accelerated hybrid program for students with a prior bachelor’s degree. In just 16 months, seven-week terms deliver nursing theory, clinical skills, and patient care, using a cohort model. No ACT or SAT scores are required for admission; instead, applicants submit a letter of intent, resume, and one recommendation. Prerequisites include sciences and liberal arts. Graduates are prepared for NCLEX-RN licensure and careers in hospitals, clinics, and community health. This Roman Catholic, military-friendly university offers financial aid and monthly virtual info sessions, making it a fast-paced path for career changers.

• 16-Month program
• Cohort-based structure
• 1 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Prerequisite courses required
• Financial aid available
• Seven-week course terms
• Sample program plan available
• Letter of intent required
• Resume required
• Monthly virtual information sessions

Spring Arbor University's online Accelerated BSN is designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree, offering a faith-integrated path to registered nursing. The 125-credit, CCNE-accredited curriculum covers microbiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, genetics, anatomy, and nursing fundamentals, followed by clinicals in medical-surgical, mental health, obstetrics, pediatric, and community health settings. Students complete a dedicated NCLEX review course and train in evidence-based practice and leadership. Admission requires a 2.67 GPA and B- grades in key sciences; ACT/SAT scores are not noted as a requirement. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX and pursue compassionate, professional nursing careers in hospitals, clinics, and community settings.

• CCNE accredited
• 125 total credit hours
• 2.7 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX
• Accelerated online format
• Second bachelor's degree option
• NCLEX review course included
• Christian faith integration
• Nursing as ministry focus

The Accelerated Second Degree BSN at University of Michigan-Flint is a 16-month, campus-based program for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree. The curriculum emphasizes clinical skills through competency-based classes, patient assessment, adult and pediatric care, mental health nursing, and healthcare policy, with simulations in a state-of-the-art Nursing Simulation Center. Clinical placements at local hospitals often lead to job offers. The program boasts a 95% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate and is limited to 56 students per fall cohort, ensuring a collaborative environment. Academic advising and scholarships are available. No ACT or SAT entrance exam is required; admission instead focuses on prior academic achievement and prerequisite completion.

• 16-Month program
• Starts fall
• 95% licensure pass rate
• Cohort-based structure
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• 56 students per cohort
• State-of-the-art Nursing Simulation Center

Madonna University's Accelerated BSN (ABSN) in Metro Detroit is a 16-month, hybrid program blending online coursework with on-campus simulation labs and clinical placements at area healthcare facilities. Designed for career changers and transfer students with at least 60 college credits, the curriculum covers nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, and patient care, culminating in eligibility for the NCLEX-RN. With three annual start dates (January, May, and August) and no waitlist, students benefit from dedicated admissions representatives and a supportive Catholic, Franciscan learning environment. While the program emphasizes hands-on experience and flexible online learning, it does not specify ACT or SAT entrance exam requirements in its admissions criteria. Graduates are prepared to work in hospitals, clinics, and community settings.

• 16-Month program
• 3 start dates per year
• Starts spring/summer/fall
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Hybrid online and on-campus format
• No waitlist
• Dedicated admissions representative
• Catholic and Franciscan values
• On-campus simulation labs
• Clinical rotations at healthcare settings

Designed for those who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field, Grand Valley State University's Accelerated Second Degree BSN offers a face-to-face pathway to nursing in Grand Rapids. This 33-credit, CCNE-accredited program centers on evidence-based practice and the AACN Essentials, building skills in critical thinking, communication, and health promotion through classroom instruction and clinical practicums. With a competitive admissions process, the program features multiple start dates each year, small cohorts, academic advising, and state-of-the-art training technology. Career opportunities span nurse practitioner, critical care, and health services management roles. Candidates need a minimum 2.7 GPA and completion of prerequisites; merit-based scholarships and financial aid are available. The program reports a 79% job placement rate.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• 33 total credit hours
• 3 start dates per year
• Starts spring/summer/fall/winter
• 79% job placement rate
• 2.7 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Face-to-face instruction

Michigan State University's Accelerated Second Degree BSN (ABSN) offers a fast-track pathway for individuals with a prior bachelor's degree in another field. This full-time, 16-month program begins each fall and includes four semesters of intensive study. The curriculum integrates nursing science with biological, physical, and behavioral sciences, as well as humanities, building on previous learning. Students are prepared for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, with a 92% first-time pass rate achieved by recent graduates in early 2025. Classes are held at two locations—East Lansing and Detroit—providing flexibility across Michigan. The program emphasizes broad professional preparation to meet diverse healthcare needs, equipping graduates for registered nursing roles in hospitals and community settings. No ACT or SAT entrance exam requirement is specified for this bachelor's-level program.

• 16-Month program
• Full-time enrollment
• Starts fall
• 92% licensure pass rate
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Two campus locations: East Lansing and Detroit
• Builds on prior learning
• Grounded in biological, physical, behavioral sciences

Northern Michigan University's Accelerated BSN program is a CCNE-accredited, 130-credit track designed for post-baccalaureate students seeking a fast path to nursing. With fall and winter starts and limited enrollment, the curriculum blends humanities, sciences, and intensive nursing coursework with hospital and community clinical placements. Applicants must have completed prerequisite courses and hold a 3.0 minimum GPA. Because this is a second-degree program, ACT or SAT entrance exams are not required. Students receive a comprehensive NCLEX review testing package, and the Student Nurses Association provides professional development. Graduates are prepared for NCLEX-RN licensure and advanced nursing education.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• 130 total credit hours
• Starts fall/winter
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Clinical placements in hospital and community settings
• Designed for post-baccalaureate students
• Includes NCLEX review testing package
• Limited enrollment each semester

Oakland University offers a full-time, four-semester Accelerated BSN for second-degree students. No ACT or SAT scores are required for admission; instead, a holistic review considers pre-nursing GPA, essay, references, and character assessment. The curriculum provides intensive nursing coursework and clinical experiences across Southeastern Michigan, leading to NCLEX-RN eligibility and registered nurse careers, with pathways to leadership and education. Prerequisites include biology, chemistry, and psychology. The program features three annual start dates (fall, winter, summer), a 3.0 minimum GPA, one recommendation letter, and scholarships. Classes take place at the main campus and West Center, offering a supportive environment for career changers.

• 4-Semester program
• Complete in four-semester track
• Apply by 2026-06-01
• 3 start dates per year
• Starts fall/winter/summer
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 1 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Scholarships available