What North Carolina Schools Offer Accelerated BSN Programs: Second Degree BSN

Fayetteville State University's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) track offers a hybrid pathway for bachelor's degree holders seeking a nursing career transition. This HBCU program combines online coursework with in-person clinical rotations and advanced simulation training, focusing on nursing fundamentals, health assessment, and pharmacology. With a 3.0 GPA requirement and interview process, it prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam without requiring ACT or SAT scores. Accredited by CCNE, the curriculum emphasizes diverse healthcare settings, ensuring graduates are equipped for registered nursing roles through its accelerated, military-friendly format.

• Hybrid learning format.
• Prepares for NCLEX exam.
• For bachelor's degree holders.
• 3.0 GPA requirement.
• Includes live clinical experiences.
• Covers health assessment.
• Teaches pharmacology.
• Specialized nursing areas covered.
• Fast-track to nursing.
• Requires professional statement.

Western Carolina University's Accelerated BSN program is a 16-month intensive pathway for second-degree students seeking to transition into nursing careers. Located at the Biltmore Park campus in Asheville, this campus-based program emphasizes hands-on clinical rotations across diverse North Carolina healthcare settings. The curriculum maintains a 100% NCLEX pass rate and requires a minimum 3.0 GPA with science prerequisites. As a bachelor's level program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams, employing a holistic admissions approach instead. The program offers competitive in-state tuition with financial aid opportunities, preparing graduates for immediate entry into various nursing specialties through comprehensive academic support.

• 16-month accelerated program
• 100% NCLEX Pass Rate
• Clinical rotations in NC
• Located in Asheville, NC
• Second degree program
• Multiple clinical specialties
• Holistic admissions approach
• 4 semester curriculum
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Prerequisites include sciences

Gardner-Webb University's 16-month Accelerated BSN program builds upon previous bachelor's degrees to deliver intensive nursing education. This on-campus curriculum requires 60 nursing credits within a 120-credit framework, emphasizing clinical skills, therapeutic communication, and social awareness through a Christian values perspective. Students complete clinical rotations at local healthcare partners, gaining hands-on experience while preparing for NCLEX-RN licensure. The program facilitates seamless advancement to MSN/DNP degrees and offers financial support including forgivable loans and scholarships. As a bachelor's program, it requires applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores for admission consideration.

• 16-month program.
• On-campus learning.
• 60 nursing credit hours.
• Christian values foundation.
• Real-world clinical experience.
• NCLEX-RN preparation.
• Seamless MSN/DNP transition.
• Financial aid available.
• Focus on clinical competence.
• Therapeutic relationships emphasis.

Cabarrus College of Health Sciences in Concord offers an 18-month Accelerated BSN program designed for students holding a prior bachelor's degree. This campus-based program immerses learners in a hospital setting, providing hands-on clinical experience from the first semester. With small class sizes and advanced simulation labs, students gain practical skills while benefiting from a direct employment pathway within Atrium Health. Admission requires a minimum 2.5 GPA and completion of specific prerequisites, with no ACT or SAT exam needed. Financial support includes a $10,000 forgivable loan through Atrium Health, enhancing accessibility for aspiring nurses.

• 18-month program duration
• Hospital-based campus learning
• Hands-on clinical experience early
• Small class sizes
• High-tech simulation labs
• Pathway to Atrium Health employment
• $10,000 forgivable loan available
• Requires prior bachelor's degree
• Minimum 2.5 GPA for admission
• Specific prerequisite courses needed

Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte's Accelerated Second Degree BSN is a hybrid program tailored for career changers, blending online coursework with in-person clinicals over four semesters. It emphasizes hands-on experience in Charlotte's top hospitals, simulation labs, and critical thinking development. Costs cover uniforms, stethoscopes, textbooks, and malpractice insurance, with scholarships available. As a bachelor's program, it does not require ACT or SAT exams. Admission involves a NursingCAS application, transcripts, and a fee, with a Fall 2025 start and June 30 deadline.

• Hybrid program format.
• Four-semester duration.
• Includes simulation labs.
• Clinical rotations in Charlotte.
• Scholarships available.
• Uniforms and stethoscopes provided.
• Malpractice insurance included.
• Application via NursingCAS.
• Fall 2025 start date.
• June 30 application deadline.

North Carolina A&T State University's Accelerated BSN program offers an intensive 12-month pathway for second-degree students seeking a nursing career. This campus-based program requires 64 semester hours of nursing coursework delivered in a block format. Admission is competitive and necessitates a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants must achieve TEAS test scores meeting national means and hold a CNA I listing. Prerequisite courses include microbiology, human nutrition, and psychology, with first-attempt 'C' or better grades preferred. The program includes full-time study that may involve nights and weekends, preparing graduates for professional nursing through rigorous clinical experiences.

• 12-month intensive program.
• 64 semester hours in nursing.
• Bachelor's degree required for admission.
• 3.0 minimum GPA for admission.
• TEAS test scores must meet national means.
• CNA I listing required.
• Prerequisites include microbiology, human nutrition.
• First-attempt 'C' or better grades preferred.
• Full-time study, may include nights and weekends.
• Competitive admission process.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offers an intensive pathway for career changers seeking rapid entry into nursing. This campus-based program emphasizes comprehensive clinical training across diverse healthcare settings, preparing students thoroughly for the NCLEX-RN examination. Students benefit from direct mentorship by distinguished faculty and access to UNC's advanced medical facilities. While this bachelor's-level program may require ACT or SAT scores for admission, specific requirements should be verified with the institution. The curriculum focuses on developing critical thinking and practical skills essential for modern nursing practice within a supportive academic environment.

• Fast-track nursing degree.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
• Hands-on clinical experience.
• Campus-based program.
• Access to top faculty.

Winston-Salem State University's Accelerated BSN program offers a 15-month pathway for bachelor's degree holders to transition into nursing. This HBCU program emphasizes hands-on clinical training and interprofessional collaboration, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare settings. Students must complete nursing prerequisites before applying, with transfer credits accepted from accredited institutions. The program focuses on developing critical-thinking skills and clinical competence, leading to nursing licensure eligibility. No specific concentration is highlighted, and as a bachelor's-level program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams. Accredited by CCNE, this campus-based program is recognized in all states and is military-friendly.

• 15-month full-time program
• For bachelor's degree holders
• Practical clinical experiences
• Interprofessional collaboration
• Prerequisite courses required
• Transfer credits accepted
• Prepares for nursing licensure
• Competitive, critical-thinking focus
• Accredited by CCNE
• Accepted in all states

The University of North Carolina Wilmington's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offers a four-semester, on-campus pathway for bachelor's degree holders transitioning into nursing. This intensive curriculum blends theoretical coursework with hands-on clinical practice under expert faculty mentorship. Students develop essential nursing competencies through immersive learning experiences, preparing them for NCLEX-RN licensure and professional practice. While specific admission requirements vary, this program provides a fast-track option for career changers seeking to enter the healthcare field. The military-friendly institution delivers focused nursing education without requiring ACT or SAT exams for admission.

• Four-semester completion.
• On-campus program.
• For bachelor's degree holders.
• Intensive nursing education.
• Experienced faculty guidance.
• Prepares for nursing licensure.
• Focus on practical skills.
• Ideal for career changers.
• Blend of theory and practice.
• Fast-track to nursing career.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program designed for career changers who already hold a degree in another field. This intensive four-semester campus-based program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam through high-fidelity simulation training and dedicated academic support. Admission requires a previous bachelor's or associate degree with specific prerequisite courses completed with a B grade or higher. As a bachelor's level program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams. Graduates emerge ready for diverse healthcare environments, from hospitals to community health settings, with scholarship opportunities available to eligible students.

• Four-semester completion
• High-fidelity simulation training
• Dedicated student success tutors
• Requires previous degree
• B or higher in prerequisites
• NCLEX-RN exam preparation
• Scholarships available
• Campus-based program
• Hands-on immersive experience
• Diverse healthcare settings preparation