Accelerated BSN Programs

Ohio State's Accelerated BSN offers a hybrid, fast-track path for career changers holding a non-nursing bachelor's degree. This top-ranked program (#1 public BSN by U.S. News) spans five consecutive semesters and 59 credit hours, starting in summer. Coursework covers adult health, pediatrics, psychiatric care, and community health, with immersive clinical rotations at the Wexner Medical Center and other partners. The hybrid format combines online classes with in-person labs and clinicals. No ACT or SAT scores are required; instead, applicants need a 3.0 GPA and prerequisite courses. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN and diverse healthcare roles. Military-friendly with on-campus hospital and financial aid available.

• 5-Semester program
• Complete in five consecutive semesters
• 59 total credit hours
• 1 start dates per year
• Starts summer
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• $60 application fee
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Financial aid available

Northeastern University's Accelerated BSN is a 16-month hybrid program designed for career changers who hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree or at least 62 college credits. Blending online coursework with hands-on simulation labs and clinical rotations at top-tier healthcare facilities, the curriculum emphasizes experiential learning across nursing fundamentals, theory, and practical skills. With three annual start dates (winter, spring, fall) and learning sites near Boston, Providence, and Charlotte, students gain flexibility while progressing full-time. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN and pursue roles in hospitals, clinics, and community health. The program offers scholarships, rapid admissions decisions, and no specified SAT or ACT entrance exam requirement, making it an appealing pathway to nursing.

• 16-Month program
• Full-time enrollment
• 3 start dates per year
• Starts winter/spring/fall
• Prerequisite courses required
• Scholarships available
• Blended online learning model
• Nursing labs in three locations
• Clinical rotations at top facilities
• Second-degree and transfer tracks

The University of Florida's Accelerated BSN is a full-time, four-semester track for individuals holding a prior bachelor's or graduate degree in any field. Starting each May, the CCNE-accredited program blends rigorous coursework, lab simulations, and clinical practice, with placements potentially requiring travel up to 100 miles. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, cultural competence, and leadership, covering anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and statistics. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, two recommendation letters, prerequisite courses, and the HESI entrance exam (TOEFL for non-native English speakers); no ACT or SAT is required. Available on Gainesville and Jacksonville campuses, this program offers financial aid and scholarships, with a background check and drug screening required. Graduates are prepared for professional nursing roles across healthcare settings.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• Entrance exam required
• Exams: HESI, TOEFL
• 4-Semester program
• Apply by 2026-02-01
• Full-time enrollment
• 1 start dates per year
• Starts summer
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)

Wayne State University’s Accelerated BSN pathway is a 20-month, campus-based program designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. The curriculum spans 65 credit hours and includes rigorous coursework in health assessment, pharmacology, and evidence-based practice, followed by comprehensive care across the lifespan, including adult, pediatric, psychiatric, and community-focused nursing. Students benefit from guaranteed clinical placements each semester, with hands-on experiences in Detroit’s diverse healthcare settings. The program offers one start date per year in spring/summer and features small class sizes and expert faculty. No ACT or SAT entrance exam is required, and graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN.

• 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 program is a campus-based pathway tailored to veterans transitioning to civilian nursing careers. The curriculum includes clinical rotations at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, along with specialized instructors, mentors, and study groups designed to support military students. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA in prerequisite courses and is competitive, with prior military healthcare experience potentially earning college credit. The program emphasizes hands-on nursing experience and academic excellence, preparing graduates for registered nursing roles. This BSN track does not require ACT or SAT scores; instead, it focuses on veterans’ unique backgrounds and needs. Graduates emerge ready to pursue NCLEX-RN licensure and careers in diverse healthcare settings.

• 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

Georgetown University offers a 12-month, hybrid Post-Baccalaureate ABSN for students holding a prior bachelor's degree. The curriculum integrates biological, physical, and social sciences through intensive on-campus labs, high-fidelity simulation, and clinical rotations with MedStar Health in the D.C. metro. Emphasizing clinical judgment, evidence-based practice, and holistic care guided by cura personalis, students complete 700+ clinical hours and a mentored capstone. Small synchronous classes ensure personalized faculty support. With a 96% NCLEX-RN pass rate, the program prepares graduates for clinical practice. Tuition is $1,442 per credit; financial aid and scholarships are available. No ACT or SAT is required for this post-baccalaureate program.

• $1,442 per credit
• 12-Month program
• Synchronous online classes
• 96% licensure pass rate
• Prerequisite courses required
• Capstone required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Hybrid format with on-campus labs

Cleveland State University’s online Accelerated BSN (ABSN) track offers a fast, four-semester path to RN licensure for students holding a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. With fall and spring starts, this full-time program blends online coursework with clinical experiences across nursing specialties. Admission considers GPA, references, and healthcare experience; no ACT or SAT is listed as a requirement. Prerequisites include anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and microbiology, with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The curriculum prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN and generalist nursing practice. Financial aid is available, and the program is military-friendly. Competitive selection makes early application advisable.

• 4-Semester program
• Starts fall/spring
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Financial aid available
• Online and in-person options
• Requires non-nursing bachelor's degree
• Full-time enrollment required

Cleveland State University’s campus-based ABSN is an intensive four-semester program for career changers who already hold a bachelor’s degree. Starting each January, this full-time, in-person track emphasizes hands-on learning in modern facilities, covering all nursing specialties through theory and clinical rotations. Applicants need prerequisite science courses with a grade of B or better and a cumulative prerequisite GPA of 3.0. The admissions process is competitive with limited seats; only two letters of recommendation are required. No ACT or SAT scores are noted in admission criteria. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN and practice as registered nurses. An online ABSN alternative is also offered.

• 4-Semester program
• Complete in four consecutive semesters
• 1 start dates per year
• Starts spring
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Financial aid available
• Online ABSN also available
• Competitive admission, limited spots

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) is a four-semester, on-campus program for students with a prior bachelor's degree. Starting in the summer, the curriculum integrates interprofessional education and research, training graduates for roles in registered nursing, hospital administration, nursing education, public health, and healthcare research. Students learn from dedicated faculty in a supportive setting, with financial aid and scholarships available. The program emphasizes team-oriented, patient-centered care, producing highly sought-after Carolina nurses. No ACT or SAT entrance exam requirement is explicitly stated; admission centers on previous academic performance and prerequisite coursework.

• 4-Semester program
• Starts summer
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Registered nurse career preparation
• Team-oriented, patient-centered approach
• Highly sought-after Carolina nurses
• Interprofessional education emphasis
• Four semesters, second degree focused
• On-campus program

Purdue University's Accelerated BSN is a full-time, four-semester program (59 credits) designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. The curriculum includes pathopharmacology, health assessment, population health, and nursing practice foundations, with clinical experiences in psychiatric mental health, pediatric, and public health nursing. Faculty employ evidence-based teaching strategies with a focus on clinical leadership and quality improvement. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN and may pursue advanced degrees such as the DNP or PhD. This military-friendly program emphasizes health promotion and safe, high-quality care.

• 4-Semester program
• 59 total credit hours
• Full-time enrollment
• Prepares for NCLEX
• Emphasis on clinical leadership and evidence-based practice
• Innovative evidence-based teaching strategies
• Pathway to graduate nursing education

At the University of North Georgia, the hybrid Accelerated BSN (ABSN) track is designed for career changers who already hold a bachelor's or master's degree in a non-nursing field. Because prior degree completion is the admissions standard, the ACT and SAT are not required. The curriculum delivers essential nursing coursework through a fast-paced format, integrating hands-on lab practice with guaranteed clinical placements at Northeast Georgia Health System. This military-friendly program emphasizes leadership in healthcare while addressing the growing demand for well-rounded nurses. Graduates emerge eligible to sit for the NCLEX and enter the field with confidence, earning their BSN in an accelerated timeline compared to traditional programs.

• Clinical education at Northeast Georgia Health System
• Hands-on lab activities
• Requires prior bachelor's or master's degree
• Same degree, faster track
• Supportive learning environment

Florida International University's Accelerated Option BSN offers a fast-paced, four-semester track for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field. This 58-credit program, based at the Biscayne Bay Campus, begins each fall and provides comprehensive coursework and clinical experiences leading to RN licensure eligibility. The limited-access, competitive admissions process selects motivated candidates seeking a streamlined entry into nursing. The curriculum prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam and positions them for graduate study. No ACT or SAT entrance exam is required for this second-degree program; admission focuses on prior academic performance and prerequisites. Graduates are prepared to meet the high demand for registered nurses.

• 4-Semester program
• 58 total credit hours
• 1 start dates per year
• Starts fall
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Classes at Biscayne Bay Campus
• Designed for second-degree students
• Eligible for RN licensure

The two-year Accelerated BSN Transfer Program at UVA is a full-time, cohort-based track for students who have completed at least two years of college coursework. Earning 120 credit hours, the curriculum integrates intensive clinical rotations across multiple regional sites, an on-campus hospital, and a strong interprofessional focus. Students study patient care across diverse populations and health systems while developing skills in agency, advocacy, and self-care. The program includes two summer sessions, starts in the summer, and requires 52 prerequisite credits with an October 1 application deadline. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX and careers in hospitals, community health, and beyond. Financial aid and military-friendly benefits are available. The program does not specify whether ACT or SAT scores are required for admission.

• 2-Year program
• Complete in designed to be completed in two years of full-time study
• 120 total credit hours
• 1 start dates per year
• Starts summer
• Cohort-based structure
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX
• Financial aid available
• World-class faculty mentors

The Accelerated Second Degree BSN at the University of Central Florida is a CCNE-accredited, campus-based program for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree and seek to become registered nurses. This intensive 60-credit curriculum covers health assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology, adult and family nursing, psychiatric mental health, and public health nursing, paired with extensive clinical experiences. Students benefit from multiple start terms (fall, spring, summer) and a minimum 2.5 GPA requirement. No thesis or capstone is required, though an honors undergraduate thesis option is available. The program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN, with mandatory drug screening and nominal equipment fees ($25-$50 per term). In-state tuition is $212.28 per credit. ACT/SAT scores are not listed among admission requirements, reflecting the program's focus on prior bachelor's degree holders.

• CCNE accredited
• 60 total credit hours
• Starts fall/spring/summer
• 2.5 GPA minimum
• No thesis or capstone required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Accelerated program for degree holders
• Mandatory drug screening required
• Honors undergraduate thesis option
• Equipment fee: $25-$50 per term

University of North Alabama's Accelerated BSN is a 15-month, low-residency hybrid program for second-degree students holding a baccalaureate in another field. Online didactic coursework covers adult health, mental wellness, pediatric care, and leadership, paired with weekend clinicals in Northwest Alabama. No ACT or SAT entrance exam is required; admission instead requires a 3.0 GPA and prerequisite courses. Students benefit from simulation labs, expert faculty, and the Student Nurse Apprenticeship Program offering paid clinical hours, tuition coverage, and guaranteed job placement. At $340 per credit for in-state learners and scholarships like the New Start Award, graduates are prepared for RN licensure and diverse healthcare careers.

• $340 per credit
• 15-Month program
• 60 total credit hours
• Starts summer
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Student Nurse Apprenticeship with paid clinical hours
• Low residency format with online coursework

The University of Louisville's Accelerated BSN is a 15-month hybrid program designed for career-changers who already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field. Delivered through online lectures and in-person clinicals at its Louisville or Owensboro, Kentucky campuses, the full-time curriculum spans four intensive summer-start semesters. Coursework integrates population health, mental health, maternal-newborn care, pediatric nursing, adult medical management, and evidence-based practice. Clinical experiences begin in the first semester, totaling more than 500 hours across diverse settings, supplemented by high-fidelity simulation labs. Graduates are prepared for RN licensure and entry-level practice, with a foundation for graduate study. The program is military-friendly and benefits from an on-campus hospital. Admission requires a prior bachelor's degree; ACT/SAT requirements are not specified.

• 15-Month program
• Full-time enrollment
• Starts summer
• 500 clinical hours
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for RN licensure
• Financial aid available
• Lectures offered fully online
• Clinical experience starts first semester
• High-fidelity simulation labs utilized

Saint Louis University offers a 12-month Accelerated BSN (ABSN) designed for students holding a bachelor's degree in another field. As the first accelerated BSN program in the U.S., it delivers a hybrid curriculum blending online coursework with in-person instruction and state-of-the-art simulation labs. Clinical experiences span adult, pediatric, maternal, and mental health nursing across diverse healthcare settings. The CCNE-accredited program requires 120 credit hours and a 3.0 minimum GPA, with prerequisite courses and rolling admissions offering two start dates (fall and spring). Total tuition is $51,940 ($1,060 per credit), with financial aid available. A low student-to-faculty ratio supports individualized learning, though the rigor discourages outside work. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN. The holistic admissions process welcomes career changers.

• CCNE accredited
• $51,940 total program tuition
• $1,060 per credit
• 12-Month program
• 120 total credit hours
• Rolling admissions
• 2 start dates per year
• Starts fall/spring
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required

Saint Cloud State University’s online Accelerated RN to BSN program offers registered nurses a fast track to a bachelor’s degree with 7-week courses. The CCNE-accredited curriculum includes evidence-based practice, population health, nursing leadership, and ethics, preparing graduates for hospital, public health, and community settings. Complete 30 nursing credits in as few as 10 months, building on an ADN and RN license. The program emphasizes culturally competent care and interprofessional collaboration. Up to 90 transfer credits are accepted, and a 2.5 GPA is required. Multiple start dates provide flexibility. Tuition is $350 per credit, and financial aid and scholarships are available. The school is military-friendly and ranked #1 in Minnesota. No ACT or SAT exam is specified for admission.

• CCNE accredited
• $350 per credit
• 10-Month program
• 30 total credit hours
• Apply by 2026-06-18
• 5 start dates per year
• Starts summer/fall/spring
• 2.5 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Capstone required

University of South Florida's Accelerated Second Degree Pathway is a 16-month, full-time, campus-based BSN track for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field. Available across all three USF campuses with two start dates per year (summer and fall), the program requires completion of eight prerequisite courses and application through NursingCAS. The curriculum emphasizes patient care, health assessment, pharmacology, and clinical skills, with dedicated advising and financial aid support. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN and can pursue careers in hospitals, community health, research, or continue to MSN, DNP, or PhD programs. This military-friendly pathway offers a fast, structured route to nursing licensure.

• 16-Month program
• 2 start dates per year
• Starts summer/fall
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Available on all three USF campuses
• Foundation for MSN, DNP, PhD
• Apply through NursingCAS

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville offers a 12-month, 47-credit ABSN for students with a prior non-nursing bachelor's degree. The accelerated curriculum blends rigorous coursework with clinical rotations at major hospitals and community clinics, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN and roles as registered nurses. Students train in technology-enhanced classrooms and a simulation lab. Competitive admission requires a 3.0 GPA and prerequisites in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and human development. The ABSN Scholars Program provides a $12,776 scholarship in exchange for a work commitment at UT Medical Center. Rolling admissions with priority and final deadlines of November 1 and December 1. No ACT or SAT is required, as admission is based on prior degree and prerequisite performance.

• 12-Month program
• 47 total credit hours
• Rolling admissions
• Starts summer
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX
• Scholarships available
• Clinical experiences at major hospitals
• Technology-enhanced simulation lab

Florida Atlantic University’s Accelerated BSN is a full-time, four-semester track for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another discipline. The 60-credit curriculum covers health assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology, community health, and includes clinical rotations at area healthcare facilities. Students commit 24-40 hours weekly to class and clinical work, with additional study time; the program advises against outside employment. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA overall and in science prerequisites, plus a personal interview. No SAT or ACT entrance exam is required. The Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing offers fall and spring starts at Boca Raton and Davie campuses, with scholarships and financial aid available. Graduates are prepared for NCLEX-RN licensure.

• 4-Semester program
• 60 total credit hours
• Apply by 2026-07-31
• 2 start dates per year
• Starts fall/spring
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Designed for second-degree students

Designed for those with a prior bachelor's degree, this 16-month, full-time, on-campus program blends classroom learning with clinical placements and high-tech simulation labs. Students gain experience at leading healthcare facilities and at community events. Faculty mentors foster critical thinking, evidence-based decision-making, and leadership. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN and roles in hospital, clinic, and community settings. Accredited by CCNE and approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. The program does not specify ACT or SAT requirements for admission; instead, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and complete prerequisite courses. Financial aid available.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing accredited
• 16-Month program
• Financial aid available
• Learn from renowned, caring faculty
• Clinical placements at leading facilities
• Simulation labs with real-life scenarios
• Volunteer at wellness fairs and Boston Marathon
• Master new technology in simulation
• Faculty facilitators and mentors
• Prepare for nursing leadership

University of Northern Colorado's Accelerated BSN (Second Degree) is a hybrid, 20-month track for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. The program blends online coursework with in-person classes on the Greeley campus or Loveland Center and clinical experiences in Northern Colorado. With 71 total credit hours and a 100% nursing-focused curriculum, it prepares graduates for the NCLEX and diverse roles. Admission does not require ACT or SAT scores; instead, candidates need a 3.0 GPA and completion of prerequisites. CCNE accredited, the program boasts first-time NCLEX pass rates of 95-100% and a tight-knit cohort model with expert faculty.

• CCNE accredited
• $495 per credit
• 20-Month program
• 71 total credit hours
• Starts summer
• 95% licensure pass rate
• Cohort-based structure
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX

The University of Washington's ABSN is a four-quarter, full-time track for those who already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field. Students complete 79 credit hours covering nursing foundations, clinical nursing, and research methods, with hands-on practice in a Simulation Center and real clinical settings. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, care therapeutics, and healthcare resources, preparing graduates for RN careers. Admission requires a minimum 2.8 GPA, prerequisite science courses, and 100 hours of healthcare experience, plus one letter of recommendation. No ACT or SAT requirement is specified. The program offers two start dates (fall/spring), financial aid, and honors options, and is taught by renowned faculty at a school known for international leadership in nursing education and research.

• Complete in four back-to-back quarters
• 79 total credit hours
• 2 start dates per year
• Starts fall/spring
• 2.8 GPA minimum
• 1 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Work experience required
• Prerequisite courses required
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available

Central Connecticut State University's Accelerated BSN is a 15-month, 60-credit hybrid program designed for individuals who have already earned a bachelor's degree. Combining online learning with hands-on clinical placements in Greater Hartford, the curriculum covers patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, leadership, and interprofessional collaboration. Students train in high-fidelity simulation and virtual reality labs, gain practical experience at the on-campus community health clinic, and receive mentorship from faculty with diverse nursing expertise. The program starts in the winter and requires prerequisite courses. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX and RN licensure. Financial aid, scholarships, dedicated advising, and on-campus childcare are available to support student success.

• 15-Month program
• 60 total credit hours
• Starts winter
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Second-degree program for bachelor's holders
• Clinical experiences with practice partners
• High-fidelity simulation and VR technology

Stony Brook University offers an Accelerated Baccalaureate Program in Nursing tailored for individuals who have already earned a bachelor's degree in another field and aspire to become registered nurses. This intensive, on-site curriculum includes Pathophysiology, Fundamentals of Pharmacology, Social Justice in Health Care, and Healing and the Arts, along with extensive hands-on clinical placements. The program is designed to prepare graduates for RN licensure and careers in diverse settings, including nurse practitioner roles, healthcare management, nursing informatics, and travel nursing. Stony Brook's partnerships with leading health systems such as Northwell Health, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and Lenox Hill Hospital enhance clinical training and employment prospects. Online applications are accepted by published deadlines, and interviews may be required. Notably, the program does not specify ACT or SAT entrance exams, which aligns with its post-baccalaureate admissions focus. The accelerated format allows students to transition into nursing practice rapidly, addressing the growing demand for healthcare professionals.

• Designed for non-nursing bachelor's holders
• Leads to RN licensure
• On-site program
• Interviews may be required
• Sample course: Pathophysiology
• Sample course: Fundamentals of Pharmacology
• Career as Registered Nurse
• Career as Nurse Practitioner

Texas A&M University's Second-Degree BSN is a 15-month accelerated track for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. Delivered at the Round Rock campus, this four-semester program combines face-to-face instruction, simulation labs, and clinical experiences. Coursework covers professional nursing, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and population health. Admission requires 59 prerequisite credit hours and a minimum 3.0 GPA; the HESI A2 entrance exam is required rather than ACT or SAT. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-RN and can pursue careers in hospitals and clinics. The program offers a BSN Honors Program and accepts U.S. Army AECP benefits, providing extra opportunities for high achievers and military-affiliated students.

• Entrance exam required
• Exams: HESI
• 15-Month program
• 61 total credit hours
• 2 start dates per year
• Starts fall/spring
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 0 clinical hours
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX