Program Overview
A hybrid ABSN built around working students’ schedules — Charleston Southern delivers asynchronous online coursework, on-campus labs on weekday evenings, and clinical rotations on weekends in Charleston-area hospitals, paired with affordable per-credit tuition and the highest 9-year NCLEX average in South Carolina.
The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) at Charleston Southern University (CSU) spans 18 months across five semesters, starting exclusively in the Summer II semester. It is designed for students who hold at least 58-60 college credit hours or a bachelor’s degree in another field.
The program’s schedule is built for flexibility: classes are delivered asynchronous online (with some required on-campus days), labs meet on CSU’s campus on weekday evenings, and clinical rotations take place in Charleston-area hospitals on weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) — a structure that helps students balance other commitments while training.
As a Christian university, CSU integrates a faith-based approach to nursing education.
Accreditation & Outcomes
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Charleston Southern University is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and holds full approval from the South Carolina Board of Nursing. CSU is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
The College of Nursing reports strong outcomes, including a 97.10% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2024 and what it cites as the highest 9-year NCLEX pass-rate average in South Carolina. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
Admissions and Prerequisites
Applicants must gain general admission to Charleston Southern University and meet the nursing prerequisites:
- At least 58-60 college credit hours, or an earned bachelor’s degree in another field
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in all pre-nursing prerequisite courses, with a C or higher in each
- Required math and science prerequisites completed within 5 years of the application date (or within 10 years if the applicant holds a Bachelor of Science degree)
- Required prerequisite areas include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and nutrition, among others
- Two letters of recommendation are preferred
- All official transcripts must be submitted and accepted before review
Applications are open annually from October 15 to April 1 for the Summer II start. Students previously enrolled in a nursing program may be eligible for admission.
Curriculum
The curriculum combines asynchronous online classes with in-person labs on CSU’s campus (weekday evenings) and weekend clinical rotations in Charleston-area hospitals.
NURS 104 – Basic Pathophysiology
This 3-credit course examines the fundamental changes in human physiology due to disease. It covers cell biology disorders, inflammatory processes, and defense mechanisms, focusing on understanding disease processes and manifestations.
NURS 203 – Health Assessment
This 4-credit course teaches students to conduct comprehensive health assessments across the lifespan. It emphasizes data interpretation, considering physical, psychosocial, sociocultural, and spiritual factors to identify health needs and promote effective practices.
NURS 218 – Fundamentals
This 5-credit course introduces nursing process fundamentals, critical thinking, and evidence-based practices. Students develop core professional nursing skills through clinical experiences in labs and healthcare facilities.
NURS 223 – Clinical Applications of Pharmacological Concepts III
This 4-credit course explores drug classifications for acute and chronic conditions. It integrates nursing management, medication administration, and safety within the nursing process.
NURS 231 – Adult Health I
This 5-credit course addresses chronic health disorders in adults, covering nursing management of neurologic, musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, and other systems. Topics include pathophysiology, diagnostic studies, and drug therapy for health maintenance.
NURS 325 – Gerontological Nursing
This 2-credit course focuses on normal and pathological changes in older adults. Students apply the nursing process to maintain, promote, and restore health for this population.
NURS 326 – Maternal/Child
This 6-credit course emphasizes the nursing process in caring for maternal/child populations in hospital and community settings. It covers physiological changes, psychosocial health, and health promotion.
NURS 327 – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing
This 4-credit course explores behavioral dynamics and therapeutic interventions for culturally diverse patients. It includes group dynamics, milieu management, and collaborative healthcare roles.
NURS 331 – Adult Health II
This 5-credit course focuses on nursing management for adults with acute medical-surgical conditions. Critical thinking and evidence-based care are emphasized for all body systems.
NURS 405 – Research in Healthcare
This 3-credit course reviews the research process, emphasizing critiquing published studies and applying findings in healthcare.
NURS 407 – Leadership/Management for ABSN
This 4-credit course develops leadership and management skills for nurses, addressing legal, social, and ethical challenges in healthcare delivery.
NURS 409 – Community Health Nursing
This 4-credit course focuses on health promotion, disease prevention, and family/community assessments using multidisciplinary principles.
NURS 429 – Capstone for ABSN
This 3-credit course synthesizes nursing knowledge to refine critical thinking and prepare for NCLEX-RN and professional practice. Taken in the final semester.
NURS 431 – Adult Health III
This 4-credit course addresses nursing care for critically ill adults with multisystem dysfunction. It emphasizes advanced pathophysiology and clinical decision-making.
NURS 432 – Adult Health IV Immersion
This 5-credit course integrates theoretical knowledge into immersive clinical experiences, focusing on acute and chronic conditions, safety, quality improvement, and professional collaboration.
More detail is available in the Charleston Southern University catalog.
Tuition
Tuition for the ABSN program is $650 per credit hour. For the 67 required credit hours, total tuition is approximately $43,550. Confirm current figures via the official tuition and costs page.
Online and Campus Integration
While much of the coursework is delivered online, the program includes essential in-person components — simulation labs and clinical experiences — with labs on weekday evenings and clinicals on weekends. This hybrid approach provides flexibility while maintaining hands-on learning.
Additional Nursing Programs
CSU also offers a traditional BSN program and graduate nursing pathways (MSN, BSN to MSN, and RN to MSN), along with other undergraduate degrees.