Program Overview
North Carolina’s top-ranked accelerated BSN for 2026 — Fayetteville State’s hybrid ABSN pairs a #1 RegisteredNursing.org ranking and a 96% NCLEX pass rate with affordable HBCU tuition and a flexible online-plus-clinical format, backed by major recent investment that is doubling program capacity.
Fayetteville State University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) is a hybrid, sequential program designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and wish to become registered nurses, reducing time to degree through an accelerated 16-month format that starts in Maymester and completes the following summer.
The program blends online instruction, face-to-face didactic sessions, state-of-the-art simulation experiences, and live clinical experiences across the healthcare continuum.
As a public historically Black university (founded 1867), FSU delivers this education from experienced faculty committed to developing highly motivated professional nurses — and in October 2025, RegisteredNursing.org ranked the program the #1 accelerated BSN in North Carolina for 2026.
Accreditation & Outcomes
The bachelor’s and master’s nursing programs at Fayetteville State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the program is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. FSU is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The university’s BSN program reported a 96% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate (North Carolina Board of Nursing, 2024). Graduates are prepared as nurse generalists, qualifying them to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
Program Momentum
FSU’s nursing programs are growing rapidly. In 2024, the university received a $2 million grant from the University of North Carolina System for healthcare development, along with a $2 million gift from Cape Fear Valley Health that is set to increase program capacity and double enrollment. These investments strengthen clinical partnerships, advance faculty development, and broaden training opportunities to address statewide nursing workforce needs.
ABSN Admission Summary
FSU’s ABSN uses a competitive admissions process requiring completion of all nursing prerequisites before application submission. Applications are accepted through the School of Nursing webpage during the annual January 1 – February 1 window.
- Bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing
- Completion of all nursing prerequisites prior to application
- Competitive review of qualifications
Students who are unsuccessful in a nursing course are unable to continue in the ABSN track but may apply to the generic (traditional) BSN track. For application questions, contact Ms. Josephine Moore (jsmoore@uncfsu.edu).
Curriculum
The sequential curriculum covers foundational and specialized areas, including nursing research, pharmacology, adult health, pediatric nursing, obstetrics, psychiatric nursing, and community health, delivered in a hybrid format with simulation and clinical components.
Semester One
NURS 401/401S – Nursing Research Theory and Seminar
Emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and research critique in professional nursing. Through an evidence-based project, students learn to value research as an essential foundation for practice, integrating theory and research in patient care.
NURS 321 – Health Assessment
Equips students to perform comprehensive health assessments, focusing on data collection and interpretation for clients of all ages. Assessment includes physical, psychological, sociocultural, and spiritual aspects to meet diverse client needs.
NURS 324 – Pathophysiology
Students explore pathophysiological concepts affecting the whole person, emphasizing systematic approaches to physical stress. Applies the nursing process to complex health conditions requiring multidimensional care.
NURS 326 – Concepts Basic to Nursing
An introductory course covering foundational nursing skills and concepts, emphasizing core practices in a clinical setting.
NURS 326L – Concepts Basic to Nursing Lab
Students apply nursing theory and essential skills in a long-term care setting under faculty supervision, practicing evidence-based nursing.
NURS 365 – Pharmacology
Focuses on pharmacological principles, including drug actions, effects, and safe administration.
Semester Two
NUR/A 350 – Adult Health I
Students learn to manage basic health issues in adult and elderly clients, focusing on fluid balance, infection, respiratory and cardiovascular care, and other fundamental health alterations.
NURS/A 350L – Adult Health Clinical
Offers hands-on experience in acute and long-term care settings, including intravenous therapy and simulated lab activities, where students apply nursing concepts in real-life scenarios.
NURS 361 – Obstetrics and Women’s Health
Students explore nursing care related to women’s health and obstetrics, including reproductive health and prenatal/postpartum care, emphasizing patient-centered approaches.
NURS 361L – Obstetrics and Women’s Health Clinical
Clinical practice in diverse community and obstetrical settings, focusing on applying critical nursing skills in reproductive and obstetric care.
NURS 360 – Pediatric Nursing
Addresses acute and chronic health needs in pediatric clients, combining nursing theory with care management to support holistic well-being.
NURS 360L – Pediatric Nursing Clinical
A clinical practicum in pediatric care settings, where students develop skills in managing pediatric health issues under supervision.
NURS/A 451 – Adult Health II
An advanced course covering complex health issues, including critical care, emergency response, and multi-system health alterations in adult clients.
NURS/A 451L – Adult Health II Lab
Complements Adult Health II, focusing on advanced clinical skills and care techniques for patients with complex conditions.
NURS 405 – Psychiatric Nursing
Introduction to psychiatric nursing, focusing on mental health issues, client responses to stress, and cultural considerations in psychiatric care.
NURS 405L – Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Clinical
Clinical practice for managing mental health conditions, emphasizing therapeutic interventions and patient interactions.
NURS 406 – Community Health Nursing
Students engage with diverse populations, focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, and wellness in community settings.
NURS 406L – Community Health Nursing Clinical
In community-based clinical settings, students apply nursing principles to support the health of families and communities.
Semester Three
NURA 481L – Capstone Clinical I
An integrative clinical experience where students apply accumulated nursing knowledge in a supervised capstone project.
Semester Four
NURSA 481L – Capstone Clinical II
An advanced clinical capstone experience that builds on previous training, providing a comprehensive practice opportunity.
NURA 481 – Capstone Theory
Synthesizes nursing concepts through case studies and simulations, reinforcing critical thinking.
NURS 410 – Nursing Leadership
Explores nursing leadership roles and the impact of nurse leaders on healthcare delivery, focusing on advanced theories and the nursing process.
More detail is available in the FSU School of Nursing catalog.
Clinical and Simulation Training
The ABSN integrates extensive clinical experiences throughout the 16-month curriculum, with clinical components embedded in most nursing courses across the continuum of care. Students gain experience through state-of-the-art simulation with high-fidelity technology and live clinical rotations, blended with online and face-to-face didactic instruction.
Clinical components by semester:
- Semester 1 (Summer): NURS 326L Concepts Basic to Nursing Lab (2 credits, 8 weeks)
- Semester 2 (Fall): NURS/A 350L Adult Health I Clinical (3 credits, 16 weeks); NURS 361L Obstetrics and Women’s Health Clinical (2 credits, 8 weeks); NURS 360L Pediatric Nursing Clinical (2 credits, 8 weeks)
- Semester 3 (Spring): NURS/A 451L Adult Health II Clinical (3 credits, 16 weeks); NURS 405L Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Clinical (8 weeks); NURS 406L Community Health Nursing Clinical (8 weeks)
- Semester 4 (Maymester/Summer): NURA 481L Capstone Clinical I (Maymester, 2 weeks); NURSA 481L Capstone Clinical II (Summer I and II, 8 weeks)
Rotations span adult health, maternal-child, pediatric, psychiatric-mental health, and community health, with capstone experiences integrating all learned competencies. Clinical partnerships — including with Cape Fear Valley Health — support hands-on training throughout the Fayetteville region. A nursing clinical fee of $100 per semester applies, and students must maintain required health screens and immunizations, a clear criminal background check, current drug screening, and professional liability insurance.
Tuition
Fayetteville State is among North Carolina’s most affordable nursing schools. Published undergraduate tuition is approximately $4,353 per year for NC residents and $8,353 per year for out-of-state students (IPEDS). Mandatory fees are approximately $1,706 per semester (about $6,824 across four semesters), plus course-related and clinical fees.
Because tuition and fees vary by enrollment and term, confirm current figures via the official tuition and financial aid page.
Accreditation
The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Fayetteville State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring the program meets rigorous national standards for nursing education quality.