Program Overview
Georgian Court University offers a 15-month, post-baccalaureate ABSN that prepares non-nurses for RN licensure and entry-level practice. The program uses a fast, structured sequence and starts twice per year (June and November), so students can enter on a predictable timeline.
Georgian Court highlights small class sizes and a 10:1 max clinical student-to-faculty ratio to support hands-on learning.
A key feature is the school’s long-standing partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health, which expands clinical access across New Jersey.
The program also reports a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate (2023 undergraduate program) and an 87.5% employment rate for a recent graduating class (Class of 2019).
ABSN Admission Summary
Georgian Court’s ABSN admissions fit second-degree students who meet a higher GPA bar and finish required science prerequisites before the start date.
- Degree requirement: Completed bachelor’s degree before the ABSN start date
- Minimum GPA: 3.2 cumulative GPA
- Prerequisite grades: B- or better, and the first attempt grade counts (not the retake)
- Prerequisite recency: Any course with a lab must be completed within 10 years of the ABSN start
- Application items: ABSN application, official transcripts, résumé, and an interview after file review
- Start dates: June and November cohorts; seats are limited, so early application matters
Prerequisites Summary (22 credits total)
Students must complete these courses before the ABSN start date.
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I with lab (4)
- Human Anatomy & Physiology II with lab (4)
- Microbiology with lab (4)
- Statistics with inferential statistics (3)
- Chemistry with lab (4) (inorganic, organic, or biochemistry; biochemistry content preferred)
- Developmental psychology preferred (3)
Curriculum
The ABSN is taught over compressed sessions and runs about 14–15 months. The sample plan below shows 4 terms and builds from foundations to adult, family, behavioral health, community health, leadership, and immersion.
First Term
NU211 Foundations of Professional Nursing Practice
This course introduces students to key concepts essential for professional nursing practice, such as effective communication, the nursing process, and critical thinking. Students will explore nursing standards, clients’ rights, and evidence-based practice while learning about the various roles nurses play in healthcare. Clinical practice topics include asepsis, client safety, health promotion, disease prevention, and documentation. The course also covers selected clinical skills, medical terminology, and an introduction to pharmacology.
NU221 Health Assessment
In this course, students are introduced to the fundamental skills required for professional nursing practice. The curriculum focuses on conducting health histories, performing physical exams, and differentiating between wellness and illness. Students will learn assessment techniques for individuals across the lifespan and practice these skills in a simulated clinical environment. The course emphasizes the nursing process in clinical settings, where students will perform systematic assessments and practice therapeutic communication.
NU275 Pathophysiology
This course provides an overview of the pathophysiological processes that disrupt normal body functions. Building on previous biological science knowledge, students will explore the etiology, epidemiology, and clinical manifestations of common health issues across the lifespan. The course emphasizes diagnostic testing, interventions, pharmacological treatments, and nursing implications, helping students understand the underlying causes of health problems and how to manage them through the nursing process.
NU111 Introduction to Professional Nursing
This foundational course introduces students to the profession of nursing, including nursing theory, history, and educational pathways. The curriculum covers essential topics such as health promotion, stress management, communication skills, and cultural diversity. Students will explore healthcare law, ethics, and the philosophical underpinnings of nursing, setting the stage for further study in clinical nursing courses.
Second Term
NU285 Pharmacotherapeutics
This course focuses on the pharmacological principles that guide the safe and effective use of medications in nursing practice. Students will learn about drug classifications, mechanisms of action, side effects, and interactions, with an emphasis on applying pharmacotherapeutic knowledge in patient care.
NU271 Evidence-Based Nursing Care of the Adult I
This course prepares students to provide evidence-based nursing care for adult patients with mild to moderate health alterations. The curriculum integrates pathophysiological and pharmacological concepts with the nursing process, focusing on health promotion, risk reduction, and clinical decision-making. Students will gain hands-on experience in clinical settings, applying nursing diagnoses and interventions to improve patient outcomes. Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams is emphasized.
NU325 Evidence-Based Behavioral Health
This course equips students to provide psychiatric nursing care for patients with behavioral health needs. Drawing on biophysical and psychosocial sciences, students will develop skills in communication, patient advocacy, and culturally appropriate care. The clinical experience focuses on applying developmental and behavioral theories to psychiatric care, with opportunities to work in community-based settings. Students will also practice collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to manage psychiatric illness and promote mental health.
Third Term
NU322 Evidence-Based Nursing Care of Childbearing Families
This course focuses on providing family-centered, evidence-based care to childbearing families, addressing both normal and high-risk pregnancies, as well as neonatal care. Students learn to integrate family, cultural, and developmental theories into practice in diverse clinical settings. Emphasis is placed on health promotion, risk reduction, and illness management. The clinical component provides hands-on experience applying family and developmental theories to diagnoses, interventions, and patient outcomes across the continuum of care for childbearing families.
NU371 Evidence-Based Nursing Care of the Adult II
This course builds on prior nursing knowledge to prepare students for managing adult patients with multisystem dysfunctions. Students will apply pathophysiologic and pharmacologic principles to create evidence-based care plans for patients experiencing acute and chronic illnesses. The clinical experience focuses on delivering culturally appropriate care while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. Students engage in real-world clinical settings to enhance their decision-making skills in nursing care for adults with complex health issues.
Fourth Term
NU343 Evidence for Practice
This course deepens students’ understanding of knowledge translation in nursing by connecting research, evidence-based practice, quality assurance, and performance improvement. Students will develop skills in formulating clinical questions, conducting literature reviews, and assessing clinical guidelines using the ACE Star model. The course enables students to evaluate and implement evidence-based practices to improve patient care.
NU421 Evidence-Based Nursing Practice in the Community
This course prepares students to deliver evidence-based care in community settings, focusing on health promotion and disease prevention. Students learn to apply epidemiology and public health principles to assess the health needs of families, groups, and populations. The course covers topics such as cultural diversity, health policy, and disaster planning. Through clinical experiences, students will conduct community assessments and develop strategies to promote health and wellness.
NU423 Evidence-Based Nursing Care of Childrearing Families
Students in this course will focus on providing evidence-based, family-centered care to childrearing families, addressing the needs of infants through adolescents. Emphasis is placed on integrating family, cultural, and developmental theories into nursing practice. The clinical experience allows students to apply these concepts to diagnosing, intervening, and managing outcomes for childrearing families in various healthcare settings.
Fifth Term
NU471 Evidence-Based Leadership and Management in Nursing
This course explores leadership and management principles essential for nursing leadership roles. Students examine topics such as public policy, healthcare economics, and executive decision-making. The course includes a capstone project that involves analyzing healthcare trends and applying management concepts to real-world scenarios. Students also gain experience through leadership observations and participatory roles.
NU472 Senior Seminar for Professional Nursing Practice
Designed to bridge the gap between academia and clinical practice, this course prepares students for professional licensure and practice. Students focus on delegation, collaboration, and prioritization in healthcare delivery. The course also provides an NCLEX review and covers requirements for RN licensure. Students prepare for entry-level nursing roles by creating résumés and portfolios and exploring residency programs.
NU496 Transition into Clinical Nursing Practice (Immersion Experience)
This final course allows students to synthesize all previous learning to provide evidence-based care to patients with complex health issues. Under the supervision of a professional nurse preceptor, students work one-on-one in realistic clinical settings. Emphasis is placed on delivering patient- and family-centered care while managing multiple patients and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. Reflective journaling and class discussions encourage self-assessment and professional growth.
More curriculum details available here
Clinicals
Students complete clinical rotations at Hackensack Meridian Health locations across New Jersey, with 7+ rotation locations noted by the program.
Clinical learning includes an end-of-program immersion experience that focuses on role readiness and real-world workflow.
Before students enter clinical nursing courses, the catalog lists key compliance steps, including Basic Life Support, a health exam, required health documentation, professional liability insurance, and a criminal background investigation.
The program also notes that nursing courses run in a set sequence, so students move forward as a cohort.
Tuition
Estimated total cost is $58,580 based on the tuition and fee schedule you provided for the ABSN.
Cost calculation (estimated):
- Tuition: 67 credits (16+17+16+18) × $852 per credit = $57,084
- Comprehensive fee: $342 per term × 4 terms = $1,368
- Mandatory accident insurance: $32 per term × 4 terms = $128
- Estimated total: $57,084 + $1,368 + $128 = $58,580
This estimate excludes optional or variable charges such as parking, housing, and personal expenses.
See the official tuition page for more details.
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