Program Overview
A holistic, affordable path into nursing — Immaculata University’s 15-month Accelerated Second Degree BSN is recognized by the American Holistic Nurses Association for its award-winning holistic approach, and its transparent $36,975 all-in cost makes it one of the more affordable ABSN options in the region.
Immaculata University’s Accelerated Second Degree BSN (ABSN) is a 15-month, full-time, cohort-based program built for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are ready to transition into nursing. New cohorts launch each January, moving through four concentrated semesters of theoretical and clinical coursework.
A Catholic university, Immaculata holds recognition from the American Holistic Nurses Association for its award-winning holistic approach to nursing education, woven throughout a curriculum centered on holistic nursing care.
The program achieved an 89.4% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2024-25, with 94% of 2023 graduates landing nursing jobs, and its all-in cost of $36,975 makes it one of the more affordable ABSN options in the region.
Accreditation & Outcomes
Immaculata University’s BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing (the pre-licensure track also holds approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Education). Immaculata University is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and the nursing program is recognized by the American Holistic Nurses Association for its holistic approach.
The program achieved an 89.4% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2024-25, with 94% of 2023 graduates employed in nursing; graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
Admissions Requirements
Immaculata takes a holistic approach to ABSN admissions. Competitive applicants will have a completed bachelor’s degree, strong science prerequisites, and a 3.0 GPA or better.
- Degree: Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (conferred before program start)
- GPA: 3.0 or higher preferred
- Prerequisite Science Courses: Completed with a C+ or higher, within the last 7 years; no more than two attempts permitted per course
- Outstanding Prerequisites: No more than 12 remaining prerequisite credits at time of application; remaining credits must be finished during the fall semester before the January start
- Legal Work Authorization: Required to complete clinical experiences and obtain RN licensure
- Criminal Background: PA State Board of Nursing restrictions apply for certain felony convictions
Application deadlines (ABSN cohort): The application window runs March 1 – August 1 for the following January start, with rolling decision notifications after April 1.
Two application pathways:
- Pre-Nursing Route — for applicants with more than 12 prerequisite credits remaining; complete remaining courses at Immaculata at a discounted rate of $250/credit
- Direct ABSN Route — for applicants with 12 or fewer prerequisite credits outstanding
Prerequisite Courses
All science prerequisites must be completed within the past 7 years with a minimum grade of C+. No course may be attempted more than twice.
Required science prerequisites:
- Human Genetics (3 credits)
- Microbiology for Health Science (4 credits)
- Anatomy & Physiology I (4 credits)
- Anatomy & Physiology II (4 credits)
- Survey of Chemistry with organic component (4 credits)
Additional required coursework (C or higher; C+ for science, Math for Nurses, and Nutrition):
- Math for Nurses (3 credits)
- Lifespan Development (3 credits)
- Statistics (3 credits)
- Medical Ethics (3 credits)
- Normal Nutrition — must be taught by a Registered Dietitian (3 credits)
- 30 credits transferable from the prior bachelor’s degree
Prerequisites not completed at Immaculata may not all transfer; verify acceptance before enrolling elsewhere. Immaculata’s Pre-Nursing program offers all prerequisite courses at $250/credit (lab fees not included).
Curriculum
The ABSN program totals 55 credits of nursing coursework across four semesters. The sequence is fixed, all nursing courses must be completed at Immaculata, and a grade of C+ or better is required in all nursing courses to progress. Holistic nursing principles are woven throughout.
NUR 200 Nursing Concepts
This course introduces the historical and theoretical foundations of nursing, focusing on the roles of the baccalaureate generalist nurse within modern healthcare. Students explore professional responsibilities and ethical considerations.
NUR 202 Fundamentals of Holistic Nursing Practice
Students develop foundational nursing skills for holistic care, including simulation lab training and hands-on experience in long-term care settings. The course emphasizes core nursing concepts and patient-centered care.
NUR 307 Holistic Health Assessment
This course covers comprehensive health assessments across the lifespan, focusing on subjective and objective data collection. Students practice assessment skills in simulation labs while exploring health promotion and disease prevention strategies.
NUR 333 Pathophysiology
Students learn about disruptions in normal body functions and the effects of genetic, environmental, and stress-related factors on health. The course emphasizes diagnostic evaluation and intervention strategies for various health conditions.
NUR 304 Pharmacology
An overview of pharmacotherapeutics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics, this course prepares students for safe medication administration across age groups. Legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities in drug therapy are also discussed.
NUR 308 Holistic Nursing Care I
Students explore acute health conditions in adults, integrating holistic nursing principles in clinical settings. Two credit hours are dedicated to hands-on patient care experience in various healthcare environments.
NUR 311 Holistic Nursing Care II
This course focuses on psychiatric and mental health nursing, emphasizing therapeutic communication and evidence-based interventions. Students gain clinical experience in mental health settings, caring for patients across the lifespan.
NUR 314 Holistic Nursing Care of Childbearing Families
Students learn nursing care for childbearing and childrearing families, covering women’s health, growth and development, and family-centered care. Clinical practice focuses on maternal, newborn, and pediatric nursing.
NUR 405 Holistic Nursing Care III
This course builds on previous knowledge, preparing students to care for adults with complex health conditions. Emphasis is placed on advanced clinical decision-making and critical care nursing.
NUR 410 Concepts in Nursing Leadership and Management
Students explore leadership and management principles in healthcare, including strategic planning, healthcare policy, legal/ethical issues, and organizational leadership. The course prepares students for management roles in nursing.
NUR 404 Nursing Research
This course introduces nursing research principles, emphasizing critical evaluation of studies and application to evidence-based practice. Students develop skills in interpreting and integrating research findings into clinical care.
NUR 408 Concepts of Public Health Nursing
Students examine public health concepts, including community health assessment and disease prevention strategies. The course includes clinical experiences in community health settings to apply learned concepts.
NUR 435 Preparation for Professional Practice
A capstone course that focuses on NCLEX-RN preparation and independent clinical experience. Students refine clinical judgment, professional competencies, and leadership skills in preparation for entering nursing practice.
More detail is available in the Immaculata nursing catalog.
Clinicals & Simulation Labs
Students rotate through clinical placements at area healthcare facilities under faculty supervision to build hands-on competency. Immaculata’s eight on-campus simulation labs support skill development in a controlled, low-stakes environment before students enter real clinical settings.
Lab features include industry-standard clinical equipment for medication administration, vital signs, and patient assessment; high-fidelity simulation mannequins (including obstetric and pediatric mannequins); standardized patient scenarios with live actors; and one-on-one faculty support in lab settings.
Pre-clinical requirements (completed before the first clinical course) include a physical exam and full immunization series, an annual QuantiFERON TB test and AHA-BLS CPR certification, a negative 10-panel drug screening, PA child abuse clearance plus FBI and PA state police background checks, and proof of current health insurance. Students are responsible for all costs associated with clinical compliance.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Immaculata’s ABSN is a flat-rate, all-inclusive cost — one of the more transparent pricing structures among regional ABSN programs. The estimated total program cost is $36,975 (2026-27 rate, tuition and fees included), making it one of the more affordable ABSN options in the region. Prerequisite courses completed at Immaculata are available at a discounted rate of $250/credit (lab fees additional).
Confirm current figures via the official tuition page.