Program Overview
Flexible, frequent entry into nursing — three start dates a year and no waitlist, open to applicants with a prior bachelor’s degree or just 60+ non-nursing college credits — through a hybrid model that blends online coursework with on-site simulation labs in Metro Detroit and real-world clinical rotations.
Madonna University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program in Metro Detroit is designed for individuals who hold a prior degree or have completed at least 60 non-nursing college credits. This hybrid program lets students earn a BSN in as few as 16 months through a combination of online coursework, on-site nursing simulation labs at the program site in Southfield, and clinical experiences at healthcare facilities such as Ascension Michigan.
With three start dates a year (January, May, and August) and no waitlist, students can begin at multiple points throughout the year and get going without delay.
Taught within the context of Catholic and Franciscan values, the program assigns each applicant a dedicated admissions representative and emphasizes a supportive, success-focused learning environment.
Accreditation
Madonna University’s nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing, so graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and pursue RN licensure.
Program Duration and Structure
The ABSN spans 16 months over four semesters, offering a fast-track option for career changers and transfer students. The hybrid curriculum combines online courses with hands-on simulation labs at the Southfield program site and real-world clinical rotations in the Detroit area.
Admissions & Requirements
- Apply to Madonna and submit official transcripts
- Letter of intent to the College of Nursing & Health
- Prerequisites completed or in progress (proof required)
- Criminal background check required
Academic Minimums
- Transfer applicants: 60+ college credits with a 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Post-degree applicants: bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a 2.8 cumulative GPA
Prerequisite Courses (before ABSN start)
Science
- BIO 2450 Human Anatomy & Physiology I (4)
- BIO 2460 Human Anatomy & Physiology II (4)
- BIO 3710 Pathophysiology (3)
- CHM 1610 Intro to Life Chemistry (4)
- MTH 2350 Probability & Statistics (4)
- NFS 2220 General Nutrition for Health Professionals (2)
- NFS 2230 Therapeutic Nutrition for Health Professionals (2)
General Education
- PSY 1010 Intro to Psychology (3) → prereq to PSY 2450
- PSY 2450 Lifespan Development Psychology (4)
- SOC 1020 Intro to Sociology (3)
- WRT 1010 College Composition I (3)
- WRT 1020 College Composition II (3)
Prerequisites are separate from the 16-month ABSN curriculum and are offered on Madonna’s Livonia campus and online (eligible for Madonna’s Undergraduate Domestic Satellite & Online Campus tuition rate). Some students may need Madonna signature/core courses (case-by-case), and nursing support courses are taken after the ABSN begins. Work with an academic advisor to plan remaining requirements.
Curriculum
The program covers 53 credit hours, with courses focusing on health assessment, holistic nursing care, pharmacology, mental health nursing, and leadership.
First Semester
NUR 2830 – Health Assessment (3 credits)
This course introduces students to the role of the nurse in conducting health assessments, including collecting health histories and performing physical exams. Building on knowledge from anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, students explore holistic health assessments that incorporate mental health, cultural, and developmental perspectives. A supervised lab component helps students develop the necessary cognitive, psychomotor, and communication skills.
NUR 2820 – Intro to Professional Nursing (4 credits)
An overview of professional nursing, this course examines the core concepts of nursing practice, including holistic care, system dynamics, and professional ethics. Students engage in foundational skills labs and participate in academic service-learning experiences that highlight the integration of theory and practice.
NUR 3480 – Holistic Nursing Care of Adults and Families I (5 credits)
This course covers nursing care for adults with acute and chronic health conditions, with a focus on the holistic needs of patients and their families. Through supervised clinical practice and lab sessions, students apply the nursing process and develop clinical judgment to address both physiological and psychosocial aspects of care.
NUR 3420 – Pharmacology (3 credits)
Students explore the fundamental principles of pharmacology, focusing on medication safety, legal and ethical responsibilities, and clinical judgment in drug administration. The course emphasizes evidence-based practice and the nursing process to ensure quality care in medication management.
Total Credits: 15
Second Semester
NUR 3460 – Holistic Mental Health Nursing Care (4 credits)
This course introduces students to psychiatric-mental health nursing from a holistic perspective. Students learn to apply evidence-based practices to patient care, addressing mental health issues with empathy and clinical judgment. Includes supervised clinical practicum experiences.
NUR 3850 – Research and Evidence-Based Practice I (2 credits)
This course focuses on the role of research in enhancing clinical nursing practice. Students learn how to evaluate and apply research findings, using evidence-based practice to inform clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes.
NUR 3975 – Population-Focused Care of the Older Adult and Family (5 credits)
Focusing on geriatric care, this course covers the physical, psychological, legal, and social aspects of aging. Students analyze chronic illness, palliative care, and end-of-life issues. Clinical practicum experiences provide hands-on practice in caring for older adults and their families.
NUR 3985 – Holistic Nursing Care of Adults and Families II (4 credits)
Building on previous courses, this class focuses on holistic care for adults with complex health conditions. Students learn to integrate evidence-based clinical guidelines into their practice, emphasizing the nursing process and family-centered care.
Total Credits: 15
Third Semester
NUR 4450 – Holistic Nursing Care of Women and Families (OB) (4 credits)
This course focuses on nursing care for women across the lifespan, including reproductive health, childbirth, and postpartum care. Students learn to apply clinical decision-making skills in promoting health and preventing disease for women and their families. The course includes a supervised practicum in obstetric settings.
NUR 4410 – Holistic Nursing Care of Children and Families (Peds) (4 credits)
Students explore pediatric nursing care, emphasizing the holistic management of wellness and illness in children. Clinical decision-making, family-centered care, and evidence-based practice are central to this course, which includes a practicum in pediatric healthcare settings.
NUR 4870 – Population-Focused Professional Nursing (Community) (4 credits)
This course addresses population health by exploring social determinants of health, health promotion, and disease prevention. Students engage in clinical practicum experiences where they work with individuals, families, and communities to improve health outcomes through evidence-based interventions.
Total Credits: 12
Fourth Semester
NUR 4860 – Holistic Care Immersion (6 credits)
An integrative capstone course, students apply knowledge from their previous coursework in real-world healthcare settings. This course focuses on managing complex patient care, with an emphasis on clinical decision-making, evidence-based practice, and holistic nursing care. Clinical practice in acute care environments is a major component.
NUR 4840 – Dynamic Nursing Leadership (3 credits)
This course prepares students for leadership roles in the dynamic healthcare environment. Topics include quality improvement, patient safety, team leadership, and the professional responsibilities of a nurse leader. The course emphasizes systems thinking and ethical decision-making in leadership.
NUR 4970 – Research and Evidence-Based Practice II (2 credits)
In this course, students develop a project that applies research and evidence-based practices to real-world nursing challenges. The project allows students to synthesize their learning and demonstrate professional growth and critical thinking as they prepare for professional nursing roles.
Total Credits: 11
More detail is available in the Madonna University catalog.
Tuition
Tuition for the ABSN program is approximately $58,000. Admission is competitive (minimum 3.0 GPA for transfer applicants or 2.8 for post-degree applicants), and applicants submit transcripts, a letter of intent, and complete a criminal background check.
Confirm current figures via the official tuition and fees page.
Other Programs Offered
In addition to the ABSN, Madonna University offers a traditional BSN, MSN, and DNP programs for students who want to continue into advanced practice.