“NDSU’s Accelerated BSN combines a 14-month fast-track format with direct hospital partnerships that give students strong clinical access, scholarship support, and a clear path into the nursing workforce.”
A 14-month timeline paired with hybrid coursework gives this ABSN program strong appeal for career changers who need flexibility without sacrificing hands-on training. Students complete online and in-person learning while rotating through clinical experiences in Fargo or Bismarck. The program also stands out for its strong NCLEX outcomes, reporting a 97% pass rate. With direct hospital partnerships and scholarship support available through Sanford Health, the pathway feels practical and career-focused from the start.
ABSN ADMISSION SUMMARY
The program is designed for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s or graduate degree and want to move quickly into professional nursing.
Applicants must meet general university transfer admission requirements and submit official transcripts from all prior colleges attended. NDSU evaluates overall academic performance, transfer coursework, and cumulative GPA.
Key admission details include:
- Prior bachelor’s or graduate degree required
- Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA for university admission
- Transfer credit review completed during admissions evaluation
- Official transcripts required from all colleges attended
- Additional nursing program review may apply before clinical entry
The admissions process is relatively transfer-friendly compared to many ABSN programs, especially for students with substantial prior coursework.
Application deadlines include:
- July 1 for Summer entry
- August 1 for Fall entry
- December 1 for Spring entry
Admission decisions are generally released within a few weeks after all documents are received.
CURRICULUM
The curriculum compresses upper-division nursing coursework into an intensive 14-month sequence. Courses move rapidly from foundational nursing concepts into advanced patient care and leadership training.
Students complete coursework in areas such as:
- Pharmacology and pathophysiology
- Adult health nursing
- Maternal newborn nursing
- Pediatric nursing
- Mental health nursing
- Community and public health nursing
Evidence-based practice and nursing leadership are integrated throughout the program. The final practicum course helps students transition directly into professional RN roles.
Lab instruction plays a major role early in the curriculum. Students practice clinical procedures, communication skills, patient assessment, and care planning before entering healthcare settings.
Prerequisite Overview
Because students already hold a bachelor’s degree, general education requirements are largely complete before entry. The nursing curriculum focuses almost entirely on upper-level nursing coursework and clinical preparation.
The 53-credit curriculum includes courses in pharmacology, adult and family health nursing, evidence-based practice, leadership, and a 120-hour clinical practicum.
Lab and clinical components are conducted in person, with some online coursework.
Core nursing classes include:
NURS 300 Pharmacology & Pathophysiology for Nursing
Explores pharmacological principles and pathophysiology to understand prototype medications. Emphasizes clinical application of drug therapy using the nursing process. Prerequisites include foundational biology courses and admission to the nursing program.
NURS 303 Introduction to the Nursing Profession
Introduces key components of professional nursing, focusing on health promotion, teaching methods, and community-based nursing practice. Admission to the nursing program is required.
NURS 323 Skills & Concepts for Nursing
Covers essential nursing concepts such as communication, the nursing process, and foundational care techniques. Includes practical training in basic nursing skills within a lab setting.
NURS 360 Health Assessment
Focuses on health assessment and health promotion for individuals. Utilizes the nursing process and foundational nursing concepts. Admission to the nursing major is required.
NURS 420 Evidence Based Practice and Research in Nursing
Introduces the research process with an emphasis on critical appraisal and evidence-based practice. Students develop skills to evaluate research for nursing applications.
NURS 402 Mental Health Nursing
Integrates nursing and psychiatric concepts to promote mental wellness for individuals and groups. Prerequisites include NURS 300 and NURS 360.
NURS 406 Community & Public Health Nursing
Focuses on public health functions, community partnerships, and prevention strategies. Covers service for at-risk populations and multidisciplinary collaboration. Prerequisites include NURS 303 and NURS 360.
NURS 430 Comprehensive Adult Health
Addresses the etiology, pathophysiology, and nursing care for adults with high-acuity conditions. Prerequisites include NURS 300 and NURS 360.
NURS 342 Adult Health Nursing I
Focuses on common disorders of body systems in adult clients, emphasizing etiology, pathophysiology, and nursing care. Prerequisite: NURS 360.
NURS 352 Family Nursing I
Covers nursing care for childbearing families, focusing on health promotion and care for high-risk clients. Prerequisites include NURS 300 and NURS 360.
NURS 362 Family Nursing II
Examines nursing care for children and families, addressing acute, chronic, and community-based health issues from infancy to adolescence. Prerequisites include NURS 300 and NURS 360.
NURS 463 Leadership & Interprofessional Health Care Practice
Explores the professional nurse’s roles in interdisciplinary teams, with an emphasis on management and leadership concepts.
NURS 450 Synthesis & Practicum
Serves as the capstone course, facilitating the transition to professional nursing roles through integrated didactic and clinical experiences. Includes 1 credit of coursework and 3 credits of clinical practice.
More curriculum details available here:
https://catalog.ndsu.edu/curriculum/undergraduate/nursing-post-baccalaureate-major/
CLINICALS
Clinical education is built around strong healthcare partnerships in both Fargo and Bismarck.
- Fargo students train across multiple regional healthcare facilities
- Bismarck students receive priority placements through Sanford Health
- Clinical experiences include adult health, pediatrics, maternal care, mental health, and community nursing
- Simulation and lab experiences reinforce bedside skills before clinical rotations begin
The Bismarck location provides especially close integration with Sanford Medical Center, located one block from campus.
TUITION
Estimated total program tuition typically falls between $28,000 and $32,000, depending on residency status and university fees.
That places the program in the mid-range compared to many accelerated BSN programs nationwide. The shorter timeline can help offset costs by allowing graduates to enter the workforce sooner.
The Bismarck pathway may significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses through Sanford Health scholarships, tuition reimbursement opportunities, and incentive payments available to qualifying students.
See the official tuition page for more details:
https://www.ndsu.edu/onestop/account/tuition/undergraduate
ACCREDITATION
The Accelerated BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the North Dakota Board of Nursing.
Graduates are academically prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination and pursue professional nursing licensure.
Compare ABSN Programs
Students researching accelerated nursing options may also want to compare:
- South Dakota, Minnesota or Montana ABSN programs
- Hybrid ABSN programs with online coursework components
- Fast-track 12 month ABSN programs nationwide
If affordability is your main concern, reviewing the cheapest ABSN programs can also help you compare scholarship opportunities and total program cost.