Flexibility on your terms — choose online or on-campus theory coursework, start in one of three terms a year (September, January, or May), and rotate through Baltimore’s top health systems, all in a 15-month accelerated path open to transfer students and degree-holders alike.
Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) offers a 15-month Accelerated BSN in the greater Baltimore area for students with prior college credits or a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. The program uses a blended format — online theory coursework plus on-site skills and simulation labs and direct-care clinical rotations — and, distinctively, lets students choose whether their nursing coursework is delivered online or on campus, based on learning preference (the two formats carry slightly different tuition).
Students complete 56 nursing credits across four full-time semesters, supported by small cohorts, dedicated admissions counselors, and close faculty access.
As a Catholic university founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, NDMU frames its nursing education around blending knowledge and skill with caring and compassion.
Accreditation
The Notre Dame of Maryland University ABSN is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing, so graduates are eligible for RN licensure in Maryland. NDMU is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The curriculum is designed to prepare students for NCLEX-RN success.
ABSN Admission Summary
The Notre Dame ABSN targets second-degree and transfer students who want a fast path to RN licensure while still completing hands-on labs and clinical training in the Baltimore region.
Key admissions items
- Prior college credits or a non-nursing bachelor’s degree may qualify you for accelerated entry
- Multiple start dates per year: September, January, and May
- Complete 7 pre-entrance requirements before acceptance (listed as prerequisite courses below)
- Science course recency rule: science courses must be completed within the last 5 years, or the applicant needs relevant work experience
- Choose online or on-campus theory delivery based on learning preference
- Dedicated admissions counselors support applicants from inquiry through application submission
Prerequisite Courses (26 credits)
- Fundamentals of Biology
- General Microbiology
- Genetics & Genomics for Clinical Practice
- Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- Survey of General, Organic, and Biochemistry Principles
- Medical Ethics
Progression standards once enrolled:
- Maintain a 2.8 cumulative GPA in nursing courses
- Earn a C or better in all nursing courses and complete each clinical component successfully
- Meet a 70% exam average threshold in select nursing courses before other grades count
- Only one nursing course can be repeated, and only one time
Curriculum
The program comprises 56 credits over four semesters, covering health assessment, pharmacology, adult care, psychiatric/mental health, maternal-newborn and pediatric nursing, community health, and leadership.
Semester I
NUR 301: Holistic Health Assessment (4)
This course introduces the essential skills for conducting holistic health assessments, covering psychological, physical, environmental, social, spiritual, and genetic factors. Students practice in a lab, learning to gather, analyze, and document both subjective and objective health data. The course includes both theoretical and practical components.
NUR 303: Nursing Informatics (2)
Students learn to use online healthcare technologies, gaining skills in patient care technologies, information literacy, and management systems to ensure safe and quality patient care.
NUR 305: Foundations of a Caring Profession (5)
This course explores the philosophical foundations and theoretical concepts of nursing as a caring profession. It integrates prior knowledge from sciences and humanities, focusing on developing compassionate, evidence-based nursing practices.
NUR 310: Pathopharmacology (4)
Combines the study of altered health states with medication management. Covers major health conditions and related drug therapies, emphasizing nursing care across all life stages.
Semester II
NUR 304: Healthy Aging (3)
Examines aging from a holistic perspective, focusing on healthy aging indicators and individual experiences. The course explores care strategies for older adults, including those facing illness or end-of-life challenges.
NUR 307: Nursing Research (3)
Introduces research methods used in nursing, focusing on the evaluation of qualitative and quantitative studies. Emphasizes interpreting research for clinical application and practice improvement.
NUR 308: Professional Nursing Care: Psychiatric/Mental Health (4)
Focuses on caring for individuals with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Students learn reflective nursing practices that incorporate psychobiology, pharmacology, and patient-centered care.
NUR 311: Professional Nursing Care of the Adult I (4)
Covers care for adults with common health conditions, emphasizing health promotion, disease prevention, and collaborative patient relationships. Students develop skills in therapeutic interventions and interdisciplinary communication.
Semester III
NUR 408: Professional Nursing Care: Maternal & Newborn Nursing (4)
Focuses on comprehensive care for childbearing families, covering pregnancy, labor, delivery, postpartum, and newborn care. Applies evidence-based concepts in various clinical settings.
NUR 409: Professional Nursing Care of the Adult II (4)
Builds on previous adult care courses, focusing on complex health issues and advanced therapeutic techniques. Emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration.
NUR 417: Professional Nursing Care: Children & Families (4)
Covers nursing care for children and adolescents, emphasizing health promotion and disease management. Includes practical experiences in varied pediatric settings.
Semester IV
NUR 431: Community Health Nursing (5)
Explores community and public health nursing, focusing on vulnerable populations and culturally sensitive care. Students assess community needs and plan health interventions based on behavioral theories.
NUR 441: Caring Approaches in Nursing Leadership and Practice (4)
This course covers nursing leadership principles, including organizational behavior and evidence-based practices. Prepares students for leadership roles within healthcare environments.
NUR 461: Clinical Practicum (6)
Engages students in hands-on clinical practice, allowing them to manage patient care under supervision in various healthcare settings. Students integrate theoretical knowledge and clinical skills in preparation for professional practice.
More detail is available in the NDMU catalog.
Clinicals
Students complete clinical education through skills labs, simulation experiences, and direct-care rotations. On-campus labs take place at the university’s Center for Caring with Technology in the School of Nursing facilities.
Direct-care rotations span adult medical-surgical, obstetrics, pediatrics, psychiatric/mental health, and community/population health.
Clinical sites include major Baltimore-area systems such as Johns Hopkins (including Bayview), University of Maryland Medical Center locations, MedStar hospitals, Mercy, GBMC, and Sinai/LifeBridge. Specific placements cannot be guaranteed, but students rotate through local metro-area partners.
Tuition
Tuition is $64,000 for the hybrid format and $61,000 for the on-campus option. These costs cover nursing courses and program fees but exclude additional expenses such as books, uniforms, and clinical supplies.
Confirm current figures via the official ABSN tuition page.