The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) at Thomas Edison State University (TESU) is a 15-month, full-time hybrid program delivered across four 16-week terms. Students complete 60 nursing credits through a mix of online coursework and in-person labs and clinical experiences in New Jersey.
The program prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN, and reported first-time pass rates have exceeded state and national averages since launch.
TESU’s W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions is known for strong simulation training and partnerships with Magnet-designated facilities.
ABSN Admission Summary
TESU’s ABSN is designed for highly motivated students who already hold a bachelor’s degree or at least 60 prior college credits. Admission is competitive and requires acceptance to both the university and the nursing program.
Admission Requirements
- Completion of at least 60 college credits or a prior bachelor’s degree
- Completion of required general education and prerequisite coursework before application review
- Strong academic performance in prior coursework (minimum GPA not publicly stated)
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- For international applicants: course-by-course transcript evaluation and possible TOEFL requirement
Clinical Compliance Requirements (mandatory before program start)
- Criminal background check
- Drug screening
- Immunization documentation, including COVID-19 vaccination
- Professional liability insurance
- Major medical health insurance
- Reliable transportation to clinical sites
Students who do not meet clinical compliance requirements may be unable to continue in the program.
Transfer Credit
TESU accepts transfer credits toward prerequisite and general education requirements. Credit evaluation occurs during the admissions review process.
Curriculum
The ABSN requires 60 nursing credits completed over four consecutive 16-week terms. Coursework includes 26 online credits and 34 hybrid credits, with clinical components integrated throughout.
Prerequisite Summary (must be completed before nursing review)
Students must complete required general education and foundational science courses prior to acceptance. Specific course names are not listed in the provided copy, but completion of prerequisite coursework is mandatory.
Term 1
NUR-3220: Fundamentals of Nursing
Introduces foundational nursing principles, emphasizing evidence-based practice and professional standards for delivering safe, quality care.
NUR-3280: Health Assessment/Health Promotion
Focuses on comprehensive health assessment techniques and strategies for effective communication, promoting culturally and age-appropriate health practices.
NUR-3320: Introduction to Critical Thinking in Nursing
Covers critical thinking, nursing processes, and interdisciplinary collaboration, emphasizing client rights, information technology, and effective communication.
Term 2
NUR-3380: Applying the Nursing Process to Alterations in Health
Covers health promotion, prevention, and disease management across the adult lifespan for diverse populations.
NUR-3420: Advancing Nursing Practice
Explores professional nursing standards, evidence-based care, and population health, integrating ethical principles and cultural competence in practice.
Term 3
NUR-3450: Nursing Care of Clients with Alterations in Behavioral Health
Examines the care of clients with behavioral and psychological conditions, including substance use and psychosocial influences.
NUR-3480: Nursing Care of Clients with Acute and Chronic Conditions
Focuses on nursing care for clients with complex health alterations, covering acute and chronic conditions.
Term 4
NUR-4190: Exploring Evidence-Based Practice and Research in Nursing
Guides students in applying evidence-based practice and research principles to develop quality-improvement proposals.
NUR-4210: Women’s Health Across the Lifespan
Prepares students to care for women throughout their lifespan, emphasizing health promotion, disease prevention, and family-centered maternity care.
Term 5
NUR-4220: Nursing Care of Infants, Children, and Adolescents
Focuses on pediatric care, supporting optimal health and therapeutic environments for children and their families.
NUR-4430: Public Health Nursing
Examines community health, applying public health theories and nursing principles to assess and improve population health.
NUR-5290: U.S. Health Policy and Global Health
Explores healthcare policy development, analyzing the political, ethical, economic, and social factors influencing healthcare outcomes.
Term 6
NUR-4280: Leadership and Management in Nursing
Prepares students for leadership roles, focusing on decision-making, ethics, communication, and quality improvement in healthcare settings.
NUR-4420: Nursing Care in the Community
Emphasizes community care across the lifespan, focusing on health optimization, support systems, and therapeutic environments.
NUR-5310: Nursing Informatics: Concepts and Issues
Combines nursing and information sciences to explore systems that support healthcare delivery and nursing practice.
Term 7
NUR-4320: Nursing Care of Clients with Complex Health Conditions
Covers care strategies for clients with complex health issues and their families, emphasizing advanced nursing interventions.
NUR-5820: Financial Management in Nursing Practice
Introduces financial management in nursing, covering budget management, reimbursement mechanisms, and clinical initiative evaluation.
Term 8
NUR-4450: Validating Nursing Competence
Focuses on validating generalist nursing competencies through evidence-based practices and critical clinical reasoning.
NUR-4500: Transition to Professional Practice
Integrates advanced nursing concepts and leadership skills for planning and delivering client care, examining the impact of contemporary nursing issues.
Clinical rotations and simulations are integral, providing real-world experience throughout the program.
More curriculum details available here.
Clinicals
Clinical and simulation training begin early in the program.
- Unit 1: 96 hours of on-campus simulation and lab practice
- Starting Unit 2: 12-hour direct patient care shifts in affiliated acute and non-acute care settings
- Clinicals typically occur 1–2 days per week and may include evenings, nights, or weekends
- Unit 5 includes community volunteer hours
TESU’s high-fidelity Simulation and Skills Lab features maternity and homecare/community rooms. Sessions are recorded for review and feedback, and students may access Open Lab hours to refine skills.
Tuition
Estimated total tuition cost: $46,140.
This figure reflects the published estimated total tuition for the 60-credit Accelerated BSN program and is subject to change.
Additional program-related expenses include:
- $525 Clinical Learning Technology Fee per hybrid course
- $500 nonrefundable program deposit
- Estimated $400 course materials
- Estimated $300 uniforms and supplies
- Clinical compliance costs (~$450)
Licensure-related fees (NCLEX and NJ Board of Nursing application) are separate.
See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
The BSN program at Thomas Edison State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The program is also approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing, ensuring it meets state licensure preparation standards.
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