A rural-health-focused route into nursing — UW-Platteville partners with UW Oshkosh to deliver a 12-month hybrid ABSN built around the needs of underserved and rural communities, paired with a near-zero attrition rate and a unique biology-to-BSN dual-degree pathway.
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville, in collaboration with UW Oshkosh, offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. The 12-month hybrid program — delivered through UW Oshkosh’s accelerated curriculum — progresses at roughly one credit per week, combining intensive online coursework, a two-week on-campus residency, and clinical rotations in students’ home communities.
A defining emphasis is rural health: the program is built to address healthcare needs in rural and underserved regions, aligning with UW-Platteville’s mission in southwest Wisconsin.
Program Structure
Students complete a bachelor’s degree and the required prerequisite courses (which can be done at UW-Platteville) before transitioning into the ABSN program delivered through UW Oshkosh.
The fast-paced curriculum spans 12 months, covering foundational nursing concepts, health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and leadership in a rigorous, cohort-based format that keeps students progressing together while meeting high academic and professional standards.
Accreditation
The ABSN is delivered through UW Oshkosh, whose baccalaureate nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
Curriculum
Because the accelerated curriculum is delivered through UW Oshkosh, the course sequence mirrors that program. See the full course list and descriptions on the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh ABSN page.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the ABSN program requires:
- Prerequisite GPA of 3.25 or higher, with no grade below a “C” and no repeated courses
- 240 hours of CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) experience
- A successful applicant interview
- Service-oriented activities
The program accepts transfer credits for prerequisite coursework, making it an efficient option for students looking to fast-track their nursing education.
Clinical Training
Clinical training includes rotations in students’ local communities and at least one intensive two-week on-campus residency, supported by a simulation-based learning environment.
Students complete hands-on experiences across a variety of healthcare settings, gaining exposure to diverse patient populations and complex care scenarios — with an emphasis on preparing nurses for rural and underserved areas.
Outcomes
The program reports an attrition rate of less than 1% and NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates that consistently exceed the national average, reflecting its effectiveness in preparing practice-ready nurses.
Tuition
Tuition for the ABSN program is approximately $48,224 (the UW Oshkosh program rate), with additional costs for any prerequisite and general education courses completed at UW-Platteville.
Confirm current figures via the UW Oshkosh tuition page.
Dual-Degree Pathway
The partnership between UW-Platteville and UW Oshkosh also provides a unique 3+1 dual bachelor’s degree option, allowing students to complete a biology degree at UW-Platteville and earn a BSN from UW Oshkosh in four years — an efficient route for students who want both credentials.
Delivery & Additional Pathways
The program is not self-paced; it offers a structured, instructor-led online learning experience with robust support systems. UW-Platteville also offers a traditional BSN track for students with diverse academic backgrounds. This collaborative ABSN pathway is a deliberate response to Wisconsin’s healthcare workforce needs, with a strong focus on rural health care delivery.