Program Overview
The William Paterson University Accelerated/Second Degree BSN is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. The program begins in the summer term and runs continuously through fall, spring, and a final summer, with graduation in August.
Admission is academically competitive and requires a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA from the first bachelor’s degree.
The curriculum moves at a fast pace and prepares graduates for RN licensure through structured clinical practice and professional preparation coursework.
ABSN Admission Summary
WPU’s ABSN program targets high-achieving second-degree students who meet strict academic standards and complete required science prerequisites within the designated timeframe.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in prior bachelor’s degree
- Science prerequisites completed within 10 years
- Courses must be taken at an accredited institution
Academic Policy
- A grade of C- or below in any prerequisite eliminates eligibility, even if repeated
- After admission, a grade of C- or below in prerequisite or nursing courses prevents progression
- Equivalent prerequisite courses may transfer if approved
Required Prerequisite Courses
All prerequisites must meet grade standards before progression into core nursing courses.
Science & Core Requirements
- Anatomy & Physiology I (4 credits w/lab)
- Anatomy & Physiology II (4 credits w/lab)
- Basic Microbiology (4 credits w/lab)
- Chemistry for Health Sciences (4 credits w/lab)
- Two-semester General Chemistry sequence may substitute
- Advanced Anatomy & Physiology (must be taken at WPU)
Support Courses
- General Psychology
- Life Span Development
- Elementary Statistics
- Nursing Research
- Therapeutic Nutrition
Application Process
- Applications accepted September 1 through October 1 annually
- Submit online through Undergraduate Admissions
- Application is complete once fee and transcripts are received
- Prerequisites do not need to be fully completed before applying
- Accepted students may complete remaining courses during the spring term prior to starting core nursing in May
Students with an associate degree are not eligible for this track. International transcripts must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
Curriculum
The ABSN program consists of 62 credits, covering courses in critical areas such as Nursing Foundations, Health Assessment, Pharmacology, Public Health Nursing, and Leadership.
The curriculum includes both classroom and hands-on clinical experiences to provide students with a holistic nursing education.
Summer 1
NUR 3250 Cultural Foundations in Nursing
Explores the impact of culture, race, gender, and socio-economic factors on health outcomes and health disparities. Emphasizes patient-centered care in diverse populations and examines the role of nurses in promoting health equity.
NUR 3260 Critical Thinking & Inquiry
Covers critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and nursing informatics. Prepares students to analyze data and apply evidence-based practices in nursing with a focus on ethics and safety.
NUR 3270 Comprehensive Health Assessment
Focuses on holistic health assessments across the lifespan, including biopsychosocial and cultural factors. Emphasizes skill development in physical assessment and documentation.
NUR 3280 Nursing Practice I
Introduces foundational nursing roles in patient care, health promotion, and population health. Includes clinical experience to build skills in providing safe, competent care across diverse health settings.
Fall
NUR 3290 Health Concepts
Examines physical and mental health concepts across the lifespan, focusing on prevention strategies and the nurse’s role in enhancing health outcomes.
NUR 3300 Nursing Practice II
Provides clinical experience to deliver therapeutic care for clients at different life stages, focusing on health maintenance, illness care, and the nursing process.
NUR 3310 Health Concepts Seminar
Analyzes recommended healthcare practices for specific clinical diagnoses, enhancing evidence-based competencies and patient care approaches.
NUR 3321 Pharmacology for Nursing Practice
Introduces pharmacologic principles and their applications in nursing. Covers major drug families with an emphasis on patient education and safe medication administration.
Summer 2
NUR 4305 Leadership & Professional Practice
Examines economic, social, and ethical factors in healthcare delivery. Focuses on applying leadership and management theories within the nursing profession.
NUR 4306 Nursing Practice IV
Prepares students for independent practice and collaborative work in acute care settings. Emphasizes health management and risk reduction.
NUR 4307 Leadership Seminar
Applies nursing leadership concepts to assess and manage health outcomes. Encourages synthesis of nursing and interprofessional knowledge for effective healthcare management.
NUR 4315 Professional Licensure Preparation
Focuses on NCLEX-RN preparation, using critical thinking and content review to enhance readiness for licensure exams.
Spring
NUR 4251 Dimensions of Public Health Nursing
Applies public health concepts through community assessment and collaboration with health partners. Covers epidemiology, health indicators, and policy development.
NUR 4261 Nursing Practice III
Develops collaborative skills for patient-centered care across various settings. Involves community and public health experiences.
NUR 4262 Transition to Professional Practice
Provides a clinical immersion to develop professional competencies. Emphasizes critical thinking and decision-making in an acute care setting.
NUR 4271 Health Indicators Seminar
Small group seminars discussing care strategies for community health, focusing on ethics, standards, and population health interventions.
NUR 4280 Healthcare Economics
Explores economic principles in healthcare, including cost management, regulation, and policy impacts on the industry and nursing roles.
Nursing Elective
Offers students an opportunity to explore specialized topics in nursing to expand their knowledge and skills.
More information about the curriculum here.
Admissions Requirements
Admission to the program is highly selective. Qualified applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in their prior degree, with a recommended GPA of 3.5 for competitive standing.
Prerequisites include courses in Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Statistics, and Nutrition. All prerequisite courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C, and science courses must have been taken within the last ten years.
Clinicals
Clinical courses are integrated throughout the four-term sequence. Students participate in Nursing Practice I–IV, which include direct patient care experiences.
Simulation-based learning supports skill development in controlled lab environments before clinical placements. Professional Licensure Preparation in the final term focuses on NCLEX readiness.
Tuition
Estimated total tuition for the 4-term ABSN program (NJ resident): ~$33,496.
Calculation based on full-time tuition (12–19 credits per semester):
- $8,374 per semester (NJ resident total tuition + mandatory fees)
- 4 semesters × $8,374 = $33,496
Out-of-state estimate:
- $13,507 per semester
- 4 semesters × $13,507 = $54,028
These totals reflect tuition and mandatory fees only. Nursing-specific course fees (clinical instruction, lab, and exit testing fees) may apply.
See the official tuition page for more details.
Accreditation
The nursing programs at William Paterson University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The program also meets state board standards for preparing graduates for RN licensure.