Program Overview
An affordable fast track with deep clinical access — York College of Pennsylvania’s 17-month Thornton ABSN is one of the region’s most affordable second-degree options (~$48,000 all-in), pairing a strong multi-system clinical network with high-fidelity simulation built into every nursing course.
York College of Pennsylvania’s Thornton Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) offers a fast-track route for individuals who already hold a non-nursing degree (or at least 65 non-nursing college credits) to earn a baccalaureate nursing credential. The CCNE-accredited program is completed in 17 months across five consecutive semesters and is designed specifically for second-degree students, building on their prior educational and professional experiences.
With an estimated all-in cost of about $48,000, it is one of the region’s most affordable second-degree nursing options.
Students learn from faculty who are active professionals in the field, train in state-of-the-art simulation laboratories, and complete clinical placements with premier regional healthcare organizations.
Accreditation
The baccalaureate, master’s, and post-graduate APRN certificate nursing programs at York College of Pennsylvania are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. York College of Pennsylvania is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
Admission Requirements
York’s ABSN program admits students who have completed significant prior college education with strong academic performance and the necessary prerequisite coursework.
Educational Background
- Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline from an accredited institution, OR completion of at least 65 non-nursing college credits
- Overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater in the earned bachelor’s degree and/or current coursework
Prerequisite Courses (cumulative 3.0 GPA or better)
- Anatomy and Physiology I with lab* (4 credits)
- Anatomy and Physiology II with lab* (4 credits)
- Microbiology with lab* (4 credits)
- General Chemistry or General Organic Biochemistry* (4 credits)
- Lifespan/Human Growth and Development (3 credits)
- Basic/Elementary/General Statistics (3 credits)
- Nutrition (3 credits)
- Introductory Psychology** (highly recommended)
- Introductory Sociology** (highly recommended)
*Must be completed within the last 5 years (longer timeframes discussed case-by-case by faculty). **The Program Director determines whether these courses are needed based on transcript review.
Application Materials
- Two professional references
- Current resume
- Prompted personal essay
- Official college transcripts from all institutions attended
- Application deadline: February 2
Curriculum
The accelerated BSN curriculum totals 53 credit hours delivered over 17 months in an intensive format designed for students with prior bachelor’s degrees. The program builds on students’ unique backgrounds through coursework, simulation experiences, and clinical rotations, with simulation lab experiences incorporated into each course in York’s state-of-the-art facilities.
Summer Term (2 credits)
NUR 203 Pharmacology for Nurses I
This introductory course covers pharmacologic principles, focusing on drug classifications and their impact on patients. Students learn medication administration and nursing implications for various drugs.
Fall Semester (14 credits)
NUR 204 Health Assessment for Professional Nursing Practice
Focuses on history-taking, psychosocial, and physical assessment skills using anatomy and physiology knowledge. Combines classroom and lab experiences.
NUR 205 Health Assessment for Professional Nursing Practice Clinical
Clinical lab experience complementing NUR 204.
NUR 210 Basic Principles in Nursing Practice
Introduces professional nursing roles and basic care principles, including communication, data collection, and medication administration. Includes lab and clinical practice.
NUR 211 Basic Principles in Nursing Practice Clinical
Clinical component of NUR 210, conducted in labs and healthcare settings.
NUR 303 Pharmacology for Nurses II
Builds on foundational pharmacology, exploring advanced drug classifications and personalized medicine. Includes pharmacogenetics and complementary therapies.
NUR 314 Research and Professional Nursing Practice
Covers nursing research methods, evidence-based practice, and critical evaluation of research studies. Students complete an evidence-based project.
Spring Semester (16 credits)
NUR 328 Nursing Concepts and Practice: Women’s Health
Examines women’s health across the lifespan, including the childbearing cycle and related complications. Includes clinical experiences in hospitals and simulation labs.
NUR 329 Nursing Concepts and Practice: Women’s Health Clinical
Clinical component of NUR 328, focusing on hospital and simulation lab settings.
NUR 334 Medical/Surgical Nursing I: Adults with Chronic Health Problems
Focuses on nursing care for adults with chronic conditions, emphasizing adaptation, health promotion, and continuity of care. Includes clinical experiences.
NUR 335 Medical/Surgical Nursing I Clinical
Clinical component of NUR 334, involving hospital and simulation lab settings.
NUR 358 Nursing Concepts and Practice: Children with Health Problems
Explores acute and chronic pediatric illnesses, emphasizing health promotion and comprehensive care. Includes clinical experiences in various settings.
NUR 359 Nursing Concepts and Practice: Children with Health Problems Clinical
Clinical component of NUR 358, involving hospital, community, and simulation labs.
NUR 460 Leadership in Professional Nursing
Examines nursing leadership principles, including communication, delegation, and change management. Addresses historical, current, and future nursing trends.
Summer Session (9 credits)
NUR 360 Medical/Surgical Nursing II: Adults with Chronic and Surgical Health Problems
Focuses on chronic disease and perioperative care, emphasizing holistic nursing strategies. Includes clinical practice in hospital and lab settings.
NUR 361 Medical/Surgical Nursing II Clinical
Clinical component of NUR 360, focusing on hospital and simulation lab settings.
NUR 428 Nursing Concepts and Practice: Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing
Focuses on therapeutic communication, mental health assessments, and interventions for diverse populations. Clinical experiences occur in inpatient and outpatient settings.
NUR 429 Psychiatric/Mental Health Clinical
Clinical component of NUR 428, involving hospital and lab settings.
Final Fall Semester (12 credits)
NUR 430 Medical/Surgical Nursing III: Adults with Acute Health Problems
Examines nursing care for acutely ill patients, emphasizing teamwork and holistic approaches. Includes clinical practice in acute care settings.
NUR 431 Medical/Surgical Nursing III Clinical
Clinical component of NUR 430, conducted in acute care and simulation labs.
NUR 448 Community Health Nursing
Explores community health strategies, including prevention, risk reduction, and epidemiology. Clinical experiences occur in community and healthcare settings.
NUR 449 Community Health Nursing Clinical
Clinical component of NUR 448, with community-focused experiences.
NUR 450 Nursing Practicum
Provides an intensive clinical immersion with an RN mentor, focusing on advanced nursing roles and professional development.
NUR 451 Nursing Practicum Clinical
Clinical component of NUR 450, conducted in hospital settings with an RN mentor.
More detail is available in the York College ABSN catalog.
Clinical Experience
ABSN students complete extensive clinical rotations in premier healthcare facilities throughout the region, gaining hands-on experience under the supervision of established nursing professionals. Clinical placements expose students to diverse specialties and patient populations while building confidence through repetition and faculty mentorship.
Clinical partner facilities include:
- WellSpan York Hospital
- UPMC Memorial Hospital
- Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital
- Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
- Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center
- Approximately 15 additional hospitals for specialized experiences
Clinical learning spans routine patient care, data collection, medication administration, care of chronic and acute conditions in adults and children, women’s health, community health, psychiatric/mental health nursing, and a capstone clinical practicum with a faculty mentor and preceptor. Clinical requirements include physical examinations and immunizations, CPR certification, and health insurance coverage, with specific requirements communicated based on the assigned clinical location.
Simulation labs: York’s state-of-the-art simulation laboratories supplement clinical experiences with realistic hands-on practice in controlled settings. High-fidelity simulation is incorporated into each nursing course, allowing students to practice procedures, develop teamwork and communication skills, and gain confidence before treating actual patients. Faculty guide students through simulated situations that may not arise during clinical rotations, ensuring comprehensive preparation.
Tuition and Costs
For 2025-2026, ABSN tuition is $870 per credit ($725 base tuition + $145 ABSN differential), plus an undergraduate general fee. The estimated total program cost is approximately $48,000, one of the most affordable second-degree nursing options in the region:
- Tuition: $870 × 53 credits = $46,110
- General fees: approximately $505 per semester × 5 semesters = $2,525
- Books, clinical uniforms, educational technology, and standardized testing: variable additional costs
The roughly $48,000 estimate folds in tuition, fees, and these additional program costs. Confirm current figures via the official tuition page.
Compare York to Other Accelerated BSN Programs
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