ABSN Resources for Nursing Students

What Does ABSN Stand For?

In nursing, ABSN means “Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing.” Its called “accelerated” because programs typically last less than two years.

The “bachelor” designation indicates that the degree is typically awarded after completing a foundational level of higher education, usually following high school or its equivalent, but before pursuing more advanced, specialized education such as a master’s or doctoral degree.

How Long Are ABSN Programs?

Most ABSN programs are 15 to 24 months long. Some might even be 10 months. So, they can take anywhere from 12 months to 2 years to complete.

How Much Do ABSN programs Cost?

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs vary widely in cost. Tuition can range from as low as $3,449 (University of North Georgia) to over $117,000 (Samford University). Most programs fall between $40,000 and $70,000, with a national median of approximately $45,000 to $55,000. Public universities often charge less than private institutions.

When Do ABSN Applications Open?

Since applications deadlines vary based on the school, ABSN applications are open almost year round. You just have to find a school with an application date that works for you. For the most flexibility, consider schools with multiple start dates.

Why Are ABSN Programs More Expensive Than BSN Programs?

1. Accelerated Format

• ABSN programs compress a 4-year curriculum into 12 to 24 months.
• Schools invest more in intensive support services, faculty availability, and streamlined scheduling to accommodate the faster pace.

2. Specialized Resources

• ABSN students require:
  • More frequent clinical placements in a shorter time.
  • Dedicated faculty-to-student ratios.
  • Access to simulation labs, skill centers, and immersive training.

3. Smaller Cohort Sizes

• ABSN programs often limit enrollment to maintain program quality and ensure clinical site availability.
• Smaller cohorts increase per-student costs for institutions.

4. No General Education Revenue

• BSN students take general education courses that are less expensive to deliver and help balance instructional costs.
• ABSN students skip these, meaning tuition must cover only high-cost nursing-specific instruction and clinicals.

5. Non-Subsidized Structures

• ABSN programs, especially those at private or for-profit institutions, are less likely to receive state subsidies.
• As a result, tuition reflects the full cost of program delivery.

What Are the Advantages of a ABSN Program?

When you complete an accelerated BSN you’ll be able to enter this hugely in demand field in less time than you would imagine. It could take as little as 10 or 12 months to complete your program, and then you can get started almost immediately. You’ll have a head start and you’ll literally have your choice amongst a near endless stream of nursing job choices.

How Difficult Are ABSN Programs?

One thing you should consider before deciding to take an accelerated nursing program is that this program are more rigorous and demanding compared to the standard or regular nursing curriculum and degree programs. All the lessons and training that should be taught within four years are compressed into a 12-month coursework.

To finish the course properly, you should put enough effort, dedication and determination to your course program. You should be willing to study almost 7 days in a week plus limited breaks.

To finish your accelerated nursing program, you need to have proper time management and self-discipline. Before enrolling into an accelerated nursing program, make sure that the curriculum and coursework fits your needs.

You should also be willing to forgo long breaks and vacations usually experienced by regular students with regular degree programs. The fruit of your hard work will be definitely worth it once you gain your degree in nursing faster and start the nursing career you have been dreaming of early on.

While you are already gaining more experience in the nursing field and gaining better position and career, others are still studying and finishing their degrees in nursing.

What Are the Prerequisites for an ABSN Program?

1. Completed a Previous Degree

The most common form of accelerated nursing program is the second-degree program. What this means is that you have already obtained a first degree, obviously. More specifically, any bachelors level degree program which you have successfully finished can count as that first degree.

It’s also important to understand why this matters for a nursing program at all. That’s because these programs are designed to allow you to finish up your studies as quickly as possible. When you’ve already obtained another degree, you can then bypass all the introductory and generic courses you took the first time around, and just focus on the good stuff, the courses specifically dealing with your field. In this case, you can finish a nursing program to get a BSN in as little as a year, and potentially even a few months less.

2. GPA of 3.0

In the case of second-degree programs, you need to not only have obtained that degree, but also achieved a standard GPA. Many schools put this requirement level at 3.0, to ensure that only the most intelligent and dedicated of students can get in.

3. Relevant Coursework

Other requirements may be that you have taken certain classes within your first degree to give you the right kind of background knowledge that you need. For a nursing program, that means courses like anatomy and biology, and potentially even some basic communication or psychology courses.

The good news is that if you didn’t obtain that GPA because a few courses dragged you down, or you didn’t get those prerequisite courses completed that you need, you can then take on those extra to the accelerated program. Now you’re looking at a slightly longer time of completion, but you can still enroll and get started, and you’ll just have to make up for that along the way.

What Is a Second Degree Accelerated BSN Program?

A second degree nursing program is an intensive, full-time study course that can be undertaken by those who have already acquired a diploma in virtually any undergraduate or master’s degree. This unique nursing program may generally be finished in just one single academic year, so it’s ideal for those who plan to acquire a BS Nursing degree within a short time. The 2nd degree nursing program is designed to produce graduate nurses who can apply their knowledge in humanities along with biological, social and natural sciences to provide expert nursing services in a number of fields of the healthcare industry.

In addition to having a bachelor or master’s degree in a different discipline, applicants typically must have these prerequisite courses that need to be completed with the minimum grade of C+ or 3.0:

• Anatomy and Physiology I and II (completed in 10 years)
• Microbiology (within 10 years)
• Chemistry I and II (within 10 years) or Chemistry 109 (within 10 years)
• Statistics
• Developmental Psychology through the Lifespan
• Genetics (within 10 years)
• Nutrition (2 credit nursing course)
• Pathophysiology (within 10 years)

Candidates also need to fulfill each of the undergraduate admission requirements of the university or college offering a 2nd degree nursing program. The requirements could differ according to the university, however these are the typical entrance requirements that an applicant should do when applying:

• Get the transcript of records of their first degree and have it sent to the Admissions Office of the university or college they’re applying to.
• Get an average of 3.0 GPA in the general courses and natural science courses taken in their past degree program.
• Hand in a writing sample or an essay where they must explain their reasons for applying for a 2nd degree nursing program. This essay shall be provided to the admission committee in the applicant’s interview.

What About ABSN Programs for Undergraduates?

Many other individuals go back to school for an accelerated nursing program after having obtained a different degree previously. But there are ABSN programs for undergrads as well.

The traditional bachelors program at an on campus university takes about four years to complete. Some people end up taking five years, but four years is the standard. That’s not the case with an accelerated nursing program though. Choosing this option, you can obtain your degree in half the time, just two years. That means from start to finish you can have a full bachelors degree in the field of your choosing, and be well-prepared to enter the job market and begin the journey towards your lifelong career.

Accelerated programs work to reduce your time in school through a few different means. First, you’ll likely be taking more classes at a time, which means you’ll have a heavy workload. That means it’s definitely going to be a lot of work and learning to accomplish, but it’s all so you can move ahead as quickly as possible. Classes may also be broken up into the quarter system, which means that they will be 12-week sessions instead of four-five month periods.

Additionally, in between those quarters, there won’t be much, if any, time off. Your recharging period between quarters, for example, might just be one week, instead of the month-long break that traditional students get in between semesters, and the multiple months off for summer. Once again, it’s all to help you move forward as quickly as possible, and that’s the main advantage.

The intense scheduling is well worth when you enroll in an undergraduate nursing degree program which is accelerated, because you’ll finish in half the time. That’s a two year head start on moving your way up through the ranks, finding your ideal position in the industry of your choice, earning that paycheck each and every week, and more.

Should I Work While Enrolled in an ABSN Program?

No, it is highly recommended that students do not work while enrolled in an ABSN program. These programs demand a significant time commitment, with students typically spending 8 to 12 hours a day on studying and clinical hours. To ensure you are thoroughly prepared for the NCLEX-RN and your future nursing career, it is best to dedicate your full attention and effort to the accelerated program.

What is the Admissions Process Like for an ABSN Program?

A typical admission process might look something like this:

• A completed and signed application form.
• An earned Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree from a nationally or regionally accredited institution, graduating with a 2.50 to 3.0 grade point average (GPA), depending on the institution
• An official transcript
• A completed FDLE/FBI criminal background check
• Submission of clear drug test
• Record of immunizations
• Current health insurance records
• One academic and one professional reference
• A one- to two-page resumé or curriculum vita
• A personal statement essay
• An application fee
• Proof of English proficiency (if you are an international applicant)

When Will I Know if Im Accepted Into an ABSN Program?

It typically takes 6 to 12 weeks for the decision to be made.

Is There a Nursing Shortage?

Yes, there is a significant nursing shortage that is impacting the healthcare sector, with serious implications for patient care and the sustainability of health systems. Factors contributing to this shortage include an aging population that demands more healthcare services, high burnout rates among nurses due to the demanding nature of the profession, and a shortage of nursing educators that limits the number of new nurses entering the field. A 2022 survey by McKinsey & Co. revealed that 31% of nurses are likely to leave their positions within a year, further exacerbating the shortage.

In this context, Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs play a crucial role in addressing the nursing shortage. These programs offer an accelerated pathway into nursing for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, expanding the pool of potential nurses and enabling quick integration into the workforce.

By leveraging existing academic achievements, ABSN programs help to meet the growing demand for healthcare professionals and ensure that more qualified nurses are available to provide essential care.

What is the TEAS?

The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is required by many nursing programs around the country to get admitted into their programs.

Here are a few things you should know about the exam format. The TEAS is broken up into 4 sections:

• Reading: There are 48 questions in the TEAS reading section, and you have 58 minutes to complete it. The majority of the questions will focus on reading comprehension, but there will also be some interpretation required on maps, labels and measuring tools.
• Math: There are 37 questions in the TEAS math section, and you will have 51 minutes to complete it. You should brush up on algebra, measuring and data processing.
• Science: In this section, you’ll have 66 minutes to answer 54 questions. If you are not up to date on live sciences, the human body, physical and earth science and scientific reasoning, you may struggle here. This section is typically the hardest for those who have not studied for the exam.
• English: In this section, you’ll have 34 minutes for the 34 questions in the section. Here you’re being asked to demonstrate your ability to use the English language correctly including punctuation, grammar, sentence structure and spelling.

There’s no magic number to hit on the TEAS. The exam covers multiple competencies relevant to nurses including reading, math, science and English/language use, and test-takers receive qualitative and quantitative scores. Each nursing school that requires the TEAS has its own scoring requirements, and those can change over time.

If you want to do well on the TEAS, it’s important to brush up on your skills. A good way to do that is by taking a TEAS practice test or two (or 10). By taking a practice test, you’ll be able to identify your biggest weaknesses on the test and then study in those areas specifically. It is also recommended that when you take a practice test, time yourself. This will help prepare you for exam day, since the actual test is also timed.

What Types Of Nurses Are There?

Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)

A certified nurse assistant is also referred to as patient care technician, nurse aide or even a home health assistant. CNAs offer medical assistance to patients when it comes to their living tasks. A CAN works under the guidance of a registered nurse. They are also responsible for recording the progress of their patients as well as informing the nurses of any developments.

Registered Nurse (RN)

The largest occupation in the health care industry is comprised of registered nurses. These types of nurses are responsible for a number of tasks, such as educating the patients as well as the families regarding certain conditions, offering treatments, as well as giving emotional support to the affected individuals. RN is also considered as the most flexible kind of nursing job, as RNs have the liberty to choose in which area of health care, what types of medical conditions, or even which area of the hospital they wish to specialize in.

Public Health Nurse (PHN)

A public health nurse is actually a registered nurse that has specialized community health training. Apart from performing the usual RN functions within a medical facility, PHNs may also travel to the homes of the patients, community centers, or even schools in order to make health care services more accessible to the people. It is also a special task for a PHN to work with policy makers and health planners in addressing whatever health needs the community has.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

A licensed practical nurse is basically less trained than an RN, but has more training compared to a CAN. An LPN’s primary responsibility is to give fundamental bedside care to patients. This duty consists of taking the patient’s vital signs, placing icepacks and dressings, monitoring the overall condition of the patient, as well as giving injections. Moreover, these nurses take not of and report the patient’s reaction to some treatments or medications. Experts LPNs are the ones who supervise inexperienced aides and nursing assistants.

Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Career TypesAnother type of RN that has more and advanced training and instruction are nurse practitioners. These types of nurses are actually trained to perform some duties of a doctor. They may diagnose and provide treatment to patients. For higher level nurse practitioner, nurse practitioners may do all the duties of a doctor provided that they comply with the requirements of the state.

Home Health Nurse

Home health nurses are the registered nurses that offer regular services to people in their homes. These are the nurses needed by those patients who cannot leave their homes. These nurses can be employed by hospitals or home health care facilities.

Nurse Midwife

A nurse midwife is also a registered nurse that has attained further specialization in the field of nurse midwifery. These nurses provide obstetrical and gynecological care for pregnant women. These nurses may also attain certification as long as they can meet the requirements of the American College of Nurse Midwives.

What is an LPN to BSN?

Getting your LPN allows students to start working as a nurse fairly quickly, but the downside is that this is the lowest kind of job on the nursing ladder. A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) makes it possible for students to qualify for nursing jobs that give them more responsibilities and a higher salary. Once students have their BSN, they can also go on to get a master’s degree or even a doctorate in nursing.

With a BSN, students are able to work in positions of authority. Daily tasks depend on the facility where students work, but could include things like taking vital signs, tracking patient progress, talking with families about patient care, dressing wounds, and supervising LPN and RN staff members. In addition, nurses with a BSN are given more freedom to administer medication and IV fluids in most states. Some BSN programs also allow students to specialize in one area of nursing, which helps them better prepare for their job.

With an LPN to BSN program, students are able to get your bachelor’s degree in a shorter amount of time. Since students have already completed an LPN program, they are able to skip some of the basic courses that teach 101-level nursing skills. Instead, students jump right into learning advanced nursing skills, taking classes typically unavailable to first-year students. Along with saving time, this also saves money, since students go to school for fewer semesters in total. Keep in mind that some employers provide funds for their nurses to enter LPN to BSN programs, and since nurses are in such high demand across the country, there are also government programs you help you pay for school.

What is an RN to BSN?

With a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), students still are a registered nurse, so some RNs who have associate’s degrees wonder, “What’s the point?” In actuality, though, it makes a lot of sense to get a BSN if they want to advance as a nurse. Not only do students qualify for higher-paying nursing positions, but they are legally able to perform more nursing tasks in most states. Bachelor’s degree holders are also usually the first to be promoted into leadership positions, which means a higher salary and more fulfilling job for most.

With a bachelor’s degree, students work in a general nursing position, so their daily tasks could include things like taking patients’ histories, helping patients prepare for surgery, dressing wounds, teaching patients and their family members about home care, recording vital signs, providing support for patient hygiene, and responding in emergency situations. Because students have advanced training, they may also qualify for things like administering medications, depending on the state where they work. Some RN to BSN programs also allow students to specialize in one area of nursing, so their tasks could also involve working specifically with infants, cancer patients, or another type of patient. Exactly how much students make with a BSN depends on their specific job.

RN to BSN programs allow students to earn their degree more quickly than if they were going through a traditional BSN program. Typically, these programs start by teaching students nursing fundamentals, and they move to more advanced skills or skills specialized in a certain area of medicine and they work through the program. However, with an RN to BSN program, the school assumes that students have already covered the basics in their RN program. So, they have students jump right in with upper-level courses covering nursing and leadership skills.

What is an RN to MSN?

A career in nursing can be extremely fulfilling and lucrative, and one of the best ways to advance is to get a advanced degree. If students are currently an RN, they can enter an RN to MSN program to earn their master’s degree more quickly. As a nurse with an MSN, students are able to perform high-level, specialized tasks or even open their own practice in some states. While students still are a registered nurse, completing an RN to MSN program and passing their state’s licensing test allows them to become an advanced practice nurse, or APN.

With an MSN students have four APN career options. If students want to continue working in a clinical setting as a nurse, they should become a nurse practitioner, which allows them to work with patients on a higher level. Nurse practitioners make an average salary of $71,490, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a higher earning potential in some specialties, such as intensive care, surgery, and geriatrics. Another choice is becoming a a clinical nurse practitioner, which allows students to work in research, teaching, consulting, and administration, along with clinical work. Students can also become an APN by becoming a certified nurse midwife or certified nurse anesthetist.

A RN to MSN program is tailored to meet student’s career goals. Since students have already had RN license, they are able to skip some of the basic classes that they would normally have to take as part of a master’s degree program. RN to MSN programs are typically offered as an addition to a BSN program, so students enter right after they graduate and start taking classes specific to the type of advanced practice nurse they want to be come. Students also take classes in management and leadership in most cases.

What is the CCNE?

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is a national accrediting agency officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education, dedicated to enhancing the quality and integrity of nursing education. CCNE assesses baccalaureate, graduate, and residency/fellowship programs to ensure they engage in effective educational practices, thereby contributing to the improvement of public health. As a voluntary, self-regulatory body, CCNE supports ongoing self-assessment and continuous improvement in nursing education and practice.