This article is on 17 Best Accelerated BSN Programs for Non-nurses (Online & Offline). The demand for registered nurses is on the rise, with more patients needing the life-saving care that nurses provide, which means there’s never been a better time to pursue your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Indeed, employment of registered nurses is expected to grow to 6% between 2022 and 2032, faster than the average for all occupations, according to projections made by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. which, over the course of ten years, translates to an average of 193,100 positions for registered nurses annually.
As you can see, there has never been a better moment to pursue a career in nursing. Your path will go more quickly if you have completed a bachelor’s degree program outside of nursing.
In the US, there are many fast-track BSN programs available for non-nurses, and you can select the best nursing degree for you by following the right procedures.
Moreover, you can still decide to know if nursing is the right program for you by enrolling in some of these free online nursing classes, there are even some of these free online classes in Australia for nurses that you can take advantage of.
These ABSNs condense the typical BSN curriculum into 12-18 months, propelling you toward your RN licensure and nursing career. Let’s get started with the programs.
Accelerated BSN Programs for Non-nurses
Remember, an accelerated BSN program is an intense journey. So, you should be prepared for a rigorous academic schedule, demanding clinical rotations, and other aspects. But, the reward is undeniable.
1. Grand Canyon University
- Duration: 16 months
- Delivery Mode: Hybrid
- Location: 3300 West Camelback Road – Phoenix, AZ 85017
The curriculum at Grand Canyon University was created to make it simple to transfer into the nursing field. The best part is that, as of 2023, they are thought to be Arizona’s top nursing college, ranking first out of seven.
The program is intended for people who want to work as nurses but have a college degree other than nursing. Additionally, they offer a hybrid learning model to enhance simple, practical, and adaptable learning.
2. Elmhurst University – Online Accelerated Nursing Programs
- Duration: 16 months
- Delivery Mode: Hybrid
- Location: 190 S Prospect Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126
One of the accelerated BSN programs for non-nurses that will assist in filling the shortage of registered nurses in your community is this one. You will get more than 600 clinical and lab hours from the program.
According to U.S. News & World Report, Elmhurst University is one of the top Midwest universities.
3. Herzing University
- Delivery Mode: On-campus
- Location: 275 W. Wisconsin Ave., Ste. 210, Milwaukee, WI 53203
Herzing University not only offers non-nurses an ABSN program, but they also accept up to 90 authorized credits. Herzing University offers a demanding clinical training experience with its community healthcare partners, despite the program’s acceleration.
Furthermore, 90% of their graduates expressed satisfaction, according to the 2022 Herzing Graduate Survey. In as little as 20 months, you can even choose to pursue the possibility of earning an MSN (without first earning a BSN).
4. California State University
- Duration: 15 months
- Learning Mode: Hybrid
- Location: 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032
During the course of 15 months, this online accelerated BSN program in California is designed for individuals who are not nurses and offers roughly 53 semester units of didactic and clinical coursework. Upon program completion, Cal State LA will grant you a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
5. Averett University
- Duration: 16 months
- Delivery Mode: Hybrid
- Location: 6320 N. Center Drive, Building 15, Second Floor, Norfolk, VA 23502
This accelerated BSN program builds on your existing education to prepare you to provide compassionate and evidence-based care. Students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees are welcomed, as well as applicants with at least 60 non-nursing credits.
Actually, it’s the only ABSN program in Virginia that offers alternatives to a bachelor’s degree to qualify for admission.
6. Thomas Edison State University
- Duration: 15 months
- Delivery Mode: Hybrid
- Location: 111 W. STATE ST. TRENTON, NJ 08608
This 60-credit full-time nursing program comprises of:
- 26 credits of online courses
- 34 credits of hybrid courses that include a variety of clinical experiences
The program will prepare you for the National Council Licensure Exam for RNs (NCLEX-RN). Due to the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing’s ABSN’s excellence, their graduates consistently score above state and national averages in NCLEX-RN pass rates.
7. Mennonite College of Nursing, Illinois
- Duration: 15 months
- Delivery Mode: On-Campus
This is one of the accelerated BSN programs for non-nurses Illinois that welcomes both current undergraduate students interested in a fifth-year second bachelor’s in nursing or a returning student seeking to reignite their passion for nursing. Also with just 1 application, you’ll be considered for over 100 of the private scholarships you’re eligible for.
8. Marian University
- Duration: 16 months
- Delivery Mode: Hybrid
- Locations:
- 9002 Purdue Road, Suite 400, Indianapolis, IN 46268
- Marian University-Main Campus: 3200 Cold Spring Rd, Indianapolis, IN 4622
- 4220 Harding Road, S&E Building, Ste. 500, Nashville, TN 37205
- 3817 Northwest Expressway, Suite 450, Oklahoma City, OK 73112
This ABSN program for non-nurses builds on your previous education regardless of your previous degree. You can begin professional nursing study on the first day of class and clinical rotations starting your first semester.
Also with their different locations, you can partake in your on-site training at whichever location is close to you.
9. University of the Incarnate Word
- Duration: 16 months
- Delivery Mode: Hybrid
- Location: 7330 San Pedro Avenue, 8th Floor, San Antonio, TX 78216
UIW’s Accelerated BSN is basically for individuals who have at least a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 non-nursing college credits from an accredited institution.
10. Concordia’s ABSN Program
- Duration: 15 months
- Delivery Mode: Hybrid
- Location: 12800 N Lake Shore Dr, Mequon, WI 53097
Concordia’s ABSN program gives you the privilege to complete a 63-credit program within 15 months (3 semesters). Almost all their theory clinical courses will be taken online, whereas their lab practice is of course done in person at the Mequon campus.
Regarding their payment, Concordia University provides a payment plan that will help you to break tuition into automatic monthly payments. There are also scholarships and aid available for qualifying students
11. Purdue University Northwest
- Duration: 4 semesters
- Location:
- Westville Campus: 1401 S. U.S. 421, Westville, IN 46391
- Hammond Campus: 2200 169th Street, Hammond, IN 46323
This is among the ABSN programs for non-nurses designed specifically for full-time, academically talented students who are motivated to earn a BSN degree in nursing in a shortened time frame.
From day 1 at Purdue University Northwest you’ll begin with nursing courses and begin clinical practicum experiences your very first semester.
12. Georgian Court University
- Duration: 14 months
- Delivery Mode: Hybrid
- Location: 900 Lakewood Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701
first of all, GCU is regarded as a place students proudly call their second home, and their decade-long partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest health provider, offers a tremendous advantage for their nursing students.
GCU has a low student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1 with a 92% NCLEX Pass Rate.
13. Union University
- Duration: 15 months
- Delivery Mode: Hybrid
- Location: Jackson, Germantown (Memphis) and Hendersonville (Nashville)
This accelerated BSN program features extensive clinical rotations that will give you the experience and skills to provide safe, effective patient care. Whether you are a non-nurse who has a bachelor’s degree in another field, or a non-nurse who is at least 24 years old and has completed general education requirements (but did not previously complete a bachelor’s degree).
14. Misericordia University’s Accelerated BSN
- Duration: 16 months
- Delivery Mode: Hybrid
- Location: 1000 GSK Drive, Coraopolis, PA 15108
This program was built upon the University’s tradition of serving the community for more than 90 years. The program combines online coursework, onsite skills labs, and clinical rotations at top area hospitals and clinical agencies. One of the best parts is that students who enroll in the Misericordia ABSN program early will automatically receive a $10,000 scholarship upon admission.
15. Harding ABSN Program
- Duration: 16 months
- Delivery Mode: Hybrid
- Location: 901 S 52nd St., Rogers, AR 72758
Harding’s Carr College of Nursing is regarded as Arkansas’s No. 1 nursing program. Their curriculum involves a comprehensive hybrid ABSN learning model that consists of three stages — online, hands-on labs, and clinical experience.
16. Mercy College of Ohio
- Delivery Mode: Hybrid
- Duration: 4 consecutive semesters
The Mercy College ABSN program was designed for bachelor’s degree holders who wanted to become nurses right away but weren’t nurses. You can obtain your BSN in just four semesters, which will qualify you to take the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) and, if passed, practice as a registered nurse (RN).
17. University of St. Thomas, Houston
- Duration: 12 months
- Delivery Mode: Hybrid
- Location:
- The Woodlands: 121 Vision Park Blvd, Suite 300, Shenandoah, TX 77384
- Sugar Land: 14090 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77478
Whether you have at least 60 college credits or a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, the University of St. Thomas welcomes you and will help you through the process of becoming a registered nurse in just 12 months.
Key Takeaway
TIt’s right here for you! It’s important to remember that even though this path moves quickly, the journey will be difficult and need commitment and time management. In addition, there is a global nursing shortage, which creates opportunities for job security and career advancement.
Therefore, if you have the resilience to thrive in a fast-paced environment and the passion to help others, you should be starting this accelerated BSN journey.
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