Review the Best Online Accelerated BSN Programs
Because the term “accelerated” is rather general, it’s common to see it used to describe a variety of different online BSN programs. Some programs use the term to denote RN to BSN programs with faster-than-usual completion times. However, most accelerated online BSN programs are for students who hold bachelor’s degrees in other fields and want to become registered nurses quickly. Let’s take a look at these online accelerated BSN programs, how they work, which schools stand out, and what some of today’s most popular programs have to offer.
How the Different Online ABSN Programs Work
Online ABSN programs cater to bachelor’s degree holders looking to enter nursing without repeating general education requirements. Therefore, the curriculum focuses on major courses only, fast-tracking your time from day one to graduation. Coursework is completed entirely online with clinical experience gained at local hospitals, clinics, schools, and other healthcare-related facilities.
Because these programs can vary, most notably with the type of online modes available, make sure you research them thoroughly. Ask yourself if the program will prepare you for entry-level nursing, if the program will help you pass the NCLEX-RN, and if you can even afford it. The three profiles below should answer these questions and give you a much better idea of what to expect before you apply. Make sure your first step toward a nursing career starts with the right program.
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) Online – University of Indianapolis
The University of Indianapolis’s online ABSN program gives you a personalized approach to higher education with a fast and flexible path to graduation. Coursework is 100% online, and clinicals are completed via local placements as well as through a pair of four-day on-campus events. Each student meets with a success advisor and an academic advisor, and clinicals follow a 1:1 model. The UIndy program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Duration: 15 months (4 semesters)
Mode: Online with local clinicals and four on-campus residencies
Cost: $860/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in any field
- Minimum GPA of 2.82
- HESI A2 test score (proctored)
- Completion of all prerequisite courses
- Qualified based on state authorization requirements
Curriculum: The University of Indianapolis offers four sample courses on its website to show prospective students what the 56-credit hour program entails. These courses include:
- Nursing Health Assessment (3 credits) – How to perform a complete and holistic health assessment of individuals and families. Using clinical reasoning and physical findings to differentiate between normal and abnormal findings.
- Transitional Care in Primary and Population Health (3 credits) – Population-focused nursing via theoretical and practical applications. Study of social and health policy and environmental issues, as well as community partnerships.
- Complex Transitional Nursing Care (4 credits) – The study of professional nursing practice and its role in promoting health and injury prevention in complex patient populations. Looks at a more holistic approach to nursing as well as advanced technologies and the collaboration of health care teams.
- Transition to Professional Nursing Practice (3 credits) – Taken in the final semester of the program, this course allows students to develop their professional roles under the guidance of a mentor. Strong focus on NCLEX-RN examination prep.
Best For: Students who want to transition to a nursing program quickly and enter the workforce in the shortest amount of time possible.
Online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Cleveland State University
The online ABSN from Cleveland State is a 16-month, full-time program comprised of online coursework with two required residencies. Accredited by the CCNE, the program offers a faster and more affordable route to working as a registered nurse. The program leverages past undergraduate work to accelerate nurse-related coursework and prepare students to deliver patient care in a wide range of healthcare environments. The program includes 764 clinical hours, 171 lab hours, clinical placement services, and NCLEX exam prep.
Duration: 16 months
Mode: Online coursework with two residencies
Cost: $434.60/credit (in-state), $619.70/credit (out-of-state)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- 2.5 cumulative GPA, 3.0 prerequisite GPA
- Résumé
- Interview
- Essay
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
Curriculum:
- Nursing Theory & Professional Practice – Covers theory development in nursing, nursing models, nursing attributes, values, ethics, and history. Fosters development of nursing communication skills and appreciation of cultural diversity.
- Nursing Pharmacology – Covers drug classifications, especially those used to care for patients experiencing stressors. Focus on nursing implications.
- Nursing Research – Introduces students to the research process and discusses the contributions of research to the advancement of nursing practice. Sharp focus on critical analysis and interpretation of research reports.
- Nursing Leadership & Management – Concentrates on leadership theories and concepts related to the delivery of care within the community. Explores the roles of developing leader and consultant/collaborator.
Best For: Students who want a more personal approach to a program, with strong student support from start to finish. Also great for anyone looking for more affordable tuition.
Accelerated BSN Programs (Online) – The University of Tulsa
The ABSN online at the University of Tulsa is designed for working professionals and adult learners who already possess a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. The program waives 31 credits of general education requirements and hinges around 60 core nursing credits. Tulsa’s program includes the Roy Adaptation Model and prepares students to pass the NCLEX-RN in as few as 18 months.
Duration: 18 months (depending on schedule and transfer credits)
Mode: Coursework online, 5-day bootcamp on campus, and clinicals near you.
Cost: $458/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Professional CV
- $150 enrollment deposit
- Background check
- All prerequisites completed with a C grade or better, including chemistry in medicine, human anatomy with lab, and human physiology with lab.
Curriculum:
The online ABSN at Tulsa includes courses in four primary categories:
- Prerequisites (12 credits) – Four courses in chemistry, physiology, and anatomy.
- Electives (6 credits) – Three general elective credits and three nursing major electives.
- Nursing Foundation (11 credits) – Four courses in nutrition, microbiology, psychology, and research.
- Nursing Major (60 credits) – Twenty-two courses across nursing fundamentals, acute and chronic care, public health, nursing science, and informatics. Includes a capstone.
Best For: Students who benefit from taking their clinicals near home via coordination with a current employer or nearby healthcare facility.
Explore Online Accelerated BSN Programs in Popular Areas
What to Consider Before You Apply
Before you start applying for online ABSN programs, consider the following questions closely.
- Am I ready for an accelerated program that involves full-time study?
- Do I have a career path in mind?
- Am I ready to do all my academic coursework online?
- Do I have the financial aid I need? Are scholarships available?
What Prospective Online ABSN Students Ask
We’ve put together a handy list of common questions from students exploring online RN to BSN programs. These questions address a range of topics, including admissions, costs, financial aid, and accreditation. Be sure to review these essential Q&As before making your next move.
How long does it take to earn an ABSN online?
The time it takes to complete depends on how your school of choice handles transfer credits, and how many general education requirements they waive. In general, most accelerated BSN programs can be completed in 15-20 months. Also keep in mind that certain elements of online programs, e.g. self-pacing, can impact completion time as well.
What’s the minimum GPA needed for admission to an ABSN program?
Minimum GPAs for admission to these programs generally begin at 2.5, but some more lenient programs may allow enrollment with a 2.0 or lower. With those programs, make sure they hold the proper accreditation and therefore have high-quality academic standards. Also, look for programs that have different GPA requirements for their prerequisites. Some may ask for a 3.0 in these core classes.
How do you succeed in an ABSN?
We asked our ABSN readers what they thought fostered their success the most. According to these students, the number one thing was time management. You may be taking three courses and balancing clinicals at the same time. Organizing and managing your time is critical. The second thing was the importance of a support group: peers, professors, and family/friends. Create strong bonds with these people so you always have someone to go to when you need help.
How Much Does an Online ABSN Program Cost?
Pursuing an accelerated BSN degree online is a significant financial commitment. While the cost of online accelerated BSN programs is comparable to traditional on-campus accelerated programs, it is often higher than non-accelerated BSN programs, at least in the short term. To help prospective nursing students prepare, we’ve compiled a brief list of programs along with their tuition rates.
Keep in mind that the final cost can vary based on factors like financial aid, scholarships, and additional fees.
| School Name | Program Type | Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas State University | Online | $18,894 total |
| Cleveland State University | Online | $434.60/credit (in-state), $619.70/credit (out-of-state) |
| Holy Family University | Online | $857/credit |
| The University of Indianapolis | Online | $860/credit |
| The University of Tulsa | Online | $458/credit |
The Best Online ABSN Programs
EduMed.org is committed to providing accurate and reliable rankings, continually advancing its data collection and analysis efforts. Each year, we gather the latest information on degree programs from over 7,000 schools across the country. Using data from the U.S. Department of Education and the institutions themselves, we evaluate factors such as the number of online programs, tuition costs, institutional aid, and more to deliver trustworthy rankings. Below, you’ll find our most recent list of the best online ABSN programs. Explore these options to find the school that’s right for you.
University of North Alabama
Florence, Alabama
Public
Indiana University-Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Indiana
Public
Wheeling University
Wheeling, West Virginia
Private
University of Providence
Great Falls, Montana
Private
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, Indiana
Public
University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida
Public
Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Public
Walsh University
North Canton, Ohio
Private
Madonna University
Livonia, Michigan
Private
Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, Indiana
Private
University of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky
Public
Mercy College of Health Sciences
Des Moines, Iowa
Private
Loyola University New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
Private
St Catherine University
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Private
Career & Salary: Registered Nurses with BSNs
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $63,720 | $86,070 | $132,680 |
| Alabama | $50,310 | $65,900 | $92,870 |
| Alaska | $82,980 | $106,410 | $132,090 |
| Arizona | $70,060 | $88,310 | $109,750 |
| Arkansas | $45,200 | $72,920 | $96,040 |
| California | $83,510 | $133,990 | $194,240 |
| Colorado | $70,790 | $86,900 | $112,800 |
| Connecticut | $78,370 | $100,620 | $127,150 |
| Delaware | $73,800 | $93,200 | $122,670 |
| Florida | $63,520 | $80,960 | $105,580 |
| Georgia | $63,450 | $83,620 | $124,330 |
| Hawaii | $81,070 | $129,210 | $145,940 |
| Idaho | $62,210 | $80,130 | $105,300 |
| Illinois | $63,900 | $82,470 | $105,140 |
| Indiana | $61,710 | $78,530 | $103,710 |
| Iowa | $61,250 | $71,570 | $90,800 |
| Kansas | $58,760 | $75,780 | $94,900 |
| Kentucky | $61,520 | $77,830 | $101,770 |
| Louisiana | $60,720 | $76,650 | $101,650 |
| Maine | $64,600 | $81,610 | $107,240 |
| Maryland | $66,880 | $89,340 | $114,440 |
| Massachusetts | $74,010 | $99,730 | $166,100 |
| Michigan | $67,450 | $81,710 | $101,610 |
| Minnesota | $73,050 | $97,300 | $120,420 |
| Mississippi | $54,580 | $69,370 | $100,160 |
| Missouri | $56,690 | $77,190 | $99,330 |
| Montana | $64,530 | $79,170 | $104,970 |
| Nebraska | $61,770 | $78,100 | $99,410 |
| Nevada | $77,160 | $96,210 | $132,010 |
| New Hampshire | $66,620 | $86,620 | $109,930 |
| New Jersey | $77,700 | $100,160 | $127,750 |
| New Mexico | $68,120 | $83,970 | $124,800 |
| New York | $69,450 | $104,570 | $136,780 |
| North Carolina | $62,980 | $79,580 | $104,190 |
| North Dakota | $63,920 | $74,930 | $95,680 |
| Ohio | $64,480 | $79,940 | $105,380 |
| Oklahoma | $61,360 | $78,760 | $101,390 |
| Oregon | $86,730 | $110,940 | $136,950 |
| Pennsylvania | $64,820 | $82,780 | $109,740 |
| Rhode Island | $69,350 | $94,840 | $116,510 |
| South Carolina | $60,780 | $78,380 | $98,980 |
| South Dakota | $54,780 | $67,030 | $85,400 |
| Tennessee | $55,510 | $76,200 | $98,090 |
| Texas | $64,580 | $85,110 | $115,740 |
| Utah | $64,950 | $79,790 | $102,000 |
| Vermont | $65,390 | $81,900 | $110,680 |
| Virginia | $63,710 | $84,100 | $115,120 |
| Washington | $82,630 | $107,720 | $139,390 |
| West Virginia | $50,650 | $78,730 | $99,440 |
| Wisconsin | $69,240 | $83,300 | $105,110 |
| Wyoming | $62,400 | $79,970 | $105,800 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Alabama | 51,980 | 54,290 | 2,310 | 4.40% | 3,090 |
| Alaska | 6,130 | 6,800 | 670 | 10.90% | 420 |
| Arizona | 59,110 | 72,050 | 12,940 | 21.90% | 4,820 |
| Arkansas | 28,750 | 30,920 | 2,170 | 7.50% | 1,820 |
| California | 333,700 | 376,900 | 43,200 | 12.90% | 23,420 |
| Colorado | 53,720 | 63,290 | 9,570 | 17.80% | 4,100 |
| Connecticut | 35,420 | 38,310 | 2,890 | 8.20% | 2,270 |
| Delaware | 11,720 | 13,570 | 1,850 | 15.80% | 870 |
| District of Columbia | 11,110 | 11,750 | 640 | 5.80% | 680 |
| Florida | 202,780 | 228,070 | 25,290 | 12.50% | 14,110 |
| Georgia | 81,800 | 94,310 | 12,510 | 15.30% | 5,990 |
| Idaho | 15,480 | 18,580 | 3,100 | 20.00% | 1,230 |
| Illinois | 138,050 | 142,310 | 4,260 | 3.10% | 7,960 |
| Indiana | 67,390 | 71,020 | 3,630 | 5.40% | 4,090 |
| Iowa | 35,700 | 39,270 | 3,570 | 10.00% | 2,370 |
| Kansas | 32,310 | 33,910 | 1,600 | 5.00% | 1,940 |
| Kentucky | 47,300 | 50,400 | 3,100 | 6.60% | 2,940 |
| Louisiana | 43,740 | 47,040 | 3,300 | 7.50% | 2,770 |
| Maine | 14,840 | 15,040 | 200 | 1.30% | 820 |
| Maryland | 48,810 | 52,370 | 3,560 | 7.30% | 3,080 |
| Massachusetts | 30,060 | 32,600 | 2,540 | 8.40% | 1,940 |
| Michigan | 104,150 | 106,910 | 2,760 | 2.70% | 5,950 |
| Minnesota | 68,040 | 71,630 | 3,590 | 5.30% | 4,120 |
| Mississippi | 29,980 | 31,910 | 1,930 | 6.40% | 1,860 |
| Missouri | 76,960 | 84,580 | 7,620 | 9.90% | 5,110 |
| Montana | 10,360 | 11,890 | 1,530 | 14.80% | 750 |
| Nebraska | 22,900 | 24,670 | 1,770 | 7.70% | 1,460 |
| Nevada | 24,290 | 28,810 | 4,520 | 18.60% | 1,880 |
| New Hampshire | 13,690 | 14,600 | 910 | 6.60% | 850 |
| New Jersey | 81,520 | 86,640 | 5,120 | 6.30% | 5,030 |
| New Mexico | 19,020 | 21,940 | 2,920 | 15.40% | 1,390 |
| New York | 204,040 | 256,080 | 52,040 | 25.50% | 5,200 |
| North Carolina | 106,190 | 123,650 | 17,460 | 16.40% | 7,930 |
| North Dakota | 11,500 | 12,700 | 1,200 | 10.40% | 770 |
| Ohio | 131,390 | 135,860 | 4,470 | 3.40% | 7,630 |
| Oklahoma | 37,490 | 39,290 | 1,800 | 4.80% | 2,240 |
| Oregon | 42,720 | 47,680 | 4,960 | 11.60% | 2,930 |
| Pennsylvania | 148,790 | 155,810 | 7,020 | 4.70% | 8,890 |
| Rhode Island | 11,920 | 12,700 | 780 | 6.50% | 740 |
| South Carolina | 45,140 | 49,610 | 4,470 | 9.90% | 2,990 |
| South Dakota | 14,590 | 16,510 | 1,920 | 13.20% | 1,030 |
| Tennessee | 60,020 | 67,720 | 7,700 | 12.80% | 4,200 |
| Texas | 233,850 | 267,980 | 34,130 | 14.60% | 16,900 |
| Utah | 25,300 | 31,710 | 6,410 | 25.30% | 2,170 |
| Vermont | 7,030 | 7,650 | 620 | 8.80% | 460 |
| Virgin Islands | 600 | 490 | -110 | -18.30% | 20 |
| Virginia | 70,190 | 73,240 | 3,050 | 4.30% | 4,160 |
| Washington | 61,030 | 69,180 | 8,150 | 13.40% | 5,150 |
| West Virginia | 22,830 | 23,780 | 950 | 4.20% | 1,350 |
| Wisconsin | 62,260 | 65,570 | 3,310 | 5.30% | 3,770 |
| Wyoming | 5,130 | 5,740 | 610 | 11.90% | 350 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
