Accelerated nursing programs allow individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree the ability to obtain licensure as a registered nurse more quickly.
Accelerated bachelor's of science in nursing (ABSN) programs exist at many university nursing schools, giving individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree the option to obtain registered nursing licensure in a faster timeframe (12 to 16 months) compared to traditional BSN programs. While the application process for these programs requires significant time and preparation, the ABSN graduate has all the opportunities of a traditional BSN registered nurse, including educational and career advancement options.
Non-nursing Bachelor's Degree
Potential applicants must have a non-nursing bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a satisfactory grade point average (typically 3.0 and higher). While the type of bachelor's degree (arts vs. science) does not matter, some highly specialized bachelor's degrees, such as a bachelor's in fine arts, do not fulfill this requirement and are not accepted.
Prerequisite Courses
The prerequisite courses usually take the most time and preparation to complete. Required courses vary greatly from program to program, but most programs at minimum require anatomy and physiology with lab, microbiology with lab, introductory chemistry with lab, basic statistics and two to three introductory social sciences, such as sociology, psychology or anthropology. Fortunately, most students will have already completed most of these courses during their undergraduate study, but if not, they must take the missing prerequisites at either a community college or university. Also, some ABSN programs have time limits (five to seven years) on the natural science courses, including anatomy and physiology. Admission committees will not consider applications with expired courses.
Personal Statement of Intent
Applicants must write a short (one to two pages) essay describing their intent to attend nursing school and practice as a registered nurse. While some programs have specific prompts, others want a more general account of an applicant's goals, meaning applicants must tailor their statements for each school to which they apply.
Letters of Recommendation
ABSN programs, like most post-bachelor programs, require letters of recommendation to gain a different perspective beyond the grades and personal statement. Applicants should choose current and/or former supervisors, professors or mentors who know them well enough to accurately describe their desire, ability and dedication for a rigorous nursing program and career.
Entrance Exam
Some ABSN programs require a basic entrance exam, such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). Since these programs do not include graduate level courses or confer a master's degree, graduate school entrance exams, such as the GRE or GMAT, are never required.
Patient Contact Experience
While most schools do not require patient contact experience, most highly recommend it. Volunteering at a hospital or working part-time as a certified nursing assistant or emergency medical technician give applicants hands-on experience and exposure to the fast-paced environment of a hospital in which they will eventually work. Volunteer coordinators and supervisors are great sources for letters of recommendation, and with ABSN programs becoming increasingly competitive, such experience can distinguish one applicant over another otherwise equal applicant.
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