I Already Have a Bachelor's Degree, How Can I Become a Nurse?
For those who are considering a career change into nursing and already have a bachelor’s degree in another subject — finance, restaurant management, or even music — a second-degree nursing program, AKA an accelerated BSN program, may be an excellent option for you.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs are for non-nurses with bachelor's degrees who want to enter the nursing field. Read on to learn about second-degree nursing programs, including their cost, length, and whether one is right for you.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
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What is an Accelerated Nursing Program?
A second-degree nursing program, also known as an accelerated nursing program or a direct-entry nursing program, is designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing but want to pursue a career in nursing. These programs are structured to provide an accelerated pathway into the nursing profession by building upon the student's previous educational background.
Second-degree nursing programs typically offer a condensed curriculum focusing on nursing coursework and clinical experiences. This allows students to complete their nursing education more quickly than traditional programs. The exact length of these programs can vary, but it is often around 12 to 24 months.
These programs are intensive and require significant time and effort, as students must quickly acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to become competent nurses. Upon completing a second-degree nursing program and passing the required licensure exams, graduates are eligible to become registered nurses (RNs) and pursue employment in various healthcare settings.
>> Related: Top Accelerated BSN Programs in Houston, Texas
How Long Is an Accelerated Bachelor's Program?
Depending on the program structure and intensity, accelerated programs range from 12 to 18 months, though some can be as long as 2 years. During these months, you will be taking nursing-specific courses, many of which may be condensed to accommodate the faster pace toward graduation.
Does It Matter What Your First Bachelor's Degree Is If You Want to Enroll in an ABSN?
No. You can hold any completed bachelor’s degree and apply for an ABSN program. You will, however, have to complete the prerequisite coursework before application.
What Are the Prerequisites for Second-Degree Nursing Programs?
Besides having a bachelor’s degree, many accelerated programs require several core prerequisite courses. Common subjects include microbiology, statistics, and sometimes anatomy and physiology. If it has been a few years since you completed these courses, check if the school requires the classes to be taken within a certain amount of years.
Most programs have an entrance exam as a requisite for entering the nursing program, and the same holds true for accelerated applicants. The entry exam covers the subjects needed for entry to nursing school: math, reading, science, and English. Whether it’s the HESI, ATI, or TEAS, many resources help you review and score well on the entrance exam.
GPA is an important consideration for accelerated BSN programs, as many require a minimum GPA for application. Usually, the minimum GPA for consideration into the program ranges from 3.0 to 3.5.
>> Related: What Degree Do You Need to Be a Nurse?
Are There Online Second-Degree Nursing Programs?
While most BSN accelerated programs are brick-and-mortar, more online options have become available. By completing the track online, students are typically responsible for setting up their clinical experience to meet the required hours at the bedside. This may include approaching the facilities affiliated with your program and finding a preceptor to shadow when completing your hours.
Can You Work While Attending ABSN Programs?
Many accelerated programs can be seen as full-time positions in terms of time commitment. The scheduling may vary, but many programs hold classes daily, sometimes even Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Programs typically discourage working during the length of the accelerated program; however, many accelerated BSN students will find the time to work once a week, depending on their needs and availability.
Will You Take the Same Classes as Traditional BSN Students in an ABSN?
It depends on the program. Some programs have crafted courses for accelerated students, covering content in a shorter time frame. Other programs integrate accelerated nursing students into the traditional semesters with a heavier course load or a different semester-to-semester structure.
How Much Does an Accelerated BSN Program Cost?
Depending on the program and the school, the cost of completing an accelerated program can range from $12,000 to $75,000 for private institutions. Online programs are typically more expensive.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Tips on Getting Into an ABSNProgram
- Accelerated programs can be highly competitive due to limited seating and many applicants.
- To make you a more competitive applicant, be sure your GPA meets at least the minimum standard.
- If there are any recommended personal statements, take the time to craft a compelling statement detailing why you want to obtain nursing as a second degree.
- Depending on the demand and the region, these programs could have an average of hundreds of applicants with as little as 50 seats per cohort.
Many nurses who have completed their BSN as a second degree feel that this was a good investment. The life experience you bring to the program and the nursing profession is especially needed when treating a wide range of patients!
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