The Accelerated Nursing program welcomes individuals who have baccalaureate degrees in fields other than nursing. The program honors their diverse education and degrees and provides the opportunity to enter the nursing profession in a concentrated timeframe. The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offers 2 tracks: a 12-month full time program, and a 18-month full time program.

The intensive curriculum prepares the student for the NCLEX-RN, licensing examination, and to become a competent professional nurse. The classes and clinical rotations offer a stimulating educational pathway for second-degree students. Classes are small, encouraging participation and involvement.

  • NCLEX-RN passing rates – 90 to 95% in the last 3 years
  • Employment rate in various healthcare agencies in the tri-state area – 100%
  • Salary range after licensure as RN by the Bureau of Labor Statistics – $73,000 – $78,000

Admission Requirements

  • An earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  • An undergraduate Cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher
  • Completion of the following academic prerequisites on a college level with a minimum grade of B:
    • Human Anatomy and Physiology (8 credits, with lab)
    • General Chemistry (4 credits, with lab) – Note: Introductory Chemistry is not accepted
    • Microbiology (4 credits, with lab)
    • Statistics (3 credits) – course must include inferential and descriptive statistics
    • Microeconomics or Macroeconomics (3 Credits) [Required prerequisite for 12-month program; taken as co-requisite for 18-month program only]
    • Bioethics/Medical Ethics (3 credits) [Required prerequisite for 12-month program; taken as co-requisite for 18-month program only]
    • Students with a graduating GPA of 3.7 or higher are exempt from the Kaplan Admission Test (KAT).

NOTE: Human Anatomy and Physiology, General Chemistry, and Microbiology must be taken within the last 10 years and online science courses are not accepted.

Degree Plan

As an ABSN student, you may choose to complete the program in either 12 months, or in 18 months.

12-Month Program:     36 blanket credits for a previous degree; 25 credits for prerequisite courses; 59 nursing credits.

18-Month Program:     36 blanket credits for a previous degree; 19 credits for the prerequisite course; 65 credits.

12-Month Accelerated BSN Program

Students entering the accelerated nursing program must have at least a 3.00 cumulative grade point ratio (CGPR) for their earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. The Accelerated Baccalaureate 12 Month program consists of: 36 blanket credits for previous degree; 25 credits for prerequisite courses; 59 nursing credits. In addition, the following prerequisites also are required with a minimum grade of B:

Summer Semester I (Freshman Level Courses, 13 credits)

  • NURS2500/2501 Foundations of Nursing I, 3 credits
  • NURS2005 Professional Communication Skills: Individual, Family & Groups, 3 credits
  • NURS2550/2551 Comprehensive Health Assessment, 4 credits
  • NURS2007 Pharmacotherapeutics, 3 credits

Summer Semester II (Sophomore Level Courses, 6 credits)

Fall semester (Junior Level Courses, 20 credits)

  • NURS3500/3501 Nursing Management of Adults I, 5 credits
  • NURS3550/3551 Nursing Management of Psychosocial Problems, 5 credits
  • NURS3600/3601 Nursing Management of Women Newborn & Families, 5 credits
  • NURS3650/3651  Nursing Management of Children & Families, 5 credits            

Spring Semester (Senior Level Courses, 20 credits)

18-Month Accelerated BSN Program

Students entering the accelerated nursing program must have at least a 3.00 cumulative grade point ratio (CGPR) for their earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. The Accelerated Baccalaureate 18-Month program consists of: 36 blanket credits for a previous degree; 19 credits for prerequisite course; 65 credits. In addition, the following prerequisites also are required with a minimum grade of B:

Fall Semester (Freshman Level Courses, 13 credits)

  • NURS2500/2501 Foundations of Nursing I, 3 credits
  • NURS2005 Professional Communication Skills: Individual, Family & Groups, 3 credits
  • NURS2550/2551 Comprehensive Health Assessment, 4 credits
  • NURS2007 Pharmacotherapeutics, 3 credits

Spring Semester (Sophomore Level Courses, 14 credits)

Summer Semester (Junior Level Courses, 8 credits)

Fall Semester (Junior Level Courses, 13 credits)

  • NURS3600/3601 Nursing Management of Women Newborn & Families, 5 credits
  • NURS3650/3651  Nursing Management of Children & Families, 5 credits     
  • NURS4420 Health Care Management, 3 credits

Spring Semester I (Senior Level Courses, 17 credits)

  • NURS4500/4501 Nursing Management of Populations, 5 credits
  • NURS4430 Critique and Utilization of Nursing Research, 3 credits
  • NURS4600/NURS4601 Nursing Management of Adults II, 8 credits
  • NURS4460 Preparation for Success, 1 credit
FAQ's
Frequently asked questions

  • The recommended application deadlines are May 1 for the 18-month August-start program and December 1 for the 12-month May-start program.   

    Program 

    Start Date 

    Suggested Application Deadline 

    12-month ABSN Program 

    Summer semester (late May) 

    December 1

    18-month ABSN Program 

    Fall semester (late August) 

    May 1

  • Fill out an undergraduate transfer student application located online at www.fdu.edu/apply  

  • Yes, you can take outstanding prerequisite classes at FDU as a non-degree seeking student. Visit https://www.fdu.edu/admissions/adult/ for more information.  

  • No, you can apply with prerequisite classes in progress. However, all prerequisites have to be completed prior to the start of the program. An official transcript showing grades must be sent and received before the program begins.  

  • Students will be informed about needing to sit for the KAT exam after submitting an application to the program. If you need to take the KAT we will inform you in your initial admissions decision letter and provide instructions on how to do so. 

  • The ABSN program (both 12-months and 18-months) are considered full-time programs. Students are expected to be available full-time to complete coursework and clinicals. Typically, students have found it very difficult to maintain a full-time job and be successful in the program. 

  • Due to the fact that there are so many variables here, please email your question to myapp@fdu.edu and we will connect you with an admissions representative who will further assist you.  

  • Please contact Enrollment Services at 201-692-2214 for additional information.