The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program welcomes individuals who have baccalaureate degrees in fields other than nursing. The program honors diverse education and life experiences and provides opportunities to enter the nursing profession in a concentrated timeframe.

The intensive curriculum develops a student to become a professional nurse who is prepared to practice in many settings, across the lifespan, and with diverse populations. Graduates of the program are qualified for the role of a baccalaureate-prepared generalist nurse as described by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN, 2021) and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN for licensure as a registered nurse.

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 college-level courses with a minimum grade of B minus (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)
    • Bioethics/Medical Ethics (3 credits)(may take as co-requisite)
  • Acceptable score on the Kaplan Admission Test

NOTES

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology, General Chemistry, and Microbiology must be taken within the last 10 years from a nationally accredited university.
  • The Kaplan Admission Test is offered through the Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health. Students with a GPA of 3.4 or higher are exempt from this requirement.

Degree Plan

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, 3 credits
  • NURS4430 Critique and Utilization of Nursing Research, 3 credits
  • NURS4600/NURS4601 Nursing Management of Adults II, 5 credits
  • NURS4460 Preparation for Success, 3 credit
  • _________Elective, 3 credits (can complete at any point in program)
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.