An ABSN is an accelerated nursing program that confers a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree faster than a traditional four-year nursing program. With an ABSN, you receive a high-quality education that allows you to start your nursing career sooner.
There is more than one way to earn a nursing degree. If you already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, attending an ABSN program might be the best way to apply your previous education to a nursing degree. What is an ABSN? It’s an Accelerated Bachelor of Science (BS) in nursing program that leverages your academic history, allowing you to graduate faster from nursing school than through a traditional program. In the University of Mount Saint Vincent’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, for example, you can apply your non-nursing bachelor’s degree towards a BS in nursing and graduate in as few as 16 months. Our ABSN program combines didactic coursework with hands-on, immersive learning experiences to provide a solid foundation of nursing expertise.
What Is an ABSN Degree and Who Is It Designed For?
An ABSN is not a degree; it is the name of a nursing program that confers a BS in nursing on an accelerated timeline. An ABSN program builds on your college experience, making it possible to condense the material taught in a traditional four-year nursing program into far less time without compromising quality.
You’ll learn all the same nursing concepts and skills as a traditional four-year student, but with intensive coursework on a condensed timeline that doesn’t include general education classes. Because of the rapid pace, earning an ABSN requires dedication and commitment throughout the program.
Our ABSN program at the Mount combines rigorous coursework on nursing theory with hands-on experiential learning. It’s designed for individuals who have already completed a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and would like to switch careers to nursing, but do not want to spend another four years as an undergraduate.
There are different types of nursing degrees. Determine which is best for you.
How ABSN Programs Work?
ABSN programs like the Mount’s combine three main components: nursing courses, hands-on labs, and clinical rotations.
Curriculum and Coursework
You’ll explore nursing concepts and theories in your courses. The curriculum covers a broad range of nursing competencies and concepts, including:
- Fundamentals of nursing practice
- Health assessments
- Health promotion
- Nursing research and evidence-based practice
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology
Hands-On Skills and Simulation Labs
You’ll learn to apply nursing fundamentals and theories through hands-on labs using state-of-the-art medical equipment and technology.
In nursing skills labs, you’ll practice fundamental nursing care skills. These include placing intravenous (IV) lines and performing wound care. You’ll be able to practice nursing skills as often as needed to gain proficiency, with access to the facilities outside regularly scheduled labs.
In nursing simulation labs, you’ll work in groups to practice handling various patient care scenarios. Using high-fidelity medical manikins, which simulate real patient responses and bodily functions, you’ll assess the problem and develop appropriate nursing responses. This is a risk-free learning environment in which mistakes are opportunities for learning.
Clinical Rotations
Mount Saint Vincent has clinical partnerships with diverse, top-tier healthcare facilities in the New York City area. During your clinicals, you’ll be placed at healthcare facilities to practice working in a real nursing unit, providing direct patient care under the watchful eye of your nursing instructors and preceptors. You’ll gain experience in a variety of nursing specialties, such as pediatrics, acute care, and intensive care.
Eligibility and Admission Requirements for ABSN Programs
Due to the significant differences between an ABSN and a traditional BS in nursing program, such as the lack of general education classes, there are also differences in admission requirements. While specifics will vary across programs, some of the eligibility requirements for the Mount’s ABSN program include:
- A completed non-nursing bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of at least 3.0
- Completion of all prerequisite courses
- Criminal background check
- CPR certification
- First Aid Certification
- Updated immunizations
Prior healthcare experience is not required, but you might find it helpful. Consider looking for entry-level or volunteer positions in the healthcare field to gain exposure to the industry.
What are the prerequisites for nursing school?
How an ABSN Differs From Traditional Nursing Programs
What is an ABSN like compared to a traditional nursing program? A traditional nursing program typically takes four years of full-time study to complete. It’s designed for individuals with little to no prior college education, such as recent high school graduates.
Compared to an ABSN, a traditional nursing program:
- Has summer breaks instead of consecutive semesters
- Includes a substantial general education curriculum in addition to the nursing curriculum
- Usually doesn’t begin immersive learning experiences until the third year
There is no difference in quality between these two pathways, and healthcare employers respect BS in nursing degrees conferred from both programs equally.
Benefits of Choosing an Accelerated Path to Nursing
What is an ABSN’s main benefit? There are many of them, including a shorter timeline, a streamlined admission process, and flexible learning options.
1. Faster Path to Becoming an RN
Mount Saint Vincent’s ABSN program enables you to earn a high-quality nursing degree in as few as 16 months. You’ll be able to enter the workforce and start your future as a nurse sooner. You’d also be able to help close the national nursing shortage by providing lifesaving care as soon as possible.
2. Flexibility
The Mount offers in-person coursework at our ABSN learning sites in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens because many students benefit from face-to-face interactions. If you prefer a hybrid approach, however, the ABSN program at Saint Joseph’s Medical Center offers online classes.
3. Clinical Experience in Diverse Areas
Mount Saint Vincent’s ABSN provides diverse clinical rotations in top area hospitals so you can gain firsthand experience in a variety of disciplines, including the following:
- Acute care
- Adult health
- Community care
- Intensive care
- Long-term care
- Maternity care
- Mental health
- Pediatrics
4. Intense Focus on Clinical Skills Development
Another benefit of choosing the ABSN program at the Mount is the laser focus on clinical skills development. You’ll learn from experienced nursing instructors who will walk you through each nursing skill in detail. You’ll be able to practice your new nursing skills as often as needed until you master them. You’ll also have opportunities to put your new skills into practice during your clinical rotations, which start as soon as the first semester.
Is an ABSN the Right Choice for Your Career Goals?
An ABSN program is a great choice for people who want to expedite their nursing studies, such as those seeking a second degree to change careers. It’s also a good choice for highly committed students who can keep up with intense coursework. At the Mount, our students are supported by Academic Success Coaches.
Other indicators that an ABSN is right for you include:
- You’re interested in online coursework.
- You want to start as quickly as possible. The Mount offers three start dates per year.
- You’re eager to benefit from the cohort model of nursing education, which offers a close-knit learning environment for better student support.
Start Today at Mount Saint Vincent
The University of Mount Saint Vincent welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about helping others through a career in nursing. The program offers exceptional faculty support, a rigorous curriculum, and a values-based education. Work toward your nursing degree in the heart of NYC and complete clinical rotations with some of the top healthcare facilities in the area, from NYU Langone Health to Memorial Sloan Kettering. Contact an admission counselor today to get started