Accelerated Nursing Program in
San Antonio
If you feel it is your calling to work in the nursing profession, now is the time to act. With the demand for registered nurses at historic levels in Texas and around the country, there’s never been a better time to become a nurse. And, thanks to the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) accelerated nursing program in San Antonio, a life-changing nursing career is closer than you think.
Our innovative 16-month nursing track blends online coursework and experiential learning, ensuring you graduate equipped with the skills, confidence and clinical reasoning needed for professional practice. However, becoming a caring, compassionate nurse requires more than technical skills and knowledge.
What sets UIW apart from other nursing programs is our values-based nursing education. At UIW, you’ll learn to treat patients holistically — mind, body, heart and soul.
How Our Accelerated BSN Track Works
The UIW ABSN was designed specifically for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 non-nursing college credits, making it possible to graduate ready to sit for the NCLEX in as few as 16 months. Additionally, with three starts each year and seats available now, you may be able to start your journey toward becoming a registered nurse much sooner than with other nursing programs in San Antonio.
Keep in mind that this accelerated format, while flexible, is not an easy journey. Earning a BSN in as few as 16 months takes a great deal of hard work and dedication, which is why we recommend students treat our accelerated nursing track as a full-time job.
As a UIW accelerated nursing student, you’ll become immersed in both the art and science of nursing through a blend of:
Online Coursework
Online coursework that allows you to learn the concepts and theories fundamental to nursing when and where it’s convenient for you.
Skills and Simulation Labs
Hands-on skills and simulation labs, where you’ll hone your nursing skills, become familiar with advanced healthcare equipment and develop sound clinical judgment.
Real-World Experience
Clinical rotations at a variety of San Antonio-area healthcare facilities, giving you real-life experience under the guidance of knowledgeable clinical instructors.
Earn Your BSN Degree
With a bachelor’s in nursing degree in hand, you’ll be prepared to make a difference daily in your career. Earning a BSN comes with many advantages, including better compensation and job security. What is more, research has shown that having better-educated nurses results in improved patient outcomes, so healthcare organizations have a high demand for nurses with a BSN.
By graduating from a nursing program with a bachelor’s degree, you’ll be on track to have excellent career prospects and career growth opportunities. At UIW, we’re committed to helping students become the nurses they were meant to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below we’ll cover some common ABSN questions, but if you have any other questions about UIW’s ABSN track, reach out to an admissions counselor. We are here to guide you every step of the way on your path to nursing school.
1. Is the UIW Accelerated BSN track accredited?
All of our nursing programs meet applicable state and national accreditation standards, including those from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Additionally, UIW is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and the ABSN track is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing.
2. Can I work during the Accelerated BSN track?
While there is no rule against working while enrolled in the UIW ABSN track, it’s not recommended. Generally, accelerated nursing programs require the time commitment of a full-time job. To succeed, in UIW's ABSN track you’ll need to put in a great deal of time, energy and hard work.
3. How much does the ABSN track cost and is financial aid available for students?
Paying for nursing school is a common concern among students. Complete tuition details for our ABSN track can be found on our tuition page.
Our admissions representatives are available to answer any questions. They can also explain available funding options and help you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
4. How long does it take to complete an ABSN program?
Program lengths vary, but ABSN programs can be completed sooner than traditional BSN programs, often in less than two years. At UIW, the accelerated BSN track can be completed in as few as 16 months.
5. What kinds of clinical experiences are part of the UIW ABSN track?
UIW has partnered with CHRISTUS Health System and Methodist Healthcare System to provide students with diverse clinical placements, which include nursing areas such as medical-surgical, behavioral health, obstetrics and pediatrics.
“I’ve been able to work in different areas, such as Med/Surg, Telemetry Unit, Medical ICU, Surgical ICU,” says UIW ABSN graduate, Alberto Trevino. “Gaining that experience is what I’ve liked about this program.”
6. Do I need healthcare experience to apply to the UIW ABSN track?
No, you do not need healthcare experience to apply. To learn more about the ABSN track eligibility, please visit the admission requirements page.
7. Who is the accelerated BSN track designed for?
The ABSN track is for self-motivated, driven students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 non-nursing college credits who want to earn a BSN.
8. What GPA is required to apply to an ABSN program?
Specific GPA requirements vary across programs; however, to be eligible for the UIW ABSN track, applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
9. Do I have to take the TEAS?
Yes, as part of the admissions requirements, all applicants must take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam and obtain a target score in Reading, Math, Science and English sections. To learn more about the TEAS requirements, please review our admissions requirements page.
10. Are background checks or drug screenings required?
Applicants must complete a background check as part of the admissions process to the UIW ABSN track. While a drug screening is not required for the application process, it may be required for clinical clearance.
For More Information
If you have other questions, request information to have a UIW admissions counselor call you. We’ll help you determine whether our accelerated nursing program in San Antonio is right for you.