ABSN Online Coursework

Online coursework offers flexibility in when and where you complete assignments, granting you more time to dedicate to your academic success — provided you meet deadlines. The innovative 16-month Accelerated BSN track at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) will help you to achieve this goal by blending ABSN online coursework with all-important hands-on experiences, giving you the best of both worlds.

UIW nursing students studying
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How Online Nursing Classes Work

Rather than attending daily lectures on campus, you’ll complete your nursing theory coursework through our Canvas learning management software (LMS) platform. This cutting-edge E-learning technology gives you the flexibility to read, study, answer practice questions and complete assignments according to your own schedule.

You’ll work through a set curriculum alongside your classmates under the instruction of our nursing faculty, so you can expect due dates and scheduled exams. However, as long as you complete your assignments by the due dates, it doesn’t matter whether you do your coursework at 8 a.m. or 3 p.m. You can also study where you learn best, be it a favorite coffee shop or your living room.

UIW nursing students studying
smiling UIW nursing student

The Benefits of Online Coursework 

While the freedom to “go to class” when and where you prefer is an appealing benefit of online learning, it’s hardly the only advantage. Not everyone learns the same way, which is why we developed our ABSN online-based curriculum to facilitate a variety of learners:

  • Auditory — Audio demonstrations and scenarios enable you to hear conditions (such as crackles, an irregular heartbeat, etc.), listen to patients talk about their symptoms and medical backgrounds, and more.
  • Social — Our Canvas LMS features discussion forums, online Q&A sessions, virtual office hours and review sessions, and a built-in chat function so learners and instructors can connect.
  • Tactile — Task-based exercises (such as drag-and-drop activities) and interactive simulations make students active participants in the learning process.
  • Visual — Rich imagery, illustrations and videos enable learners to visualize concepts and procedures.

All of this, along with the accessibility of UIW nursing instructors and the ability to revisit course materials, helps to ensure that content is interactive and engaging. The online accelerated nursing classes are built so you can better absorb and retain information.

ABSN Online Program FAQs

While online courses offer several advantages over traditional educational methods, you may still have questions regarding how these courses work in relation to nursing school. Well, here are the answers to some of the most common questions students ask.

Is the ABSN program 100% online?

No, the ABSN track is a hybrid of online and in-person education. Becoming a registered nurse requires more than conceptual knowledge; you need hands-on experience. Our 16-month nursing track combines online nursing theory coursework with hands-on skills and simulation labs as well as clinical rotations in and around the greater San Antonio community.

What type of student performs best with this hybrid accelerated learning format?

An ABSN track is not for everyone. Ideal accelerated nursing students are highly motivated, organized and driven. While you will have a set lab and clinical schedule, completing the online coursework by the set deadlines is your responsibility.

While our dedicated instructors and faculty are here to help you succeed, successful nursing students take the initiative to reach out if they have questions

What if I don’t understand the material or have a technical issue with the LMS?

Our online learning management software has proved to be incredibly effective for our students. But, should you encounter any issues with Canvas, our E-learning platform technical support team will be on call to help you.

You’ll also have easy access to your instructors so you can stay on top of the material. Our instructors are available to assist you with any questions regarding the course content via phone, email, text or via in-person or virtual office hours.

Will I be able to interact with other students in the program?

Yes, our students interact with their peers regularly through in-person skills and simulation labs. You’ll also get to know each other through online coursework discussions, Q&A sessions and in-person exams. Additionally, the ABSN facility is available for student use, enabling our students to meet frequently with classmates for group studying sessions.

Outside building view of UIW's campus

For More Information

Contact our admissions team to find out more about how our online accelerated nursing coursework prepares you for a career in nursing.