What is an Accelerated Nursing Program?

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What is an ABSN? An ABSN is a nursing program that allows students to earn a BSN quickly. At UIW, the ABSN track combines online coursework with hands-on nursing labs and clinicals, providing students with the foundation to take the NCLEX-RN confidently and embark on their professional careers.

nursing student in sim lab

What is an ABSN? An ABSN is an accelerated nursing program that allows you to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in less time than the four-year traditional route. You can earn a BSN faster through the University of the Incarnate Word’s ABSN, meaning the curriculum can be completed in as few as 16 months.

The ABSN track at UIW can help set you on the path toward becoming a nurse at a faster pace by leveraging your educational history toward a nursing degree.

What is an Accelerated BSN Program?

What does ABSN stand for? ABSN stands for Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Sometimes referred to as an accelerated BSN program, it is a fast-track path toward earning a BSN.

What is an ABSN curriculum like? At UIW, the ABSN track students enjoy online learning while gaining vital, hands-on experiences through nursing labs and clinicals. Online courses establish foundational nursing theory. Students build on this foundation and practice new skills in a simulation laboratory before applying them to real patient care during clinical rotations in local San Antonio healthcare facilities.

Upon graduation, students are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN, a nationally recognized nurse licensure exam, and embark on their nursing careers.

uiw student in lecture

How is an ABSN Different from Traditional Programs?

ABSN programs offer the same quality as a traditional BSN program, so what’s the difference? An ABSN program builds on your educational background, so the curriculum can focus primarily on nursing theory.

This is why you must have a bachelor’s degree or at least 60 college credits to meet basic admission requirements for the UIW ABSN track.

A traditional program typically includes two years of general education and two years of nursing theory. Meanwhile, ABSN students complete general education and foundational science courses in their previous undergraduate experience and ABSN prerequisites, allowing them to earn a quality and comprehensive BSN education in less time than a traditional program.

What is the Difference Between ABSN and ADN?

A typical ADN program is two years long, just a few months longer than an ABSN program. So why choose an ABSN over an ADN program? While both programs confer a nursing degree that qualifies you to take the NCLEX-RN, there are distinct differences in the degrees.

An ADN program confers an associate degree in nursing, while an ABSN confers a BSN degree, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. A BSN education is much more comprehensive and deeply explores nursing theory and practice, preparing students for a broader range of complex clinical scenarios.

BSN-prepared nurses are highly sought after by employers because their training yields better patient outcomes.

students in class

Are ABSNs Worth It?

An ABSN is worth it for students who want to change careers. UIW’s ABSN track offers a high-quality accelerated pathway that allows you to earn a BSN in as few as 16 months, so you can quickly enter the nursing workforce with minimal disruption to your life.

You will also be supported through every step of your nursing education. What is ABSN admissions support like? At UIW, our admissions representatives will help guide you and keep you on track throughout the admissions process. Once enrolled, our Academic Success Coaches will support you from the first day of classes to graduation.

2 nursing students working in a lab setting on a manikin

For more information about what life is like in nursing school, here is what to expect in an ABSN track.

Reach out to an Admissions Representative Today

Now that you have clarity in answering the question, “What is an accelerated BSN?” perhaps you’re ready to apply to the UIW ABSN track in San Antonio, Texas. Reach out to one of our admissions representatives today.