Exploring ABSN Programs

If you are considering a second career, you are not alone. More than half of workers surveyed by FlexJobs in 2023 were planning to quit (or had already quit) their jobs in search of something better. Fortunately, there is a career path that offers flexibility, a multitude of advancement opportunities, and a deep sense of meaning: nursing.

For 22 consecutive years, nursing has been recognized as America’s most trusted profession, according to Gallup. Nursing is the “hidden gem” of professions, offering flexibility, financial security, variety, and purpose. Among entry-level nursing roles, registered nurses (RNs) in particular are distinguished for their broader scope of practice and greater autonomy, both of which lead to higher job satisfaction. While certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) typically undergo shorter training programs before entering the workforce, RNs benefit from higher earning potential and more diverse career opportunities.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2023, RNs collect a median pay of $86,070 a year, significantly above the industry average. Furthermore, the job market for nurses is expected to grow by at least 6% over the next decade, with the national demand for nurses even surpassing these projections.

Most importantly, nursing offers a profound sense of purpose and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. As a nurse, you care for patients and their families. You are their guide through the healing process and there is nothing more empowering than helping others in their greatest hour of need.

If all of this resonates, nursing may be an ideal second career. The next step to transition from a non-nursing profession to a fulfilling career as an RN is to obtain licensure.

Degree Program	Requirements	Pros	Cons
Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN)	High school diploma	Less time in school, earlier entry into the workforce	Fewer job opportunities, lower earning potential
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)	High school diploma	More job opportunities, higher earning potential	More time spent in school, slower pace, slower entry into the workforce
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)	Bachelor’s degree	Less time in school, higher earning potential, more job opportunities	Rigorous pace
Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)	Bachelor’s degree	Higher earning potential, ability to pursue leadership roles	Longer course of study, higher program costs, less clinical focus

Quick entry into the nursing field

An ABSN provides the same level of nursing education as a traditional BSN at an accelerated pace. You enter the workforce as a registered nurse in a shorter time frame, especially when compared to a typical four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing. By streamlining the education process, you can begin your career and start earning sooner.

Pursuing an accelerated program also enables you to start making a difference earlier. An ABSN can help you answer the call to care and find more personal satisfaction — often in 18 months or less.

Career opportunities

With the current nursing shortage, ABSN graduates have access to a wide range of job opportunities in the healthcare industry. In addition to bedside nursing, which offers a wide range of specialties like pediatrics, critical care, oncology, and surgery, there are also non-bedside roles including research, leadership, and public health. As the demand for healthcare services continues to rise, aspiring nurses can step into critical roles where their skills and compassion are greatly needed.

An additional benefit to ABSN is that many hospitals and healthcare organizations require nurses to hold a BSN. While an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) may be sufficient for some positions, a growing number of medical organizations prefer or require nurses with a BSN or higher.

Cost

ABSN program tuition can vary significantly in price based on a variety of factors including whether the school is private or public, the duration of the program, and the program quality contribute to this wide range. Most schools have scholarships and financial aid packages to help mitigate costs, but be sure to weigh the price with the overall value of the program. Some programs can offer significantly more opportunities relative to your investment.

Ask About: Are there any additional program fees? What scholarships and financial aid are available?

Modality

The structure and setting of your ABSN program greatly contribute to your education outcomes. In an online ABSN program with in-person clinicals, much of your coursework may be completed online, offering some flexibility and independence in your study schedules. Students still attend in-person clinical placements to gain practical experience in real healthcare settings.

Conversely, a fully in-person ABSN program involves attending all classes and clinical experiences in an on-campus setting, providing immediate interaction with instructors and classmates and offering an immersive educational experience.

Cohort-based program models provide a structured learning environment, where students progress through the program alongside the same group of peers, fostering a sense of community and collaboration while learning in both online and in-person settings. Most nursing programs plan for students to follow the same sequence of courses with a common cohort. Many students find they form lasting bonds with their nursing classmates.

Ask About: How much hands-on time do students receive? Is the program cohort-based? Does the program offer online courses? How does the program foster community?

Clinical experiences

It is essential to consider an ABSN program’s clinical experiences before enrolling. Clinical experiences play a pivotal role in nursing education by honing hands-on skills essential for the profession. Prospective nurses sometimes underestimate the importance of clinical experiences and how significantly they can vary from one program to another. These experiences are fundamental in bridging the gap between theory and practice, enhancing a nurse's ability to make decisions. Exposure to a variety of clinical situations boosts professional growth, confidence, and adaptability, which are crucial as nurses begin their careers.

Not all clinical experiences are the same and negative experiences can impact your learning. Look for programs where the curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application in a quality facility. Ensure your practical experiences take place in a setting that values students and the learning experience. In doing so, you can confirm the program has supportive mentors and instructors to provide individualized guidance and supervision during your clinical journey.

Ask About: Where do clinical placements happen? Am I responsible for organizing my own placements? What do rotations look like? Are there strong mentors available to me?

Duration

ABSN programs are often the fastest way to become an RN. When evaluating ABSN program duration, it’s important to consider the factors that influence the length of the program. While ABSN programs for non-nurses can vary in duration, lasting anywhere from 11 to 24 months, the fastest program might not always be the best option. A month’s difference may drastically impact the intensity of the program, the quality and diversity of clinical experiences, the learning environment, and the overall cost.

Ask About: What am I gaining or losing in exchange for the duration of this program? What does the overall schedule look like?

NCLEX-RN pass rate

The NCLEX is the National Council Licensure Examination, a standardized test for for graduates of accredited nursing programs seeking licensure in the United States. It assesses the knowledge and skills of nursing candidates to determine if they are safe to practice. Programs that offer comprehensive NCLEX-RN preparation can increase your chances of success on the exam. In your search, pay attention to the NCLEX pass rate. That number indicates how many nurse candidates successfully pass the licensure exam speaking to a program’s ability to prepare students.

Ask About: What is this program’s NCLEX pass rate? Does this ABSN offer sufficient NCLEX preparation?

Accreditation

Ensure that the ABSN program you are considering is accredited by a recognized accrediting body, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accreditation ensures that the program meets certain quality standards.

Ask About: Does this program have the appropriate accreditation for my career?

Prerequisites

ABSN programs generally require the completion of specific prerequisite courses, such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and psychology. These requirements vary by school, so it is important to review the program's prerequisites and ensure you have completed or plan to complete them before applying.

Some ABSN programs offer prerequisite courses on campus or online, while others partner with community colleges to provide online coursework completion options. Another option to consider is enrolling in a post-baccalaureate program that offers a pre-nursing curriculum designed for students who have completed a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field.

For a more cost-effective option, you might consider taking community college courses as a non-degree-seeking student, which can be more affordable and flexible. Additionally, explore private scholarships, federal or state grants, and student loans to help finance your prerequisite coursework.

ABSN tuition

Given the wide range of costs and intense nature of accelerated BSN degrees, it can be challenging to find the right financial support to fund your education.

Working while pursuing your degree to help offset the cost of ABSN tuition is feasible, but requires careful management of your work commitments alongside the rigorous demands of the program. Consider part-time or flexible job opportunities that allow you to balance a manageable workload with your academic responsibilities. Additionally, some employers offer tuition reimbursement or education assistance programs that can provide valuable financial support.

When seeking scholarship and financial aid opportunities, start by exploring options specific to nursing education, like scholarships offered by professional nursing organizations, foundations, and healthcare institutions. Utilize scholarship databases and online resources designed for nursing students, which feature a wide variety of scholarship opportunities based on academic achievement, financial need, diversity, and specific areas of interest within nursing.

Intensity

ABSN programs condense a traditional nursing degree into a shorter time frame, resulting in a demanding and academically rigorous experience. It is essential to develop strong time management skills and an effective study routine in advance.

Here are a few tips for developing effective time management skills:

Create a Schedule: Integrate planning into your weekly routine by blocking out dedicated time for studying, clinical placements, work commitments, and personal activities. Ensure you include regular breaks to avoid burnout and maintain a balanced approach.
Prioritize Tasks: Prioritizing tasks efficiently is a valuable skill for any nurse. Develop a task list organized by deadlines and importance, and aim to check off each item in a methodical and timely manner, similar to how a practicing nurse would approach their responsibilities.
Minimize Distractions: To optimize your study sessions and boost your productivity, try to reduce distractions like social media, texts, and phone calls while you're focusing on your studies. Setting up a study space that is free from interruptions can help create a conducive environment for learning.
Take Care of Yourself: Self-care is vital, especially when navigating the challenges of an ABSN program. Allocate time for activities that support your well-being, such as getting adequate rest, eating nutritious foods, staying physically active, and engaging in social interactions. Prioritizing these aspects can help manage stress and support your overall health.

Clinical experiences in leading academic health care facilities

Distinguished and experienced instructors

Cutting-edge academic resources

Conditional offer of employment on admission from Cooper University Health Care*

1-on-1 support

These elements are integrated to help students master both the art and science of nursing. The program is specifically designed for compassionate individuals who seek hands-on experience in diverse clinical settings as they embark on their nursing careers.

In collaboration with TESU on the core curriculum for online courses and Cooper University Health Care for intensive clinical training at a Level I Trauma Center, we are advancing a new era of immersive nursing education.

Students enrolled in this program will have the opportunity to integrate with health care teams during their training, fostering a strong sense of belonging and confidence. The program features a rigorous 15-month curriculum, combining online classroom instruction with practical clinical experiences.

By transforming nursing education, we aim to deliver effective accelerated training for non-nurses to address the pressing nursing shortage and enhance patient care.

Becoming a Nurse:

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