Accelerated BSN: Who Should Consider an ABSN?

You've already done the hard work of earning a bachelor's degree. Now you're ready for something more meaningful, more challenging and maybe more in line with who you've become. If nursing has been calling your name, there's a pathway designed specifically for you: the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or ABSN.

If you've been searching for accelerated BSN programs online, you're not alone. A lot of career changers want the flexibility of online coursework paired with the fastest possible path to becoming a registered nurse. Due to the degree requirements, no accredited ABSN program is 100% online. Below, we break down exactly what that means, plus a couple of other paths worth knowing about if a fully online nursing degree is what you're after.

Is There a Fully Online Accelerated BSN Program?

Pre-licensure nursing programs, including ABSN, must meet in-person clinical and simulation hour requirements set by state boards of nursing. That's true industry-wide, not just at Herzing, which is why you won't find an accredited accelerated BSN that skips hybrid learning. Hands-on training in a lab or clinical setting is part of what prepares you to sit for the NCLEX-RN and practice safely as a nurse.

You can take the general education portion of your coursework online. At Herzing, the ABSN option pairs online general education classes with core on-campus nursing courses, simulation labs and clinical training alongside community healthcare partners. That means you can work through a meaningful part of your prerequisite coursework on your own schedule, then bring your full attention to campus for the clinical experience employers expect from a BSN-prepared nurse.

Who Is a Good Fit for the ABSN Program?

The short answer: if you already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field, an accelerated BSN was built with you in mind. Rather than starting over with a four-year traditional program, you build on the education you already have and focus on the nursing coursework that matters most.

According to an American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) fact sheet, students who typically enroll in accelerated BSN programs tend to be motivated, older and have higher academic expectations than those entering traditional programs. That profile fits a lot of career changers.

You might be an ideal candidate if you:

• Already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Are motivated to pursue a meaningful second career in healthcare
• Want to enter the nursing workforce as quickly as possible

Why Do Employers Prefer BSN-Prepared Nurses?

Not all nursing degrees are created equal.

According to a 2023 survey conducted by AACN, nearly 70% of employers prefer BSN-educated nurses, with 25% requiring the degree for new hires.

Earning your BSN doesn't just get you in the door. It positions you for leadership roles, specialty tracks and advanced education down the line.

That's part of why so many career changers choose the ABSN over an associate degree. If you already know nursing is the long-term goal, this path gets you to a BSN directly without an extra degree step in between.

The Herzing University Accelerated BSN Program

Herzing University's Accelerated BSN program is designed with career changers in mind. The program can be completed in 20-24 months and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).^✝ Students must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 2.5 GPA. The curriculum combines online general education courses with intensive on-campus nursing courses and high-fidelity simulation labs.

While you're enrolled, you'll get hands-on training through simulation labs and clinical experience with Herzing's community healthcare partners, alongside instruction from credentialed faculty who bring real-world hospital and patient care experience into the classroom. Some ABSN students also have the option to earn dual credit toward a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), which can be a head start if you eventually want to pursue an advanced practice or leadership track.

If you're ready to fast-track into one of the most in-demand careers in healthcare, explore the Herzing University Accelerated BSN program.

Compare Your Nursing Options at Herzing

• Already a registered nurse with an ASN or a nursing diploma? Herzing's Online RN to BSN program is 100% online with no traditional clinicals and can be completed in as little as 12 months. (Available in select states.)
• Starting from a non-nursing bachelor's degree? The Accelerated BSN covered in this article is built for you and includes the on-campus clinical training required for a first nursing license.
• Already have your BSN or RN and thinking further ahead? Herzing also offers a range of MSN options, including an accelerated RN to MSN pathway for nurses ready to move into advanced practice or nursing leadership.
• An admissions advisor can help you figure out which path fits your background and where you live.