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Accelerated BSN
Program Option - Orlando

Nursing as a second career IS possible with Herzing University's 20-24 month ABSN program option in Orlando, Florida. Get your degree and a fresh start.

Program Length

20-24 Mo.

Credits

120

Format

On-campus

Dual Credit

MSN
calendar

NEXT START September 3rd

Waived Enrollment Fee

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Quick facts about the Accelerated BSN Option in Orlando

AccreditationCCNE accredited,1 Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Program lengthAs few as 20 months; students who need to complete science prerequisites may require 24 months2
Transfer creditUp to 90 approved credits
FormatCore nursing classes at our campus in Orlando, Florida + online
BenefitsExperience high-fidelity simulation to enhance learning opportunities; rigorous clinical training experience with our community healthcare partners; learn from credentialed faculty with real-world hospital and patient care experience
QuickPathsEarn dual credit towards a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN); transfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University

Learn More Today!

Classes start: September 3rd

A second home near you

Join a vibrant class of students and faculty eager to help you find your way to a new career path.

Herzing University Orlando Campus

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1865 SR 436
Winter Park, FL 32792

Accelerated BSN Program Option - Orlando, FL

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) option is a 120-credit undergraduate program which prepares you for a career as a registered nurse. The Orlando campus degree program provides students with a non-nursing bachelor's or master's degree with fundamental knowledge and skills in pathophysiology and pharmacology, health assessment, mental health nursing, family nursing, community nursing, nursing management, and much more.

Nursing Students

  • Career-focused curriculum

    Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.

  • Flexible schedule

    We work hard to help you maintain school-life balance, striving to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.

  • Virtual services

    Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.

  • Lifelong support

    We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.

  • Rolling admissions

    No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.

Curriculum

Orlando ABSN program option classes and course schedule

Herzing University’s Orlando ABSN program option is an accredited 120-credit second degree nursing program for students who already have a bachelor’s or master's degree in another area of study.

Earn credits towards your master's degree - dual credit option. The accelerated BSN curriculum includes courses that will count towards one of our Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) online programs. This is a dual credit option that will save you time and money if you choose to pursue the next level of education in nursing.

ProgramMonths iCredits
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - Accelerated BSN Option20120

i. As few as 20 months. Students who need to complete science prerequisites may require 24 months to complete the program.

Required Courses in Nursing

All courses, 54.00 semester credit hours, are required.

This course focuses on the basic understanding of pathophysiology related to human illness with an emphasis placed on cellular alterations in organ systems as they relate to selected disease states. Opportunities will be presented that provide for the use of critical thinking processes to analyze diverse patient presentations of selected illness for symptomatology, pathophysiology, and health care implications.

This course focuses on the concept of health assessment as the foundational step of the nursing process. Knowledge and skills necessary for the performance of comprehensive and focused health assessments will be presented. Interviewing, observation, inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation skills will be examined. Normal findings, variations from normal, cultural differences and appropriate equipment use will be considered.

This course provides students with opportunities to learn and develop basic competencies necessary to facilitate the optimal well-being of the patient within the healthcare setting in a safe, legal, and ethical manner. Focus is placed on the nursing process, health promotion, disease prevention, professional communication and interdisciplinary collaboration within the context of meeting basic patient needs in a healthcare environment.  Throughout the course, students demonstrate competence of fundamental principles of nursing practice which are validated through clinical skill performance assessments. 

This course is designed to further develop and apply concepts related to the nursing process of acute and chronically ill patients. Teamwork and collaboration are introduced to enhance safe and quality nursing care in a variety of clinical settings.  Classroom and clinical experiences integrate the concepts of caring, collaboration, communication, cultural sensitivity, community and clinical judgment to facilitate the wellbeing of individuals and prepare the student as a provider of care. In the clinical setting, students will care for patients with select medical and/or surgical problems in various settings, state knowledge of pathophysiology and psychosocial dynamics, apply the nursing process, utilize information technology, interact with other health care professionals, and practice clinical decision making and critical inquiry while caring for culturally diverse, ill adults.

This course introduces the student to the role of pharmacotherapeutic agents in the treatment of illness and in the promotion of wellness in patients throughout the lifespan. These concepts provide the basis for the study of drug actions, indications, side effects, nursing implications, and patient education.

This course focuses on the role of the nurse in caring for patients with alterations in mental health. Focus is placed on the nursing process framework with emphasis on assessment, therapeutic communication, neurobiological and psychosocial theories, pharmacology, and current practices related to the care of the mentally ill. Interventions focus on aspects of care to include professional communication, patient and family teaching, review of community resources, and practical application in various clinical settings.

This course introduces the student to family-centered care and the health needs of the childbearing family. Students review concepts, skills, and techniques needed to care for culturally diverse maternal, infant, and pediatric patients and their families. The nursing process is utilized to emphasize the concepts of family-centered care, collaboration, communication, cultural competence, and community.  The clinical experiences focus on concepts and skills required to provide safe and evidence-based care in a variety of clinical settings.

This course expands on previous nursing knowledge and skills to provide care to patients that have complex health alterations in a variety of clinical settings.  Students will explore the concepts of professionalism, collaboration, communication, and cultural competency within the context of illness and their role as provider of care, educator, and patient advocate. In the clinical setting, students will care for selected patients in various settings, applying knowledge of pathophysiology and psychosocial dynamics for patients with medical and/or surgical problems.

This comprehensive course expands on previously acquired knowledge and skills necessary to manage and plan care for complex patients.  Focused on nursing care of complex patients, families, and groups in unstable situations with unpredictable outcomes. The course focuses on nursing practice that facilitates the wellbeing of individuals within the context of critical or complex illness and continues in preparing the student as a provider of care.  In the clinical setting, students care for selected patients in various settings, integrating knowledge of pathophysiology and psychosocial dynamics for patients with acute or complex medical and/or surgical problems.

This course focuses on the role and competencies of the nurse in the community setting, to promote whole-person health.  The principles of professional nursing care are applied to culturally diverse individuals, families, and groups and are integrated throughout the health-illness continuum. In the clinical setting, students care for selected patients in various community-based settings, integrating knowledge of epidemiology and factors that influence population health.

This course provides a clinical practicum for the application of concepts learned throughout the program. Evidence-based practice, critical thinking, teaching/learning, professional behaviors, communication, collaboration, managing care, management/leadership, skills/technology, and professional development are embodied and exhibited. The clinical component is situated in either a precepted or advanced practicum setting.

This course provides the student with the opportunity to evaluate his/her strengths and weaknesses in preparation for the NCLEX-RN® exam. Utilization of the nursing process and integration of all previous concepts will be emphasized through the use of case studies, integrated testing, and directed study.

Required Dual Credit Graduate Courses

All courses, 12.00 semester credit hours, are required. Undergraduate students in the Accelerated BSN program will be assigned to take 12.00 semester credit hours of graduate courses. Students may request to take the corresponding undergraduate course if desired. See Academic Information for full requirements under title Earning Graduate Credits as an Undergraduate Student. 

This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to guide students in evaluating healthcare policy issues that impact decision making and outcomes in healthcare. Students will explore healthcare delivery systems and analyze issues which impact the delivery of healthcare and nursing at global, national, and state levels of government. Students will analyze the development, formulation, and implementation of policies and related economic issues that can influence healthcare practice today. In addition, the course includes topics such as the relationship between healthcare providers and patients, insurance policies, quality management, legislative liability issues, ethical decision making, and other policy issues.

Building on foundational knowledge of statistical/bio-statistical concepts from prior education, the aim of the course is to foster the development of practice scholarship competencies. This graduate-level course integrates advanced concepts in nursing theory, research methods, and epidemiology to provide a comprehensive understanding of evidence-based practice in nursing. The course emphasizes the critical evaluation and application of theoretical frameworks in nursing, the evaluation of research findings for application to practice, and the analysis of epidemiological data as a basis for informing healthcare practice and policy.

This course will explore information and communication technologies and informatics processes used to provide care, gather data, drive decision making, and manage and improve the delivery of safe, high‐quality, and efficient healthcare services in accordance with best practice and professional and regulatory standards. Students will perform an information technology analysis of their practice and develop strategic planning to direct the selection and implementation of new information and communication technologies for their practice setting.

This course applies the principals of best practices, change theory, and improvement and implementation science to the development of innovative solutions for complex health systems to ensure optimal care. Course key concepts include organizational structure, including relationships among macro‐, meso‐, and microsystems across healthcare, and financial and payment models for cost management and reimbursement. Students will engage in a strategic planning initiative for a complex healthcare system which enhances value, access, quality, and cost‐effectiveness, including policy to address health equity and eliminate structural discrimination.

Transfer Credits for General Education and Open Electives

Students enrolling in the Accelerated BSN program will receive block transfer credit for coursework completed in their previous degree. A minimum of 35.00 semester credit hours of general education and open elective credits will be awarded from a previously earned bachelor's degree. Additional transfer credits may be considered for the programmatic support and non-clinical nursing courses on a course-by-course basis.

Additional Required Courses in General Education

Students enrolled in the Accelerated BSN program must complete a minimum of 19.00 semester credit hours in general education distributed among the following disciplines. The Herzing University General Education offerings are listed below. 16.00 Semester Credit Hours in Science SC 154 Anatomy and Physiology I for Nurses Semester Credit Hours: 4.00 SC 254 Anatomy and Physiology II for Nurses Semester Credit Hours: 4.00 SC 150 Principles of Nutrition Semester Credit Hours: 2.00 SC 166 Microbiology Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 SC 186 Chemistry Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Mathematics MA 320 Statistics Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 Note: Transfer students may transfer courses that are within 1.00 semester credit hour of the courses listed above to meet these discipline requirements. Science courses being transferred in from other institutions must meet the nursing program science requirements.

Special General Education Grading Requirements for Nursing Support Courses

The following science courses must be completed with a grade of "B" (80%) or better. Only two attempts are permitted for each course and a student who fails to successfully complete in the maximum attempts is subject to dismissal from the nursing program. SC 154 Anatomy and Physiology I for Nurses Semester Credit Hours: 4.00 SC 254 Anatomy and Physiology II for Nurses Semester Credit Hours: 4.00 The following general education courses must be completed with a grade of "C" (70%) or better for a student to continue in the nursing program. SC 150 Principles of Nutrition Semester Credit Hours: 2.00 SC 166 Microbiology Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 SC 186 Chemistry Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 MA 320 Statistics Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 A student who is dropped from the nursing program for failing to achieve the minimum grade specified in the courses listed above, but who otherwise meets the academic standards of the University may transfer to another Herzing degree program and/or may appeal to reapply to the BSN nursing program in a future semester. Resuming students should refer to the section on re-entering for additional requirements.

Distribution of Contact Hours by Course

Distribution of Contact Hours by Course Course Lecture Hours Lab Hours Clinical Hours Total Contact Hours Credits Block Transfer Credit 525.00 0.00 0.00 525.00 35.00 HA 610 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 MA 320 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 NSG 120 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 NSG 121 30.00 30.00 0.00 60.00 3.00 NSG 122 45.00 30.00 45.00 120.00 5.00 NSG 123 45.00 0.00 135.00 180.00 6.00 NSG 124 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 NSG 221 45.00 0.00 45.00 90.00 4.00 NSG 222 60.00 0.00 90.00 150.00 6.00 NSG 223 60.00 0.00 90.00 150.00 6.00 NSG 233 45.00 30.00 45.00 120.00 5.00 NSG 323 60.00 0.00 45.00 105.00 5.00 NSG 425 30.00 0.00 135.00 165.00 5.00 NSG 426 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 NU 602 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 NU 725 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 NU 730 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 SC 150 30.00 0.00 0.00 30.00 2.00 SC 154 45.00 30.00 0.00 75.00 4.00 SC 166 30.00 30.00 0.00 60.00 3.00 SC 186 30.00 30.00 0.00 60.00 3.00 SC 254 45.00 30.00 0.00 75.00 4.00 Totals 1485.00 210.00 630.00 2325.00 120.00

Requirements

Enrollment requirements

To be considered for admission into the Accelerated BSN program in Orlando, you must:

  • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent (Diploma, HSED or GED)
  • Have earned a bachelor's degree from a postsecondary institution that is accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or from a foreign college or university recognized as equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree 

You must also meet the following criteria based on your cumulative GPA:

Cumulative GPAiScience RequirementTEASii
3.50–4.00NoneNone
3.00–3.493.00 GPA in college scienceiiiNone
2.50 and higherNoneComposite TEAS of 66

i. Cumulative GPA may be calculated from all credits earned, including those in addition to the earned bachelor's degree.

ii. The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) from the Assessment Technology Institute (ATI).

iii. Based on your cumulative GPA in these college science courses: Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Biology, Chemistry, and Microbiology. Two of these courses must be used to calculate science GPA. Any of these courses completed must be included in the calculation, and no others. If you do not meet this requirement, you must score a composite score of 66 or higher on the TEAS. A grade of "B" or better must be earned for transfer credit to be awarded for Anatomy & Physiology, regardless of whether it was included in the calculation.

Classes Start: September 3rd

Waived Enrollment Fee

Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.

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Megan earned a second degree and found her calling

This has been a dream come true—to finally find a career choice that actually taps into what I'm really passionate about.

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Careers

Find your calling as a registered nurse

Two Herzing University students in blue scrub jackets pose for a selfie, smiling and wearing ID badges, with a bright office background. Image
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You can explore many different career opportunities as a BSN-prepared RN.

While earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can expand your duties to advanced practice across many specialties, you can also pursue different specialty roles with a BSN, including pediatrics, neonatal/NICU, oncology, neuroscience, Operating Room (OR)/surgical, and much more.

With enough experience you may consider advancing to roles in nursing education or nursing leadership. Keep in mind degree requirements may vary, including an MSN or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

We offer degree pathways to help you reach as high as you want to climb in the field of nursing.

Salary and job outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is expected to rise 6% from 2023-2033, and their average salary is $98,430 per year ($47.32 per hour).*

Now is a great time to begin earning the education you need to find a great job in healthcare, build a foundation for career growth and make an impact in your community.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Didn't find the answer to your question? Send us an inquiry and we will be happy to answer all your questions!

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If you’re considering a second career as a nurse but concerned about the workload in an accelerated program, there are several other paths you can take:

  1. You can first become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). In 1 year you can earn a diploma in Practical Nursing and become an LPN. From there you can determine if you want to become a registered nurse.
  2. Get an associate’s degree and become an RN. You can earn your associate degree in nursing and become a registered nurse in 20-24 months—this is the quickest way to become an RN outside of an accelerated program. You can choose an on-campus program or our online associate in nursing (ASN) program.
  3. A traditional BSN program. Enroll in our 3-year bachelor’s of science in nursing program, earn your degree and become a highly qualified registered nurse. You can choose an on-campus program or our online BSN program.

It’s our goal to help you succeed in your second career. We’ll work with you to determine the best fit.

You can expect fast-paced learning with no traditional breaks over the course of the program.

Surviving nursing school takes hard work and commitment. However, starting a new career is never easy—and a demanding profession requires demanding training.

It’s a challenge just like any other bachelor’s degree program – but compressed into a shorter window it can feel much more demanding. Rest assured you’ll have strong support every step of the way from Herzing faculty, staff and your fellow students to ensure you remain on track.

Our requirements for the accelerated BSN nursing program option are higher given the rigorous nature of the coursework and how fast it moves.

Herzing University’s goal is to help you find a path to a new career in nursing. If you’re worried a low GPA will keep you from being able to enroll, please get in touch with us and schedule an appointment with an admissions advisor. We may be able to work out a better solution for you.

Yes! If you’re fully committed to a new career in nursing, an accelerated BSN program is the fast track to earning your degree and getting a job with high earning potential as soon as possible.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for registered nurses is $98,430 per year ($47.32 per hour)*. Nurses with a bachelor’s degree tend to fall on the upper side of that average due to their advanced education and their qualification to help hospitals earn Magnet Recognition.

The BLS projects a 6% increase in need for registered nurses from 2023-2033.* RNs are in demand, and earning a BSN can help your resume stand out and give you a better chance of getting the job you really want.

With Herzing University you are never alone. It’s our goal to provide all students an affordable, career-driven education. Financial aid options include:

You can find an estimate for tuition and expenses by using the Herzing University tuition wizard.

If you’re considering a second career and want to go from non-nurse to nurse practitioner, degree pathways with Herzing University include:

Option 1:

  1. Earn your BSN in an accelerated BSN nursing program in as few as 20 months (24 months for most students).
  2. Earn your master's degree through our online MSN FNP program in 20 months.

Our accelerated BSN program is available in Minneapolis, MN, Clarksville, TN, Nashville, TN, Orlando, FL, Tampa, FL and 3 locations in Wisconsin (Kenosha, Brookfield and Madison).

Option 2:

  1. Earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in 20 months by enrolling in our online MSN Direct Entry program
  2. Earn a post master’s FNP certificate in 16-20 months

Our ASN program is available in Akron, OH, Birmingham, AL, Clarksville, TN, Nashville, TN, Orlando, FL, and Tampa, FL. You may also elect to earn your BSN on the way by enrolling in our online RN to BSN program. Non-nurses who want to become an NP must first earn an undergraduate nursing degree before applying for an MSN program.

These are average estimates for full-time enrollment and can vary for each student. Fully commit to starting your second career and Herzing University can help you become eligible to sit for the FNP certification exam in 3-4 years to become a certified family nurse practitioner in your state.

There are many different nursing specialties to choose from. Depending on your personality, educational background and preferred working environment you can follow your own personalized path in the nursing profession.

Here are a few popular nursing specialties you may consider:

You can take our nursing personality quiz to get a better idea of what you might prefer in your nursing career.

Herzing University has no requirement for how much you can or can’t work during nursing school. Many ABSN program students work part-time while pursuing their ABSN coursework and clinicals. However, we recommend prioritizing your education as much as you can afford. The accelerated BSN program is very demanding and our priority is for you is to be successful.

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The Student Experience at Herzing

The accelerated program is condensed but I knew if I could get through all of that, I would be able to handle anything my career threw at me. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to save lives by providing patient care right there at the bedside.

Jordan Sharon
Nursing Student | Orlando Campus

Herzing would be the only school I would recommend to those making a career change, as I believe that they are the only school with realistic admissions requirements and a quality curriculum.

Bradley Fisher
Nursing Student | Brookfield/Milwaukee Campus

I like to try new things and you get a lot of control and flexibility through travel nursing. I didn’t expect to love it so much, but as long as I’m taking care of people, I’m happy. It doesn’t matter where it is.

Vanessa Maybin
Nursing Student | Orlando Campus
Disclosures

Accreditations & Disclosures

1. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Herzing University Orlando is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

2. Students who need to complete science prerequisites may require 24 months to complete the program.

Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

View Herzing University Accreditation and Approvals

* BLS pay estimates calculate the median annual wage for various occupations. Per the BLS the median wage for an occupation is: "The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount, and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey." Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2024. BLS median wage estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geographic market in which you want to work, and degree level and field, will affect career outcomes, including starting salary and earnings as an experienced employee. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the median salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, particular wage or salary, or other career growth.

Classes Start: September 3rd

Waived Enrollment Fee

Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.

Request Info Apply Now