What is an ABSN program? The accelerated BSN, explained
An ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) is a fast-track nursing degree for people who already have a bachelor's degree in another field. ABSN programs take 12 to 18 months, award a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and prepare graduates for the registered nurse (RN) licensing exam.
What does ABSN stand for?
ABSN stands for Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing. You'll also see it called an accelerated BSN, a second-degree nursing program, or a fast-track nursing program. They all mean the same thing.
The "accelerated" part is the key. Because ABSN students already have a bachelor's degree, they've finished their general education. The program skips those courses and focuses only on nursing, which is how it fits a four-year degree into roughly a year and a half.
How ABSN programs work
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), there were 340 accelerated BSN programs in the U.S. in 2025, with more than 29,000 students enrolled. Most share a few traits:
- Length: 12 to 18 months, according to AACN, which counts prerequisites in that range. Most programs want prerequisites finished before you start, so add time for any you still need.
- Pace: Full time, often with no breaks between terms.
- Clinical hours: The same as a traditional BSN, just compressed into less time.
- Format: Some programs are fully on campus. Others put coursework online, with labs and clinical rotations in person. No ABSN can be completed entirely online, because clinical training with real patients has to happen in person.
- Outcome: A BSN degree and eligibility to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), the national exam RNs must pass in every state.
Who is an ABSN program for?
ABSN programs are designed for career changers: adults who already hold a bachelor's or graduate degree in a non-nursing field. Your first degree can be in anything, from business and biology to English and engineering.
AACN describes the typical student as "motivated, older," and academically strong. If you're weighing a move into healthcare, read our guide to nursing as a second career.
ABSN vs BSN vs ADN
The main difference between an ABSN and a BSN is speed, not the degree you earn. Here's how the common paths compare, including an associate degree in nursing (ADN):
| ABSN | Traditional BSN | ADN | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | People with a prior bachelor's | People without a degree | Anyone with a high school diploma |
| Typical length | 12–18 months | About 4 years | About 2–4 years |
| Degree earned | BSN | BSN | Associate degree |
| Licensing exam | NCLEX-RN | NCLEX-RN | NCLEX-RN |
| Pace | Full time, intensive | Standard | Standard or part time |
ABSN vs BSN: You graduate with the same degree and take the same exam. Employers generally rate accelerated BSN graduates as highly as traditional ones.
ABSN vs ADN: An associate degree can be cheaper and more flexible, but it takes longer for someone who already has a bachelor's. Many hospitals also prefer or require a BSN, so ADN nurses often go back to school later.
ABSN vs direct-entry MSN: A direct-entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), also called an entry-level MSN, is another path for degree holders. It takes about 2 to 3 years and ends with a master's degree. AACN counted 104 of these programs in 2025.
ABSN prerequisites
Before you can start an ABSN, you'll need to complete a set of prerequisite courses. They vary by program, but commonly include:
- Anatomy & Physiology I and II
- Microbiology
- General Chemistry
- Statistics
- Human Growth & Development (Lifespan)
- Nutrition
- General Psychology
The fine print matters as much as the list. Programs set different minimum grades, some require labs to be taken in person, and many only accept science courses completed within the last five to ten years. A course that counts at one school can be expired at another.
ABSNcheck shows you where you stand. Enter your courses (or upload your transcript with a paid pass) and see which prerequisites you've met, what's missing, and what's about to expire at each program, with a link to the page each requirement came from.
Are ABSN programs hard to get into?
They can be competitive. AACN notes that programs typically require a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0, along with a thorough screening process. Many also look closely at your prerequisite grades, and some require an entrance exam such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) or the HESI Admission Assessment (HESI A2), while others require none.
Your odds improve when you:
- Apply to several programs instead of one or two.
- Earn strong grades in your science prerequisites.
- Make sure every prerequisite will still count by the program's deadline.
How much does an ABSN cost?
ABSN tuition varies widely. In-state public universities are usually the most affordable, while private universities can cost much more. Fees for labs, uniforms, books, and the NCLEX add to the total.
Because of the full-time pace, also plan for 12 to 18 months of living expenses without regular income. You can compare programs side by side to see their requirements in one place, and open any program for the tuition and fees it publishes.
ABSN salary: what do ABSN graduates earn?
ABSN graduates are registered nurses, so their pay follows RN pay, which varies by state and setting. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary across all registered nurses was $97,550 in May 2025, and RN jobs are projected to grow 6% from 2025 to 2035.
Is an ABSN worth it?
For most career changers who can commit to full-time study, yes. An ABSN is the fastest way to become an RN with a bachelor's degree, it leads to a well-paid career with steady demand, and the BSN keeps the door open to graduate nursing degrees later.
The trade-offs are real, though: an intense schedule, little time to work, and tuition that can be significant. The best way to decide is to find out how close you already are.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an ABSN and a BSN?
Both award the same Bachelor of Science in Nursing. A traditional BSN takes about four years and includes general education. An ABSN takes 12 to 18 months because it's only for people who've already completed a bachelor's degree.
How long are accelerated nursing programs?
Most ABSN programs take 12 to 18 months, according to AACN. The exact length varies by school, so check each program's timeline.
Can you do an ABSN online?
Partly. Many programs put lectures and coursework online, but clinical rotations are always in person, and most labs are too.
Can you work during an ABSN?
Most programs strongly discourage it. AACN notes that students are encouraged not to work because of the program's pace.
Is an ABSN the same as an RN?
Not exactly. An ABSN is the degree. RN (registered nurse) is the license you earn after graduating and passing the NCLEX-RN.
See how your courses compare across ABSN programs
There are more than 300 ABSN programs in the U.S., and each has its own prerequisites. Check your courses and see your results in minutes. It's free for your first three programs.
