ABSN Requirements for Admission
The Northeastern Accelerated BSN program is for second-degree and transfer students. The ABSN blends online coursework and hands-on learning to provide students with the nursing foundation needed for their future careers. The ABSN requirements help ensure all students who enter the ABSN are prepared to meet the academic rigor and program demands.
Our ABSN program near Boston, MA, Providence, RI, and in Charlotte, NC, is open to students with a prior non-nursing bachelor’s degree or transfer students with at least 62 college credits. With three start dates a year in January, May, and September, our ABSN program can help you earn a BSN in as few as 16 months.
Accelerated Nursing School Requirements
- A non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 62 college credits from an accredited institution
- Prerequisite course completion with a “C” grade or higher
- Ability to meet all university technical standards
ABSN Application Requirements
If you meet the ABSN eligibility requirements, you are required to complete the following tasks as part of the admissions process:
- Submit an application through NursingCAS
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Write a goal statement describing your nursing interests and future career plans
- Submit an updated resume
- Submit two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references. Letters of recommendation from family or friends are not accepted. At least one academic reference is preferred.
Required Abilities and Skills for Nursing Students
To succeed in Northeastern’s ABSN program and professional career, we have identified a series of essential technical standards. Before enrollment, you must be able to meet these standards with or without reasonable accommodation. These include abilities such as:
- Cognitive skills
- Communication
- Motor skills
- Use of human senses
International Student Admissions Requirements
If you previously studied outside the United States, you must meet international ABSN requirements before applying to our ABSN program. In addition to the nursing school requirements listed above, you must have:
- Lawful permanent residence in the United States.
- A BS or BA degree or at least 62 non-nursing college credits from an approved learning institution.
- Note: You can use the Degree Equivalency Tool on wes.org to see if your BS or BA degree comes from a learning institution recognized as an acceptable equivalent to a college or university in the United States.
Transcript Evaluation
Before our admissions team can determine eligibility for your degree, you must have a course-by-course transcript evaluation by World Education Services (WES). It’s important to complete this step before speaking at length with an admissions counselor. A credential evaluation helps us better understand your academic achievements and whether you qualify for the ABSN program. Visit wes.org to begin your credential evaluation.
Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL)
If your degree is from an institution outside of the United States where English is not the primary language, you must take the TOEFL and earn a score of 100. The test measures your ability to use and understand English at the university level. Use college code #3629 when taking the TOEFL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Northeastern accept pass/fail grades?
No, Northeastern does not currently accept pass/fail grades.
How recent must my degree be?
There is no recency degree requirement; however, there are recency requirements for prerequisite courses. Please visit the prerequisite page to learn more.
Can I retake core courses to improve my GPA?
Yes, you can retake courses to improve your GPA; however, this can potentially make your application less competitive.
Get Started Today
Learn more about the ABSN requirements and admissions process to begin your path toward a nursing career.