How Northeastern University Prepares You for the Real World

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Since 1898, Northeastern University has been a firm believer in experiential learning, an approach to education that combines thinking (coursework) and doing (real-world application). For students in our four-semester ABSN program, experiential learning means taking nursing theory knowledge and being able to apply it at some of the most prestigious health care facilities in the nation.

how Northeastern University prepares you for the real world

As an ABSN student, your first taste of the real world starts in semester 1. Led by Northeastern University nursing faculty, you and a small group of peers will participate in a clinical that covers the basics of nursing, such as patient charting and nurse station set up.

With each passing semester, your clinical experience will advance as your coursework becomes more complex. By semester 4, you’ll be assisting a preceptor with patient care. Each of our six ABSN clinicals comprises 72 hours of unprecedented real-world experience, encompassing everything from adult care to public health.

By the time you graduate from the Accelerated BSN program at Northeastern University, your extensive clinical practice will leave you feeling confident and prepared to take the NCLEX-RN® licensure exam and enter the workforce. Furthermore, you’ll have a better understanding of what area of nursing best suits your personality and future career goals.

Jeff Keating

“By choosing Northeastern for my nursing degree, I was able to work with some of the best health care professionals and innovations in the industry.”

―Jeff K., ABSN Alumni

Clinical Concierge

During the ABSN program, you’ll work with a program manager who will arrange the time and place of your clinical rotations. While he/she will try to accommodate your preferences, there is no guarantee as to the schedule and location of your clinicals. What we can tell you, however, is that each clinical practice day is six hours long and occurs in shifts of 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Also the gatekeeper of your clinical clearance, the program manager works to ensure you’ve met the background check, drug screening and immunization requirements.

Informal Interviews

Clinicals are a great way to improve your self-confidence in terms of applying your nursing skills and building relationships with medical staff. You might even want to think of clinicals as informal interviews. After all, you’ll be working with some of the best health care teams in the area—individuals who can give you a heads up on career opportunities or serve as a professional reference.

Carol Femia

“Many of our students get hired right from their public health clinicals.”

―Carol Femia, ABSN Clinical Instructor, Northeastern University

Clinical Partners

Given our strong health care partnerships with top facilities throughout the Boston and Charlotte areas, it doesn’t matter if you apply to our ABSN program in Massachusetts or North Carolina—your clinical experience will be like no other. And, while we can’t guarantee where your clinical practice will take place, here is a list of some of our health care partners.

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC)

As one of the nation’s most dignified academic medical centers, BIDMC in Boston serves patients in a wide variety of areas, from cardiology to gastrointestinal to cancer care. It holds 651 licensed beds for medical/surgical, critical care and OB/GYN patients.

Boston Children’s Hospital

One of the largest pediatric medical centers in the United States, Boston Children’s Hospital BHC provides a full range of health care services to patients up to 21 years of age. U.S. News & World Report ranks the hospital among the best in the nation for clinical specialties that include cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology and urology.

Boston Medical Center

With over one million patient visits a year, Boston Medical Center focuses on more than 70 medical specialties and subspecialties. The physicians here are leaders in their respective fields, having access to the most advanced medical technology and skilled nursing staff around.

Massachusetts General Hospital

Consistently ranked as one of the top three hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Massachusetts General Hospital is a 999-bed medical center known for delivering advanced, compassionate care and pushing the boundaries of medicine.

Carolinas HealthCare System

Among the most comprehensive, nonprofit health care systems in the country and one of the leading providers of patient care in the Southeast, Carolinas HealthCare System has nearly 12 million patient interactions per year and more than 7,600 licensed beds.

Novant Health

Committed to delivering a remarkable health care experience for individuals and families alike, Novant Health in North Carolina is an integrated system of physician practices, hospital systems, outpatient centers and more.

Get Prepared

As you can see, experiential learning plays a vital role in education at Northeastern University. So, if you’re ready to pursue a nursing degree that prepares you for a successful future, speak with an admissions counselor in Boston or Charlotte today!

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Northeastern University ABSN program guide