Accelerated Nursing Program Overview
Northeastern University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program gives undergrads from a non-nursing background the opportunity to fast-track into the profession. So, whether you have at least 62 non-nursing college credits or hold a bachelor’s degree in advertising, psychology, or anything in between, our ABSN program makes it possible for you to earn a quality BSN degree from a top-ranking university in as few as 16 months.
Our accelerated nursing program prepares skilled, compassionate nurses to provide patient-focused care. Designed with the NCLEX in mind, students complete the program with the confidence needed to pass the NCLEX, earn their nursing license and embark on their healthcare careers.
How Our ABSN Program Works
Our ABSN program offers two paths — second-degree and transfer — that facilitate your progress from fundamental to advanced nursing competence through four full-time semesters via three distinct learning components.
- Online courses teach the fundamentals and theories of the nursing profession, from health assessment to drug therapy to ethical practice.
- Nursing labs teach the safe, effective application of core skills, from wound care to intravenous therapy, within a realistic, risk-free clinical setting.
- Clinical rotations at top healthcare facilities provide hands-on nursing experience in diverse practice areas, from adult care to community health.
Together, these three learning components prepare you to sit for the NCLEX-RN® licensure exam with confidence and enter the workforce as a practice-ready nurse who can:
- Provide competent, compassionate care to diverse patient populations.
- Deliver care that meets the unique faith and cultural needs of patients.
- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes.
- Demonstrate clinical judgment within best evidence-based practice.
- Apply leadership skills in the provision of patient-centered care.
NCLEX-RN Preparation
Every nursing school graduate must take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to legally practice the profession. Our ABSN program not only provides a curriculum relevant to the licensure exam, but it also prepares you to take the test with confidence.
Northeastern provides an excellent education. It definitely prepared me for the NCLEX. I passed in 75 questions,” said ABSN alumnus Stephen W.
Accelerated Nursing Program Advice
As an ABSN student, you can expect to put a lot of time and energy into your studies. Many students think of our ABSN program as a full-time job and will tell you prioritization and planning are crucial to success.
Helpful hints to help see you through the accelerated path to nursing:
- Get to know the expectations of your instructors right away.
- Maintain a regular study routine so you don’t fall behind.
- Study with other students to see if you’re learning a concept properly.
- Look to friends and family members for help and support (e.g., grocery shopping, childcare).
- Find an outlet that helps you relax and unwind from the rigors of nursing school.
Overall, the types of students who tend to be the most successful in our ABSN program are self-motivated and highly organized.
ABSN Program FAQs
As you consider the accelerated nursing program at Northeastern, you may have more questions about how the ABSN works. Below are a few common questions we get about the program at Northeastern.
What are the general admissions requirements for the ABSN program?
Students must have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or a minimum of 62 non-nursing college credits from an accredited institution and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students must also complete any necessary prerequisites with grades of “C” or higher.
When should I apply to the ABSN program?
Our ABSN program offers start dates three times a year: January, May, and September. Applications are usually due two months before classes start.
How many students can the ABSN program accommodate?
Our blended learning model allows us to accommodate higher enrollment capacities than many other nursing programs in your area. We start new cohorts of students in January, May, and September. Clinical groups usually consist of five to eight students per instructor to ensure everyone receives personalized attention.
Are there any financial aid options for the ABSN program?
Our Office of Financial Aid can provide information regarding the funding options available for the program tuition. Our staff is also happy to help you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, the first step in determining federal financial aid eligibility. We also offer scholarships to newly admitted students at our Burlington, Fall River, and Charlotte ABSN locations. Visit our Financial Aid page for more information.
How does the hybrid ABSN work?
The hybrid ABSN program combines flexible online learning with in-person labs and clinicals. Each component builds on the other. Online coursework lays the foundation for nursing labs, where students develop core nursing skills and clinical judgment.
Labs prepare students for clinical rotations, during which they will provide patient care in real healthcare facilities under the close supervision of clinical instructors and preceptors. Upon graduation, students are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN with confidence.
What is experiential learning in a nursing program?
Northeastern’s experiential learning approach enables students to apply the theory and knowledge they’ve gained to practice, helping them become lifelong learners, develop critical thinking skills, and connect with professionals. In the ABSN program, the experiential learning components include skills labs, nursing simulation labs, and clinical placements.
Where do Northeastern ABSN students complete clinical rotations?
Clinical rotations are completed at healthcare facilities local to your ABSN location, in either the greater Boston, Massachusetts; Providence, Rhode Island; or Charlotte, North Carolina, areas.
How does Northeastern ABSN prepare you for the NCLEX-RN?
NCLEX-RN preparation is integrated throughout the ABSN curriculum, so students start preparing for the exam as soon as their first semester. The combination of nursing coursework, nursing lab experiences, and clinical rotations instills in students the confidence they need for exam day.
Where are the ABSN sites located?
Northeastern’s ABSN program has three locations: near Boston, Massachusetts; near Providence, Rhode Island; and in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Who should apply to an ABSN program?
The ABSN program is designed for transfer students and those looking to change careers to nursing. Applicants must hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 62 college credits. Contact an admissions counselor today to request more information. They can help determine your eligibility and walk you through each step of the admissions process.
For More Information
Contact us to learn more about our ABSN program.