17 Best Accelerated BSN Programs for Non-nurses (Online & Offline)

The demand for registered nurses is on the rise, with more patients needing the life-saving care that nurses provide, which means there’s never been a better time to pursue your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that employment of registered nurses will grow to 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. Which is about 193,100 openings for registered nurses each year, on average, over the decade.

You see, there has never been a better time to become a nurse, and if you have gotten a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing program, it even makes your journey faster.

There are lots of accelerated BSN programs for non-nurses in the United States and with the proper steps, you can choose the best nursing degree for you. 

Moreover, you can still decide to know if nursing is the right program for you by enrolling in some of these free online nursing classes, there are even some of these free online classes in Australia for nurses that you can take advantage of.

These ABSNs condense the typical BSN curriculum into 12-18 months, propelling you toward your RN licensure and nursing career. Let’s get started with the programs.

accelerated BSN programs for non-nurses

Accelerated BSN Programs for Non-nurses

Remember, an accelerated BSN program is an intense journey. So, you should be prepared for a rigorous academic schedule, demanding clinical rotations, and other aspects. But, the reward is undeniable.

1. Grand Canyon University

  • Duration: 16 months
  • Delivery Mode: Hybrid
  • Location: 3300 West Camelback Road – Phoenix, AZ 85017

Grand Canyon University designed its program so that you can easily transition into the nursing profession. The best part is they are regarded as the best nursing college out of seven in Arizona for 2023.

The program is designed for individuals who have a non-nursing college education and are interested in pursuing a career in nursing. They also provide a hybrid learning model to boost easy, convenient, and flexible learning.

Visit School

2. Elmhurst University – Online Accelerated Nursing Programs

  • Duration: 16 months
  • Delivery Mode: Hybrid
  • Location: 190 S Prospect Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126

This is among the accelerated BSN programs for non-nurses that will help reduce the gap for the growing need for registered nurses in your community. The program will provide you with 600+ clinical and lab hours.

Elmhurst University is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a leading Midwest university.

Visit School

3. Herzing University

  • Delivery Mode: On-campus
  • Location: 275 W. Wisconsin Ave., Ste. 210, Milwaukee, WI 53203

Not only does Herzing Univesity provide an ABSN program to non-nurses but they also accept up to 90 approved credits. Though it’s an accelerated program, Herzing University provides a rigorous clinical training experience with its community healthcare partners.

Moreover, according to the 2022 Herzing Graduate Survey, their graduates had a 90% satisfaction rate. You can even decide to potentially earn an MSN in as few as 20 months (without first earning a BSN).

Visit School

4. California State University

  • Duration: 15 months
  • Learning Mode: Hybrid
  • Location: 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032

This is one of the online accelerated BSN programs for non-nurses California that provides approximately 53 semester units of study in both didactic and clinical coursework over 15 months of study. When you complete the program you’ll be awarded a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Cal State LA.

Visit School

5. Averett University

  • Duration: 16 months
  • Delivery Mode: Hybrid
  • Location: 6320 N. Center Drive, Building 15, Second Floor, Norfolk, VA 23502

This accelerated BSN program builds on your existing education to prepare you to provide compassionate and evidence-based care. Students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees are welcomed, as well as applicants with at least 60 non-nursing credits. 

Actually, it’s the only ABSN program in Virginia that offers alternatives to a bachelor’s degree to qualify for admission.

Visit School

6. Thomas Edison State University

  • Duration: 15 months
  • Delivery Mode: Hybrid
  • Location: 111 W. STATE ST. TRENTON, NJ 08608

This 60-credit full-time nursing program comprises of:

  • 26 credits of online courses
  • 34 credits of hybrid courses that include a variety of clinical experiences

The program will prepare you for the National Council Licensure Exam for RNs (NCLEX-RN). Due to the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing’s ABSN’s excellence, their graduates consistently score above state and national averages in NCLEX-RN pass rates.

Visit School

7. Mennonite College of Nursing, Illinois

  • Duration: 15 months
  • Delivery Mode: On-Campus

This is one of the accelerated BSN programs for non-nurses Illinois that welcomes both current undergraduate students interested in a fifth-year second bachelor’s in nursing or a returning student seeking to reignite their passion for nursing. Also with just 1 application, you’ll be considered for over 100 of the private scholarships you’re eligible for.

Visit School

8. Marian University

  • Duration: 16 months
  • Delivery Mode: Hybrid
  • Locations: 
    • 9002 Purdue Road, Suite 400, Indianapolis, IN 46268
    • Marian University-Main Campus: 3200 Cold Spring Rd, Indianapolis, IN 4622
    • 4220 Harding Road, S&E Building, Ste. 500, Nashville, TN 37205
    • 3817 Northwest Expressway, Suite 450, Oklahoma City, OK 73112

This ABSN program for non-nurses builds on your previous education regardless of your previous degree. You can begin professional nursing study on the first day of class and clinical rotations starting your first semester.

Also with their different locations, you can partake in your on-site training at whichever location is close to you.

Visit School

9. University of the Incarnate Word

  • Duration: 16 months
  • Delivery Mode: Hybrid
  • Location: 7330 San Pedro Avenue, 8th Floor, San Antonio, TX 78216

UIW’s Accelerated BSN is basically for individuals who have at least a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 non-nursing college credits from an accredited institution.

Visit School

10. Concordia’s ABSN Program

  • Duration: 15 months
  • Delivery Mode: Hybrid
  • Location: 12800 N Lake Shore Dr, Mequon, WI 53097

Concordia’s ABSN program gives you the privilege to complete a 63-credit program within 15 months (3 semesters). Almost all their theory clinical courses will be taken online, whereas their lab practice is of course done in person at the Mequon campus.
Regarding their payment, Concordia University provides a payment plan that will help you to break tuition into automatic monthly payments. There are also scholarships and aid available for qualifying students

Visit School

11. Purdue University Northwest

  • Duration: 4 semesters
  • Location: 
    • Westville Campus: 1401 S. U.S. 421, Westville, IN 46391
    • Hammond Campus: 2200 169th Street, Hammond, IN 46323

This is among the ABSN programs for non-nurses designed specifically for full-time, academically talented students who are motivated to earn a BSN degree in nursing in a shortened time frame.

From day 1 at Purdue University Northwest you’ll begin with nursing courses and begin clinical practicum experiences your very first semester.

Visit School

12.  Georgian Court University

  • Duration: 14 months
  • Delivery Mode: Hybrid
  • Location: 900 Lakewood Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701

first of all, GCU is regarded as a place students proudly call their second home, and their decade-long partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest health provider, offers a tremendous advantage for their nursing students.

GCU has a low student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1 with a 92% NCLEX Pass Rate.

Visit School

13. Union University

  • Duration: 15 months
  • Delivery Mode: Hybrid
  • Location: Jackson, Germantown (Memphis) and Hendersonville (Nashville)

This accelerated BSN program features extensive clinical rotations that will give you the experience and skills to provide safe, effective patient care. Whether you are a non-nurse who has a bachelor’s degree in another field, or a non-nurse who is at least 24 years old and has completed general education requirements (but did not previously complete a bachelor’s degree).

Visit School

14. Misericordia University’s Accelerated BSN

  • Duration: 16 months
  • Delivery Mode: Hybrid
  • Location: 1000 GSK Drive, Coraopolis, PA 15108

This program was built upon the University’s tradition of serving the community for more than 90 years. The program combines online coursework, onsite skills labs, and clinical rotations at top area hospitals and clinical agencies. One of the best parts is that students who enroll in the Misericordia ABSN program early will automatically receive a $10,000 scholarship upon admission.

Visit School

15. Harding ABSN Program

  • Duration: 16 months
  • Delivery Mode: Hybrid
  • Location: 901 S 52nd St., Rogers, AR 72758

Harding’s Carr College of Nursing is regarded as Arkansas’s No. 1 nursing program. Their curriculum involves a comprehensive hybrid ABSN learning model that consists of three stages — online, hands-on labs, and clinical experience.

Visit School

16. Mercy College of Ohio

  • Delivery Mode: Hybrid
  • Duration: 4 consecutive semesters

ABSN at Mercy College was created for non-nurses with a bachelor’s degree looking to become a nurse quickly. Within just 4 semesters, you can earn your BSN and be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) and upon successful completion to practice as a registered nurse (RN).

Visit School

17. University of St. Thomas, Houston

  • Duration: 12 months
  • Delivery Mode: Hybrid
  • Location:
    • The Woodlands: 121 Vision Park Blvd, Suite 300, Shenandoah, TX 77384
    • Sugar Land: 14090 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77478

The University of St. Thomas welcomes you whether you have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field or at least 60 college credits, and they take you through the process of becoming a Registered Nurse within just 12 months.

Visit School

Key Takeaway

There you have it! It’s worth noting that though this path is fast the journey will be demanding, requiring dedication and time management. Besides, there is a nursing shortage across the globe which opens doors for career advancement and job security.

So, you should be embarking on this accelerated BSN adventure if you have the passion to help others with the resilience to thrive in a fast-paced setting.

Author’s Recommendations