As more nurses look to advance, pursuing a Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN) can prove to be a great way to stay ahead of the curve. Connecticut is working toward an 80% BSN workforce, and, according to the American Association of Colleges in Nursing, nearly 79% of all healthcare employers express a strong preference for BSN grads. Still, the idea of spending four years in a program — especially after you’ve already earned a degree in another field — can be daunting.

An accelerated BSN (ABSN) degree is specifically geared towards those who already have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing major from a regionally accredited college or university. This option for fast-track learning can certify you for a career in nursing — without any prior nursing experience — in less than two years’ time! If this path sounds like something that would work for you, read on. Below, we break down the accelerated BSN prerequisites.

Accelerated BSN Admission Requirements

ABSN prerequisites vary by program. Most often, students are required to have a bachelor’s degree (in any field) before applying for admission. Sometimes, nursing schools may require certain prerequisite coursework, grade point average, or transcripts for enrollment.

Admission into the ABSN program at Goodwin University involves a few key steps. First and foremost, you must have completed a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing major, from an accredited college or university. Additional accelerated BSN prerequisites include:

• Apply to the school! Of course, this is the first step in your exciting journey towards becoming a nurse. Applicants to the ABSN program must first meet the prerequisites for school admission and be accepted into Goodwin University.
• Complete the ABSN Program application.
• Take the exam being used for pre-admission. This test is administered off-campus and three times a year, in January, May and September. Students are responsible for paying for the cost of this exam. You can take this pre-entrance exam once per semester for a total of six attempts.
• Earn a GPA of at least 3.0 or higher in your most recent course work (college). Complete Chemistry (CHEM 101) with a minimum grade of “C” before applying.
• Complete two biology courses – BIO 211 and BIO 212, Anatomy and Physiology I and II – with a minimum grade of “C+” or better.

In terms of prerequisite coursework, prospective ABSN students must also complete microbiology before entering the program at Goodwin.

All the above requirements must be completed before enrolling in Nursing 205, which will be the first of your core nursing classes.

It’s important to know, going into the application process, that not all students who meet the accelerated BSN requirements can be accepted into the program, due to the limited number of places available. But if you are a dedicated, driven individual who has good grades and a passion nursing, you have the chance to jumpstart your career in this ABSN program.

Additional ABSN Requirements

Once you’ve been accepted into the school and ABSN program, you’ll need to submit a $500 non-refundable tuition deposit to hold your place. Students also need to obtain their own Malpractice insurance and become members of the National Student Nurse Association (NSNA). Students must also become certified in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) by the American Heart Association or the Red Cross.

You’ll also need to submit a medical exam report by your doctor, which will ensure your own physical and emotional health before beginning this program. And, just like in elementary school, all your immunizations must be up to date, including your annual flu shot. You will also need to submit a background check and drug screening.

The 60-credit program at Goodwin University can be completed in as few as 16 months full time, in an online/on-campus hybrid format. You will learn the skills and gain the knowledge necessary to care for patients on a timeline that works for you.

Nursing students at Goodwin practice a holistic approach to patient care, while working on skills such as:

• Critical and creative thinking
• Ethical decision-making
• Evidence-based practice

Thanks to a fixed tuition model at Goodwin, you will know the total cost of completing your ABSN degree before you begin your classes.

Once you’ve completed your Accelerated BSN prerequisites and earned your degree, you will be ready to sit for the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) to become licensed as an RN. And once you’ve passed this exam, you may begin working as a practicing nurse. If you’d like to advance your education further, you can do so through the Master’s in Nursing degree program at Goodwin University.

Are you interested in learning more about the ABSN program at Goodwin University? Visit us online or contact the Admissions Office at 800-889-3282.