The 10 Best Online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degrees: 2021 List
Nursing is one of the few occupations that will always have a global demand and appeal. It doesn’t matter if you’re in the United States, United Kingdom, or any other part of the world. Getting an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) will allow you to reach your career goals within 11 to 18 months.
BSN degrees are incredibly competitive. You must have prior college experience and a minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0, depending on the program. These programs require a significant weekly time commitment since it compresses four- to five-year programs into one year. This is your complete guide to picking the best online ABSN degrees.
Top 10 Online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degrees of 2021 Quick Facts
What factors should you consider when you’re picking an ABSN program? First off, you need to consider the school. It has to be an accredited program in the school, and the school has to have a good reputation. You also need to consider the cost, admission requirements, and most importantly, the curriculum.
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The table below shows the ten best online BSN programs. The tuition listed for each school comes directly from the school’s official website.
| School | Degree | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| East Carolina University | Registered Nurse (RN) to BSN | $5,495 |
| Florida International University | RN to BSN | $228.81 per credit |
| Marian University | Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) | $865 per credit |
| Northeastern University | ABSN | $1,186 per credit |
| Purdue University | RN to ABSN | $2,500 per term |
| Roseman University | ABSN | $55,350 |
| University of Wisconsin Oshkosh | ABSN | $41,500 |
| University of Central Florida | ABSN | $212.28 per credit |
| University of Texas, Arlington | ABSN | $17,850 |
| Western Carolina University | RN to BSN | $3,500 |
Benefits of an Online Accelerated BSN
Getting an ABSN at an online college will allow you to make significant career advancements in less than half the regular BSN time. Since you can get these degrees online, you will enjoy flexibility and control over the learning process. You can opt for self-paced learning in most schools, making it easier for you to study from anywhere.
Another benefit of an ABSN is the cost. A traditional BSN program typically costs more than an online BSN. You will also save money that would have been spent on housing and commuting. Below is a summary of the main benefits.
- Fast-paced learning allows you to reach your career goals more quickly.
- You can learn from anywhere and at any time.
- You will most likely spend less than you would for a regular on-site BSN.
The Top 10 Online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degrees of 2021
It’s not enough to find a random accelerated nursing degree online to further your education. You must make sure that the relevant bodies accredit the degree. In the United States, the two most recognized bodies for the accreditation of BSN programs are the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Higher Learning Commission.
Most of these schools do more than provide students with education. They also offer quality career services and allow students to tap into a vast network of professionals in the industry. These BSNs are internationally recognized, and you can use them to apply for an accelerated master’s degree.
East Carolina University | RN to BSN
Located in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University (ECU) offers one of the best online accelerated degrees in nursing. The College of Nursing at ECU offers three accelerated programs, but the best of the trio is the RN to BSN. The program, designed for students who already have an Associate Degree or Diploma in Nursing, runs for 16 months.
ECU is the first public university in East Carolina to host a completely accredited nursing simulation program. The entire program is hosted online, and it is a combination of instructor-led and self-paced classes. You will spend about $5,495 on tuition, and there are scholarships available to eligible students.
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Higher Learning Commission
Florida International University | RN to BSN
This university allows students with associate degrees, and who are already licensed as registered nurses in the US, to advance to a one-year BSN. You must have a cumulative grade point of 2.75 and at least 60 lower-division credits that are transferable.
Florida International University (FIU) emphasizes evidence-based practice. It also prepares students for management positions in the global health sector. The coursework is rich and moves beyond professional nursing. It also covers the pharmacology and pathophysiology foundations of nursing. You will pay about $228.81 per credit to enroll.
The unique curriculum is not the only noteworthy aspect of the program. Students have access to several resources, and they are invited to visit the world-class facility when they want.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Marian University | Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
In just 16 months, you can earn your ABSN from Marian University. This school stands out because it offers students a clinical learning experience thanks to partnerships with reputable hospitals in the state. This allows students to get hands-on experience under supervision from licensed health practitioners.
Located in Oldenburg, IN, this school offers a hybrid learning experience that prepares students with no prior knowledge of nursing to take the licensing exam. You must have a GPA of at least 3.0 and a non-nursing bachelor’s degree from an accredited university to apply for the program. You will need to pay about $865 per credit.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Northeastern University | Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
This Boston-based school offers a 16-month accelerated learning program for people with associate nursing degrees (RN to BSN) and those with non-nursing degrees. This program combines online coursework with a practical learning experience. Northeastern University has a reputation as one of the best schools to gain an ABSN.
For the ABSN program, you will need to pass the NCLEX-RN to graduate. You will also need a BA or BS in another discipline and a 3.0 GPA to qualify for the ABSN program. The cost per credit is $1,186, but there are financing options available to ease the burden.
Accreditation
New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Purdue University | RN to ABSN
This university is located in West Lafayette, IN, and the accelerated nursing degree is part of Purdue’s global online program. It runs for about 18 months in 10-week terms, and it is divided into standard and advanced programs.
The advanced program, ExcelTrack™, is one of the most flexible accelerated programs in the industry. Students are allowed to learn with individualized study plans and skip courses they already know. However, you must demonstrate strong learning skills to be accepted. Instructor-led classes are also available.
The program teaches students everything they need to know about holistic nursing, palliative care, and transcultural nursing. It is designed to ease the transition from RN to BSN as smoothly and quickly as possible. You must have an Associate Degree or Diploma in Nursing to qualify for any of the tracks.
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Higher Learning Commission
Roseman University | Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Roseman University might not be the most affordable school for fast-paced degrees, but it is one of the best. The program runs for 18 months, and it is suitable for people who have a BS or BA in another discipline and want to repurpose their degree.
In keeping with other online schools, Roseman University offers a blended learning experience. Clinical rotations and lab assignments are held in some of the most prestigious institutions in the state.
You need about 60 undergraduate credits and a minimum GPA of 2.7 to apply for the program. The program is one of the few that allows students with bachelor’s degrees from other countries to apply, as long as a third-party agency evaluates it. The tuition is $55,350 for the entire program.
Accreditation
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Higher Learning Commission
Utah State Board of Nursing
Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Nevada Commission on Postsecondary Education
Nevada State Board of Nursing
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh | Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
This university has an incredible ASBN 12-month program. Since 2003 when the program was founded, it has offered degree holders a chance to switch careers without starting afresh. Keep in mind that the curriculum is not self-paced, and you will be required to devote eight to 12 hours daily on coursework.
You will need a 2.5 GPA from your previous degree to qualify. However, students with a minimum of 3.25 GPA are more likely to be considered for admission. Some other criteria will increase your chances of getting admitted, but there are no guarantees.
While the tuition is $41,500, this includes an NCLEX-RN prep course, a laptop, and course software. You can start the program after making an initial deposit of $5,000.
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Higher Learning Commission
University of Central Florida | ASN to BSN
The College of Nursing at the University of Central Florida has several accelerated programs. One of the best programs offered is the ASN to BSN. It allows a student with an Associate Degree in Nursing to upgrade to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. However, you must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and no criminal record to be considered.
The self-paced and flexible 16-month program means you will have complete control over the learning process. You can also specialize in some of the most common in-demand forms of nursing. The tuition is $212.28 per credit.
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Higher Learning Commission
University of Texas, Arlington | Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
You can become a nurse in just 15 months if you enroll in this program. Students get a good blend of theory and practice. So, you will end up with a well-rounded understanding of different aspects of nursing. Students who graduate from this program are known to excel in their NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) and get high-paying jobs almost right after.
You will spend only $17,850 on tuition for the entire program, but you can pay $350 per credit if you just want to take a few classes. You need a GPA of at least 3.0 to get into the program. For the BS in nursing, you must complete highly competitive coursework.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Western Carolina University | RN to BSN
This university is known to be among the most affordable schools for an ABSN. The entire program costs just $3,500. You need to have an Associate Degree or Diploma in Nursing to qualify for this program.
The program runs for four semesters, and all of the lectures are online. You will only have to be physically present during lab work and clinical rotations at their assigned locations.
The goal of Western Carolina University’s curriculum is to give nurses the knowledge and skills they need to advance in their careers. Curriculum content is updated regularly to meet the ever-changing demands within the healthcare industry. To be accepted, your cumulative GPA from your previous education should not be lower than 2.5.
Accreditation
North Carolina Board of Nursing
Higher Learning Commission
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
What Are the Prerequisites for an Online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree?
Each program has its unique requirements. However, you cannot apply for an accelerated nursing degree straight out of high school. You need to attend a tertiary institution. Students who don’t have any nursing experience must have a bachelor’s degree in any other field.
If you’re already in the field, you will need a Diploma or an Associate Degree in Nursing to apply for an ABSN. There are assessments and pre-course requirements for the program. You may also need to be a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or be licensed as a practical nurse (LPN) to get into the registered nurse (RN) to ABSN programs.
Online Accelerated BSN vs Traditional BSN
The primary difference between the accelerated BSN and the traditional version is the timeline. You can earn your ABSN in just 12 to 24 months, but you need a minimum of four years for the traditional BSN.
Accelerated programs run all year long with minimal holidays between sessions. The weekly and daily time commitments are also tight. This is because you will need to cover topics that others have four years to learn in a seriously condensed time frame.
In most cases, online accelerated programs are more affordable than four-year BSN programs. Apart from the tuition cost, you don’t need to spend on room and board and learning materials are usually digital.
Choosing the Right Online Accelerated BSN
How do you determine which online ABSN program is right for you? Some key factors you should consider when choosing a program and a school are accreditation, curriculum, and clinical rotation options. The program that offers the best blend of these three should be your first choice.
Accreditation
The biggest mistake you could make is to attend an online nursing school that isn’t accredited by the relevant bodies on a state and federal level. If the school isn’t accredited, you will be unable to sit the licensing exam, and the time and finances you spent would be for nothing.
The two most popular accreditations for ABSN schools in the United States are awarded by the Higher Learning Commission and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Curriculum
Look for a program with an extensive curriculum covering everything you need to know about nursing, not just one or two courses. Your chances of getting a job would be higher in this case. You will have more options, and you will be able to specialize in the topics that interest you most.
Clinical Rotations
The best online ABSN programs come with clinical rotation as part of the learning experience. While the coursework’s theoretical part is covered online, you gain hands-on experience by working with a licensed practitioner. Find out where your clinical rotations take place. If this essential part of the degree is not available, look for another school.
What Can You Do with an Online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing?
With an ABSN, you can work as a health educator, nurse manager, public health nurse, or clinical nurse director. Other roles you will be qualified for include critical care nurse, pediatric nurse, or quality coordinator. You can also work as a medical health service manager, ER nurse leader, or even an ICU nurse.
Keep in mind that you can do all the same jobs as someone who gains a traditional BSN. Both pave the way for an Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) for those who choose to further their education.
How Much Can I Expect to Earn with a BSN?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses earn salaries of $75,330 on average, but the earnings change according to job title, years of experience, and the organization. Those who work with the government earn a median salary of $84,490, and salaries can reach $116,230 or higher.
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Top 10 Online BSN Careers
Is an Online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Worth It in 2021?
Yes, an online ABSN is worth it in 2021. Anyone who wants to take advantage of the rising demand for nurses or advance their career in the industry should give it a shot. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there will be a seven percent rise in the demand for nurses by 2029.
It’s not going to be an easy task. You will need to be self-driven and totally focused if you are to keep up with the program. It isn’t less valuable than a traditional BSN program, and you will earn as much as anyone who goes through the four-year program.
