Accelerated Nursing Program Overview
If you have the drive and passion to become a nurse, the accelerated nursing program at Marian University might be your path to this high-demand profession. Our CCNE-accredited ABSN program allows qualified applicants to earn a quality Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in as few as 16 months of professional nursing study.
Program Highlights:
- Earn your BSN in as few as 16 months
- CCNE-accredited nursing program
- Start dates in January, May, and August.
- Prepare to sit for the NCLEX-RN®
- Hands-on clinical rotations at top healthcare facilities
- Site locations in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Nashville, Tennessee.
Whether you have a previous non-nursing bachelor’s degree or a required number of college credits, our accelerated nursing program for non-nurses builds on your previous education. You can begin professional nursing study on the first day of class and clinical rotations starting your first semester.
Acceptance into our BSN program (regardless of admissions path) depends on your successful completion of several nursing courses. ABSN students must complete prerequisite courses, which we offer online through Marian University Online. Transfer students who meet admissions criteria must take courses to earn an Associate of Science in Health Sciences (ASHS) degree. Upon completion of this degree, students will be considered to have completed prerequisites and will be able to enter the accelerated nursing program.
How the ABSN Program Works
As an accelerated nursing student at Marian University, you’ll work through a rigorous BSN degree curriculum within four, full-time semesters over 16 months. Our accelerated nursing program curriculum is comprised of:
- Online coursework, to teach the fundamentals of nursing on an asynchronous basis.
- Nursing skills and simulation labs, helping students practice and develop their skills and clinical judgment in a risk-free environment.
- Clinical rotations, where you will gain hands-on nursing experience as a student with real patients at top healthcare facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I apply to the ABSN program?
There are a multitude of prerequisites and requirements before you can apply to the ABSN program. However, the four key steps to the admissions process include: 1. Talking to an admissions advisor 2. Completing a preliminary review 3. Submitting your ABSN application 4. Completing the prerequisites.
How often can I expect to be in labs?
When it comes time to participate in nursing labs, you can expect to be at our program site at least two days a week.
When will I complete clinical rotations?
While specific locations and scheduling of each clinical rotation will vary, you can expect to begin your clinical practice hours during your first semester and continue throughout the accelerated nursing program.
Can I work while attending an accelerated nursing program?
The Leighton School of Nursing advises that ABSN students focus solely on their education given the time and commitment required to complete the accelerated nursing program successfully.
Due to the intensity of this accelerated learning format, it’s best to view your nursing education as a full-time job. Upon your successful completion of our ABSN program, you’ll be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and pursue a rewarding nursing career with confidence.
Who should consider an online-based ABSN program?
An online-based ABSN program may be a good fit for motivated career changers who already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or eligible non-nursing college credits and want to transition into nursing quickly. Marian’s ABSN program has second-degree and transfer admissions paths, with prerequisite and GPA requirements students must meet before enrollment.
How does Marian University’s online-based ABSN program work?
Our ABSN program combines online-based nursing coursework, in-person nursing skills and simulation labs, and clinical rotations. Students complete a full-time, accelerated BSN curriculum while building foundational nursing knowledge online, practicing skills in labs, and gaining real patient care experience through clinical rotations.
Are ABSN classes 100% online or hybrid?
Our ABSN program is hybrid. Coursework is online, but students must also complete in-person nursing skills labs, simulation labs and clinical rotations. Marian notes that students who do not live near one of its learning sites should plan to relocate for the required in-person components.
Do I need healthcare experience to apply?
Healthcare experience is not a requirement for Marian’s ABSN program. Applicants must meet the program’s academic requirements, which may include a prior non-nursing bachelor’s degree or eligible transfer pathway, prerequisite coursework, GPA standards, and a completed application. An admissions advisor can help prospective students review their eligibility.
How many start dates are available each year?
Marian’s ABSN program offers three start dates per year in January, May and August. Prospective students should connect with an admissions advisor to review eligibility, prerequisite completion, and application timing for the next available start.
How long does the ABSN program take to complete?
Our ABSN program can be completed in as few as 16 months. Students work through the accelerated BSN curriculum over four full-time semesters, combining online coursework with hands-on labs and clinical rotations.
Ready to set your nursing education in motion?
Learn more about what it takes to be eligible to become an accelerated nursing student.