Accelerated Nursing Program FAQs
If you haven’t noticed, there is a lot of information surrounding our second-degree accelerated nursing program in Indianapolis, Nashville, and Oklahoma City. Therefore, we thought it would be helpful to provide you with the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

1. When do classes start for the ABSN program?
We offer three ABSN program starts a year per learning site, in January, May, and August.
2. What is an online-based Accelerated BSN program?
Our online-based ABSN program takes a blended approach to an accelerated nursing education.
The 16-month program follows a rigorous, effective sequence of online nursing theory coursework, hands-on skills practice and proctored exams at our ABSN program site, and diverse clinical experiences at Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis, Ascension Saint Thomas in Nashville, or various top healthcare facilities in Oklahoma City, depending on which learning site you choose.
3. What qualifications do I need to get into accelerated nursing school?
You must have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 2.8 If this requirement is not met, we still encourage your application. You must also complete several science and humanities prerequisite courses within the specified requirements.
If you are a student seeking contingent admission, you must have a cumulative 2.8 GPA in your prior bachelor’s degree. If this requirement is not met, we still encourage your application.
4. How will I know if I have to complete prerequisites?
Before starting the ABSN program, you must complete or show previous completion of seven prerequisite courses within our specified grade requirements. You will need to speak to your admissions advisor to see if you have any applicable credits from your past academic experience.
5. How much time can I expect to be in labs?
You can expect to be at our program site at least two days a week when it comes time to participate in labs.
6. 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 ABSN program.
7. Can I work while attending accelerated nursing school?
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.
8. Why are NCLEX pass rates important?
Every nursing school graduate must take and pass the NCLEX exam to earn RN licensure, which is one of the requirements for joining the nursing workforce. BSN programs with high NCLEX pass rates demonstrate a commitment to both student success and the nursing profession. Our Leighton School of Nursing consistently yields high BSN NCLEX pass rates for first-time test takers.
Are there any scholarship opportunities available for Marian ABSN students?
Students who enroll in the Oklahoma City Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Marian University in 2023 will receive a $10,000 scholarship upon admission.
If you did not find the answer to your question here, please contact us at 866.892.6463 or complete our online form.

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