How Fast Can I Become a Nurse with an ABSN Program?

Most ABSN programs take between 12 and 18 months to complete. After graduation, you can take the NCLEX-RN, which is required to become a licensed registered nurse. ABSN programs are much faster than a traditional four-year undergraduate degree because they focus exclusively on nursing coursework, along with labs and clinical training. They do not include the general education courses standard to traditional undergraduate degree programs.

Marian’s ABSN program features a 16-month curriculum. For many students, the speed of our program is one of the biggest benefits we offer. The faster pace allows you to study for a new career without dedicating years on end to traditional undergraduate study.

This does not mean the program is easy. Being an ABSN student is a full-time commitment between studying, completing assignments, and participating in labs and clinicals. In fact, most students do not work due to the demanding nature of ABSN programs.

How Marian University’s ABSN Program Works

Designed for second-degree and transfer track students, Marian’s ABSN curriculum blends coursework with in-person learning and allows students to gain a thorough understanding of nursing theory and practice. Students will be qualified to immediately enter professional nursing roles after graduating and attaining licensure.

How exactly does Marian ABSN work? Let’s look at what you may experience as a student, from contacting an admissions advisor to graduation.

Prerequisites and Application

When you speak with a Marian ABSN admissions advisor, they will work with you to learn your motivation for nursing and see whether you can meet the admissions requirements of the program.

Transfer students must have:

• Completed at least 30 non-nursing college credits
• Maintained a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
• Completed all required prerequisite courses with a letter grade of C or higher

Please note that the transfer track is only applicable to students who have enrolled in Marian’s Associate of Science in Health Sciences (ASHS) degree pathway. This is because of the intensive nature of the program. Students need to take multiple foundational science and math courses to make sure they won’t be left behind once enrolled as ABSN students.

ABSN second-degree students must have:

• Earned a previous baccalaureate or graduate degree from an accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of 2.80 or higher.
• Completed all required prerequisite courses with a letter grade of C or higher
• Completed any science courses or transfer equivalents within seven years of admission

All Marian ABSN students must successfully complete several prerequisite courses prior to enrollment to make sure students have the foundational science and math knowledge to keep up with the intensive 16-month curriculum.

Your admissions advisor will work with you to ensure all your materials are in order and offer support as you work through your application submission. Upon acceptance, you will start on one of three annual start dates.

Online-Based Coursework

One of the most flexible aspects of Marian ABSN is our online-based coursework. Delivered through an e-learning platform, online coursework allows you to learn nursing theory and gain knowledge through a format that works for your schedule. You will need to meet all assignment deadlines, but having the ability to set your own daily study schedule is incredibly valuable.

Nursing theory coursework involves interactive learning activities meant to simulate real-world healthcare situations. Outside of coursework, you will:

• Read materials and access lectures
• Take nursing quizzes
• Speak with fellow cohort members through discussion forums
• Chat with instructors

With a dedicated mindset and commitment to self-driven study, you can develop nursing knowledge to apply toward labs and clinical rotations.

In-Person Nursing Simulation and Skills Labs

Regardless of program location or transfer status, Marian ABSN students will need to live or relocate close enough to complete in-person nursing simulation labs and skills labs. These labs, led and guided by faculty members, build on the nursing knowledge you gain through coursework and continue to prepare you for in-hospital clinical rotations.

Nursing simulation labs try to closely replicate real patient care scenarios. Students apply their knowledge to lifelike medical manikins that replicate a range of symptoms, with main components of:

• Preparation for a given clinical scenario
• Completing the simulation under instructor supervision
• A debrief and analysis session after the simulation concludes

Nursing skills labs are focused more on the foundational nursing skills that you will need daily as a practicing nurse. You will continue to work with medical manikins as you insert IVs, treat simulated wounds, and monitor and interpret vital signs. With the practice you get through labs, you will feel more comfortable and confident during clinical rotations.

Clinical Rotations at Top Area Healthcare Facilities

Clinical rotations are an essential element of Marian ABSN’s curriculum, giving you firsthand access and experience in treating patients at top area healthcare facilities. Marian ABSN students in Indianapolis can complete their in-hospital clinical education at Ascension St. Vincent. Nashville students will attend clinical rotations at Ascension St. Thomas.

You will treat patients while learning from experienced nurses and other members of the patient care team. Clinicals are where you will apply your knowledge from coursework and labs, learning the ins and outs of nursing practice and gaining experience across several practice areas. Listening and learning during clinicals is essential, as is gaining a feeling for the type of nursing environment you most want to work in.

Take the NCLEX-RN and Earn Nursing Licensure 

After working hard and graduating, you must sit for the NCLEX-RN. This examination determines whether you are prepared for entry-level nursing practice. The Marian ABSN curriculum is built to equip students for the NCLEX-RN, and fellow cohort members will often form study groups to prepare.

Upon passing the NCLEX-RN, you can gain licensure and begin your nursing career much faster than if you had enrolled in a traditional four-year program.

Get on the Fast Track to Becoming a Nurse with Marian ABSN

You want to know how to become a nurse fast? After learning more about ABSN programs and what Marian’s can offer, you can enroll and prepare to enter a thriving career field with good prospects. If you want a high-quality nursing education in 16 months, contact us today and start the conversation with an admissions advisor.