Surveys suggest that about 32% of people will switch careers to an entirely different field at least once, and about 20% of people will work in at least three different fields throughout their working lives.

If you started out in a non-healthcare field but have decided you’d like to switch to nursing, you should know that it’s entirely possible. There are many nontraditional nursing students who have discovered an ABSN, meaning a nontraditional approach to nursing education that doesn’t require spending four years earning a bachelor’s degree.

What’s the difference between an ABSN vs. BSN program, and which is right for you? Before determining which approach to nursing education is your best fit, you’ll need answers to questions such as “What is an ABSN program?” and “Who is eligible for an ABSN program?”

What Is an ABSN Program?

An ABSN program is an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. It allows students with prior non-nursing education to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in far less time than a traditional BSN program. Although each program varies, it’s generally possible to earn a nursing degree in less than two years through an ABSN.

At Felician University, we prioritize flexible education that meets each student’s individual needs. That’s why we offer two separate ABSN program options: our Hybrid ABSN program, which offers online coursework and in-person learning components, and our On-Ground ABSN program, which offers 100% in-person learning for those who prefer face-to-face interaction.

No matter which option you choose, you can enjoy a comprehensive curriculum infused with Franciscan values and earn a BSN in as few as 16 months.

How Is the Accelerated Timeframe Possible?

You may be wondering how it’s possible to earn a nursing degree in as few as 16 months. There are a few reasons for this.

First, the ABSN program eliminates general education courses, focusing entirely on a nursing curriculum. Second, the semesters are completed consecutively, with no summer breaks. Additionally, you can expect an intense pace; an ABSN program could be called a boot camp for nurses.

Despite the accelerated timeframe, an ABSN program delivers the same quality of nursing education as a traditional nursing degree program. ABSN graduates are fully prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam and provide a high level of care to patients.

Understanding the Difference Between ABSN and BSN Programs

Before deciding whether an accelerated BSN vs. a traditional BSN is best for you, you should closely examine the key differences between them. They differ in admission requirements, curriculum, and learning approach, for example.

Admission Requirements

ABSN programs and traditional BSN programs are designed for different types of students, and because of that, they have different admission requirements. Traditional BSN programs are designed for high school graduates, either those who have recently graduated or those who joined the workforce after high school instead of going to college.

While specific admission requirements vary, they generally include a high school diploma or GED and SAT® or ACT® test scores.

In contrast, ABSN programs are designed for students with a completed bachelor’s degree or a minimum number of non-nursing college credits from an accredited institution. Felician University’s ABSN requirements include at least 60 credits or a completed degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.

In addition, ABSN programs require applicants to complete a series of prerequisite courses. These prerequisites provide a strong academic foundation for a nursing education. Schools differ in the number and type of prerequisites, but they generally include classes in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and lifespan development. Note that your prior college education may fulfill some of these prerequisites.

Curriculum

Both an ABSN and a traditional BSN confer a BSN degree. An ABSN curriculum, however, focuses exclusively or almost exclusively on nursing education. In contrast, a BSN curriculum includes general education and nursing courses.

Learning Model

Another difference between an ABSN and BSN is that traditional BSN programs are typically offered 100% in-person. In contrast, many ABSN programs offer online coursework paired with in-person labs and clinical rotations.

Felician University believes in supporting each student however they learn best. That’s why we offer both online coursework and in-person classes, in addition to our required in-person curriculum components.

Is an Accelerated BSN Right for You?

Now that you know the ABSN meaning, you’ll need to decide if an ABSN program is right for you. When weighing your choice of an ABSN vs. BSN, it’s clear that an ABSN offers significant advantages, like the opportunity to graduate faster and join the nursing workforce sooner.

An ABSN isn’t necessarily right for everyone, however. Consider the eligibility requirements and the intensity of the schedule to determine if it’s ideal for you.

Do You Have Prior College Education?

It’s not necessary to have prior nursing college education or healthcare work experience. You do, however, need to have some prior non-nursing college education to be eligible for an ABSN program.

Some nursing schools require a bachelor’s degree, while others, like Felician University, will accept either a bachelor’s degree or a minimum number of college credits. Here, you’ll need at least 60 non-nursing college credits.

Can You Meet the Admission Requirements?

There are other admission requirements to consider. For example, at Felician University, you’ll need a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all undergraduate coursework. You’ll also need two professional or academic references, a resume, and a letter of intent.

Unlike many other ABSN schools, Felician University doesn’t require admission test scores, but you will need to complete prerequisite courses if your prior college education doesn’t fulfill them. These prerequisites include microbiology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and statistics.

Can You Handle an Intense Workload?

An ABSN program requires significant commitment. Reflect on whether you can handle the intense workload. ABSN students often put in more than 40 hours per week on classes, labs, clinicals, studying, and NCLEX prep.

If you have personal responsibilities that take up a great deal of time, you’ll need to consider how you might be able to shift some of that responsibility to your support network while you’re in school.

While Felician’s ABSN program will challenge you, you will be supported throughout your nursing journey. Our faculty is available to answer questions and provide guidance when needed, and you’ll have the support of your cohort as you make this journey together.

Are You Able to Treat Nursing School Like a Full-Time Job?

Since an ABSN program requires a full schedule and a lot of study time, treating it like a full-time job is necessary. You’ll need to have the right mindset to tackle a full-time schedule of classes, assignments, labs, studying, and clinicals.

Remember that nursing school is just one step in the journey. While the schedule is intensive, it’ll be over before you know it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your support system outside nursing school. They can help you balance your obligations and fill in when needed. Strong communication is key when balancing life with nursing school.

Find Your Nursing School Community at Felician University

Felician University invites you to learn more about our Hybrid ABSN and On-Ground ABSN programs in New Jersey. We provide values-based education that emphasizes patient advocacy and nursing leadership. Our comprehensive curriculum and student support services focus on graduating practice-ready future nurses.

Ready to earn your nursing degree in as few as 16 months? Contact our admissions counselors today for the next steps.