
What ABSN Requirements are there?
If you’re holding a bachelor's degree and contemplating a career in nursing, an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program merits your consideration. We're sharing the practicalities of this accelerated nursing program and addressing questions we typically hear related to the ABSN here at MGH Institute of Health Professions. Our school was originally founded as a nursing school - Boston Training School for Nurses - back in 1873 as part of Mass General Hospital.
What is an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) Degree?
The ABSN program is a condensed, intensive curriculum tailored for individuals already possessing a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field. The efficiency of an accelerated RN program lies in leveraging your prior education, providing a focused and accelerated path to becoming a registered nurse. Faculty prepare you for licensure (NCLEX) throughout the program.
How Long Does an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Take to Earn?
Unlike traditional four-year nursing programs, the ABSN is designed for speed. Most accelerated RN programs can be completed in 12 to 18 months, enabling a swift transition from your current career to the nursing profession. Starting in January 2024, students entering our ABSN program will complete their studies in 12 months. We’re maintaining our rigorous curriculum in a shorter time by incorporating recommendations from the seminal Future of Nursing Report and other statements that call for a better way to educate nurses, with an intentional focus on person-centered care with a health equity lens.
What Do You Learn in an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Program?
- Foundations of Nursing Practice:
- Basics of patient care, nursing ethics, and effective communication in healthcare settings.
- The nurse’s role in prevention and care of acute and chronic problems of diverse individuals and populations. Learn to apply the frameworks of the nursing process, social determinants of health, and clinical judgment to plan, implement, and evaluate outcomes of person-centered nursing care for adult and aging individuals.
- Clinical Skills and Simulation:
- Gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations and simulation exercises, preparing you for real-world scenarios. At MGH Institute of Health Professions, you’ll be taught by expert faculty, most of whom continue to practice clinically as registered nurses and NPs.
- Health Assessment and Pathophysiology:
- In-depth understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and the ability to assess patient health conditions.
- Pharmacology:
- Study medications, their effects, and safe medication administration practices.
- Gain an advanced understanding and application of the actions, effects, side effects, drug interactions and nursing responsibilities of drug therapy for common acute and chronic medical conditions. Disease prevention, treatment, and patient response to pharmacologic modalities will be explored using clinical judgment.
- Community and Public Health:
- Explore nursing roles beyond hospitals, focusing on community health initiatives and caring for diverse patient populations.
- Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice:
- Develop critical analysis skills, incorporating evidence-based practices into nursing care.
- Bio-behavioral, cultural, developmental, and psycho-social factors influencing the health and well-being of children and families across diverse populations are examined in the context of wellness and illness.
What Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Requirements Are There?
Bachelor's Degree in Another Field:
Admission requires a completed bachelor's degree in any discipline.
Prerequisite Courses:
Some ABSN programs may require specific science courses (biology, chemistry, or anatomy) as prerequisites. At MGH IHP, we require 6 specific prerequisites, completed with a minimum letter grade of C+ or higher and within the last seven years.
Competitive GPA:
A competitive GPA from your previous bachelor's degree is often necessary. At MGH IHP, an overall baccalaureate grade point average above 2.70 or above or overall graduate grade point average 3.30 or above is required.
Letters of Recommendation:
Submission of letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources.
Interview:
Many accelerated nursing degree programs conduct interviews to assess motivation and commitment to nursing.
Why Get an Accelerated Bachelor's in Nursing over a Four-Year Degree?
Time Efficiency:
The ABSN program expedites your entry into the workforce, allowing you to start your nursing career sooner than traditional BSN programs.
Utilizing Previous Education:
Capitalize on your existing educational foundation, making the transition into nursing more targeted and efficient.
Career Changer Friendly:
Ideal for those seeking a career change, the ABSN program accommodates individuals with diverse educational backgrounds.
High Demand for Nurses:
This accelerated nursing degree positions you to meet the persistent demand for qualified nurses, opening opportunities in a rapidly growing field.
Expanded Career Opportunities:
Holding a BSN opens doors to a broader range of nursing positions, including leadership and specialized roles.
If you're thinking of a move into nursing, an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program offers an efficient and direct route. It equips you with essential nursing skills and positions to contribute meaningfully to the evolving healthcare space. The rigorous pace requires dedication, but academic support coaches can also play a pivotal role in student success. At the IHP, our support coaches are in place to help you succeed and hone specific skills like organization, prioritization, time & stress management and proficiency in the Nursing Process - a problem-solving method used by nurses to care for patients.