Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)

Smiling York College Accelerated BSN student faces another student to practice gathering vitals in a hospital simulation lab

Program Type

B.S.N.

Est. Time to Complete

17 Months

School

Dr. Donald E. and Lois J. Myers School of Nursing and Health Professions

Delivery Mode

On Campus

Second degree nursing student at York College takes blood pressure during a hands on nursing lab session

Advance your nursing career

York College of Pennsylvania's Thornton Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (A.B.S.N.) degree program offers a fast track to an advanced nursing career. If you have a bachelor's degree in another field or significant college coursework, you can earn baccalaureate-level nursing credentials in as little as 17 months.

Our program prepares future nurses to provide evidence-based care. Students learn from active professionals, utilize strong clinical partnerships, and practice in state-of-the-art simulation labs.

About the Accelerated Nursing, BSN

Program Curriculum

YCP's accelerated B.S.N. program offers a rigorous curriculum and hands-on clinical experiences essential for success in this high-demand field. Our faculty integrates the latest practices into the nursing curriculum, ensuring students grasp foundational aspects of the profession and acquire specialized skills. Simulation experiences are included in every course.

Curriculum includes:

  • Institutional course requirements
  • Didactic (theory) courses
  • Specialized simulated and clinical training in specific patient populations or medical conditions
  • Clinical rotations and practicums

Admission Requirements

The accelerated B.S.N. (A.B.S.N.) is for students who already have a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field or at least 65 college credits and the necessary prerequisite courses.

To be considered for the A.B.S.N. program, you’ll need a minimum 3.0 GPA in previous coursework and completion of required science and other prerequisite courses. Application requirements for the York A.B.S.N. include two professional references, a resume, a personal essay (with a prompt), and official college transcripts.

View complete A.B.S.N. admissions information.

Salary and Outcomes

Registered nurses with bachelor’s degrees earn $93,600 per year on average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing opens doors for both new and experienced nurses. Our accelerated nursing program ensures students are prepared to pursue Registered Nurse (R.N.) certification or other advanced credentials after graduation, entering the workforce, or both.

Students pursuing a second bachelor’s degree in nursing will learn the specialized skills they need to seek careers across the profession, including:

  • Registered Nurse (R.N.)
  • Cardiac Nurse
  • Critical Care Nurse
  • ER Nurse
  • Geriatric Nurse
  • Pediatric Nurse
  • Travel Nurse

Advanced Career Preparation

York College’s accelerated nursing curriculum builds on the unique educational background and career experience of second-degree nursing students, ensuring students are prepared to provide care at all stages of life and in specialized nursing settings.

York College’s A.B.S.N. program also builds a solid foundation in classroom learning and applied experience for students continuing to graduate programs in pursuit of advanced practice nursing careers, such as:

  • Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
  • Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)

A B.S.N. is also the first step to pursue advanced nursing career paths, such as nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist. These roles see even faster job growth and a higher salary of over $132,000 each year, the BLS also reports. These advanced nursing professionals are predicted to see 35% job growth by 2034, significantly faster than the average across all occupations.

Visit the Career Development Center

Clinical Experience

York College of Pennsylvania's Accelerated Nursing students gain hands-on learning through strong affiliations with top clinical practice locations. You'll experience high-tech simulations and work with actual patients in both college facilities and clinical settings.

After completing clinical components alongside your coursework, you'll have a capstone clinical experience with a preceptor's mentorship and supervision. A.B.S.N. clinicals are designed to build your confidence and technical skills, whether observing or practicing patient interaction and treatment.

See complete information about the A.B.S.N. clinical experience.

Nursing Facilities

High-tech nursing simulation labs supplement clinical experiences with further hands-on learning in a realistic setting. In an effort to help expose Accelerated Nursing students to unique or critical situations, repeated practice, and immediate faculty feedback, our nursing simulation labs are a highlight of our nursing education.

Nursing FacilitiesSimulation Lab

Expert Faculty

Students in the Accelerated Nursing bachelor’s program learn from outstanding faculty members who are experienced and active professionals in nursing and healthcare leadership.

While many other schools use teaching assistants in place of professors, York’s Nursing students interact directly with faculty. Additionally, each student is assigned a supportive and collaborative faculty advisor.

Clubs and Leadership Opportunities

Accelerated Nursing students can connect with peers and professionals by joining York's local chapter of the Student Nurses Association of Pennsylvania (SNAP). This pre-professional organization helps students build valuable connections within the nursing field. Other opportunities for involvement include:

  • Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Club
  • Health Professions Association
  • Pre-Medical and Allied Health Society

Explore student involvement and campus clubs and organizations.

Meet Nursing Faculty

High-Demand Skills

As a student in York College of Pennsylvania’s A.B.S.N. degree program, you will gain the skills to excel in your nursing career. You will learn to:

  • Apply knowledge: Use what you learn in nursing, arts, sciences, and humanities to improve health for all kinds of people.
  • Ensure quality and safety: Provide safe, high-quality care that is right for each person and group.
  • Use technology and resources: Advocate for compassionate, holistic, respectful, individualized, and person-centered care using the latest technology and available resources.
  • Understand research: Use research methods and critical thinking to become a knowledgeable and innovative nursing professional.
  • Work with others: Collaborate professionally with healthcare professionals, stakeholders, patients, and their families, while growing as a leader.

Earning an accelerated B.S.N. means you can quickly start a specialized nursing career, whether you want to help older adults, work in mental health, or become a nurse leader or educator. If you decide to pursue a master’s degree in nursing or become an advanced nurse practitioner or specialist, you’ll be well-prepared to succeed.

Explore YCP’s Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.

NCLEX-RN Exam Preparation

In both content and clinical experience, the accelerated B.S.N. program prepares students to be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses). By passing this exam and becoming licensed, you'll be able to work in hospitals and advance to roles in administration, teaching, or research.

If you want to get your nursing license in a state other than Pennsylvania, check with that state's licensing agency to make sure this program meets their requirements. You can find more information on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website.

CCNE-Accredited Nursing Program

Image
Logo: CCNE Accredited

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, the master's degree program in nursing, and the post-graduate APRN certificate program at York College of Pennsylvania are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Visit CCNE

Accelerated Nursing Courses

Your class schedule will include core courses for your major, Gen Next general education classes, and electives. 

Course NameCourse CodeCredits
Pharmacology for NursesNUR 2032 Credits
Research and Professional Nursing PracticeNUR 3143 Credits
Nursing Concepts and Practice: Children with Health ProblemsNUR 358/3594 Credits
Nursing PracticumNUR 450/4513 Credits

 

Frequently Asked Questions

An Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (A.B.S.N.) program is a fast-track pathway for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. It allows you to earn your nursing degree and qualify for R.N. licensure in less time than a traditional four-year B.S.N. program.

An accelerated B.S.N. program condenses nursing coursework and clinical training into an intensive, full-time schedule that is typically completed in about 12 to 18 months. For example, YCP’s program is 17 months. You’ll take core nursing courses, complete clinical rotations, and build hands-on experience to prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam and entry-level nursing roles.
 

No. York College’s Accelerated Nursing program is a full-time, on-campus program. Students complete coursework and clinical experiences during daytime hours for a fully immersive nursing education. Our R.N. to B.S.N. program for current nurses is online.

An A.B.S.N. program is designed specifically for career changers who want to transition into nursing quickly. It builds on your previous bachelor’s degree, focusing only on nursing-specific courses and clinical experiences. At York College, you’ll gain direct patient-care experience and faculty mentorship to help you enter the workforce with confidence and practical skills.

You can review complete admissions information (transcripts, prerequisites, etc.) and start your application here on the YCP website. Explore A.B.S.N. admissions and start your YCP application.

Tuition and fee details for York College’s Accelerated B.S.N. program are available on the Tuition and Fees page. Costs may vary by semester and program track.

Careers in Nursing

A bachelor’s degree in Nursing opens up a variety of career opportunities. Some of your options may include:

Registered Nurse (RN)

Cardiac Nurse

Critical Care Nurse

ER Nurse

Geriatric Nurse

Pediatric Nurse

An advisor and a student sit on a couch in the seating area of a campus office. The student holds a piece of paper as they talk.

Build your dream career, one day at a time.

This is day one. From your first semester on campus through graduation day, York College offers expert advice, professional development opportunities, and personalized support to help you navigate the choices that influence your future. 

Explore resources for a successful college experience: 

Meet the Faculty

View All Faculty
Klaudia Cwiekala-Lewis
Klaudia J. Cwiekala-Lewis, Ph.D., R.N., PHNA-BC
Chair, The Stabler Dept of Nursing
Associate Professor of Nursing
Dr. Donald E. and Lois J. Myers School of Nursing and Health Professions
Kelli Masters
Kelli Masters, D.N.P., R.N.
Director of the Accelerated Nursing Program
Associate Professor of Nursing
Dr. Donald E. and Lois J. Myers School of Nursing and Health Professions
Cherie Adkins
Cherie Adkins, Ph.D., R.N.
Associate Professor of Nursing
Dr. Donald E. and Lois J. Myers School of Nursing and Health Professions
Karen March
Karen S. March, Ph.D., R.N., ACNS-BC
Professor of Nursing
Director of Graduate Programs in Nursing
Dr. Donald E. and Lois J. Myers School of Nursing and Health Professions
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