25+ Accelerated Nursing Programs in the US (2025)
For individuals seeking a fast-track entry into a nursing career, see how accelerated nursing programs provide a streamlined pathway to becoming a registered nurse in this article.
Posted February 17, 2025
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Accelerated nursing programs are designed for students with a non-nursing bachelor's degree, compressing traditional bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) coursework into an intensive 12 to 18 months, enabling graduates to enter the workforce quickly. With increasing demand for registered nurses, healthcare employers prioritize candidates with baccalaureate degree program credentials, ensuring career advancement opportunities in nursing practice and nursing leadership roles.
According to the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, top nursing programs deliver rigorous curricula, extensive clinical rotations, and strong clinical placement partnerships. Graduates benefit from competitive salaries, with BSN-prepared registered nurses earning a median of $86,070 per year, and an anticipated 193,100 job openings annually through 2032. Additionally, many institutions provide financial aid to make these programs more accessible to prospective students.
This guide evaluates 25+ premier accelerated nursing programs, examining critical factors such as tuition costs, clinical experience, NCLEX-RN exam pass rates, and admissions nursing process requirements to help students select the best program for their nursing career goals.
Best Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs 2025
Finding an accelerated program can be overwhelming, with many programs throughout the country. To help with the decision, here are the top 10 accelerated BSN programs of 2025, ranked in no particular order.
Our ranking methodology is based on acceptance rate, tuition cost, the overall length of the program, NCLEX pass rate, as well as other essential criteria.
| Program | Program Length | Accreditation | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duke University | 16 months | CCNE | $79,107 |
| Villanova University | 14 months or 23 months | ANCC | $52,500 |
| Northeastern University | 16 months | CCNE, ANCC | $87,569 |
| Loyola University Chicago | 16 months | CCNE | $66,160 |
| Clemson University | 19 months | CCNE | $7,019 - $19,675 per semester |
| George Washington University | 15 months | CCNE | $84,000 |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | 17 months | CCNE | $40,000 |
| University of Washington | 4 quarters | CCNE | $12,913 per quarter |
| Mount Sinai Beth Israel | 15 months | CCNE | $52,650 |
| University of Kentucky | 16 months | CCNE | $13,502 per semester |
Additional Accelerated Nursing Programs
- Baylor University – FastBacc® Accelerated BSN Program – 12-month program with 720+ clinical hours and a 97% NCLEX pass rate.
- Emory University – Distance Accelerated BSN (DABSN) – 54-week online learning program with 660+ clinical hours and a 100% job placement rate.
- New York University (NYU) Rory Meyers College of Nursing – 15-month program with 89.8% NCLEX pass rate.
- University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Nursing – High-quality clinical placements and simulation training.
- University of Washington School of Nursing – Comprehensive 210-hour clinical foundation with a 91.9% employment rate.
- University of Michigan School of Nursing – 600+ clinical site partnerships for hands-on learning.
- Vanderbilt University School of Nursing – 16-month ABSN program with emphasis on leadership.
- University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing – 91% NCLEX pass rate with over 500 clinical site partnerships.
- Boston College Connell School of Nursing – 1,000 hours of clinical training with elite healthcare partners.
- University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) College of Nursing – Strong focus on community and hospital settings.
- Rush University College of Nursing – Master ’s-level preparation in accelerated nursing.
- Ohio State University College of Nursing – A leading public institution with top NCLEX performance.
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus – Cutting-edge clinical simulation facilities.
- Georgetown University School of Nursing – Hybrid learning model with strong career placement.
- University of Minnesota School of Nursing – Diverse clinical rotations and high employment rates.
- Arizona State University Edson College of Nursing – 12-month program with Mayo Clinic partnerships.
- Marquette University College of Nursing – Over 700 clinical hours with guaranteed placement.
Comparison Table
To compare top nursing programs at a glance, see this comprehensive breakdown, which helps you evaluate key factors across 25 prestigious institutions.
| University | Program Duration | Credit Hours | Clinical Hours | NCLEX Pass Rate | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baylor University | 12 months | 62 credits | 720 hours | 97% (2023) | Faith-based curriculum, hybrid learning format |
| Duke University | 16 months | 58 credits | Not mentioned | 99% | 6 credits applicable toward future master's degrees |
| Emory University | 54 weeks | 48 credits | 660 hours | Not mentioned | Distance learning format with on-campus intensives |
| UPenn | 15 months | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Augmented reality classrooms, case-based instruction |
| Johns Hopkins | Not mentioned | 17-21 prerequisites | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Groups of 6-7 students per clinical instructor |
| NYU Rory Meyers | 15 months | 64 credits | Not mentioned | 89.8% | Partnerships with 30+ healthcare facilities |
| UCSF | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | 87% (first-time) | #1 public recipient of NIH funds |
| UW School of Nursing | Not mentioned | 210 hours prep | Not mentioned | 91.9% | Partnerships with 1,200+ clinical sites |
| Northeastern | 16 months | 67 credits | 432 hours | Not mentioned | Six clinical rotations of 72 hours each |
| UT Austin | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | 91% | 500+ clinical site partnerships |
| Vanderbilt | 4 semesters | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | 97% | 500+ clinical site partnerships |
| Boston College | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | 1,000 hours | 98% employment | State-of-the-art Simulation Lab |
| U Pittsburgh | 3 terms | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | UPMC hospital partnerships |
| U Michigan | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | 600+ clinical site locations |
| Rush University | 18 months | 62 credits | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | 94% master's graduation rate |
| U Maryland | Not mentioned | 720 hours | Not mentioned | 94% employment | Not mentioned |
| U Illinois Chicago | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | 60 hours/course | Not mentioned | 1,810 total student enrollment |
| Ohio State | 18 months | 62 credits | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | #1 among public institutions |
| UC Anschutz | 12 months | Not mentioned | 30% simulation | Not mentioned | 72 students accepted annually |
| UVA | Not mentioned | 120 credits | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | 500+ clinical site partnerships |
| Georgetown | Not mentioned | 56 credits | 700+ hours | 96-100% | Hybrid format with on-campus labs |
| UW-Madison | 12 months | 49 credits | Not mentioned | 96% | 500+ diverse clinical sites |
| U Minnesota | 16 months | Not mentioned | 1,000 hours | 89% | Clinical courses 1-2 credits each |
| Arizona State | 12 months | 50 credits | 150,000 simulation hours annually | 95% | Mayo Clinic partnership |
| Marquette | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | 700+ BSN hours | 99.66% (2020) | 75 hospital partnerships |
An Overview of the Nursing Practice and Education
For students considering a bachelor's degree in nursing, the transition into nursing practice requires a solid foundation in science in nursing and hands-on nursing skills. Most nursing programs integrate core prerequisite courses such as human anatomy and pharmacology to prepare students for advanced professional nursing practice.
Students can pursue either traditional or online nursing programs, with many institutions now offering a nursing degree online option. This flexibility allows learners to balance coursework while gaining clinical experience in real-world health care settings. Graduates from a bachelor of science in nursing program are eligible to pursue specializations, including becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist or engaging in nursing practice programs focused on health promotion and patient care.
Your Fast-Track to a Rewarding Nursing Career
Ready to fast-track your journey into healthcare? These 25+ accelerated nursing programs prove that excellence doesn't always require four years. Through intensive 12-18 month pathways, ambitious professionals transform their careers while upholding rigorous academic standards.
Picture yourself training in state-of-the-art simulation labs alongside healthcare pioneers. Most programs boast partnerships with 500+ premier facilities nationwide, offering unparalleled hands-on experience across diverse clinical settings. Excellence shows through numbers - NCLEX pass rates soar from 89% to 99.66%, proving these programs deliver results.
Career success follows swiftly - 90%+ of graduates step into professional roles within six months. These aren't just jobs - they're launching pads into prestigious healthcare institutions and leadership positions. Smart program design combines accelerated learning with comprehensive clinical training, ensuring graduates meet and exceed patient care standards from day one.
Want to join the next generation of nursing leaders? These accelerated programs offer more than education—they provide transformation. Through focused curricula, extensive clinical opportunities, and proven success rates, career changers find their fastest path to meaningful healthcare careers. Your future in nursing starts here. Sign up for Leland today at Leland Signup to learn more!
FAQs
Can I work while enrolled in an accelerated nursing program?
- Due to the intensive nature of accelerated nursing programs, it is generally not advisable to maintain employment during your studies. These programs often require a full-time commitment, including classes, clinical rotations, and study time, leaving little room for work obligations.
Are online accelerated nursing programs available?
- Yes, many institutions offer accelerated nursing programs with online coursework. However, while theoretical components can be completed online, clinical hours must be fulfilled in person at designated healthcare facilities. This hybrid approach provides flexibility but still requires hands-on clinical experience.
What are the typical prerequisites for accelerated nursing programs?
- Prerequisites vary by program but commonly include courses in human anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, statistics, and psychology. These foundational courses ensure that students are prepared for the rigorous nursing curriculum.
How do accelerated nursing programs differ from traditional BSN programs?
- Accelerated nursing programs are designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field and wish to transition into nursing. These programs condense the standard nursing curriculum into a shorter timeframe, typically 12 to 18 months, by eliminating breaks and offering courses in a more intensive format.
What support services are available for students in accelerated nursing programs?
- Many programs offer support services such as academic advising, tutoring, mental health counseling, and career services to help students manage the program's demands and prepare for their future careers. It's advisable to inquire about these services when researching potential programs.
What is the application process for accelerated nursing programs?
- The application process typically involves submitting transcripts from previous academic work, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and proof of completed prerequisite courses. Some programs may also require standardized test scores or an interview as part of the admissions process.
