School of Nursing Undergraduate
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
BSN Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is designed to prepare a graduate nurse for entry-level practice in a variety of healthcare settings.
Top-ranked Accelerated BSN program
A second degree, on an accelerated timeline
One of the best accelerated nursing programs in CT, our ABSN program is designed for those students who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing.
Ranking
Ranked #3 in Connecticut
University of Bridgeport was ranked #3 on EduMed’s list of Best Online Accelerated BSN Programs in Connecticut.
The program was recognized for its state-of-the-art Nursing Skills and Simulation Center, small cohorts that foster personalized instruction, and an accelerated 15-month timeline that helps students begin their nursing careers sooner. EduMed, 2026.
Credit
Your first degree counts
This accelerated track incorporates the previous non-nursing bachelor’s level course education and experience and allows the student to earn a BSN degree in fifteen months.
Students complete 64 credits in general education and 56 credits in nursing, totaling 120 credits.
Licensure
Sit for the NCLEX-RN
Along with a solid foundation in nursing, graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN® Exam).
Job placement and salary outlook have been outstanding in both a strong and weak economy. Increasingly, graduates of ABSN programs are the preferred candidates for employment.
Careers
Careers
Graduates of this program are prepared for a wide range of career opportunities in the healthcare industry. With your comprehensive training and clinical experience, you will be well-positioned to meet the growing demand for skilled nurses and pursue roles in various healthcare settings.
Career advancement opportunities also include leadership and specialized nursing positions.
Clinical
Clinical experience and education
The School of Nursing has a strong clinical outreach program. Student educational experiences are rich in both lecture content and clinical application of knowledge. Accelerated nursing program students begin clinical experiences in the fall semester.
Clinical sites vary depending on course objectives and content. Sites include local hospitals, such as Bridgeport Hospital, schools, medical offices, and more. Clinical hours include laboratory and simulation experiences in all nursing clinical courses.
Where our graduates work
- Connecticut Children’s Medical Center
- Hartford Healthcare
- Northwell Health
- Trinity Health
- UConn Health
- Yale New Haven Health
Admission
What you need to apply
Admission to the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program through the University of Bridgeport School of Nursing (ABSN) is highly competitive. Relevant admission information can be found below for each applicant student type. Meeting the following minimum criteria does not guarantee admission. Candidates are encouraged to attend a virtual information session, campus tour, or open house.
General admission requirements
- A conferred BS/BA degree from a fully accredited Academic Institution
- Minimum cumulative Quality Point Ratio (QPR) of 3.0 from all institutions attended in order to apply to the ABSN program.
- Applicants must achieve a “C+” or better in all Math and Science courses (including but not limited to Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Chemistry, and Algebra)
- Math and science coursework must be completed within seven years prior to applying to the ABSN Program.
- Missing General Education courses will be waived (i.e. Fine Arts and a 2nd Humanity).
Prerequisites
- ABSN pre-requisites include ENG101, MATH103, MATH203, PSYC103, PSYC205, SOCI101, BIOL113, BIOL114, BIOL106, and CHEM113.
- HSCI 230 can be transferred in as a pre-requisite course.
- All pre-requisites must be completed prior to the start of the first day of the first semester.
- At the time of application, only 3 pre-requisites may be outstanding or in progress.
Required materials
- Completed University of Bridgeport application
- Official high school/GED Transcripts
- Transcripts from all colleges/universities previously attended
- 2 completed recommendation forms
- Respond to an essay prompt
- Please review the recommendation form for specifics. Each recommendation form must be placed in a sealed envelope with the referrer’s signature across the closure.
International applicants
- While this program is not open to international students, we invite you to explore other opportunities at UB. See our full list of academic programs.
- Please consult the International Admissions page for additional requirements. For specific queries, contact your admissions officer.
Learning outcomes
What you will be able to do
Upon completion of the Accelerated BSN program, you will be able to:
Center for Career Development
UB’s Center for Career Development helps graduates prepare for entrance into the workforce. Our comprehensive career counseling and resource center is dedicated to helping you become an active participant in your own academic, professional, and career development.
Accredited
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
The baccalaureate degree in Nursing and master’s degree in Education and Leadership programs at University of Bridgeport are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
The traditional and accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing pre-licensure program is approved by the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing and licensed by the Connecticut Office of Higher Education.
Curriculum
Plan of study and course requirements
View all courses offered and read full course descriptions in our online course catalog system.
ABSN program prerequisites
14 courses
ABSN program prerequisites
| Course Code | Course Title |
|---|---|
| ENGL 101 | Academic Writing |
| MATH 103 | Introduction to Algebra and Statistics |
| MATH 203 | Elementary Statistics |
| BIOL 106 | Elementary Microbiology |
| BIOL 106L | Elementary Microbiology Lab |
| BIOL 113 | Intro Anatomy and Physiology I |
| BIOL 113L | Intro Anatomy and Phys I Lab |
| BIOL 114 | Introductory Anatomy and Physiology II |
| BIOL 114L | Intro Anatomy & Phys II Lab |
| CHEM 113 | Introductory Chemistry |
| CHEM 113L | Introductory Chemistry (Laboratory) |
| PSYC 103 | Introduction to Psychology |
| PSYC 205 | Lifespan Developmental Psychology |
| SOC 101 | Principles of Sociology |
Semester 1 – 15 weeks
4 courses
12-15 credits
Semester 1 – 15 weeks
If needed:
1 course
If needed:
| Course Code | Course Title |
|---|---|
| HSCI 230 | Fundamentals of Nutrition |
Semester 2 – 15 weeks
4 courses
15 credits
Semester 2 – 15 weeks
Semester 3 – 15 weeks
4 courses
16 credits
Semester 3 – 15 weeks
Jump-start your career as a registered nurse
Download your free ABSN guide now!
Related programs
Start your application
Financial aid is available, and we accept applications on a rolling basis