Are ABSN Programs Worth it?

More than ever, there’s a need for highly-skilled nurses. With a workforce reaching retirement age, an aging population, and, of course, a global pandemic, it’s no wonder that the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that there will be about 194,500 new openings for registered nurses every year for the next ten years. So, if you’re considering making a career change and entering a field where you can make a difference, nursing is a wonderful choice. Luckily, if you’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. You can pursue an Accelerated BSN (ABSN). But, are ABSN programs worth it? Let’s find out.

What is an ABSN Program?

An Accelerated BSN program provides students with the opportunity to earn the same quality nursing education provided in a traditional, four-year BSN, in much less time. ABSN programs offer a fast and fully comprehensive pathway to a nursing career by leveraging credits earned in previous programs of study towards the bachelor’s degree.

Who is an ABSN for?

The ABSN degree path is designed for those who are interested in making a career shift. Specifically, the ABSN is meant for aspiring nurses who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field.

ABSN Program Coursework

It is a requirement that students have already completed 64 credits in general education credits prior to being accepted into the ABSN program. Among these credits should be a variety of pre-requisite courses. These include:

• Microbiology
• Sociology
• Statistics
• Anatomy and Physiology I & II
• Chemistry
• College Algebra
• English
• Psychology
• Lifespan Development

If any of these classes are missing from their college transcript, students must complete the required courses before matriculating into the ABSN program.

The ABSN program itself consists of 56 nursing credits. These credits include, but are not limited to, the following courses:

• Introduction to Professional Nursing
• Health Assessment
• Nutrition
• Pharmacology
• Family Nursing
• Leadership and Management
• Research in Nursing
• Health Maintenance
• Health Policy
• Psych/Mental Health Nursing

In addition to this classroom-based instruction, ABSN students complete clinical training over the course of their entire program of study.

ABSN Timeline

One of the most obvious benefits of an ABSN is that the accelerated nursing program offers students the ability to enter the field quickly. Most ABSN programs can be finished in less than two years. At University of Bridgeport, the Accelerated BSN program is completed in 15 months. The quality of an ABSN program is the same as any reputable BSN pathway, but the pace is what makes it unique. The ABSN is perfectly paced to guarantee that students have the time they need to receive a quality education and develop into skilled nurses. This makes the ABSN worth it, in terms of time commitment and educational gain through this nursing program.

Why is an ABSN Program Worth It?

The ABSN is well worth it to those students who’d like to enter the nursing field speedily. This degree path negates the need for students to commit to another, time-consuming four-year bachelor’s degree. Instead, in less than two years, students are able to complete the curriculum necessary to successfully sit and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Upon passing this test, students are able to apply for their Registered Nursing license and enter the field. It’s as simple as that!

Gain Clinical Experience

The ABSN program allows students to complete their nursing coursework quickly, but without sacrificing any clinical experience. At University of Bridgeport, the ABSN curriculum works to provide students with clinical experience from year one. In courses like Health Maintenance and Restoration, Health Promotion, and Professional Practice, students are taught the skills they need to conduct physical assessments, check vitals, dress wounds, insert IVs and catheters, administer medications, collect patient histories, and more. An ABSN prepares students to enter clinical practice as skilled nurses and leaders.

Earning Potential

A BSN is a smart investment for any student. According to PayScale, RNs who have earned a bachelor’s degree earn an average annual salary of $86,520 while those who’ve earned an associate degree can expect to earn, on average, $70,700 per year. Additionally, those who’ve earned a bachelor’s degree in Nursing are qualified for upward mobility due to their training in leadership and management. An ABSN can prepare you for a high-earning career, as well as a future of growth into leadership and supervisory roles.

The Future of Nursing: BSN

While an associate degree in Nursing can prepare students to pass the NCLEX-RN, and it’s possible to work as an RN with an ADN, the future of nursing lies in BSN degrees. The BSN curriculum offers students a broader knowledge base and more specialized training. Employers know this as well. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing reports that 41% of hospitals and healthcare service organizations require that all new nursing hires hold a minimum of a BSN. This trend continues to grow, in large part due to the AACN’s advocacy for BSNs. Stay ahead of the curve by starting your nursing career with a bachelor’s degree.

If a career in nursing is calling to you, then you’ve likely started weighing the best way to earn your nursing degree. For those who’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree, the prospect of heading back to school may feel daunting. You may find yourself wondering, “Are ABSN programs worth it?” With its comprehensive curriculum, low time commitment, and clinical training, an ABSN is the perfect program for those looking to change careers. Even more importantly, the ABSN provides all the benefits of a BSN, without the four-year commitment.

Considering accelerated nursing programs in CT? Complete your Accelerated BSN at University of Bridgeport in as little as fifteen months. Learn more here!