{"id":644,"date":"2021-12-30T14:26:24","date_gmt":"2021-12-30T19:26:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bridgeport.edu\/news\/?p=644"},"modified":"2025-01-06T15:44:29","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T20:44:29","slug":"is-an-absn-program-harder-than-a-bsn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bridgeport.edu\/news\/is-an-absn-program-harder-than-a-bsn\/","title":{"rendered":"Is an ABSN Program Harder Than a Traditional BSN?"},"content":{"rendered":"

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for nurses is expected to grow by 9% between now and 2030. However, this statistic doesn\u2019t reveal the true need for nurses. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration<\/a>, by 2030, the number of registered nurses needed in the United States will grow from 2.8 million to 3.6 million<\/strong>. Additionally, an aging baby boomer generation will demand the skills of registered nurses who hold a bachelor\u2019s degree. The pandemic has also made it clear how vital nurses are to the medical system, in daily practice but also in times of emergency.<\/p>\n

For those motivated to help, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) may be of interest. Those who have already earned a bachelor\u2019s degree in another field, and are looking to change career paths, may be encouraged by the accelerated programs available. But is an accelerated BSN (ABSN) program more challenging than a traditional BSN program? Read on to learn more about what an ABSN program entails.<\/p>\n

Who is an ABSN for?<\/h3>\n

The ideal candidate for an ABSN has already earned a bachelor\u2019s degree in another, non-nursing field. The ABSN is designed to get aspiring nurses into the field quickly, without committing to another four years in school. An ABSN nursing program prepares graduates for entry-level practice in nursing, in a wide variety of healthcare settings. The accelerated program allows the student to earn a BSN quickly while adequately preparing them for the licensure exam. After completing an ABSN program, graduates are able to provide system and evidence-based practice. They\u2019ll be able to promote healthy lifestyles through health education and promotion. Most importantly, they\u2019ll be able to eventually grow in their career to one day manage a team.<\/p>\n

ABSN vs. BSN Program Length<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re considering an accelerated bachelor\u2019s degree in Nursing, you\u2019ve likely already attended college. A standard BSN takes approximately four years to complete, or eight semesters. By contrast, most accelerated BSN programs can be finished in fewer than two years\u2019 time. For example, the accelerated nursing program<\/a> at University of Bridgeport can be completed in as few as 15 months. In a total of four semesters, students can complete the BSN classes they need to begin a brand new and exciting career (versus spending four years in nursing school).<\/p>\n

Coursework for an ABSN vs. BSN<\/h3>\n

You\u2019ll be glad to know that despite its accelerated pace, the curriculum for the ABSN does not stray from the requirements needed to be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN Exam). The primary difference between the BSN and ABSN curriculum is that a traditional BSN student must complete general education credits during the course of their studies. As it is an expectation that those in the ABSN program have already completed their general education credits, these credits are able to be transferred. As a result, the coursework that students complete in the ABSN degree program is focused on nursing.<\/p>\n

Curriculum in an ABSN Program<\/h3>\n

Students in an ABSN program must have completed 64 credits in general education in their previous studies and earn an additional 56 credits in nursing in order to earn their BSN. In total, students must complete 120 credits in order to complete their program. It is required that students have completed a series of prerequisite courses, including:<\/p>\n