Accelerated Bachelor's Program for Non-Nurses (ABPNN)
Frequently asked questions (FAQ's) READ ME FIRST
Subspeciality Programs and Options
Overview/Curriculum
This program is specifically designed for candidates with bachelor’s (BA or BS) or higher degrees in other fields who are interested in going into the nursing profession. The program builds upon the pre-existing degree by providing generalist nursing studies.
The Program of Study awards the Bachelor of Science degree that allows students to qualify for NCLEX-RN® examination (National Council Licensure Examination) and professional Registered Nursing (RN) licensure. Our NCLEX-RN® first-time pass rate is consistently higher than the national average.
* Those who have taken prerequisite courses in Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Nutrition, Human Growth and Development and Statistics can earn their degree in one year of full-time study.
Subspecialty Programs and Options
After successful completion of the baccalaureate year and the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing examination, students may choose to go on to any of our masters programs.
Admission Criteria
- Completion of a non-nursing bachelor’s degree from an accredited school.
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 preferred from the non-nursing bachelor's degree.
- Two favorable references which address academic ability and nursing potential.
- Typewritten professional statement with career goals.
- Personal interview with generalist faculty member.
- Prerequisite courses with grade of C or above, (labs are not required):
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology
- Nutrition
- Human growth & Development (also called Developmental Psychology)
- Statistics
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language-for International Students) scores >560 for paper-based test , >230 for computer-based test for international students or >88 for the new “i-based” test. TOEFL is required for international students, but highly recommended for students for whom English is a second language.
What to Expect
All courses in the accelerated program are developed specifically for individuals who hold a baccalaureate or higher degree in another field. Students in this program come from many walks of life with different backgrounds and experiences—there is no one right background. The diversity of backgrounds and talents, coupled with their common desire and passion creates an incredible learning environment.
The Program of Study is modified on the University of Rochester School of Medicine’s double helix Program of Study that integrates basic science with clinical science. Clinical specialty experiences are based on an “immersion” principle where students focus on one clinical specialty area at a time (classes plus 16 to 24 hours of clinical each week). Our undergraduate research course teaches students to develop clinical questions, search and critique evidence, and implement findings to improve care. Our management of care course focuses on improving care of populations and groups, clinical management, and professional issues through performance improvement projects, clinical guideline critiques, and professional presentations. Our students complete 750 hours of clinical that includes 660 hours of direct patient care.
Students can expect state of the art education technology through clinical simulation using advanced technology patient simulators, hand held point of care electronic digital assistants, digitalized videos for iPod use and Internet viewing. More information.
Teaching, learning transition-to-nursing and career advising activities specific to the Accelerated Bachelor’s Program for Non-Nurses include test taking workshops, NCLEX-RN® review, web-based content remediation and our NxSTEP Program. Students are also encouraged to participate in the Student Nursing Assembly, specifically created to promote networking and provide support for those in the ABPNN program.
