ABSN Academics & Curriculum
The 12-Month Accelerated Bachelor's in Nursing Program provides an immersive experience into the nursing profession. From orientation to graduation, students have the support of their peers and faculty as they learn how to be a highly-skilled, competent nurse. What is it like to complete this year-long program?
A fast-paced, full-time program
The University of Rochester was one of the first schools to launch a 12-Month Accelerated Bachelor's in Nursing Program to help address nursing shortages regionally and nationally. Uniquely positioned as part of a leading academic medical center in upstate New York, the program enrolls around 200 students each year across three cohorts. The full-time, fast-paced program is designed for students who already have a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing and want to pursue a career in nursing.
Over three semesters, students learn how to be a competent and highly-skilled nurse through 49 credits of coursework, 90 lab hours, and more than 700 hours of clinical training in med-surg, obstetrics, pediatrics, psychiatry, and other areas.
Orientation
In the three to four months leading up to the first semester, students gain access to the Incoming Student Portal. The portal is designed to help students navigate and gear up for the 12-month program, with information about:
- compliance requirements (CPR certification, background check, etc.)
- course registration
- housing (if moving to Rochester, NY)
- financial aid
Prior to the first semester, students will meet their cohort virtually. In addition, students attend an 
on-site orientation before the first week of classes. There, they gain a full overview of the year ahead, meet faculty and students, and take part in guided training sessions to become familiar with the applications and resources used throughout the program.
Students receive their iPad device at the start of orientation. The iPad is utilized in the ABSN program as part of the iROC initiative which aims to revitalize the way we teach and better prepare our students for a successful career in nursing.
ABSN Coursework, Lab, & Clinical Hours
The program is three consecutive full-time semesters. Courses are delivered on-site at the University of Rochester School of Nursing in New York.
|
First Semester |
Second Semester |
Third Semester |
|---|---|---|
|
17 credits 120 clinical hours 60 lab hours |
17.5 credits 270 clinical hours 30 lab hours |
14.5 credits 360 clinical hours |
Students conduct clinical rotations across the street at the University of Rochester Medical Center, which includes Golisano Children's Hospital, Wilmot Cancer Institute, and Strong Memorial Hospital. Clinical rotations are conducted in small groups of 8-10 students.
Lab hours are completed in the school's new state-of-the-art experiential learning building. Experiential learning activities including simulation and hands-on skills activities to provide realistic insight into every aspect of nursing as students learn to:
Did you know?
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- interact with patients and provide the best care
- build skills and confidence by making safe mistakes in a learning environment
- solve clinical problems
- communicate and collaborate within a health care team
Learn more about experiential learning activities used as part of the iROC Initiative in the 12-Month Accelerated Bachelor's Nursing Program.
Graduation & NCLEX-RN Prep
Students can expect to begin to prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam during the third semester with the support of faculty and group study sessions. The University of Rochester School of Nursing also utilizes NurseThink — a robust tool to empower students to study and learn more effectively for the NCLEX exam.
Students typically schedule the NCLEX-RN exam 2-3 months post graduation. Those planning to obtain licensure outside of New York State will be able to do so after meeting with the Registrar toward the end of the program.