Should I Pursue the 12-Month or 24-Month ABSN at UR School of Nursing?
By Margaret Calkins
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
As a prospective nursing student exploring accelerated nursing programs, you may be overwhelmed with factors to consider. Choosing the right accelerated program can be challenging, especially when weighing the benefits, investment, intensity, pace, and demands of each program.
At the University of Rochester School of Nursing, we offer two accelerated bachelor’s programs for students looking to transition to a rewarding career in nursing—on a 12-month or 24-month timeline. While both options offer a pathway to becoming a registered nurse and earning a second bachelor's degree, they differ in structure and intensity. Below, we explore some of the similarities and differences between these pathways to help you make the best choice based on your expectations, lifestyle, and career goals.
Similarities Between 12-Month and 24-Month ABSN Programs
To be eligible for admission to either the 12-Month or 24-Month Accelerated Bachelor's in Nursing (ABSN) program, applicants must have earned a previous bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than nursing, as well as a cumulative GPA of 2.8 from their most recent degree, and must demonstrate English language proficiency, and satisfactory completion of prior to the start of the program.
Another key similarity between the 12-Month and 24-Month ABSN pathways is curriculum. In both programs, students complete 49 credits, 90 lab/skills hours, and 650+ clinical hours. Upon completion of either program, students earn a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nursing and prepare to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain RN licensure and practice as a registered nurse.
12-Month Accelerated Bachelor’s in Nursing (ABSN) Program
The 12-Month ABSN program is an intensive, full-time program designed to prepare non-nurses to quickly enter the nursing profession. The program is best for individuals who can dedicate themselves to their studies without significant external commitments, as it requires a considerable time investment. Over three consecutive semesters, students allocate an average commitment of 32 hours per week to 3-5 courses per semester, with onsite class, lab, and clinical experiences.
With its rigorous curriculum and intensive experiential learning, the 12-Month program essentially functions as a full-time job, making it most suitable for those who can prioritize their education. The 12-Month program is also the only accelerated pathway option for applicants interested in applying for full tuition coverage and guaranteed employment post-graduation through the UR Nursing Scholars Program. The 12-Month program admits three times per year, for fall, spring, or summer start. Applications are accepted November 16 – March 1 for fall entry, March 16 – July 1 for spring entry, and July 16 – November 1 for summer entry.
24-Month Accelerated Bachelor’s in Nursing (ABSN) Program
The 24-Month ABSN program is designed for working professionals and offers a more flexible timeline. The program features the same course curriculum and requirements as the 12-month ABSN program but provides a modified pace and hybrid-online format, allowing students to integrate their learning with work, family responsibilities, and other existing commitments. Students complete 1-3 courses per semester over six consecutive semesters online in a combination of synchronous and asynchronous classes. Students will also complete onsite clinical experiences averaging 12-16 hours per week, as well as several on-campus skills/simulation intensives to ensure essential hands-on training and practical experience.
For prospective students who will need to work throughout their program or balance other responsibilities, the 24-Month program might be more feasible. If employed by the University of Rochester, students may be eligible to receive employee tuition benefits to continue working while pursuing their degree. Applications for the 24-Month ABSN program are only accepted for a summer semester start. The annual application period is open July 16 – November 1.
| 12-Month Accelerated Bachelor’s (ABSN) | 24-Month Accelerated Bachelor’s (ABSN) | |
|---|---|---|
| Program Length | 12 months / 3 semesters | 24 months / 6 semesters |
| Program Format | In-person | Hybrid-online |
| Instruction Method | Multi-modal pre-learning activities, in-person instruction and class activities, onsite clinicals and skills/labs | Multi-modal online coursework, weekly synchronous online recitations onsite clinicals and skills/lab intensives |
| Skills Labs/Simulation | 90 hours in world-class skills, simulation, alternate and virtual reality, and other experiential learning environments | 90 hours in world-class skills, simulation, alternate and virtual reality, and other experiential learning environments |
| Clinical Experiences | 650+ clinical hours across med-surg, obstetrics, pediatrics, and psychiatry | 650+ clinical hours across med-surg, obstetrics, pediatrics, and psychiatry |
| Courseload | 49 total credits / 3-5 per semester | 49 total credits / 1-3 per semester |
| Time Commitment | 32 hours per week | 12-16 hours per week |
| Semester Entry | Fall, Spring, Summer | Summer |
| Application Deadline | March 1, July 1, Nov. 1 | Nov. 1 |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing, cumulative GPA of 2.8, English language proficiency, completion of prerequisite coursework | Bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing, cumulative GPA of 2.8, English language proficiency, completion of prerequisite coursework |
| Financial Aid | Federal loans (if eligible), private loans, external scholarships, UR Nursing Scholars Program (if eligible, must apply to be considered) | Federal loans (if eligible), private loans, external scholarships, UR employee tuition benefits (if eligible) |
| Degree Earned upon Completion | Bachelor of Science with a major in Nursing | Bachelor of Science with a major in Nursing |
While both the 12-Month and 24-Month ABSN programs have the same eligibility requirements and lead to the same degree and learning outcomes, the decision between these options hinges on various personal factors. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual circumstances, including program length and format, financial aid opportunities, and one's ability to commit time and energy to the program.
Our Admissions team is available and happy to help you decide which pathway best suits your academic and career goals. To learn more about our school, these pathways, and the UR School of Nursing experience, join us for an upcoming tour or event, attend a virtual information session, or reach out to meet with a dedicated Admissions counselor.
Categories: Accelerated Programs