Accelerated Programs

Two faculty members smile, holding flowers while standing outside Eastman Theatre.
Monday, May 19, 2025
‘A Calling to Serve Others’: UR Nursing Class of 2025 Celebrates Next Steps
UR Nursing honored more than 250 current and future nurses and healthcare professionals across its bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs Friday, May 16, as they turned their tassels. 

Two ABSN students in nursing uniform looking at manikin.
Thursday, May 8, 2025
NYS Program Offers Funded Pathway to New Nursing Career
Aspiring nurses across New York State may now be eligible to attend the University of Rochester School of Nursing’s Accelerated Bachelor’s in Nursing (ABSN) program with funding from the New York State Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program — a statewide initiative to strengthen the health workforce in communities with limited access to care.

Man sitting at a table and holding an iced coffee, with city buildings behind him.
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Nurses Week: Q&A with Accelerated Bachelor's Alumnus Diyor Mukhammadov
Roles as a medical assistant, home health aide, and translator led Mukhammadov to pursue an accelerated bachelor’s in nursing at the University of Rochester and become a nurse at Wilmot Cancer Institute.

O=picture of Sarah Mullen, her husband and three children
Thursday, Apr 24, 2025
Student Speaker Profile: Sarah Mullen, Accelerated Bachelor’s in Nursing Program
For as long as she can remember, nursing has been in the back of Sarah Mullen's mind — a quiet, persistent calling. But it wasn’t until after her son's birth that the calling became a clear conviction.

Photo of Matt standing in a patient room, wearing a navy jacket and yellow and blue striped tie.
Monday, Mar 17, 2025
CNL Student Spotlight: Matt Ramos '21N
Alumnus and URMC Acute Medicine nurse Matt Ramos hopes to expand his impact in nursing and public health as he prepares to graduate from the Clinical Nurse Leader program.

Erin Baylor wears a headset, sitting behind the glass wall of a simulation lab control room.
Wednesday, Feb 12, 2025
Faculty Receive International Credential in Simulation Education
Two University of Rochester nursing faculty members and alumni are now among just 103 individuals across the world to hold advanced certifications as healthcare simulation educators, or CHSE-A.

Student in Simulation
Tuesday, Nov 19, 2024
UR Nursing Launches Master’s Direct Entry Program
The University of Rochester School of Nursing is excited to announce the launch of its new Master’s Direct Entry into Nursing Practice (MDE) program, providing an accelerated pathway for non-nursing college graduates to earn a Master of Science in Nursing degree.

Photo of Nate Schacher with the VMA 231 Ace of Spades mural on a wall behind him.
Monday, Nov 11, 2024
Veterans Day 2024: Nate Schacher Shares Journey from Marine Corps to Medicine
Family NP student Nate Schacher ’23N is passionate about sports medicine and veteran health. He shares his career journey for Veterans Day 2024.

Thursday, Oct 31, 2024
How to Succeed in an Accelerated Bachelor’s in Nursing (ABSN) Program
Accelerated nursing programs prepare you for a swift transition into the nursing workforce but the rigorous nature of the program can feel overwhelming at times. By following these tips, you’ll be prepared to tackle the challenges of the program and emerge as a skilled nursing professional.

Brana smiles in the School courtyard, trees blurred in the background.
Thursday, Sep 26, 2024
Alumni Profile: Nursing Scholar Brana Dubajic ’24N Finds Strength in a Fresh Start
A former assistant district attorney and recent graduate of the UR Nursing Scholars program, Dubajic found out law and medicine have a lot in common.

School of Nursing logo graphic
Wednesday, Sep 25, 2024
Should I Pursue the 12-Month or 24-Month ABSN at UR School of Nursing?
Are you considering a career in nursing but unsure which accelerated program is right for you? The University of Rochester School of Nursing offers two distinct pathways—on a 12-month or 24-month timeline.

Portrait of Arline smiling and wearing a black sweater.
Tuesday, Sep 24, 2024
Alumni Profile: Arline Villa Rubio ’24N Advocates for Underserved Populations
An inaugural graduate of the UR Nursing Scholars program, Villa Rubio is passionate about public health and supporting underserved populations.

Monday, Sep 9, 2024
UR Nursing Earns Renewal of Apple Distinguished School Recognition
An Apple Distinguished School since 2021, UR Nursing was noted for its use of Apple technology to inspire, imagine, and impact teaching and learning.

Wednesday, Sep 4, 2024
Pinning Ceremony Honors Summer 2024 Nursing Graduates
The School of Nursing recognized more than 80 graduates of the accelerated bachelor's and RN to BS programs.

Three students hold bouquets of flowers in the School auditorium.
Wednesday, Sep 4, 2024
UR Nursing Celebrates Fall Convocation, Recognizes Top Scholars
The annual tradition welcomes new and returning University of Rochester nursing students and honors student award winners.

UR Nursing Scholars student Mona Sepulveda, smiling in the School's state-of-art skills lab.
Tuesday, Jun 25, 2024
UR Medicine Extends Tuition-Free UR Nursing Scholars Program Through 2027
The University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) and the School of Nursing are thrilled to announce the extension of the groundbreaking UR Nursing Scholars program for an additional three years, committing to preparing new nurses through Summer 2027.

UR Nursing Achieves Historic 100% NCLEX pass rate, graphic
Monday, May 20, 2024
UR Nursing Achieves Historic 100% Pass Rate on Next Generation NCLEX
The University of Rochester School of Nursing proudly announces that its graduates from the Accelerated Bachelor’s in Nursing program have achieved a remarkable 100 percent pass rate on the Next Generation NCLEX exam.

US News Rankings graphic image - No. 21 for master's
Monday, Apr 8, 2024
UR Nursing Lands at No. 21 in National Ranking of Master’s Programs
The University of Rochester School of Nursing has been ranked No. 21 among U.S. nursing schools for its master’s programs, according to the 2024-25 Best Graduate Schools guide produced by U.S. News and World Report.

Hylin Smith stands outside a simulation suite, wearing a gray URMC shirt.
Wednesday, Mar 6, 2024
Student Spotlight: Hylin Smith Pursues Lifelong Dream in 24-Month Bachelor's Program
Smith's path to nursing started in health care administration, working alongside patients, families, and care teams on a Patient Relations team.

A student receives her pin and pink "nursing" sash on stage.
Monday, Dec 18, 2023
December Pinning Ceremony Celebrates Newest Bachelor's-Prepared Nurses
The School of Nursing celebrated 60 of its newest bachelor's prepared nurses.

Thaw Htoo '23N stands outside the Children's School wearing his white School of Nursing scrubs.
Tuesday, Nov 21, 2023
‘It was meant to be:’ Through nursing, Thaw Htoo sees a way to support Rochester refugees
Htoo arrived at the Children's School as a refugee at age 11. By coincidence, he returned as a soon-to-be nurse for his final-semester community health clinicals.

Nursing students in scrubs gathered around an exam table.
Friday, Nov 10, 2023
UR Nursing Recognized by AACN as Leader in Educational Innovation
The University of Rochester School of Nursing was named a recipient of the American Associate of Colleges of Nursing’s (AACN) 2023 Innovations in Professional Nursing Education award.

Two ABSN students in simulation.
Monday, Sep 18, 2023
US News & World Report Ranks UR Nursing Undergraduate Programs # 23 in the Nation
The University of Rochester School of Nursing’s bachelor’s-level programs are number 23 in the nation according to the 2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings.

Photo of Zhihong Zhang holding her award certificate and a bouquet of flowers.
Wednesday, Sep 6, 2023
Convocation Welcomes New Students, Celebrates Award Winners
The annual ceremony celebrated new and returning students, and marked major milestones for the School of Nursing.

Bachelor's student Daniel Lee practices a patient scenario with VR goggles.
Friday, Jul 21, 2023
From Classroom to Clinical: Embracing Technology to Prepare Tomorrow’s Nurses
The School of Nursing has revamped its education approach to prepare nurses for a future marked by disruption.

Natalie Lewis leaning on the School of Nursing sign in front of the school
Tuesday, Jul 11, 2023
Student Spotlight: Natalie Lewis is Making an Impact in Mental Health
Natalie Lewis is using her UR Nursing education to improve access to mental health services in Rochester.

Kristina Santory, an instructor in the ABSN program
Tuesday, Jun 6, 2023
UR Medicine Admits First Cohort, Expands Tuition-Free Nursing Scholars Program
To combat the rising nursing shortage in the region, the University of Rochester Medical Center and School of Nursing have announced an expansion of their pioneering UR Nursing Scholars Program.

Student in the ABSN program
Thursday, Jan 12, 2023
UR Medicine Launches Tuition-Free Nursing Education Program
To combat the region’s nursing shortage, the University of Rochester Medical Center and School of Nursing today announced an innovative program to provide a tuition-free nursing education for 33 students per year, with the first cohort expected to enroll in Fall 2023.

Group of ABSN students with signs about doing the accelerated nursing program
Wednesday, Dec 7, 2022
School of Nursing Offers 24-Month Pathway for Accelerated Nursing Program
The University of Rochester School of Nursing is now accepting applications for a new 24-month option in the Accelerated Bachelor’s Program for Non-Nurses. The degree pathway allows aspiring nurses  to complete the program in six consecutive semesters to earn a second bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Dean Lisa Kitko welcoming students to the Fall 2022 semester
Wednesday, Sep 7, 2022
School of Nursing Celebrates Students, New Dean at Opening Convocation Ceremony
The University of Rochester School of Nursing welcomed new and returning students and recognized some of its leading scholars at its annual convocation ceremony on Sept. 6. 

Nurse practitioner student Mary Starks talks with a standardized patient during an OSCE (objective structured clinical examination), while her instructors look on.
Wednesday, Jul 6, 2022
A Worthy Faux: Simulation Events Create Powerful Learning Environment
"So far, it’s the most realistic education we’ve gotten in the program,” Sean Goonan, RN, BS, OCN, a 2021 adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner graduate, said after participating in his first Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). “In my opinion, it’s almost the equivalent of walking into a real patient’s room for the first time.”

From left to right: Marissa McFadden, RN, Lisa McFadden, RN, BSN, OCN, and Nicole McFadden, RN
Friday, Feb 11, 2022
A Family Affair: Fate (and a global pandemic) bring sisters and mother to UR School of Nursing at same time
Three members of the same household attending the same school at the same time may seem like an intentional family bonding experience, but in reality, it was more like a happy accident.

Students with ipads
Tuesday, Sep 28, 2021
UR School of Nursing Honored as an Apple Distinguished School
The University of Rochester School of Nursing has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for its innovations in teaching, learning, and creating a digital learning environment to better prepare the nursing workforce of tomorrow. The UR School of Nursing has earned the distinction for a three-year period: 2021 to 2024.

School of Nursing Logo
Friday, Sep 3, 2021
SON Convocation Celebrates Start of 2021-2022 Academic Year
The University of Rochester School of Nursing kicked off the 2021-22 academic year at its convocation ceremony on Tuesday.

Starks
Friday, Sep 3, 2021
Starks, Hudson Receive Student Honors
A pair of UR Nursing students were recognized with regional honors. Mary Starks ’17N, was selected as Nurse Practitioner Association (NPA) student of the year, while Khaleeyah Hudson ’20N received a Rochester Area Colleges Continuing Education (RACCE) Outstanding Adult Student award. 

Juliana Weiss ’20N
Tuesday, Aug 3, 2021
A career in health care may have seemed inevitable, but Juliana Weiss forged her own path into nursing
Juliana Weiss, chosen as one of the cohort’s class speakers, joined her classmates and participated in the December pinning ceremony from home due to COVID-19.

news/2021/luis_classroom_17_4.jpg
Thursday, Apr 29, 2021
UR School of Nursing Anticipates Return to Fully In-Person Learning in Fall
The University of Rochester School of Nursing is making plans to return to fully in-person classroom learning beginning with the fall 2021 semester. School-wide safety protocols instituted during the pandemic, including mandatory masking, frequent hand washing, and daily health screenings, will continue for the 2021-22 academic year. Additionally, all School of Nursing undergraduate and graduate students who plan to enroll for the 2021-22 academic year will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

School of Nursing Logo
Monday, Apr 12, 2021
UR Nursing Commencement Details: Celebrating the Class of 2021
We look forward to recognizing the accomplishments of the Class of 2021 this May. 

School of Nursing Logo
Thursday, Apr 1, 2021
Identical Twins from Jamaica Share a Passion for Nursing and Education
Sisters Ranae and Shanae McKenzie have done just about everything together for as long as they can remember. Born and raised in Jamaica, they are identical twins with identical passions. Both came to the U.S. for their undergraduate education and now are nursing students together. In September 2020, they both started the accelerated baccalaureate program for non-nurses at the University of Rochester’s School of Nursing (SON). They are slated to complete the program in the fall of 2021.

UR street outreach group
Monday, Mar 1, 2021
NURSING Magazine: Megan Reynolds '19N Change Agent
From an early age, Megan Reynolds ’19N has had a passion for helping people. “Humanitarian work has always been integral in my drive to provide health care. My earliest memory as a kid was wanting to respond to the genocide in Sudan,” said Reynolds, a nurse in the Burn Trauma Intensive Care Unit at Strong Memorial Hospital who was honored by the School of Nursing in 2020 with its Humanitarian Award. “I’ve always known that I was going to end up doing this work in some capacity.”

School of Nursing Logo
Monday, Feb 22, 2021
NURSING Magazine: Health Care Hero
Jose Perpignan ’16N waited in front of his computer for an interview to begin one October morning, completely unaware he was moments away from winning a life-changing amount of money. On live TV.

School of Nursing Logo
Friday, Feb 19, 2021
YOTN Year-end Video
Year of the Nurse year in review video with Kathy Rideout and Karen Davis

August Class of 2020
Wednesday, Sep 2, 2020
School of Nursing Celebrates Graduates with In-Person Pinning Ceremony
It was a school year that no one saw coming. It started normally enough for the August 2020 cohort of the University of Rochester School of Nursing’s Accelerated Program for Non-Nurses as they sat side by side in the auditorium of Helen Wood Hall for orientation. Despite the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19, the August 2020 cohort was able to attend their in-person pinning ceremony.

School of Nursing Logo
Thursday, May 28, 2020
UR President Mangelsdorf and UR Medicine CNE Karen Davis Celebrating Nurses Week
UR President Mangelsdorf and UR Medicine CNE Karen Davis Celebrating Nurses Week

Hopkins
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Hopkins Honored with E.P. Curtis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching
Patrick Hopkins, whose soft-spoken and gentle manner belies his vehement passion for teaching and bringing out the best of his students, was honored by the University of Rochester with the Edward Peck Curtis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. He is only the third nursing faculty member to receive the award in its 58-year history.

Davis
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
A tribute to all of our nurses
Crisis tends to bring out the best of people, and that’s never been more true than during the COVID-19 pandemic, says University of Rochester Medical Center Chief Nursing Executive Karen Davis. She said she’s extremely proud of how well nurses have responded. “It’s been awe-inspiring to see how people have taken this on. We’re so fortunate to have the group of nurses and health care providers that we do here.”

Rotondo-Blaakman
Wednesday, Mar 4, 2020
Blaakman, Rotondo Elected Distinguished Fellows of National Academies of Practice
Two University of Rochester School of Nursing faculty members have been accepted into the prestigious National Academies of Practice (NAP) in Nursing. In recognition of their outstanding professional achievements and contributions to the field of nursing, Lydia Rotondo and Susan Blaakman will be formally inducted as Distinguished Fellows at the nursing academy’s annual meeting in San Diego, March 12 to 14.

Year of the Nurse and Midwife
Monday, Jan 13, 2020
UR School of Nursing Joins in Worldwide Celebration of Year of the Nurse and Midwife
The World Health Organization (WHO) is designating 2020 as The Year of the Nurse and Midwife, and the University of Rochester School of Nursing is playing a leading role as the UR Medical Center and its affiliate hospital make plans to honor nurses and midwives throughout the year. The celebration is being held in conjunction with the 200th birthday of Florence Nightingale.

Total Enrollment Numbers
Thursday, Jan 9, 2020
Record-Breaking Enrollment Reflects Growing Nursing Workforce Needs
The School of Nursing began its fall 2019 academic year by welcoming a record-breaking class of 235 new students. The most recent spike continues the substantial growth at the school where enrollment has increased more than 40 percent since 2016, from 529 to 742 students.

School of Nursing Logo
Monday, Oct 28, 2019
UR School of Nursing Launches Articulation Agreement with St. Lawrence University
The University of Rochester School of Nursing has entered into an Early Acceptance agreement with St. Lawrence University. The agreement allows St. Lawrence students to apply for early acceptance to the UR School of Nursing’s Accelerated Bachelor’s Program for Non-Nurses (ABPNN) during their junior year and receive notification of their admission status by the end of the summer following their junior year. Upon graduating with a baccalaureate degree from St. Lawrence, accepted students will continue their studies at the UR School of Nursing, where they can earn their B.S. in nursing in 12 months. The UR School of Nursing will accept up to two qualified SLU students each year.

School of Nursing Logo
Tuesday, Oct 1, 2019
APNN Grad: How a Volunteer Trip to Southern Peru Helped Prepare Me for My Nursing Career
How the UR School of Nursing and a volunteer trip to southern Peru helped prepare APNN Graduate Amanda Hyman for her nursing career.

School of Nursing Logo
Monday, May 13, 2019
Celebrating 2019 School of Nursing Graduates
This May, we celebrate University of Rochester School of Nursing degree candidates from our undergraduate and graduate programs.

School of Nursing Logo
Monday, Jan 28, 2019
APNN Student Awarded Susan B. Anthony Prize
Charlotte Pillow '19, a first-semester student in the Accelerated Program for Non-Nurses, was awarded the University of Rochester's Susan B. Anthony Prize. The award is given to a senior enrolled in a five-year program who has shown exceptional leadership, academic excellence and involvement in student life.

Amy Karch, MS, RN
Friday, Jan 18, 2019
Author of Influential Textbooks and 'Conscience' of Student Nurses, Amy Karch Passes Away
Amy Karch, MS, RN, a beloved University of Rochester School of Nursing faculty member whose teaching career spanned five decades and helped spur the explosive national and international growth of the Accelerated Program for Non-Nurses died Jan. 16. She was 69.

Like mother, like daughter
Monday, Sep 10, 2018
Family Tradition: Patti Winn Follows in Her Mother's Footsteps to Earn UR Nursing Degree
Patti Winn follows in her mother’s footsteps to earn a UR nursing degree six decades later.

Pinning Ceremony Celebrates Newest Graduates
Wednesday, Jan 3, 2018
Pinning Ceremony Celebrates Newest Graduates
Kevin Liu stepped up to the podium on Wednesday, Dec. 20 and summed up the whirlwind experience of the University of Rochester School of Nursing’s Accelerated Bachelor’s Program for Non-Nurses (ABPNN).

Coming Full Circle
Friday, Oct 6, 2017
Coming Full Circle
Raleigh Galbraith smiles down at three-week-old Ava as her professor shows her how to best listen to the preemie’s tiny heart. He sanitizes his hands one more time, grabs the miniature stethoscope from the side of the crib, and gently adjusts the 4-pound baby’s onesie.

Elizabeth Gifford
Tuesday, Feb 7, 2017
Elizabeth Gifford: Discovering a World of Difference
Elizabeth Gifford: Discovering a World of Difference

Sergio Amador Perez
Tuesday, Jan 17, 2017
OUR Nurses: Sergio Amador Perez Follows His American Dream
OUR Nurses: Sergio Amador Perez Follows His American Dream

School of Nursing Logo
Tuesday, Jan 17, 2017
UR School of Nursing Welcomes Newest Students
UR School of Nursing Welcomes Newest Students

Laura Callens
Thursday, Jan 12, 2017
Laura Callens: From Caterer to Caregiver
Laura Callens: From Caterer to Caregiver

Alexander Lee
Thursday, Jan 5, 2017
Alexander Lee: All-In for Mental Health
Accelerated student Alexander Lee is all-in for mental health.

Dec 2015 Pinning Ceremony
Wednesday, Dec 30, 2015
Emotions ride high during APNN graduation ceremony | University of Rochester School of Nursing
One by one, they paraded across the stage accompanied by tears and laughter. Awaiting them at the other end was a diploma, a pin and the beginning of a new life.

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