Accelerated Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Kent State's Accelerated BSN, developed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree, leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in as few as 15 months.

Built on the foundation of our Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, the Accelerated Second Degree BSN (ABSN) concentration prepares practitioners for professional nursing, helps them understand their role in society and prepares them for graduate study. The program emphasizes professional knowledge, skills, and compassionate nursing practices. 

Learning through a combination of classroom, laboratory, and supervised clinical setting instruction, Kent State nursing students graduate with a substantial foundation of nursing knowledge for clinical practice.

Accelerated BSN students will need critical thinking skills, strong written and oral communication, and the time, support, and resources to commit to an intensive four or five-semester, full-time sequence.

 

Graduates of this program meet educational eligibility requirements to take the National Certification and Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN).

Why Kent State? We offer you:

  • Individual advising, program planning and guidance by experienced academic advisors
  • Clinical experiences at major hospitals and health care facilities throughout northeastern Ohio
  • Hands-on learning experiences in our state-of-the-art simulation laboratory
  • A 90%+ average NCLEX pass rate
  • High graduate placement — you will be in demand

Daytime, Evening & Weekend Options

Kent State offers three Accelerated BSN cohort options to meet the needs of a wide range of students. Each cohort option is distinct with different start dates and duration. 

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Accelerated BSN concentration is a two-step process. First, you must apply and be admitted to the university as a post-undergraduate degree-seeking student. This requires a completed baccalaureate degree with a cumulative 2.75 GPA or higher.

Second, upon completion of all prerequisite courses, you may apply to the ABSN professional nursing sequence. Admission is competitive and based upon a formula (explained during the ABSN Information Webinars).

The requirements are:

  • A cumulative 2.75 GPA or higher.
  • A minimum science prerequisite GPA of 2.75, and a minimum of a grade of C in each course/equivalent: Anatomy & Physiology I, Anatomy & Physiology II, Microbiology, and Chemistry.
  • A college-level algebra course (or higher) with a minimum grade of C. (No longer required starting Fall 2023.)
Preference will be given to applicants who have completed the following courses prior to cohort admission: Human Growth and Development, Human Genetics, Science of Human Nutrition, and/or Statistics.

How to Apply

Curriculum

You will begin with nursing courses that demonstrate the core foundations of the nursing profession and its historical roots. The capstone preceptorship will expose you to research and professional-practice concepts that will ensure your ability to be a nurse leader and healthcare advocate.

Throughout the program, you will study life-span and cultural diversity issues while applying evidence-based practice to the profession. 

Required Courses

Frequently Asked Questions


The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Kent State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. Kent State University College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.  Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) concentrations within the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program and APRN Certificates, along with the Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN-to-DNP) program qualify graduates to sit for national APRN certification and APRN licensure in Ohio.  States other than Ohio may have additional requirements to apply for or obtain an APRN license, including but not limited to specific state examinations, letters of recommendation, or proof of completion of an accredited nursing program. The College of Nursing is in the process of collecting information from all states and has not yet made a determination whether graduates from the Kent State University College of Nursing MSN, Certificate, and BSN-to-DNP programs meet the requirements for APRN licensure outside the state of Ohio.