Accelerated Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

A Kent State nursing student poses as another nursing student cares for a patient in the background

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. 

Daytime Cohort (admits fall, spring, & summer)

The Daytime Cohort is a four (4) semester sequence.

  • This cohort will have traditional classroom hours (generally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Clinical hours are generally 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Class and clinical will be any day Monday through Friday, but clinical may occur on Saturday or Sunday.
  • Clinical rotations will occur at any number of facilities in Northeastern Ohio, especially those facilities concentrated in Summit (Akron) and Cuyahoga (Cleveland) counties. Students may also have clinical in Mahoning (Youngstown), Stark (Alliance), Trumbull (Warren), or Portage (Ravenna) counties.
  • The Daytime Cohort accepts students for the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms.
Evening & Weekend Cohort: Akron Cohort

The Akron Cohort is a five (5) semester sequence.

  • This cohort typically has class on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Kent campus. Clinical hours will primarily be on Saturdays or Sundays from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; however, a weekday clinical may be required during the third, fourth, and fifth semesters.
  • Clinical rotations will typically take place at Summa Health Systems and Cleveland Clinic Akron General located in Akron. Three exceptions are NURS 30020, which will be held at Akron Children's Hospital; NURS 40020, which will be held at multiple locations throughout Summit County, and; NURS 40045, subject to preceptor location and shift availability.
  • The Akron Cohort accepts applicants every-other-Fall (even years). The Akron Cohort will next be offered in Fall 2022.
Evening & Weekend Cohort: Cleveland Cohort

The Weekend Cohort is a five (5) semester sequence.

  • This cohort typically has class on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Kent campus. Clinical hours will primarily be on Saturdays or Sundays from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; however, a weekday clinical may be required during the third, fourth, and fifth semesters.
  • Clinical rotations will take place in the Cleveland area. The Weekend Cohort is available in partnership with University Hospitals and Cleveland Clinic.
  • Admission to the Weekend Cohort is available every other Fall on an odd-year basis. The fall 2023 application is the next term one might apply for admission to the Weekend Cohort.

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.
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

How competitive is the sequence and how many people apply?

The sequence is very competitive. We receive 60-120 applications each round and - on average - 50% of eligible candidates earn admission to the professional cohort each application cycle. Participate in an ABSN Information Webinar to gather further specifics. 

What GPA do I need to be competitive?

While 2.75 GPA’s are the minimum thresholds for eligibility, the GPA amongst candidates who earn admission average around a 3.5. Beyond GPA, preference is awarded to candidates who have completed program prerequisites upon the application deadline and for the completion of and/or enrollment in additional BSN degree requirements. Applicants are ranked by the established point system and seats are offered to the top candidates until the cohort is full.  Participate in an ABSN Information Webinar to learn how we determine admission and what it takes to be competitive for admission. 

How do I know what transfers?

Students must apply and be admitted via undergraduate admissions to receive a full transcript evaluation.

  • Prospective students are encouraged to utilize the Transfer Credit Guide
  • Prospective applicants should apply to Kent State University as a post-undergraduate, degree-seeking student in the Nursing major. You will need to send official transcripts to Kent State Admissions. The Transfer Center will conduct an official evaluation of all transfer credits.
Can I have a job while going through the sequence?

Some students have worked while in the sequence, mostly part-time in the evenings or weekends. Students in the Summa Cohort or Weekend Cohort can work part-time during the regular work week. It can be done, but we highly recommend that you focus more on the sequence than work because it is an intensive program. Students who work more than 16 hours a week are less likely to complete the sequence.

Do I need references?

No references, letters of recommendations, resumes, etc. are required upon applying to the ABSN program. Admission is determined through a formula consisting of cumulative GPA, science GPA, and the completion of auxiliary degree requirements. Participate in an ABSN Information Webinar for an in-depth discussion regarding how we determine admission to the ABSN professional nursing sequence.


Partially Online icon Partially Online
A hybrid format with both online & in-person classes.

Sequence Application Windows

Application Deadlines
Start Semester Application Open
Fall Apr. 1 to Jun. 1
Spring Jul. 1 to Sep. 1
Summer Dec. 1 to Feb. 1
 

Accolades & Accreditation

NLN Center of Excellence in Nursing Education seal

CCNE Accredited Seal

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.

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