Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Find out if you qualify for Wilkes’ online accelerated BSN program

Start a Meaningful Career With an Online ABSN
Overview

Wilkes University was the first CCNE-accredited school in PA to offer an online ABSN, and we also boast PA’s longest-running CCNE accreditation at the baccalaureate level.

Every cohort of students that we graduate helps us improve the program for the next group, which means we’re continuously learning to prepare you better for your new career.

Online coursework offers flexibility, while your on-campus residency and in-person clinicals provide hands-on experience. Competency-based assessment means you’ll graduate fully prepared to write the NCLEX-RN exam and be practice-ready from day one.

Features

The Wilkes online ABSN is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and has:

  • 48 credit hours / 11 courses
  • 2 residencies (1 on-campus & 1 online)
  • 2 start dates per year (Summer and Fall terms)
  • A 15-month duration (4 semesters)
Admission Requirements

Please note: the minimum requirements are outlined below. Admissions may request additional information for a more in-depth review.

  • Bachelor's degree with 3.0 GPA
  • Statement of professional goals
  • 2 letters of recommendation
  • 6 prerequisite courses (see “Prerequisites” tab for details)
  • Available to residents in Pennsylvania*

*View state authorizations to confirm if this program is available in your area.

Why Wilkes?

 

Prerequisites

Our Accelerated BSN program is designed to build on your bachelor’s degree in any field.

While prior nursing experience isn't mandatory, we do require six prerequisite courses before you can enroll. This will ensure that you are prepared for the accelerated and intense nature of the program.

If you have not completed all of the prerequisite courses below, an admissions counselor will guide you through the process and timeline. Click here to Get Your Guide.

  • BIO 113 — Microbiology with Lab
  • BIO 115 — Human Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab
  • BIO 116 — Human Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab
  • CHM 111 — Chemistry with Lab
  • MTH 150 — Elementary Statistics
  • NSG 200 — Principles of Normal Nutrition
Program Outcomes

Upon graduation, you will be fully prepared to join the nursing profession—this includes taking the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) exam and becoming a licensed registered nurse (RN).

The online ABSN curriculum builds your confidence and skills to:

  • Understand nursing from theoretical, ethical, scientific and historical perspectives.
  • Provide evidence-based care for culturally diverse, rural and underserved communities.
  • Develop critical thinking and clinical nursing judgment through applied learning.
  • Lead and effectively collaborate with other healthcare professionals in various settings.

 

 

Start Your New Career with a Strong Foundation

Wilkes is a small, non-profit university that offers big opportunities. Wilkes students enjoy a supportive environment here and go on to do great things.

Our graduates have found success at leading healthcare providers, such as:

  • Geisinger
  • Lehigh Valley Health Network
  • St. Luke’s Health Network
  • Tower Health
  • Vanderbilt
  • UPMC
  • The University of Pennsylvania