ABSN Program: Meaning and How It Helps Meet Demand for Nurses
What are ABSN programs? Learn more about what ABSN stands for, how they differ from BSN programs and how they help address the national nursing shortage.
Our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) online program will enable you to become a BSN-level nurse in just 15 months. This rigorous, full-time program is for those with a bachelor’s degree and a solid academic foundation in another field who want to transition into nursing quickly.
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On
Commonwealth Supported Place
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For Credit
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Prerequsite
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Start Anytime
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From Price
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Site Type
OPM
No CTA
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Country
USA
State
Pennsylvania
CSP From Price
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International From Price
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Comparing Online vs. On-Campus Nursing Programs Pros and Cons
Discover the pros and cons of online vs. on-campus nursing programs, including cost differences, flexibility, and curriculum.
Online ABSN Program
Your fast track to a nursing career
Our reputable and accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) builds on your previous bachelor’s degree. Prepare for a new career as a registered nurse (RN) at Wilkes University, a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Explore program details and learn more about how we support our nation’s veterans.
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Change Careers Quickly
Become a nurse in just 15 months.
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100% Virtual Classroom
Online coursework and two residencies so you can balance your commitments.
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In-Demand Qualification
Stand out with a degree that is preferred by employers, especially hospitals.
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Comprehensive Support Provided
Dedicated support specialist, clinical placement team, attentive faculty and a Veteran’s Services department.
Your skills are needed here
A spirit of selfless service is central to both nursing and military service. Nurses serve their communities and patients with dedication and compassion. If you want to continue making a difference, the nation needs more nurses.
Wilkes University is proud to support our veterans who have done so much for us all. Whether you’re planning a transition to civilian life or want to transfer benefits to a dependent, Veterans Services can help you.
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Dedicated
Veteran’s Counselor
Mark Kaster, Lt. Col. USAF, Retd. Is here to help you make the most of your education benefits.
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Yellow Ribbon
Program
Participants
Wilkes and VA will help cover tuition and fees that exceed the GI Bill limit.*
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Green
Zone Support
Our Green Zone certified staff and faculty understand your unique experience and are here to provide extra support.
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Apply Now for Next Intake
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No entrance exams required
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3.0 minimum undergrad GPA
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
CCNE
Guard-Friendly School
PNGAS
Online Military-Friendly School
OnlineU, 2020
Military-Friendly School
VIQTORY, 2021
* Must meet eligibility requirements
The baccalaureate degree in nursing/master's degree in nursing/ Doctor of Nursing Practice and post-graduate/APRN certificate programs at Wilkes University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org)
Online ABSN Program
Your fast track to a nursing career
Our reputable and accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) builds on your previous bachelor’s degree. Prepare for a new career as a registered nurse (RN) at Wilkes University, a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Explore program details and learn more about how we support our nation’s veterans.
Image
Change Careers Quickly
Become a nurse in just 15 months.
Image
100% Virtual Classroom
Online coursework and two residencies so you can balance your commitments.
Image
In-Demand Qualification
Stand out with a degree that is preferred by employers, especially hospitals.
Image
Comprehensive Support Provided
Dedicated support specialist, clinical placement team, attentive faculty and a Veteran’s Services department.
Your skills are needed here
A spirit of selfless service is central to both nursing and military service. Nurses serve their communities and patients with dedication and compassion. If you want to continue making a difference, the nation needs more nurses.
Wilkes University is proud to support our veterans who have done so much for us all. Whether you’re planning a transition to civilian life or want to transfer benefits to a dependent, Veterans Services can help you.
Image
Dedicated
Veteran's Counselor
Mark Kaster, Lt. Col. USAF, Retd. Is here to help you make the most of your education benefits.
Image
Yellow Ribbon
Program
Participants
Wilkes and VA will help cover tuition and fees that exceed the GI Bill limit.*
Image
Green Zone
Support
Our Green Zone certified staff and faculty understand your unique experience and are here to provide extra support.
Image
Apply Now for Next Intake
Image
No entrance exams required
Image
3.0 minimum undergrad GPA
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
CCNE
Guard-Friendly School
PNGAS
Online Military-Friendly School
OnlineU, 2020
Military-Friendly School
VIQTORY, 2021
* Must meet eligibility requirements
The baccalaureate degree in nursing/master's degree in nursing/ Doctor of Nursing Practice and post-graduate/APRN certificate programs at Wilkes University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org)
Online ABSN Program
Build on your bachelor’s degree
Our reputable and accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) builds on the four-year college degree you already have. Prepare for a new career as a registered nurse (RN) at Wilkes University.
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Change Your Career Faster
Be fully prepared for nursing practice in just 15 months.
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100% Virtual Classroom
Online coursework and just one residency at our Pennsylvania campus (plus one virtual residency).
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In-Demand Qualification
Stand out with a degree that is preferred by employers, especially hospitals.
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Embrace the Challenge
Accelerated program requires full-time commitment to studying.
Supporting PA nurses for 40+ years
Nestled along the Susquehanna River, Wilkes is a small non-profit university in Pennsylvania that gives you big opportunities. That is just as true in our virtual campus.
Bridge the gap between online learning and practical nursing experience during one on-campus residency in Wilkes-Barre. Structured activities in our state-of-the-art Clinical Nursing Simulation Center will develop your clinical skills and connection with your virtual community.
Wilkes nurses have found success at leading Pennsylvania healthcare providers, including Geisinger, Lehigh Valley, UPMC and St. Luke’s Health Networks.
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Minimal
Prerequisites
Only six prerequisites are required, and we can help you complete them.
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Complimentary
Placement Support
Our team will work with you to find convenient clinical sites.
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Prepped to
Become an RN
Our nurses have integrated prep and high pass rates on NCLEX licensure exams (93.59%, first-time undergraduate pass rate for the year of 2023).
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Apply Now for Next Intake
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No entrance exams required
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3.0 minimum undergrad GPA
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
CCNE
Top Ranked University for 16 Consecutive Years
U.S. News & World Report
Top 10% Ranked Institution Nationally
Brookings Institution
Military Friendly School Bronze Award, 2021
VIQTORY
The baccalaureate degree in nursing/master's degree in nursing/ Doctor of Nursing Practice and post-graduate/APRN certificate programs at Wilkes University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org)
Online ABSN Program
Build on your bachelor’s degree
Our reputable and accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) builds on the four-year college degree you already have. Prepare for a new career as a registered nurse (RN) at Wilkes University.
Image
Change Your Career Faster
Be fully prepared to become a nurse in just 15 months.
Image
100% Virtual Classroom
Online coursework and one on-campus residency for improved accessibility (plus one virtual residency).
Image
In-Demand Qualification
Stand out with a degree that is preferred by employers, especially hospitals.
Image
Embrace the Challenge
Accelerated program requires full-time commitment to studying.
Recognized and respected in nursing
For more than 80 years, Wilkes University has been dedicated to student success. See some of the reasons why our program is unique:
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Minimal
Prerequisites
Only six prerequisites are required, and we can help you complete them.
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Free
Placement Support
Our team will work with you to find convenient clinical sites.
Image
Prepped to
Become an RN
Our nurses have integrated prep and high pass rates on NCLEX licensure exams (93.59%, first-time undergraduate pass rate for the year of 2023).
Image
Apply Now for Next Intake
Image
No entrance exams required
Image
3.0 minimum undergrad GPA
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
CCNE
Top Ranked University for 16 Consecutive Years
U.S. News & World Report
Top 10% Ranked Institution Nationally
Brookings Institution
Military Friendly School Bronze Award, 2021
VIQTORY
The baccalaureate degree in nursing/master's degree in nursing/ Doctor of Nursing Practice and post-graduate/APRN certificate programs at Wilkes University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org)
Celia Rossini
I am amazed at the amount of knowledge I have gained in only 6 months of this program, and the lifelong relationships I have formed with my classmates.
Kelly Samuels
As a professional, I learned that if you are unsure of something or you need help, just ask for it. I think Wilkes stands by that same motto. So I have had questions, I reach out to my professors. They've always been prompt about replying, and the same goes for the clinical placement team. If you email them a question, they'll get back to you quickly
Payton Bell
I don't ever feel like I'm being judged or have to pretend that I understand something even though I don't. It's just a really welcoming, amazing environment, both from the faculty and the students.
