A student nurse reaches for a monitor in the simulation lab, surrounded by medical equipment and a 'patient' infant mannequin.

Accelerated Nursing, B.S.N.

York College of Pennsylvania’s Thornton Accelerated Nursing (ABSN) program is an excellent opportunity for students with previous college education to earn baccalaureate-level nursing credentials in as little as 17 months.

If you already have a bachelor’s degree in a different field or have completed significant college coursework, York College can help you expedite the time it takes to qualify for a career where you are in demand, enjoy opportunities for advancement, and spend time caring for others.

At York College of Pennsylvania, we are committed to educating future nurses who will provide evidence-based care for the health and wellness of the community. Students in the accelerated BSN program learn from faculty who are active professionals in the field, take advantage of our strong clinical partner organizations, and practice in state-of-the-art simulation laboratory facilities.

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A close-up image shows a nursing student's gloved hands inserting an IV into the arm of a practice mannequin in the nursing simulation lab.

About the Accelerated BSN

  • Key Courses

    Second Degree BSN Curriculum

    York College’s accelerated BSN program builds on the success of the institution’s traditional BSN program, providing a rigorous curriculum and the hands-on clinical experiences necessary for success in this high-demand field.

    Our faculty ensure the nursing curriculum reflects the most current practices. In approximately 17 months, students will complete the foundational aspects of the profession and learn specialized skills. Simulation experiences are incorporated into each course.

    Nursing Courses and Specialties

    The courses you’ll take in the ABSN program include:

    • NUR 203: Pharmacology for Nurses
    • NUR 314: Research and Professional Nursing Practice
    • NUR 358/359: Nursing Concepts and Practice: Children with Health Problems
    • NUR 430/431: Medical/Surgical Nursing III: Adults with Acute Health Problems
    • NUR 450/451: Nursing Practicum
    • NUR 460: Leadership in Professional Nursing

    York College’s accelerated nursing curriculum builds on the unique educational background and career experience of second-degree nursing students, ensuring students are prepared to set upon career paths such as:

    • Providing care at all stages of life, from infants to seniors
    • Specializing in cardiac, pulmonary, neurology, and more
    • Nursing in military, disaster relief, or mission settings
    • Participating in nursing education, research, or community outreach

    ABSN Prerequisites & Admission Requirements

    The accelerated-format BSN degree program is offered to students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline or at least 65 non-nursing college credits.

    If you have earned at least a 3.0 GPA in your previous coursework and completed the necessary prerequisite courses in science and other subjects, you will likely be considered for admission to the ABSN program. Requirements to apply for the accelerated BSN at York include two professional references, a resume, a prompted personal essay, and official college transcripts.

    Find complete admissions requirements for the ABSN degree program.

    Nursing Program Handbook

    For academic policies, clinical requirements, and department information, familiarize yourself with the Nursing Student Handbook in conjunction with the College Catalog and the College Student Handbook.

    2023-2024 Baccalaureate Nursing Student Handbook

    Earn an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing at York College of Pennsylvania

    If you are interested in pivoting to a nursing career in as little as 17 months, pursuing York’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) ensures you are prepared for any path you may take. Take the next step and visit our state-of-the-art nursing facilities, or request more information.

    Review complete admissions requirements for the ABSN program.

  • Career Opportunities & Benefits

    Accelerated Nursing Program Career Preparation

    Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing opens doors for both new and experienced nurses. York College of Pennsylvania’s accelerated nursing program ensures students are prepared to pursue Registered Nurse (RN) certification or other advanced credentials after graduation, entering the workforce, or both.

    Students pursuing a second bachelor’s degree in nursing will learn the specialized skills they need to seek careers across the profession, including:

    • Registered Nurse (RN)
    • Cardiac Nurse
    • Critical Care Nurse
    • ER Nurse
    • Geriatric Nurse
    • Pediatric Nurse
    • Travel Nurse

    York College’s ABSN program also builds a solid foundation in classroom learning and applied experience for students continuing on to graduate programs in pursuit of advanced practice nursing careers, such as:

    • Clinical Nurse Specialist
    • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
    • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
    • Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)

    Career Outlook for BSN-Credentialed Nurses

    With the current shortage of nursing professionals and predictions for continued growth in the field, graduates of York College’s accelerated nursing program will be prepared for outstanding career opportunities.

    Not only are registered nurses with bachelor’s degrees more sought after and more highly compensated than those with just associate-level credentials, but students earning a second degree after studying non-nursing disciplines are in an increasingly attractive position. Graduates of accelerated programs are valued by employers for the well-rounded skill and education these graduates bring to the healthcare setting.

    Bachelor’s in Nursing Salary

    Pivoting your career to become a BSN-credentialed nurse means joining a solid profession that will see at least 6% job growth by 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The earning potential for educated nurses is also affected by an increasing need for geriatric, ER, and more specialized nurse professionals as the baby boomer generation ages, as well as the prevalence of travel and contract nursing careers. The BLS reports the median annual pay in 2021 for registered nurses as $77,600.

    If you pursue advanced nursing career paths such as nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist, you’ll see even faster job growth and a higher salary, the BLS also reports. These advanced nursing professionals are predicted to see 40% job growth by 2030 and earn a median salary of 123,000 per year.

    Review York College of Pennsylvania’s career support services.

    Affordable Accelerated Nursing Degree

    York’s ABSN degree is one of the most affordable second-degree nursing program options in the region. The tuition cost for the program includes the nursing differential. Additional costs students incur may include books, clinical uniforms and requirements, educational technology, and standardized testing. Total program cost is estimated to be $48,000.

    Find complete costs and aid information.

    Visit the Career Development Center
  • Internships & Work Experience

    Advanced Nursing Clinicals

    York College of Pennsylvania’s strong affiliations with the best clinical practice locations in the area ensure accelerated nursing students receive meaningful hands-on learning experiences. In both college facilities and clinical settings, you’ll be exposed to high-tech simulations as well as actual patients.

    After completing clinical components alongside your accelerated-format coursework, you’ll complete a capstone clinical experience under the mentorship and supervision of a preceptor. Whether you’re observing or you’re practicing talking to and treating a patient, the ABSN clinicals are designed to build your confidence as well as technical skills.

    See complete information about the ABSN clinical experience.

    Nursing Simulation Lab

    York College of Pennsylvania’s high-tech simulation labs supplement clinical experiences with further hands-on learning in a realistic setting. In an effort to help expose accelerated nursing students to unique or critical situations, repeated practice, and immediate faculty feedback, our nursing simulation labs are a highlight of the Stabler Department of Nursing.

    Learn more about York’s Nursing Simulation Labs and all nursing facilities. Or, schedule a visit today.

  • Mentorship & Community

    Meet ABSN Faculty

    Students in the accelerated nursing bachelor’s program learn from outstanding faculty members who are experienced and active professionals in nursing. While many other schools use teaching assistants in place of professors, York nursing students interact directly with faculty. Additionally, each nursing student is assigned a supportive and collaborative faculty advisor.

    Nursing Student Clubs and Organizations

    Accelerated nursing students interested in building a peer and professional network may be interested in joining York’s local chapter of the Student Nurses Association of Pennsylvania (SNAP). This pre-professional organization allows you to foster connections with other current nursing students.

    Explore York College’s student clubs and organizations.

    Meet the Faculty
  • High-Demand Skills

    Preparation for Advanced Nursing Professions

    As a student in York College of Pennsylvania’s ABSN degree program, you will graduate with the skills to do the following and more throughout your nursing career.

    • Apply knowledge from nursing and other disciplines, like the arts, sciences, and humanities, to improve health outcomes across various populations
    • Practice quality and safety principles to minimize harm and provide developmentally appropriate care to diverse individuals and groups
    • Use the latest information and communication technologies and available resources to foster and advocate for compassionate, holistic, respectful, individualized, and person-centered care
    • Understand evidence synthesis and research methods and demonstrate clinical reasoning as a knowledgeable and transformative nursing professional
    • Engage professionally and in collaboration with other healthcare professionals, stakeholders, and patients and their families with a commitment to personal growth and leadership development

    Earning an ABSN at York means being able to jump-start a specialized nursing career, whether you picture yourself assisting aging populations, practicing in a mental health setting, or shaping the future of the profession as a nurse leader or educator. 

    If you continue your training and pursue a master’s degree in nursing or advanced nurse practitioner or nurse specialist credentials, you will be ready to hit the ground running.

    RN Exam Preparation

    In both content and clinical experience, the accelerated BSN program prepares students to be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses). As a baccalaureate-educated RN, you will have more opportunities to qualify for hospital nursing posts as well as seek advancement to administrative, teaching, or research positions, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

    If you plan to pursue licensure in a state other than Pennsylvania, contact the appropriate licensing agency to ensure the accelerated nursing program meets your state’s requirements. Visit the National Council of State Boards to learn more.

  • Accreditation & Professional Recognition

    CCNE-Accredited Nursing Program

    The official CCNE Accredited logo The baccalaureate and master's programs at York College of Pennsylvania are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. 

    Officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is an autonomous accrediting agency, contributing to the improvement of the public's health. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing.

    Visit CCNE

Program Requirements

Required Courses and Degree Requirements for Graduation
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2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

Related Programs

Contact Us
Kelli Masters, DNP, RN, CCRN
Accelerated BSN Program Director
Diehl Hall, Room 225
Phone: 717.815.2044
keldred1@ycp.edu