We Got Answers!
Table of Contents
Accelerated Nursing Programs
How long are accelerated nursing programs?
Accelerated nursing programs are typically between 12 and 18 months. (This timeline does not included any required general education or prerequisite coursework needed to start an ABSN program.
Do you need a bachelors degree to pursue an ABSN program?
Some ABSN programs require an applicant to hold a bachelors degree, while others accept students who have completed a minimum number of college credits.
Are accelerated nursing programs worth it?
Many students believe they are, especially if the goal is to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing as quickly as possible. While ABSN students often make more sacrifices than those in traditional BSN or ADN programs (less breaks), they benefit from graduating and entering the workforce sooner.
Ultimately, students must consider the cost, timeline to graduation, and their personal learning style to decide if an ABSN program is the right fit.
What are the prerequisites for accelerated nursing programs
The most common science prerequisites for ABSN programs include chemistry, microbiology, human anatomy, physiology, and statistics. Many programs also require nutrition and human development. Some schools may list pathophysiology or pharmacology as prerequisites, while others include the courses within the nursing curriculum itself.
Prerequisite and general education requirements can vary by school, so it’s important to check each program’s admissions criteria. Some ABSN programs allow qualified students to waive certain general education courses based on prior coursework or degrees.
Are accelerated nursing programs hard to get into?
Accelerated nursing programs are often more accessible than traditional BSN and ADN programs, especially in California. Many offer multiple start dates, rolling admissions, and larger student cohorts, which can increase ones chance of being accepted.
How much are accelerated nursing programs?
Accelerated nursing programs typically range from $30,000 to $150,000. However, the sticker price is not the true price for every student.
What you actually pay depends on several factors, including:
Transfer credit you can apply toward the program
Financial aid eligibility (federal, state, or institutional)
Scholarships awarded by the school or outside organizations
Living expenses, especially if relocation is required for in-person clinicals or campus attendance
Always request a personalized cost breakdown from each program you’re considering.
What does ABSN stand for?
Accelerated Bachelors of Science in Nusing
Private Nursing Programs
Are private nursing schools expensive?
Private nursing schools in California are typically more expensive than public programs because they don’t receive state funding. This means tuition reflects the full program cost. However, what you actually pay can vary widely depending on factors such as transfer credits, scholarships, and financial aid (FAFSA).
What is the best private nursing school in California?
Determining the “best” private nursing school in California is challenging because every student values different characteristics in a program. Some may prioritize high NCLEX pass rates, others look for rolling admissions with no waitlists, while many focus on location, cost, class size, or clinical placement opportunities. The right school for you depends on which factors matter most to your goals.
Do private nursing schools accept FAFSA?
Yes. Most accredited private nursing schools accept FAFSA.
Will private nursing schools accept transfer credit?
Yes. Most private nursing schools in California accept transfer credit from accredited institutions. However, the number of credits that apply can vary. Schools typically provide a transcript evaluation to determine which courses meet their requirements. Some programs also have recency requirements, meaning certain science or prerequisite courses must have been completed within a set number of years.
How do people afford private nursing programs?
Many students pay for private nursing schools by combining several funding sources. These can include federal aid through FAFSA (grants and loans), state aid such as Cal Grants, scholarships offered by the school or outside organizations, private loans, and personal financing options. Some students also reduce costs by applying transfer credits to shorten their program length.
What's the difference between private and public nursing programs?
Public nursing programs (community colleges, CSU, UC) are state-subsidized, making tuition much lower for California residents. They educate 78% of the ADN students in California but only 20% of BSN students. Public programs are often impacted making them tougher to get into.
Private nursing programs (non-profit and for-profit) do not receive state funding, so tuition is higher. They educate 80% of the BSN enrollment population in California and just 22% of the ADN students. Private programs typically are less impacted and more accessible.