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HYBRID ACCELERATED BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (ABSN)
If you’re ready to begin a career as a nurse and have already earned a bachelor’s degree in another field, Rockhurst University offers a Hybrid Accelerated BSN, which includes:
- A full-time program that prepares you to become a skilled nurse in just 16 months
- Delivery by the highly respected Saint Luke's College of Nursing and Health Sciences
- 100% online coursework
- One 10-day on-campus residency with hands-on instruction at our state-of-the-art simulation lab
- 1:1 NCLEX coaching provided after graduation to prepare you for the NCLEX-RN exam
Accelerated pathway
Earn your BSN in just 16 months
End-to-end support
From enrollment to graduation
Clinical placement
Preceptor matching service provided
HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS AND FACULTY
ABSN Program Director Lindsey Carlson and Associate Dean of Nursing/Chief Academic Administrator of Nursing Kristina Henry, joined by students Carly Tomlin and Abbey Clark, share their goals, experiences and what students can expect from Rockhurst University’s Hybrid Accelerated BSN program.
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- State requirement
- Residency in one of the following states: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri or Nebraska
- Bachelor’s degree in any field
- 2.7 cumulative GPA or higher
- Resume
- Completion of prerequisites:
- Must complete 2 of 4 science prerequisites for your application to be reviewed
- Science credits must be no older than 7 years; older credits trigger an ATI TEAS admission exam
- Cannot repeat science courses more than once
- Minimum of grade C in all prerequisite courses
- 2.7 cumulative GPA or higher for prerequisite coursework, and a minimum grade of C in all prerequisite courses
- While we welcome all students, students must provide proof of immigration status for clinical placement.
- State requirement
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- State requirement
- Residency in one of the following states: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri or Nebraska
- Bachelor’s degree in any field
- 2.7 cumulative GPA or higher
- Resume
- Completion of prerequisites:
- Must complete 2 of 4 science prerequisites for your application to be reviewed
- Science credits must be no older than 7 years; older credits trigger an ATI TEAS admission exam
- Cannot repeat science courses more than once
- Minimum of grade C in all prerequisite courses
- 2.7 cumulative GPA or higher for prerequisite coursework, and a minimum grade of C in all prerequisite courses
- While we welcome all students, students must provide proof of immigration status for clinical placement.
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This course provides a foundation in the essential principles, concepts, and skills needed by the beginning nursing student who is learning the role of the nurse generalist. Emphasis is placed on the role of the nurse in the provision of safe patient care, effective communication, patient teaching, health promotion, and utilization of the nursing process. Students have the opportunity to apply fundamental nursing principles in lab and clinical settings. (6 credits) Corequisites: NUA 3100, NUA 3120
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This course provides a foundation in the essential principles, concepts, and skills needed by the beginning nursing student who is learning the role of the nurse generalist. Emphasis is placed on the role of the nurse in the provision of safe patient care, effective communication, patient teaching, health promotion, and utilization of the nursing process. Students have the opportunity to apply fundamental nursing principles in lab and clinical settings. (6 credits) Corequisites: NUA 3100, NUA 3120
How does the clinical placement process work?
You’ll work with a dedicated Rockhurst Student Success Advisor who will walk you through the process and be your primary point of contact. Based on your goals and where you live, the placement team will identify an appropriate site and preceptor for you.
How should I prepare for nursing clinicals?
You will be in close communication with your Student Success Advisor all the way through to graduation. They will ensure you complete all requirements and meet deadlines, and will answer your questions, verify your clearance requirements, and walk you through the nursing clinicals checklist.
When will I receive my clinical placement details?
You will receive a notification from your Student Success Advisor prior to each clinical start date. Once the placement has been confirmed and communicated, you are encouraged to begin working directly with your preceptor to establish a schedule.
What can I expect during nursing clinicals?
All clinical experiences are a bit different because students work in a variety of health care environments. During clinical rotations, you will be under the close supervision of your preceptor and the indirect supervision of Rockhurst clinical faculty.
INNOVATION IN EDUCATION
Rockhurst University’s brand new, state-of-the-art simulation lab and renovated nursing facilities provide our nursing students with hands-on clinical learning experiences so they learn the suitable competencies and skills they need to provide quality patient care.
COMPETITIVE TUITION
Rockhurst University Online offers one of the more affordable ABSN programs in the Kansas-Missouri region. Compared to the average tuition of $53,114* among other regional ABSN programs, Rockhurst’s ABSN program is competitively priced at $47,100 and includes the flexibility of online coursework as well as hands-on clinicals and one on-campus residency.
With the value-added service of full clinical placement services, students save a significant amount of time and energy otherwise spent on phone calls, paperwork, research and ensuring clinical sites meet graduation requirements. Our comprehensive clinical placement support frees students of this cumbersome task, allowing them to focus on their coursework to succeed in the program.
| Benefits | Rockhurst University Hybrid ABSN Program | Regional ABSN Programs* |
|---|---|---|
|
Student Success Adviser Support |
✔ |
X |
|
Dedicated Clinical Placement Team |
✔ |
X |
|
Online Coursework Delivery |
✔ |
X |
|
Application Fee |
$0 |
$50 - $65 |
|
Tuition cost: |
$47,100 |
$53,114 |
*Average tuition of 4 ABSN programs in Kansas and Missouri.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you don’t find the answers to your questions here, contact your Rockhurst University (RU) enrollment adviser and schedule a time to talk that’s convenient for you.
An Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program caters to those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree who seek a career change into nursing. A second-degree BSN presents a faster and more cost-effective path to attaining the status of a registered nurse compared to traditional four-year BSN programs. Rockhurst’s Online ABSN program provides vital nursing education and training in a 16-month timeframe, equipping students for the NCLEX exam and their nursing careers.
To become a registered nurse, you need to complete a nursing education program and pass the NCLEX exam. For those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree, a second-degree BSN program offers an accelerated pathway to becoming an RN. After graduation, you will get paired with a faculty member to meet weekly for 1:1 NCLEX coaching. After passing the NCLEX exam, you can apply for state licensure and begin your nursing career. In 2023, Rockhurst University’s BSN graduates had a 97% NCLEX pass rate.
The demand for nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of RNs will increase by 6% by 2032, which is higher than the national average for all occupations. Many healthcare settings, including 77% of hospitals, prefer to hire registered nurses with a BSN, according to the AACN. BSN-prepared nurses are equipped with a higher level of education and skills, making them well-prepared to provide quality patient care.
The median salary for registered nurses is around $86,070, according to the BLS. The salary of an RN can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, education level and the specific healthcare facility or setting. Due to an aging population, healthcare advancements, and the evolving nature of the industry, BSN degree holders have better career prospects, opportunities for advancement and the ability to pursue specialized nursing roles.
Rockhurst University and Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences* are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
*The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at Rockhurst University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
The accelerated BSN program is full-time and takes 16 months to complete.
The accelerated BSN is a rigorous program intended for full-time study. Students are not expected to work while enrolled in this program.
You will learn from active clinicians who bring real-world experience into the online classroom. As trusted Rockhurst faculty members, they are committed to your success as an advanced practice nurse.
Yes. Clinical placement services are built into the cost of the program. You’ll work with your Student Success Advisor who will walk you through the process and be your primary point of contact. Based on your goals and where you live, the placement team will work to help source and secure placement sites.
During the required 10-day on-campus residency in Kansas City, Missouri, students will gain needed clinical experience and hands-on training with feedback from faculty. Learn more about the on-campus residency experience.
Halie McArdle, Hybrid ABSN student, Rockhurst University
Ellie Thompson, Hybrid ABSN student, Rockhurst University
Daley Sullivan, Hybrid ABSN student, Rockhurst University
YOUR WEEKLY COMMITMENT TO THE HYBRID ABSN PROGRAM
2-3
HOURS
SYNCHRONOUS
Real-time virtual sessions with an instructor
6-8
HOURS
ASYNCHRONOUS
Self-paced independent study
3-4
HOURS
ASSIGNMENTS
Writing assignments and participation in virtual discussion forum
20-24
HOURS*
CLINICAL PLACEMENT
On-site clinical rotation with a preceptor, starting in semester 2
31-39
HOURS*
TOTAL HOURS
Total hourly commitment per week
*Varies depending on number of clinical rotations. 10-12 hours of clinical placement during semesters with one clinical rotation; 20-24 hours of clinical placement for two rotations.
CAMPUS RESIDENCY FOR ABSN STUDENTS
During the first semester, Hybrid ABSN students will attend Rockhurst’s campus in Kansas City, Missouri for 10 days of clinical instruction and direct patient care. In this immersive clinical experience, students will:
- Receive hands-on instruction from Rockhurst faculty.
- Practice their skills.
- Complete high- and low-fidelity simulation.
- Demonstrate competencies in various critical elements.
Students will also have direct patient care experience through clinical rotations, conducted in small groups, under the direct supervision of University faculty. These clinical experiences will expose students to the spheres of care in which professional nurses need expertise, such as skilled nursing, hospice, and long-term, acute care settings.
Following the campus residency, students will return home for the remainder of the program to continue their online coursework. Additionally, they will complete the rest of their clinical hours at a predetermined site under the direct supervision of a licensed RN preceptor and the indirect supervision of a Rockhurst clinical faculty supervisor.
ABSN PROGRAM THEMES
Preparing future nurses to provide holistic care
Nursing Foundations
Prepare for clinical practice by building core knowledge in nursing science and evidence-based practice
Clinical Competencies
Prepare for today’s complex health care environment by developing the critical thinking needed to serve as a compassionate health care professional
Professional Development and Leadership
Demonstrate readiness as a bachelor’s-prepared nurse through leadership, reflection, and personal growth
Care for the Whole Person
Guided by the Jesuit value of “cura personalis,” provide compassionate care to populations in need and contribute to the advancement of justice, equality, and dignity for all individuals
