The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) Program is designed to prepare a graduate nurse for entry-level practice in a variety of healthcare settings, to provide the foundation for graduate education and/or continued education as a life-long learner, and to contribute to quality patient outcomes.

One of the best accelerated nursing programs in CT, our ABSN program is designed for those students who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. This accelerated track incorporates the previous non-nursing bachelor’s level course education and experience and allows the student to earn a BSN degree in fifteen months.

Students must complete 64 credits in general education and 56 credits in nursing, totaling 120 credits. Along with a solid foundation in nursing, graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN® Exam).

Program Highlights

• Apply the nursing process to provide patient-centered, evidence-based, clinically competent, contemporary professional nursing care.
• Promote healthy lifestyles through health education, health promotion strategies and population-focused interventions.
• Comprehend system-based practice and its impact on safe, quality patient care within the scope of professional nursing practice.
• Practice within the values, ethics, and legal standards of professional nursing.

Clinical Experience and Education

The School of Nursing has a strong clinical outreach program. Student educational experiences are rich in both lecture content and clinical application of knowledge. ABSN students begin clinical experiences in the fall semester. Clinical sites vary depending on course objectives and content. Sites include local hospitals, such as Bridgeport Hospital, schools, medical offices, and more. Clinical hours include laboratory and simulation experiences in all nursing clinical courses.

Careers

Job placement and salary outlook have been outstanding in both a strong and weak economy. Increasingly, graduates of ABSN programs are the preferred candidates for employment. For further industry information, visit: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program through the University of Bridgeport School of Nursing (ABSN) is highly competitive. In addition to the general requirements as listed below, candidates are also expected to have completed a rigorous curriculum of general education, math, and science foundation coursework, as listed in the program prerequisites below, to be eligible to apply. Relevant admission information can be found below for each applicant student type.

Candidates are encouraged to attend a ABSN Information Session or Open House. View upcoming events.

Admission to the Nursing program is highly competitive. Meeting the following minimum criteria does not guarantee admission.

Full Admissions Guide

General Admission Requirements

• A conferred BS/BA degree from a fully accredited Academic Institution
• Applicants must achieve a “C+” or better in all Math and Science courses (including but not limited to Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Chemistry, and Algebra)
• Minimum cumulative Quality Point Ratio (QPR) of 3.0 from all institutions attended in order to apply to the ABSN program.
• Math and science coursework must be completed within seven years prior to applying to the ABSN Program.
• ABSN pre-requisites include ENG101, MATH103, MATH203, PSYC103, PSYC205, SOCI101, BIOL113, BIOL114, BIOL106, and CHEM113.
• HSCI 230 can be transferred in as a pre-requisite course.
• All pre-requisites must be completed prior to the start of the first day of the first semester. At the time of application, only 3 pre-requisites may be outstanding or in progress.
• Missing General Education courses will be waived (i.e. Fine Arts and a 2nd Humanity).

ABSN Program Prerequisites

Course	Credits
Anatomy & Physiology I	4
Anatomy & Physiology II	4
English Composition	3
Introductory Chemistry	4
Introduction to College Algebra and Statistics	3
Introduction to Psychology	3
Lifespan Development	3
Microbiology	3
Principles of Sociology	3
Statistics	3

New Applicant Required Material Checklist

• Completed University of Bridgeport application
• Official High School/GED Transcripts
• Transcripts from ALL colleges/universities previously attended
• 2 completed Recommendation Forms
  • Please review the Recommendation Form for specifics. Each recommendation form must be placed in a sealed envelope with the referrer’s signature across the closure.
• Personal Essay of Approximately 500 Words
  • The personal essay helps us become acquainted with you as a person and will demonstrate your ability to organize and express your thoughts. The essay may include what you know about the nursing profession, your experiences interacting with people, and your views on healthy living. You may identify your career goals and plans for succeeding in the University of Bridgeport School of Nursing. You may attach additional details of circumstances or qualifications not reflected in the application. The candidate should include their name, date, and signature on the statement.

International Applicants

Please consult the International Admissions page for additional requirements. For specific queries, contact your admissions officer.

Accelerated BSN Nursing Courses

Students must complete 64 credits in general education and 56 credits in nursing, totaling 120 credits. Along with a solid foundation in nursing, graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN® Exam).

Total Credits: 120
Nursing Credits: 56
General Education Credits: 64

May Start Sequence

Summer 1

Summer Term I - 7 Weeks
Course		Credits
NURS 201	Intro to Professional Nursing	2
NURS 204	Health Assessment	3
HSCI 230	Nutrition I (if needed)	3
Total		5-8

Summer Term II - 7 Weeks
Course		Credits
NURS 202	Fundamentals of Professional Nursing	4
NURS 208	Pharmacology	3
Total		7

Year 1

Fall Semester - 15 Weeks
Course		Credits
NURS 314	The Research Process in Nursing	3
NURS 320	Health Maintenance & Restoration I	6
NURS 324	Nursing Care of Childbearing Family	3
NURS 325	Nursing Care of the Childrearing Family	3
Total		15

Spring Semester - 15 Weeks
Course		Credits
NURS 322	Health Maintenance & Restoration II	6
NURS 328	Health Policy & Health Systems	3
NURS 318	Psych/Mental Health Nursing	4
NURS 345	Leadership and Management	3
Total		16

Summer 2

Summer Term I & II - 14 Weeks
Course		Credits
NURS 344	Health Promotion II: The Community	5
NURS 358	Transition to Prof. Practice: Sr. Practicum	5
NURS 357	Current Issues & Trends in Nursing	3
Total		13

January Start Sequence

Year 1

Spring Semester - 15 Weeks
Course		Credits
NURS 201	Intro to Professional Nursing	2
NURS 204	Health Assessment	3
NURS 202	Fundamentals of Professional Nursing	4
HSCI 230	Nutrition I (if needed)	3
NURS 208	Pharmacology	3
Total		12-15

Summer Term I & II - 14 Weeks
Course		Credits
NURS 314	The Research Process in Nursing	3
NURS 320	Health Maintenance & Restoration I	6
NURS 324	Nursing Care of Childbearing Family	3
NURS 325	Nursing Care of the Childrearing Family	3
Total		15

Year 2

Fall Semester - 15 Weeks
Course		Credits
NURS 318	Psych/Mental Health Nursing	4
NURS 322	Health Maintenance & Restoration II	6
NURS 328	Health Policy & Health Systems	3
NURS 345	Leadership and Management	3
Total		16

Spring Semester - 15 Weeks
Course		Credits
NURS 357	Current Issues & Trends in Nursing	3
NURS 344	Health Promotion II: The Community	5
NURS 358	Transition to Prof. Practice: Sr. Practicum	5
Total		13