Program Overview

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program at UMass Boston is designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field and wish to become a nurse. This 12-month online program allows students to become baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses.

Program Overview

The ABSN program maintains Full Approval Status from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. Students learn with instructors specially trained in online, concept-based learning and participate in face-to-face, state-of-the-art simulation and live clinical experiences.

Career Possibilities

Graduates of the ABSN program can work as registered nurses in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health centers. Other career possibilities include clinical research coordinator, nurse educator, public health nurse, and hospital administrator.

How to Apply

• Application Deadlines:
  • Fall Semester (September): May 1
  • Spring Semester (January): September 1
  • Summer Semester (May): February 1
• Eligibility:
  • Completion of all prerequisite courses before the application deadline
  • A total of 68 credits from a previous bachelor's degree
  • Minimum GPA requirements: Cumulative Baccalaureate GPA of 3.0, prerequisite GPA of 3.3
  • Seven prerequisite courses must be completed by the application deadline
• Prerequisite Courses:
  • Anatomy and Physiology I with lab (4 credits)
  • Anatomy and Physiology II with lab (4 credits)
  • Microbiology with lab (4 credits)
  • Growth and Development through the Lifespan (3 credits)
  • Nutrition (3 credits)
  • Statistics (3 credits)
  • Social Behavioral Science elective (3 credits)

Cost and Aid

• The program consists of 12 courses, totaling 54 credits.
• Tuition is currently $700 per credit for the academic year.
• Student fees can be found on the UMass Boston website.
• Tuition and fees are subject to change.
• The Manning College of Nursing & Health Sciences offers various scholarship opportunities.

Curriculum

• Course Sequence: The ABSN program is a hybrid program that includes 54 total credits.
• Course Requirements:
  • Semester 1/Level One Courses (18 credits)
    • NU 270: Introduction to the Concepts of Nursing (3 credits)
    • NU 271: Principles of Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for the Nurse (3 credits)
    • NU 273: Assessment and Health Promotion (6 credits)
    • NU 272: Applying Nursing Process (6 credits)
  • Semester 2/Level Two Courses (18 credits)
    • NU 370: Healthcare Participant (3 credits)
    • NU 371: Evidence-Based Nursing Practice (3 credits)
    • NU 372: Concepts of Health and Illness I (6 credits)
    • NU 373: Concepts of Health and Illness II (6 credits)
  • Semester 3/Level Three Courses (18 credits)
    • NU 470: Professional Nursing Concepts (3 credits)
    • NU 471: Active and Engaged Nursing Practice (3 credits)
    • NU 472: Concepts of Health and Illness III (6 credits)
    • NU 473: Concepts of Health and Illness IV (6 credits)

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate competence and clinical judgment in prioritizing person-centered, culturally sensitive care delivered with a focus on health equity.
• Integrate best evidence into nursing practice to coordinate and manage healthcare for individuals, families, communities, and populations across the life span.
• Analyze effective communication, teamwork, and collaboration strategies to address the concerns of diverse populations within complex healthcare systems.
• Apply knowledge, skills, and attitudes of promoting wellness and managing illness and chronic conditions to advance health equity and enhance population health in local and transcultural communities.

Graduation Criteria

• Academic Progression: Students must progress through the full 54 credits of the Accelerated Undergraduate Nursing program, attend all New Student and Clinical Orientations, complete core nursing requirements, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher every semester.
• Degree Requirements: Students must complete a total of 123 credits, including up to 71 transfer credits from a prior Bachelor's degree and 54 credits of UMass Boston nursing courses.
• Residency: All 54 credits of nursing coursework required for the major must be completed at UMass Boston.
• GPA: A minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher from all UMass Boston courses.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will the courses I have completed fulfill the prerequisites for the ABSN option?: Review the prerequisite course descriptions to compare them to the course descriptions of the prerequisite courses you have taken or plan to take.
• Can I work while attending the Accelerated Option?: It is strongly recommended that students do not work while attending this program, as it is a full-time commitment.
• Must I complete all the prerequisite courses before applying to the Accelerated Option?: Yes, all prerequisite courses must be completed prior to applying to this program.