Program Overview

Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Accelerated

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) at MUSC is a full-time residential accelerated nursing program designed for students who want a fast-track pathway into nursing. This intensive ABSN program combines a condensed curriculum with hands-on clinical experiences, high-fidelity simulation, and faculty-led instruction to prepare students for professional nursing practice in a shortened timeframe. Students gain real-world experience across diverse health care settings while building the clinical judgment, technical skills, and confidence needed to succeed as registered nurses.

Program Overview

• The program is located in Charleston, South Carolina.
• It prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN and enter the nursing workforce quickly, making it an ideal option for motivated students seeking an accelerated BSN program with strong clinical preparation and academic support.

Application Timeline

• Fall 2026: August 15 - March 15 (Regular)
• Spring 2027: July 1 - September 1 (Priority), July 1 - October 1 (Regular)

Learning Experience

• Develop clinical confidence through immersive coursework, guided simulations, and real-world experiences across care settings.
• Curriculum:
  • Year 1, Semester 1:
    • NURSU 315: Health Assessment (4 credits)
    • NURSU 451: Pathophysiology/Pharmacology I (3 credits)
    • NURSU 385: Professional Nursing & Nursing Practice (2 credits)
    • NURSU 461: Foundations & Gerontologic Nursing (6 credits)
    • IP 711: IP Foundations & Teamstepps (1 credit)
    • IP: IP Concentration Course of Choice (1 credit)
    • Semester Total: 17 credits
  • Year 1, Semester 2:
    • NURSU 452: Pathophysiology-Pharmacology II (3 credits)
    • NURSU 464: Research & Evidence Based Practice in Nursing (3 credits)
    • NURSU 387: Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing (5 credits)
    • NURSU 454: Medical Surgical Nursing I (6 credits)
    • Semester Total: 17 credits
  • Year 1, Semester 3:
    • NURSU 417: Women's Health (5 credits)
    • NURSU 405: Nursing Care with Children & Their Families (5 credits)
    • NURSU 409: Population Focused Nursing (5 credits)
    • Semester Total: 15 credits
  • Year 2, Semester 4:
    • NURSU 372: Health Care Systems & Policy (2 credits)
    • NURSU 376: Leadership & Management in Nursing (3 credits)
    • NURSU 455: Medical Surgical Nursing II Synthesis Practicum (7 credits)
    • Semester Total: 12 credits
    • Curriculum Total: 61 credits
    • Prerequisite Credit Hour Total: 60 credits
    • Required Credit Hour Total: 121 credits

Clinical Education

• ABSN students participate in clinical experiences throughout various clinical agencies, including in-patient, out-patient, and community settings in the greater Charleston area.
• Clinical rotations primarily take place at sites located on or close to the MUSC campus.
• MUSC operates a 700-bed medical center, a nationally recognized children's hospital, the NCI-designated Hollings Cancer Center, a Level I trauma center, the Institute of Psychiatry, more than 100 outreach locations across the state, and South Carolina's only transplant center.

Eligibility Requirements

• All applicants must have completed 60 credit hours of prerequisite coursework.
• Earn a minimum grade of "C" in prerequisite coursework.
• The preferred minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) is a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Prerequisite Coursework

• Human Anatomy (4 credits)
• Human Physiology (4 credits)
• Lifespan Human Growth & Development (3 credits)
• Microbiology (4 credits)
• Nutrition (3 credits)
• Science Electives (4 credits)
• Statistics (3 credits)

Application Process

1. Submit the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) NursingCAS application as early as possible.
2. Review the MUSC admissions process.
3. Complete the MUSC Supplemental Application.

Application Requirements

• NursingCAS Application
• Letters of Recommendation (3)
• Official Transcripts from all institutions attended
• Personal Essay
• Resume
• MUSC Application
• Immunization Records
• Student Confirmation Fee (for out-of-state students, $1,000, non-refundable)

Tuition

• In-state Tuition: $7,811 per semester
• Out-of-state Tuition: $14,515 per semester
• Lab Fee: $330 per semester
• Program Fee: $270 per semester

Cost of Attendance

• Fall Start:
  • Year 1: $25,958 (in-state), $46,070 (out-of-state)
  • Year 2: $8,561 (in-state), $15,265 (out-of-state)
  • Estimated Total: $34,519 (in-state), $61,335 (out-of-state)
• Spring Start:
  • Year 1: $17,397 (in-state), $30,805 (out-of-state)
  • Year 2: $17,122 (in-state), $30,530 (out-of-state)
  • Estimated Total: $34,519 (in-state), $61,335 (out-of-state)

Scholarships

• MUSC offers scholarships based on academic achievement, community service, and financial need.
• Students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial need-based scholarships.

Career Outlook

• Registered Nurse (RN): $78,399
• Pediatric Nurse: $72,202
• Clinical Research Nurse: $78,810

Program Faculty

• Megan Honaker, DNP, RN: Instructor and Lead Faculty for Undergraduate Programs
• Kristen McDaniel Poston, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CHSE: Assistant Professor and Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Am I able to visit campus to learn more about this program? A: Yes, MUSC offers a campus virtual tour and multiple information sessions.
• Q: I am enrolled in prerequisite coursework. Can I apply? A: Yes, coursework may be in progress when you make an application.
• Q: What is required for the admission packet? A: The application, application fee, official transcripts, three completed reference forms, a resume, and a short essay.

Accreditation & Recognition

• The Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Accelerated program at the Medical University of South Carolina is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
• The program prepares students for and makes them eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).