Program Overview

Accelerated Nursing Program Overview

The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) offers an accelerated nursing program, also known as the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) track. This 16-month program is designed for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree or at least 60 non-nursing college credits who want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

Program Description

The ABSN track combines online coursework, hands-on skills and simulation labs, and clinical rotations to provide students with a comprehensive nursing education. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Texas Board of Nursing.

Curriculum

The ABSN curriculum consists of 62 credit hours of coursework, spanning four semesters. The curriculum includes:

• Online courses: foundational nursing knowledge
• Skills and simulation labs: hands-on nursing skills and clinical judgment
• Clinical rotations: real-world nursing experiences at top regional healthcare facilities

Clinical Rotations

Students complete over 900 clinical hours at various clinical sites in and around San Antonio, including CHRISTUS Health System and Methodist Healthcare System. Clinical rotations provide students with diverse clinical experiences in several specialties, including:

• Medical-surgical
• Behavioral health
• Obstetrics (maternity)
• Pediatrics

Online Coursework

The ABSN online coursework is designed to be immersive and interactive, using the Canvas learning management system (LMS) platform. Students can expect to interact with:

• Audio demonstrations
• Learning exercises
• Detailed illustrations
• Social features: discussion boards, online Q&A sessions, virtual office hours, and review sessions

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the ABSN track, applicants must:

• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
• Take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam and obtain a target score in Reading, Math, Science, and English sections
• Complete a background check as part of the admissions process

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition details for the ABSN track can be found on the university's tuition page. Financial aid is available, and admissions representatives can help students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and explain available funding options.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the ABSN program are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination and pursue a career in nursing. The program provides students with excellent career prospects and growth opportunities, with a focus on values-based nursing education.