Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)

Program Overview

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The Avila Accelerated BSN Degree Program

If you have 60 or more college credits, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing, you can prepare to serve your community as a nurse with our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) degree program at Avila University. Our ABSN offers the clinical knowledge and skills you need to care for individuals, families, and communities as a nurse.

Now more than ever, the healthcare system needs nurses. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there may be as many as 200,000 annual job openings across the country for registered nurses (RNs) between 2020 and 2030.

This 16-month program combines hands-on instruction in our advanced simulation facility, supervised clinical experience, and preparation for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Over four semesters of study, the ABSN degree program at Avila offers you:

• A solid foundation for your future in nursing — Gain nursing and health science knowledge that informs how you care for patients. Learn skills for treating a range of conditions and patient populations, along with leadership competencies and skills for educating patients on healthier living.
• Extensive clinical experience — Complete over 500 hours of supervised clinical practicum experience along with extensive work in the healthcare simulation labs in our technologically advanced Nursing Education and Resource Center (NERC).
• Varied professional preparation — Experience a variety of clinical settings, including hospitals, clinics, community settings, and more.
• A caring learning community — Benefit from small classes led by our clinically experienced nursing faculty, who are chosen for their expertise and their enthusiasm for helping a new generation of nurses flourish.

Program Details

Program Overview

The Avila Accelerated BSN program is designed for motivated adults who want to start a new career in nursing. The program is 16 months long and combines hands-on instruction, supervised clinical experience, and preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Courses and Program Schedule

The ABSN program includes a variety of courses that provide a solid foundation in nursing and health science. The program schedule is designed to provide a balance of classroom instruction, clinical experience, and simulation lab work.

Admissions

To be eligible for the Avila ABSN program, you must have:

• 60 or more college credits
• An associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing
• A minimum GPA of 2.5

Tuition and Fees

The tuition and fees for the Avila ABSN program are competitive with other nursing programs in the area. We offer a variety of financial aid options to help make the program more affordable.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for the Avila ABSN program. However, we do require that you have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and 60 or more college credits.

About Avila

Avila University is a private university located in Kansas City, Missouri. We offer a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including the Accelerated BSN program. Our faculty are clinically experienced and are dedicated to helping our students succeed.

Our Campus

Our campus is located in Kansas City, Missouri, and offers a variety of amenities, including state-of-the-art simulation labs, a library, and a student union.

Explore Kansas City

Kansas City is a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene. There are many things to see and do in the city, including visiting the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the National World War I Museum and Memorial, and the Kansas City Zoo.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program at Avila University is designed for individuals with some college credit or a non-nursing associate's or bachelor's degree who want to become registered nurses. The 16-month program prepares students to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®). The program's objectives are to:

• Provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to care for individuals, families, and communities as a nurse.
• Prepare students for the NCLEX-RN® exam.
• Instill in students the values of compassion, empathy, and ethical practice.
The program emphasizes:
• Hands-on instruction in an advanced simulation facility
• Supervised clinical experience
• Preparation for the NCLEX-RN® exam

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Outline:

The ABSN program curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in nursing and health science knowledge. Students will learn about:

• anatomy and physiology
• pharmacology
• pathophysiology
• health assessment
• nursing care planning
• leadership and management
• ethics and legal issues
• cultural competency
The program consists of four semesters of study, with each semester focusing on different aspects of nursing care. In addition to classroom instruction, students will complete over 500 hours of supervised clinical experience in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health centers.

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Assessment:

Students in the ABSN program will be assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Exams
• Quizzes
• Assignments
• Clinical performance evaluations
• Simulation exercises
The program uses a variety of grading scales, depending on the course and the instructor. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 to progress in the program.

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Teaching:

The ABSN program is taught by a team of experienced nursing faculty who are dedicated to helping students succeed. The faculty use a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Discussions
• Case studies
• Simulations
• Clinical experiences
The program also includes an online learning component, which allows students to access course materials and communicate with faculty and classmates outside of class.

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Careers:

The ABSN program prepares graduates for a variety of nursing careers. Graduates can work in hospitals, clinics, public health departments, schools, and other healthcare settings. The program also prepares graduates for further education, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of registered nurses will grow 9% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual salary for registered nurses was $75,330 in May 2022.

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Other:

The ABSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The program is also approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing. The program also offers online courses, which allow students to complete some of their coursework from home.