Accelerated Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)

Accelerated BSN Program Overview

Looking to transition into a nursing career? The accelerated bachelor of science in nursing (ABSN) program allows students with a previous bachelor’s degree outside of nursing to develop the foundation for a career in this high-demand field.

Students will learn the latest knowledge and skills in providing healthcare across the lifespan, the role of nursing, pharmacology and more. ABSN faculty are real-world practitioners dedicated to training the next generation of nurses. Successful students in the ABSN program are motivated, organized students ready to commit to an accelerated timeline.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Program Timeline

Salem State’s rigorous, 15-month, full-time cohort program begins in May and concludes in August of the following year. Because of the accelerated nature of this program, students are encouraged not to work while completing their ABSN degree. Courses and clinical sites will be offered during the day, evenings and/or weekends.

Nursing Practicum

Accelerated BSN students receive hands-on training at one of many healthcare settings across the North Shore and the Boston area. Early on, students learn in group clinical settings that coincide with their current coursework. During their last semester, student learn one one-on-one with a nurse preceptor.

Completing your Nursing License

After successfully completing the ABSN program, students will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensing examination. Upon passing the exam, they will be licensed to practice as a registered nurse.

Accelerated BSN Admissions and Financial Aid

Admission to the ABSN program is competitive. Applicants must fulfill prerequisite coursework before beginning the ABSN program. Visit the ABSN admission page for more information on prerequisites and application requirements.

Students enrolled in a second bachelor's degree program can receive Federal Direct Loans only. Federal and state grants are not available. The ABSN program is not a Graduate degree-level program.

To receive federal financial aid, students must have a valid and completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with Salem State each year they are enrolled. For more information, please visit the Financial Aid Terms and Conditions page.

Students will be offered federal loans up to their annual loan limit and/or remaining aggregate lifetime loan eligibility and dependency status on their FAFSA. Students enrolled in a second bachelor’s degree program will be offered loans at the third year and beyond the undergraduate annual loan limit. For more information on loan amounts and dependency status, please visit the following pages:

·       Loan Amount Limits

·       Dependency Status

Students can find information on their federal loans, including their loan borrowing history and aggregate loan borrowing totals, by logging in to their studentaid.gov account and visiting the “My Aid" section.

For information on the ABSN program's tuition and fees, please visit the Tuition and Fees page. If you have additional questions, please contact the Student Navigation Center.

It is essential to understand that financial aid awards will likely not cover all program costs. Therefore, reviewing the program's tuition and fees is crucial so students can plan to cover costs beyond the awarded financial aid.

Take the Next Step

Interested in learning more about Salem State's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program?

• Visit the ABSN admission page to find out about prerequisites and application requirements.
• Contact undergraduate admissions with questions.