What is the difference between an ABSN vs. BSN program? A BSN is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. An ABSN is an Accelerated BSN that confers a BSN degree. An ABSN program is designed for students with a prior non-nursing college education.
There are multiple educational pathways to launching a meaningful career in nursing, including a traditional four-year degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program or, for those with existing college credits, an accelerated BSN program.
When considering whether to apply to an ABSN vs. BSN program, note that different colleges offer various degree pathways, each with its own start dates and requirements.
At Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) in Washington State, we offer two undergraduate pre-licensure programs to help students obtain their nursing degree in a way that matches their educational background and preferences. They include:
- A traditional four-year, in-person BSN program at our Tacoma campus
- An Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program that leverages students’ prior education to expedite their degree, located at our Lynnwood campus, north of Seattle
Consider the main differences between a BSN and ABSN program.
What Is a BSN?
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is one of the degrees that you can earn to become a registered nurse (RN). Earning a BSN will qualify you to sit for the NCLEX-RN® exam. Suppose you wish to further your nursing education. In that case, a BSN degree is also a helpful step toward earning either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
Traditionally, a BSN takes four years to earn. The curriculum comprises instructional coursework, hands-on experiential learning in nursing skills and simulation labs, and clinical rotations.
PLU’s full-time BSN program features a combination of in-person general education and nursing courses, skills and simulation labs, and clinical rotations at our main campus in Tacoma. Students typically start either the fall or spring semester.
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What Is an ABSN?
An Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or ABSN, degree is designed to be completed on an accelerated timeline, meaning that students could graduate much more quickly than from a traditional four-year BSN program.
When considering an accelerated BSN vs. traditional BSN degree program, note that their curriculums are similar. Both combine instructional coursework with hands-on experiential learning and cover core nursing competencies, including clinical decision-making and patient assessments.
If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or 60 hours of college credits, you could be eligible for PLU’s ABSN program after completing a few prerequisite courses.
This full-time program features a combination of online courses, in-person skills labs and simulation labs at our Lynnwood campus, and clinical rotations. With fall, spring, and summer entry dates, students can graduate with their nursing degree in as few as 16 months.
There are some differences between an ABSN and a BSN.
Accelerated BSN vs. Traditional BSN: Key Differences
Both ABSN and traditional BSN programs offer a comprehensive curriculum and instructional quality, preparing you well for your future career. Examining the key differences between them can help you figure out which program is right for you.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements differ between colleges, but there are significant variances between the typical admission requirements of traditional BSN and ABSN programs.
A traditional BSN program is designed for students with a high school diploma and few prior college credits. These students are not expected to complete prerequisite courses, as the BSN program offers general education and nursing-specific courses. Depending on the school, students may be asked to submit SAT® or ACT® test scores and meet a minimum high school GPA requirement.
Under the direct supervision of its faculty members, the PLU School of Nursing uses hospitals, health agencies, and long-term care facilities in the community to provide students with optimal clinical learning experiences.
Graduates are awarded a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN examination. They are prepared for nursing positions in hospitals, clinics, community health agencies, and other health organizations.
In contrast, ABSN programs, such as the one at PLU, are intended for students with a minimum number of college credits. Some ABSN programs require a completed non-nursing Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. Although students can apply to PLU with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, it is not strictly necessary as long as they have acquired at least 60 college credits.
ABSN programs also typically require a minimum grade point average; some may require a college entrance exam, such as the HESI or TEAS exam. Unlike traditional BSN programs, ABSN applicants must also complete a certain number of prerequisite courses. These courses are necessary for ABSN programs because they ensure applicants enter nursing school with the solid academic foundation needed to thrive on a science-based degree path.
At PLU, students must satisfy the following seven prerequisite course requirements before enrolling in the ABSN program:
- Intro to Microbiology + Lab
- Nutrition in Healthcare
- Chemistry of Life + Lab
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I + Lab
- Human Anatomy & Physiology II + Lab
- Introductory Statistics
- Development Across the Lifespan
Your prior college education might already satisfy some of these requirements. An admissions representative can help you determine what is needed.
Time to Completion
The most significant difference between an accelerated BSN program and a traditional BSN program is the time to completion. A conventional BSN is designed to be completed in four years of full-time study, and students can expect to take the summers off from their studies.
In contrast, an ABSN program is designed to be completed much more quickly, ordinarily in less than two years. Students typically enroll in the program full-time and complete semesters consecutively without taking summers off. The time to completion excludes the time required to complete the prerequisites.
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Instruction Method
Traditional four-year BSN programs are usually conducted entirely in person. Students take classes in person and complete in-person labs and clinics.
In contrast, ABSN programs often offer greater flexibility. At PLU, for example, you will complete your nursing theory coursework online and visit the ABSN Learning Site for proctored exams and labs. You will complete your clinicals at nearby regional health care facilities.
Start Dates
Another difference between an ABSN and a BSN program is the schedule. Traditional BSN programs typically offer two start dates, in fall and spring.
In contrast, ABSN programs often offer three start dates, and you can begin your nursing education at PLU in September, February, or June. The added flexibility allows students to start more quickly after completing their prerequisites.
ABSN vs. BSN: Salary and Career Outlook
ABSN vs. BSN salary expectations and career outlook are the same for registered nurses, regardless of whether they earned a degree on a traditional or accelerated timeline.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that the job growth rate for all RNs through 2032 will be 6% faster than the national average. This indicates that healthcare employers expect to hire about 177,400 new nurses during this period.
Job growth and salaries vary depending on a nurse’s geographic location, employer and nursing specialty, and years of experience. One of the many perks of choosing a career in nursing is the ability to add more credentials to your résumé over time. For instance, you can obtain additional certifications or return to school for a graduate degree, both of which can enhance your employment prospects.
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Why Choose PLU?
At PLU, we deliver values-based nursing education that aims to graduate practice-ready professionals who exercise strong clinical judgment and collaborate well with their coworkers. Throughout your education, you’ll be able to build relationships with our dedicated faculty during skills labs and with nursing leaders working at regional facilities while completing clinical rotations. These connections will benefit you for the rest of your career.
If you’re ready to choose between an ABSN program or a BSN program, contact an admissions representative today to learn about the next step in the application process.