20 Best ABSN Programs With Rolling Admissions – 2025


Written By: Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA

Are you a college graduate with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree considering becoming a registered nurse? Have you looked at college programs and wondered if there is a way to leverage your current degree and become an RN in less time? Do you wish you could find a school with rolling admission options so you can start your degree faster? If so, an ABSN program with rolling admissions could be what you have been searching for.

Maybe you are interested in knowing, “What is an ABSN program, and what are the best ABSN programs with rolling admissions?” In this article, I will share information with you about the 20 best ABSN programs with rolling admissions for 2025. As you read on, you will learn about program curriculums, admission criteria, and cost. I will also share information about job opportunities you can pursue after graduating, earning potential, and job outlook statistics.



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What Exactly is the Goal of an ABSN Program With Rolling Admissions?


The goal of ABSN programs with rolling admissions is to prepare professional nurses with the knowledge and skills needed to meet the healthcare needs of patients of all ages. These programs are designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, giving you the opportunity to earn your degree faster than a traditional BSN program. The programs aim to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and clinical skills to provide evidence-based care to patients and families across the lifespan, communicate and collaborate with team members and patients, and integrate essential nursing skills to promote positive patient outcomes.



5 Most Important Skills and Abilities You Will Gain in an ABSN Program With Rolling Admissions


When you pursue your degree through any of the best ABSN programs with rolling admissions, you will develop a wide range of skills and abilities. From learning effective communication and leadership, collaboration, and assessment skills, you will be prepared to take on the role of a registered nurse with confidence. The following are five of the most essential skills you will learn in an accelerated BSN program.

1. You will learn to perform nursing assessments to help determine appropriate patient care:

One of the most important skills you will learn in an accelerated BSN program is how to perform head-to-toe assessments on patients. Your assessment findings will be instrumental in helping to identify changes in your patient's status and allow you to collaborate effectively with the interdisciplinary team as you work together to address patient needs.

2. You will learn to promote quality and safety initiatives to improve patient outcomes:

Healthcare quality and patient safety are paramount to good patient outcomes. In ABSN programs with rolling admissions, you will learn about the importance of healthcare quality and safety and how to implement measures to promote important initiatives which help improve patient outcomes and experiences.

3. You will develop an understanding of cultural competence and how to implement it into your nursing practice:

Cultural competence is essential to providing quality patient care and developing strong nurse/patient and interprofessional relationships. In your accelerated BSN program, you will learn to identify differences in patients and ways to demonstrate cultural competence in your nursing care.

4. You will learn clinical judgment and decision-making skills:

Clinical judgment or decision-making is the ability to develop conclusions about your patient’s condition and needs to determine the best nursing interventions to meet their needs. Program faculty and preceptors for ABSN programs with rolling admissions will teach you to identify patient needs and how to decide on appropriate measures in a timely manner that is conducive to promoting good patient outcomes.

5. You will learn to use evidence-based practices when providing patient care:

When we use evidence-based practice in nursing, we create a bridge between nursing theory and clinical practice. Evidence-based practices help us deliver innovative patient care based on the most recent healthcare research and data. In your accelerated BSN program, you will learn to use evidence-based practice to find solutions to patient situations. By using evidence-based practice, you can promote positive patient and organizational outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and contribute to the growth of nursing.



4 Main Advantages of ABSN Programs With Rolling Admissions


I must admit I love the idea of anyone choosing a nursing career. With more than 25 years of experience, I can tell you there is not one day I have ever regretted becoming a nurse. As you consider transitioning to a nursing career, you may wonder if there are advantages to choosing programs like ABSN programs with rolling admission. The following are four of the main advantages to consider.

1. Having two degrees makes you a more valuable candidate to prospective employers:

ABSN programs with rolling admissions are designed for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. When you pursue ABSN programs and earn your nursing degree, you will have new knowledge and skills to bring to the table. Also, the skills and experience you have from your previous degree can complement your nursing degree, which could make you an attractive candidate for many job opportunities.

2. The skills you gain are transferrable to any career or life path:

Many of the skills you learn in an accelerated BSN program are skills you can use in your personal life, and they are transferable to other roles. For example, you will learn about interprofessional collaboration, critical thinking, effective communication, and team building, all of which can be applied to any aspect of your personal and professional roles.

3. You can choose to become certified:

Nursing is an excellent profession with endless opportunities. If you are particularly interested in a specific patient population or disease, you could earn a certification focused on your interests. A few examples of nursing certifications you could choose include Correctional Behavioral Health Nurse, Certified Continence Care Nurse, Certified Addictions Registered Nurse, and Certified Pediatric Registered Nurse.

4. You will never stop learning! Nursing is an ever-evolving, ever-growing profession:

To be effective, nurses must adopt a mindset of continual learning. Whether you go back to school to earn a graduate degree, earn a certification, or simply keep up with continuing education requirements, you will have many opportunities to expand your knowledge base and develop new skills.



2 Main Disadvantages of ABSN Programs With Rolling Admissions


ABSN programs with rolling admissions are excellent options if you want to earn a new degree and become a nurse. However, there are pros and cons to any degree program. The following are two main advantages of accelerated BSN programs.

1. Accelerated BSN programs can be exhausting!:

One of the disadvantages of ABSN programs with rolling admissions is that they require you to be committed to long hours of study and clinical practicums. There may be times when you feel the courseload and clinical hours are stressful and too much to bear. As a nurse and healthcare educator, I encourage you to keep in mind why you chose to become a registered nurse and press forward. Although the process may seem grueling at times, the long-term rewards are amazing!

2. You may struggle to retain large amounts of content in a short time:

Accelerated BSN programs are great because they provide an opportunity to earn a new degree in less time than a traditional BSN. However, it is important to realize that the shorter time the programs take does not mean you will learn less information. You must meet the requirements of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, but you will do so at a faster pace. The rigorous curriculum can be overwhelming at times.



When Do ABSN Programs With Rolling Admissions Start?


Rolling admission means that colleges and universities accept and review applications on an ongoing basis. Although the schools accept applications year round, the start dates may vary. The following are the start dates for some of the top ABSN programs with rolling admissions.

The ABSN program track with rolling admissions at Loyola University begins in January and August each year.

Northeastern University begins its accelerated BSN program three times each year, in January, May, and September.

George Washington University admits students to its ABSN program three times each year in each of the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

At Drexel University, you can choose to begin the accelerated BSN program in the fall or spring semester.

The University of Missouri at Saint Louis begins its ABSN program in the fall semester each year.



How Many Credits are There in ABSN Programs With Rolling Admissions?


ABSN programs with rolling admissions typically require students to complete between 50 and 65 credits. However, the credits you need will be determined by your previous degree and the credits you have that are eligible for transfer. In some cases, you may need to complete more credits than the program’s plan of study requires to be eligible for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

At Jacksonville University, students in the ABSN program complete 64 credits.

The accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Xavier University features a 63-credit curriculum.

You will complete a 63-credit hour curriculum at Xavier University to earn the accelerated BSN degree.

At Sacred Heart University, students must earn a total of 120 credits to earn the BSN degree. The ABSN curriculum requires a minimum of 55 nursing course credits.

The curriculum for the ABSN program with rolling admissions at George Washington University includes 60 credits.



How Long are ABSN Programs With Rolling Admissions?


Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs typically take between one and two years to complete. The time it takes you to graduate will depend greatly on whether you need to take additional classes to meet the prerequisite requirements to earn the BSN. The list below includes the credit requirements for five of the nation's best ABSN programs with rolling admissions.

The program offered at Loyola University is designed to be completed in four semesters as a full-time student.

You can complete the ABSN program at Northeastern University in two years or four semesters.

The accelerated BSN program at Jacksonville University is available in 12- and 16-month formats.

Drexel University’s ABSN program is formatted for full-time study and is completed in 11 months.

The accelerated BSN program at the University of Missouri at St. Louis can be completed in just 12 months.



How Much Do ABSN Programs With Rolling Admissions Cost?


When it comes to going back to college, a key factor to consider is how much your degree will cost. Some schools charge a flat rate for tuition, regardless of where a student lives. Others have different rates for resident and non-resident students. As you search different programs, it is good to not only compare costs but also look for scholarship and grant opportunities that could help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. The costs of some of the best ABSN programs with rolling admissions for 2025 are as follows.

Jacksonville University charges tuition based on a per-credit basis. Traditional part-time tuition, which is less than 12 credit hours per semester, costs $1,510. If you enroll in 18 credits or more per semester, the cost is $755. The program features a 64-credit curriculum, which means you will pay between $48,320 and $96,640 based on whether you enroll part-time or full-time.

Tuition at Nebraska Methodist College costs $623 per credit. The program requires 124 credits, making the total for tuition $77,252.

The accelerated BSN program at Thomas Edison State University costs $39,600.

At Sacred Heart University, tuition costs $820 per credit. Students complete a minimum of 55 credits, which makes tuition cost $45,100.

The ABSN program at Xavier University costs $61,605, which is inclusive of tuition, books, supplies, and student fees.



What is the Minimum GPA Required to Get Into ABSN Programs With Rolling Admissions?


ABSN programs with rolling admissions usually require applicants to have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale to be considered for admission. The school may take your GPA as the cumulative average for all college coursework you completed, your undergraduate GPA, or the average for your most recent coursework. Although the average admission GPA is 3.0, some schools accept students with lower averages who can demonstrate a likelihood of success in their programs.



What are the Admission Requirements For ABSN Programs With Rolling Admissions?


Admission to ABSN programs with rolling admissions requires meeting a set of criteria as established by the school. Typically, you must have a non-nursing bachelor's degree, meet the GPA requirement, and complete the necessary prerequisites to be considered. The following are examples of the admission requirements for some of the best programs in the U.S.

To be considered for admission to the ABSN program with rolling admission at Loyola University, you must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution and have a cumulative college GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. You must complete all ABSN prerequisites with a grade of “C” or higher, including Organic Chemistry or Chemistry for Health Professionals, Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology I & II, as well as non-science prerequisite courses. If you completed your previous undergraduate degree outside of the United States, you must also complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test satisfactorily.

Candidates for admission to the program offered at Northeastern University must have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree earned at an accredited college or university. You must complete all prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of “C” and meet all university technical standards. Additionally, you must provide two letters of recommendation and a personal statement.

The accelerated BSN program at George Washington University is open to applicants with a baccalaureate degree in a discipline other than nursing from a regionally accredited college or university. You must provide official transcripts from all post-secondary schools you attended, two letters of recommendation, a Statement of Purpose, and a current resume. Candidates with an academic GPA of at least 3.0 are preferred.

Applicants desiring admission to the ABSN program at Drexel University must possess a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. You must complete all prerequisite courses with a grade of “B” or higher before you can enroll in the program.

To be eligible for admission to the accelerated BSN program at Jacksonville University, you must have either an associate's or bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Candidates entering with an associate degree must follow the 16-month program track. If you have a bachelor’s degree, you may choose either the 12-month or 16-month pathway. You must have a cumulative college GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and complete all prerequisites with a grade of “C” or higher. In addition to filling out an online application, you must provide transcripts from all colleges and universities you attended, provide a short answer writing sample, and participate in a one-way recorded virtual interview.



What Kind of Courses Will You Take in ABSN Programs With Rolling Admissions?


ABSN programs with rolling admissions feature in-depth curriculum plans. You will study subjects such as evidence-based practice, nutrition, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, health assessment, and mental health nursing. The names of courses may vary from one school to another, but the content for these programs is similar in accordance with accreditation standards.

When you pursue the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of New England, you will complete classes such as Ethics for Interprofessional Practice, Pathophysiology, Evidence-Based Practice, Pharmacology, Mental Health Nursing, and Adult Health Nursing.

The curriculum for the ABSN program at Sacred Heart University includes classes such as Evidence-Based Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Concepts in Child Health Nursing, Pathophysiology, and Care of the Childbearing Family.

At SUNY Brockport, you will study in classes, including Health Assessment, Problem-Solving in Nursing, Childbearing Family and Women’s Health, Medical Surgical Nursing I & II, Critical Care Nursing, and Community Health Nursing.

The ABSN program at Barry University features a 63-credit curriculum. You will take classes including Patient-Centered Care: High Acuity Nursing, Family Centered Care: Parent/Child Nursing, Research and Evidence-Based Practice, Behavioral Health Nursing, and Health Assessment and Health Promotion.

At Ursuline College, the curriculum features classes such as Clinical Microbiology, Lifespan Development Psychology, General Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, and Basic Nutrition.



What Kind of Practical Training Will You Undergo in ABSN Programs With Rolling Admissions?


An essential component of all ABSN programs with rolling admissions is practical training. Your program will include clinical practicum opportunities where you will learn with clinical faculty and preceptors in real healthcare settings. Your practical training is your opportunity to apply the nursing theory you learned in the classroom in real-world patient care situations. The following are examples of some of the practical training requirements for five of the programs featured in this article.

The accelerated BSN program at Marymount University includes more than 550 clinical hours. You will complete clinicals in settings including acute care, pediatrics, long-term care, obstetrics, community health, and mental health care. You will be paired with a nurse preceptor at a local health facility of your choosing.

When you pursue the ABSN program at Loyola University, you will begin clinical rotations in your second semester. You will work alongside clinical instructors and peers from your cohort in various areas of nursing, including Community Health, Medical/Surgical Nursing, Family Health, Adult Health, and Mental health. You will complete six clinical practicums during the second and third semesters of the program. In your final semester, you will participate in an intensive Clinical Capstone Course, Clinical Role Transition. The CRT experience includes 120 hours of concentrated clinical experience under the supervision of an experienced nurse preceptor.

At Northeastern University, you will complete practical training in diverse settings, including outpatient and community health facilities, teaching and community hospitals, and long-term care facilities. Your clinical practicums will provide you with diverse nurse experiences in specialty areas such as Adult Health, Acute and Critical Care, Public Health, Pediatrics, Mental and Behavioral Health, Obstetrics and Women’s Health, and Health Management and Leadership. You will complete six clinical rotations, each consisting of 72 hours of hands-on experience, completing a total of 432 clinical hours.

Practical training for the ABSN program at George Washington University consists of a minimum of 540 clinical hours. You will work with clinical faculty and preceptors in hospitals, outpatient facilities, long-term care facilities, public health centers, and specialty clinics. Your clinical practicums will include rotations in adult and geriatric care, mental health, maternal and women’s health, pediatrics, and public health nursing.

The University of New England requires ABSN students to complete at least 550 hours of clinical practicum. You will participate in patient care in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. You will also experience learning opportunities at the university’s state-of-the-art simulations center, where you will learn nursing skills to prepare for clinicals. Your clinical practicums allow you to apply the knowledge and skills you learned in the classroom and laboratory to real-world patient scenarios in various healthcare settings.



What are the Best ABSN Programs With Rolling Admissions in the Nation?

(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 20 Best online and campus based ABSN Programs With Rolling Admissions in the nation for the year 2025.)


1. Loyola University Chicago - Maywood, IL


2. Northeastern University - Boston, MA


3. George Washington University - Washington, DC


4. Drexel University - Philadelphia, PA


5. University of Missouri-St. Louis - St. Louis, MO


6. Xavier University - Cincinnati, OH


7. Sacred Heart University - Fairfield, CT


8. Jacksonville University - Jacksonville, FL


9. SUNY Brockport - Brockport, NY


10. University of New England - Biddeford, ME


11. Barry University - Miami Shores, FL


12. Marymount University - Arlington, VA


13. Ursuline College - Pepper Pike, OH


14. Nebraska Methodist College - Omaha, NE


15. Holy Family University - Philadelphia, PA


16. Thomas Edison State University - Trenton, NJ


17. Union University - Jackson, TN


18. Regis College - Weston, MA


19. Immaculata University - Immaculata, PA


20. Mount Carmel College of Nursing - Columbus, OH



VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY



3 Best Jobs For Graduates of ABSN Programs With Rolling Admissions


When you graduate and take the NCLEX-RN and become a registered nurse, you can choose from many types of nursing jobs. Some of the best jobs for graduates of ABSN programs with rolling admissions include the following.

1. Travel Nurse:

If you love visiting new places and meeting new people, you could become a travel nurse after graduating from one of the best ABSN programs with rolling admissions. Travel nursing has grown in popularity in recent years. With nurses leaving the profession at higher rates than before for several reasons, a nationwide shortage of nurses has resulted. This shortage has created increased opportunities for nurses to take advantage of travel nursing opportunities.

2. Informatics Nurse:

If you are interested in technology and its use in healthcare but do not want to give up your nursing role, becoming an Informatics Nurse is a great option. The use of technology is essential for any healthcare institution. As a nurse informaticist, you will analyze data and promote education and the use of technology to help improve patient care. You will act as a bridge between IT staff and hospital staff.

3. Medical Surgical Nurse:

The Med-Surg Nurse manages care for patients experiencing general medical or surgical conditions. In this role, you will perform nursing assessments related to your patient’s condition, prioritize care, collaborate with the interdisciplinary team, and educate patients and their families.



What Starting Salary Can New Graduates of This Program Expect?


The starting salary for graduates of ABSN programs with rolling admissions is approximately $29.45 per hour, $1,178 per week, or $5,100 per month. This pay equals $61,250 per year.

Hourly$29.45
Weekly$1,178
Monthly$5,100
Annual$61,250
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)



What Average Salary Can Graduates of ABSN Programs With Rolling Admissions Expect?


Graduates of ABSN programs with rolling admissions earn an average annual salary of $89,010. This pay is equal to $42.79 per hour, $1,712 per week, or $7,420 per month.

Hourly$42.79
Weekly$1,712
Monthly$7,420
Annual$89,010
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)



10-Year Job Outlook For Graduates of ABSN Programs With Rolling Admissions


Earning your degree through ABSN programs is an excellent option if you want to earn an undergraduate degree with a good job outlook. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for graduates of these programs should increase by at least 6.24% through 2031.

2021-31
+6.24%
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)



Bonus! is the Cost of an ABSN Program With Rolling Admissions Worth the Return On Investment (ROI)?


When you decide to earn your degree through ABSN programs with rolling admissions, you not only need to commit considerable time to your studies, but you must also meet the financial obligations of the program. As you research program costs, you may wonder if the cost of the programs is worth the return on your investment.

Accelerated BSN programs cost as little as $25,000 to $100,000. The average annual income for program graduates is $89,010. If you compare the program costs to your earning potential, you will see that even with the higher-priced programs, you could see a good return on your investment in a matter of just a few years. Additionally, many nurses receive generous benefits packages worth thousands of dollars. With these factors in mind, the cost of an ABSN program with rolling admissions is worth the return on investment.



My Final Thoughts


If you have a college degree and want to become a nurse, an accelerated BSN program is an excellent option to help you do so. Knowing where to begin and getting accepted to a program are the first steps, and you may have wondered, “What are the best ABSN programs with rolling admissions?” In this article, you learned about the 20 best ABSN programs with rolling admissions for 2025. If you believe earning your degree through an accelerated BSN program is the right choice for you, I encourage you to find schools that interest you and begin applying today!


Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).