Already earned a bachelor's degree but want to pursue a nursing career? Widener's ABSN program will take your previous academic achievements further, faster. This unique, full-time program allows you to complete your nursing bachelor's degree in as little as 4 semesters.
Take the inside track to a career as a registered nurse through our accelerated, second-degree bachelor's of science in nursing (ABSN) program. Designed for students with an existing bachelor's degree, this program transforms earned credits so you can complete your BSN in as little as four semesters.
Earn your ABSN degree on our Chester Campus located 20 minutes from both Philadelphia and Wilmington, DE. Courses begin in mid-August.
No matter where you study, our accelerated BSN program will prepare you to go further, faster.
Unsure if the ABSN program is the best bachelor's in nursing pathway for you? We've got you covered!
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Widener University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Chester Campus
All applications submitted by the final action deadline will be reviewed and given consideration for admission eligibility.
We are no longer accepting ABSN applications for our Harrisburg Campus.
Students studying benefit from a highly competitive, flat tuition rate of $48,000.
For more information about the cost and value of a Widener degree, check out our value and affordability page.
International applicants, immigrants to the U.S., and U.S. permanent residents are required to submit the results of an English proficiency test taken with 2 years, unless they are from a TOEFL-exempt country.
Seat availability for the nursing program is limited. Once seat capacity is reached, students may be placed on a waiting list and they will be notified as seats become available and as soon as possible. Admission into the program is not a guarantee for students placed on a waiting list. The waiting list is not deferred to the next available intake, but students can apply again if so desired.
Students enrolled within the Widener University School of Nursing may be considering licensure (NCLEX) and/or advanced practice certification. Each state/jurisdiction has requirements that candidates must meet in order to obtain licensure and/or certification. To view Widener’s licensure qualifications by state, please visit the School of Nursing Licensure by State webpage or visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) directly.
View Loading... requirements for the accelerated BSN program.
Continue your graduate education at Widener through the School of Nursing's robust program offerings which includes master's, doctoral (PhD/DNP), and post-graduate certificates.
Set yourself apart academically by participating in the School of Nursing honors program.
Nursing students can join Widener's ROTC program to help develop leadership abilities by learning critical-thinking skills; the value of character; competence and courage; self-discipline; and team building. ROTC Cadets are eligible to apply for generous scholarships.
You'll go beyond the classroom in our state-of-the-art facilities. At our Center for Simulation and Computerized Testing facilities, you'll problem solve clinical scenarios and learn to apply what you learn in the classroom to real-world situations.
Get matched within our network of more than 60 of the region’s top hospitals and healthcare facilities for clinical rotations in your junior and senior year. Whether in a large teaching hospital or small agency environment, you'll gain real-world clinical experience in a variety of specialties.
Expand your education beyond the classroom through community-based service learning. Experiences take place in various settings, including Widener's Community Nursing Clinic in Chester, PA, which offers pro bono medical care to uninsured or underinsured community members, partnerships with local schools and organizations to for local outreach projects, a senior citizens' apartment complex, adult day care centers, schools, and even clients' homes.
Widener's unique full-time traditional nursing program offers an opportunity that's hard to find within many other nursing programs—study abroad. Through a partnership with the Universidad San Pablo CEU, Montepríncipe Campus, you can experience your fall semester of sophomore year in Madrid, Spain.
The program includes:
Nursing majors have the opportunity to join various clubs and organizations across campus and beyond to expand their network, including the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL), the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and many more.
Live and learn with your classmates in the N.E.T (Nurses Educated Together) LLC, while exploring the real-life experiences of nurses and spending time with nursing faculty who are dedicated to your success.
Choosing your college major is a big decision. Take a deeper dive into what pursuing a BSN is like and what doors will open for you after you graduate.
You’ll benefit from close faculty mentorship from full-time nursing professors who are actively shaping the science of nursing education.
"My goal is for students to challenge themselves to become life-long learners who contribute new knowledge to this wonderful profession. Both novice and experienced nurses should take risks to seek out new learning experiences that ignite their passion for nursing and drive them toward improving outcomes for their clients."
Four years ago, we met Kelsey Byrd, a freshman who followed in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother to enroll in Widener’s nursing program. Now, as a member of the Class of 2022, Kelsey reflects on her transformative college experience and what it means to be the newest Widener nurse in the family.
Nursing students put their emergency preparedness and response skills to the test during a live disaster simulation on campus.
Commencement is a milestone moment. For Gary and Stephanie Pollino, this commencement season is even more special as the father-daughter duo will both receive bachelor degrees from the School of Nursing.
Through our accelerated nursing program, you'll build a resume distinguished by career-specific learning experiences.
Hyatt Hall
1 University Place
Chester, PA 19013
Dean's Suite; Founders Hall 114