Adult & Continuing Studies Program

Accelerated Nursing BSN: ABSN Program

Widener's accelerated bachelor's in nursing ABSN program is designed for students who already earned a bachelor's degree in another field and want to pursue a rewarding career change in the field of nursing. Courses are taught in person through an immersive, hands-on experience.

Nursing BSN student in clinical setting

Program Overview

The accelerated BSN program (ABSN) is designed for students with an existing bachelor's degree in another discipline that want to make a career change into the nursing field. By transforming earned credits from your previous study, you can complete your ABSN in as little as four semesters.

The second-degree, accelerated BSN program is taught in person at our Chester, PA campus located 20 minutes from both Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE. Here you'll experience the power of hands-on coursework taught by faculty mentors who continue a tradition of nursing excellence that spans more than 50 years. Courses begin in mid-August.


Unsure if the ABSN program is the best bachelor's in nursing pathway for you?


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.

Admissions Information

  • Completed application to Widener University.
  • The application opens August 1st
  • Students must have already earned a bachelor's degree or must be in the process of completing a bachelor's degree prior to the program start.
  • Students must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA from all previous colleges/universities attended.
  • Students must complete the following pre-requisite courses from an accredited institution prior to enrolling. For questions related to accredited institution requirements, please contact jcgilbert@widener.edu.
    • Chemistry (4 credits, including lab)
    • Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits, including lab) taken within 5 years
    • Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credits, including lab) taken within 5 years
    • Microbiology (4 credits, including lab)
    • Statistics
    • Nutrition

Chester Campus

  • Application opens: August 1st
  • Regular action deadline: January 15
  • Final action deadline: March 1
  • Program start: students start as a junior in the fall semester

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.

Our ABSN program fills up fast! If you're admitted and ready to say YES to joining the Widener pride, be sure to make your deposit early. Once our program reaches capacity, we cannot guarantee a spot.

Students studying benefit from a highly competitive, flat tuition rate of $48,960.

International applicants, immigrants to the U.S., and U.S. permanent residents are required to:

  • Submit the results of an English proficiency test (Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo Scores) taken within 2 years, unless they are from a TOEFL-exempt country
  •  A course-by-course credential evaluation completed by WES

View English Proficiency Requirements

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. 

ABSN Accelerated BSN Nursing Program Options

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.

View Program Offerings

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.

Learn more about ROTC

Accelerated Nursing Program Highlights

National Center of Nursing Excellence

The National League for Nursing named Widener a Center of Excellence for advancing the science of nursing education.

Recognized for Advancing Nursing Education

1 of 6 schools nationwide designated as a Center of Excellence for Advancing the Science of Nursing Education.

College of Distinction Nursing 2023-2024 Logo

College of Distinction for Nursing

Recognized for top-quality teaching and successful outcomes.

Lab and Clinicals

With an 8:1 student-faculty ratio in clinical settings, you'll practice in a supportive, individualized learning environment.

Founders Hall midday shot

Renowned in the Region

Our School of Nursing was ranked 7th in Pennsylvania among private colleges.

Founders Hall, home to Widener's School of Nursing, at dusk

Top 30 in Nation

Our School of Nursing is proud to rank #28 out of more than 1,100 private institutions evaluated across the nation.  

Source: Nursing Schools Almanac

 

Why Study Nursing at Widener?

Female BSN degree nursing student hands on in a clinical setting in Widener University's School of Nursing simulation lab

Learn Beyond the Classroom

Throughout your nursing education, you'll gain real-world clinical experience in a variety of specialties and settings. You'll problem-solve clinical scenarios in our modern nursing sim lab, practice quick-thinking assessments in our annual disaster simulation event, and have opportunities to give back to the local community through Widener's Community Nursing Clinics.

When it's time for clinical rotations in your junior and senior year, you'll not only feel prepared you'll get matched within our network of the region’s top hospitals and healthcare facilities.

physical therapy students in belize on study abroad

Study Abroad and Still Graduate in 4 Years

Widener's 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.

Widener nursing students eat together

Engage & Strengthen Your Nursing Network

Live and learn with fellow classmates in the N.E.T (Nurses Educated Together) Living Learning Community (LLC). This unique experience enables you to form even closer relationships with nursing majors in and out of the classroom while spending time with nursing faculty who are dedicated to your success.

Nursing majors also have the opportunity to join various nursing clubs and organizations to expand their network and engage with Widener nursing alums, including the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL), the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and many more.

nursing faculty mentors bsn nursing student

Experience Mentorship & Support From Day One

We want to get to know you and see you succeed. Professors will pay attention to how you learn and what you want to accomplish. Your Personal Student Success Team—faculty and peer mentors and liaisons for campus resources—will make sure your first year runs smoothly.

Without skipping a beat, you’ll have what you need to make Widener your second home. And you’ll know how to invest in the greater community, from professional opportunities in Philadelphia to volunteer experiences in your new backyard.

Lean more about faculty mentorship
Explore resources for success and support

Faculty

Your Inside Track to Success

Your Inside Track to Success

Career Outlook & Outcomes for BSN Nurses

Potential Careers

  • Registered nurse
  • Nurse educator
  • Legal nurse consultant
  • Case management
  • Worker compensation nurse

Industry Growth

Employment of nurses is projected to increase 9% by 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Employment Projections. 

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Employment Rate at Graduation

96% of students graduated with a job in 2019. 

Recent Employers

  • Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
  •  Hospital of the Univ. of Pennsylvania
  • Cooper Univ. Hospital
  • Main Line Health System

Settings to Work In

  • Hospital
  • Health clinic
  • Long-term care facility
  • Outpatient setting

Take the Next Steps

Apply

Applying online has never been easier—and it’s free! Take the next step toward joining the Widener Pride.

We are no longer accepting ABSN applications for our Harrisburg Campus.