Potential Careers
- Registered nurse
- Nurse educator
- Legal nurse consultant
- Case management
- Worker compensation nurse
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 on campus through an immersive, hands-on experience.
At a Glance
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Offered as
Bachelor's
Format
On Campus
Credits
68
AVG. TIME TO COMPLETION
4 semesters
College/School
Campus Location
- Chester, PA
Explore the Accelerated Nursing BSN
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 on campus 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?
- If you haven't completed a bachelor's degree, our traditional BSN degree program is right 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.
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
The Accelerated Second Degree BSN program at Widener University provides students with the flexibility to complete a rigorous 15-month, full-time curriculum. Classes, laboratory sessions, and clinical experiences are scheduled during the daytime, evenings, and weekends.
Program Details
- Full-time, 15-month program
- Completed in-person at our Chester, PA campus
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.
The School of Nursing Honors Program provides opportunities for in-depth study and professional development, nurtures development as a nurse leader and educator, and prepares students for graduate school. Students will have opportunities to:
- Work with faculty conducting research
- Mentor classmates
- Cultivate leadership through community service and involvement
- Interact with faculty in small group settings
- Become involved in the university's summer research program
Nursing students are a great fit for Widener's ROTC program. Here you'll strengthen critical-thinking, self-discipline, and team-building skills that can help you excel in a plethora of nursing leadership and military careers. Widener University is also a major contributor to the Army Nurse Corps officers and offers special military training opportunities for nursing majors.
ROTC cadets are eligible for generous scholarships—up to 100% full-tuition coverage—as well as the opportunity to join the Army as a commissioned officer after graduation.
Career Outlook & Outcomes for BSN Nurses
Why Study Nursing at Widener?
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.
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.
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
Accelerated Nursing Program Highlights
Our Faculty
As a Nurse Educator, one of the pedagogical strategies I use is experiential learning, an approach that links course objectives with activities to contextualize learning as students develop clinical judgement. Experiential learning is particularly impactful in combination with community engagement, especially for raising social awareness and emphasizing the importance of social justice in health care.
Getting to know students as learners and humans is vital to me. I feel the best way to support and empower learning is to understand the learner. There are many great aspects of teaching nursing and one of my favorites is watching our Widener nursing students bloom into practicing nurses. When I teach, I firmly believe in being authentic and transparent with my students
Recent News
New Simulation Lab is a Pathway to the Future of Nursing Education
The new Anna Mosco and Marietta Borinski ’80 Simulation Laboratory boasts simulated and virtual reality technology enabling Widener nursing students to excel in clinical practice.
Nursing Simulation that Shapes Clinical Excellence
Nursing’s Center for Simulation continues to deliver high-quality simulated learning for undergraduate and graduate students with the latest technology innovations and updated facilities.
All in the Family: Nursing Graduate Becomes Third Generation Widener Nurse
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.
Admissions & Aid
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
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.
Transferring into one of our adult and continuing studies programs is a great way to complete your degree on your terms.
You can complete your bachelor’s degree in as little as a year through Widener's part-time, online programs designed for working professionals. If you have college credits and/or life experience, we will work with you to create a convenient, cost-efficient pathway for you to earn your degree.
Learn more about transferring to Widener as an adult & continuing studies student
Financial Aid
Paths to Savings
Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement
Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.
Widener Scholarships for Adult Learners
Widener is proud to offer several endowed scholarship opportunities to currently enrolled adult and continuing studies students. These scholarships are awarded by the Center for Graduate & Continuing Studies and made possible through generous donor gifts. And the best part? Unlike loans, scholarship awards are yours to keep without the need to pay them back. Students are also welcome to reapply every year.
Learn more about scholarship and grant opportunities
ROTC Cadets Eligible for Up to 100% Tuition Coverage
Cadets in the ROTC program are given the opportunity to have a significant portion of their education paid for through scholarships—as high as 100% full-tuition coverage. If eligible, the scholarship program has numerous benefits for cadets including room and board, a monthly stipend, and more.
After graduation, cadets also have a direct pathway to a paid career with the option to advance into the military as a commissioned officer.
Program Cost
Adult & Continuing Studies Admissions Office
-
Hyatt Hall
1 University Place
Chester, PA 19013 - 610-499-4282
- gcs@widener.edu
DeLisa Cofer
Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Nursing
-
Founders Hall
- (610) 499-4212
- dmcofer@widener.edu
