Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
If you already have a degree, earn your bachelor’s in nursing at UW–Madison in just 12 months and quickly move into this highly competitive and rewarding field.
Is this program right for you?
The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Wisconsin–Madison is the fastest route to professional practice for anyone with a bachelor’s or graduate degree in a non-nursing discipline.
Wisconsin faces nursing shortages even more extreme than the rest of the nation, especially in our rural communities. Experts say we will need an additional 20,000 nurses in our state by 2035, so your job prospects are excellent.
Our Accelerated BSN program allows you to complete your nursing degree in just 12 months. Classes run from May to May, and you enter the program as part of a cohort who support and learn from each other. Instruction is intense. You complete 48-50 credits of nursing coursework at the pace of approximately one credit per week. This equates to at least 45 hours of coursework weekly.
From the very beginning, you spend time not only in the classroom, but hands-on in clinics. Clinical groups are supervised jointly by UW–Madison School of Nursing faculty and practicing nurses who serve as preceptors. With their compassionate guidance and expertise, you build the skills to work in a broad range of clinical or community settings and gain a professional perspective to manage or lead.
Given the rigor associated with completing your degree requirements, you will not be able to work at an outside job while in the Accelerated BSN program. However, within one year you have the education and the support you need to begin your deeply fulfilling nursing career.
Is this program right for you?
The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Wisconsin–Madison is the fastest route to professional practice for anyone with a bachelor’s or graduate degree in a non-nursing discipline.
Wisconsin faces nursing shortages even more extreme than the rest of the nation, especially in our rural communities. Experts say we will need an additional 20,000 nurses in our state by 2035, so your job prospects are excellent.
Our Accelerated BSN program allows you to complete your nursing degree in just 12 months. Classes run from May to May, and you enter the program as part of a cohort who support and learn from each other. Instruction is intense. You complete 48-50 credits of nursing coursework at the pace of approximately one credit per week. This equates to at least 45 hours of coursework weekly.
From the very beginning, you spend time not only in the classroom, but hands-on in clinics. Clinical groups are supervised jointly by UW–Madison School of Nursing faculty and practicing nurses who serve as preceptors. With their compassionate guidance and expertise, you build the skills to work in a broad range of clinical or community settings and gain a professional perspective to manage or lead.
Given the rigor associated with completing your degree requirements, you will not be able to work at an outside job while in the Accelerated BSN program. However, within one year you have the education and the support you need to begin your deeply fulfilling nursing career.
Admissions requirements
All applicants must:
- Have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field from an accredited institution by the program start date; you may apply during the fall with graduation slated for the following spring, but must show proof of timely progress toward spring graduation.
- Have a minimum college-level cumulative GPA of 2.75.
- Complete prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better in each course and a minimum combined prerequisite GPA of 2.75; all four prerequisite science courses (chemistry, microbiology, anatomy, and physiology) must be completed by the Accelerated BSN supplement application deadline and all prerequisites must be completed before the program start date; in addition, the four prerequisite science courses must have been completed within seven years of starting the Accelerated BSN program.
- Complete five university-wide general education requirements; at least two must be completed by the Accelerated BSN supplement application deadline and all prerequisites must be completed before the program start date.
To apply:
- Application to UW–Madison as a post-undergraduate degree-seeking student.
- Application to School of Nursing via the Supplemental Application for the Accelerated BSN Program.
- Work experience/accomplishments.
- Personal statement.
Program highlights
- The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is accelerated, so you earn your degree in just one year.
- Our program is practical and industry-based. From the beginning of the program, you are in both the classroom and the clinic, supervised by UW–Madison School of Nursing faculty and practicing nurses.
- Nearly 99% of UW–Madison nursing students successfully complete their degrees, and 90% pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) on their first attempt.
How you'll learn
- Twelve months of full-time study on campus to earn your degree.
- Complete 48-50 credits of nursing coursework during your 12-month program at the pace of approximately one credit per week; this equates to at least 45 hours of in- and out-of-class coursework weekly.
Sample curriculum
Summer
- Foundations of Nursing Practice
- Professionalism in Nursing Practice
- Foundations of Nursing Practice: Experiential Learning
- Pharmacology Essentials for Nursing Practice
- Pathophysiology Essentials for Nursing Practice
Fall
- Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Across the Lifespan
- Meeting the Psychosocial Health Needs of Individuals, Families, and Communities
- Health and Illness Concepts with Individuals, Families, and Communities
J-Term
- Health and Illness Concepts with Individuals and Families: Experiential Learning
Spring
- Social Justice in Local and Global Settings
- Advanced Concepts in Complex Nursing Practice
- Advanced Concepts in Complex Nursing Practice: Experiential Learning
- Scholarship for Evidence-Based Practice
- Leadership in the Profession of Nursing
Job outlook
Source: Burning Glass Technologies: Labor Insight. 2019.
Burning Glass Technologies’ Market Salary is an estimated expected salary. Market Salary uses machine learning algorithms to account for experience, skill, and education among other factors that may impact individual salaries.
Ready to learn more about Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing?
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Our friendly, knowledgeable enrollment coaches are here to answer your questions. Contact an enrollment coach to:
- Learn how to make this program work with your life/schedule
- Get help with your application
- Determine if financial aid is available
Visit with our coaches on campus or at an upcoming student fair in your area. Search student fairs & events.
