Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)
Designed for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, this fast-paced, 12-month program prepares graduates for licensure and a successful nursing career in just one year.
Program overview
The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is a fast-paced, full-time program designed for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. This 12-month program includes 47 credit hours of intensive coursework and hands-on training that prepares graduates to enter the nursing profession with confidence.
Students gain excellent clinical experience in a variety of health care settings, including major hospitals, community clinics, public health departments, and schools across the region. Learning takes place in state-of-the-art, technology-enhanced classrooms and accredited simulation labs that mirror real-world care environments.
The program is led by expert faculty who are not only experienced educators but also respected researchers and leaders in the field of nursing and health care. Graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam, consistently surpassing both state and national pass rates.
Why Nursing?
Nurses change lives and the world. If you’re looking for a career that blends science, service, and human connection, we encourage you to consider nursing. At its core, the nursing profession is about improving health, advocating for others, and delivering compassionate care across communities and settings. Nurses are trusted leaders who meet people where they are and help them move toward better health.
What can you do with a degree in Nursing?
A nursing degree opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities. Many graduates begin as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, or community health settings, providing direct patient care. Others pursue roles in public health, school nursing, mental health, or hospice care. With experience and additional education, nurses can become advanced practice providers, educators, researchers, or health care leaders. Whether you want to care for patients at the bedside, shape health care policy, or advance the science of nursing, a nursing degree gives you the foundation to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
Curriculum
Summer Semester
Courses
- N322—Foundations for ABSN Students (3 credit hours)
- N309—Clinical Immersion I (4 credit hours)
- N333—Health Assessment (3 credit hours)
- N316—Pathophysiology (3 credit hours)
- N354—Professional Nursing/Leadership for ABSN (1 credit hour)
Total Credits: 14
Fall Semester
Courses
- N419—Nursing Care of Adults (4 credit hours)
- N420—Clinical Immersion II (4 credit hours)
- N422—Psych/Mental Health For ABSN (3 credit hours)
- N351—Pharmacology for ABSN (3 credit hours)
- N354—N471R—Nursing Research for ABSN (3 credit hours)
Total Credits: 17
Spring Semester
Courses
- N415—Maternal Newborn (3 credit hours)
- N444—Pediatrics (3 credit hours)
- N432—Population Health (2 credit hours)
- N445—Clinical Immersion III (4 credit hours)
- N433—Clinical Immersion IV (2 credit hours)
- N454—Leadership II for ABSN Students (2 credit hours)
Total Credits: 16
Total Program Credit Hours: 47
The ABSN Program provided me with a solid foundation to build my skills and confidence
Paige PecoraroABSN Scholar
ABSN Scholars Program
The ABSN Scholars Program is a partnership between The College of Nursing and The University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC) that supports future nurses academically and professionally.
This program not only helps reduce the financial burden of nursing school but also provides a direct career pathway at one of the region’s top academic medical centers. The $12,776 scholarship will be awarded through a competitive process to students who will then commit to work for UTMC for three years. Applicants must be currently enrolled at or admitted to the ABSN Program. Only applicants with a desire to work at UTMC after graduation are eligible. Financial need may also be considered. Eight nursing scholars will be admitted each year into the program. The deadline to apply for this scholarship is March 1st!
Interested applicants should contact us for more information on the application process.
FAQs
Can prerequisite courses be completed at a different college/university?
Yes, prerequisite courses may be taken at your local college or university. The University of Tennessee will accept transfer credit of similar content from any two- or four-year accredited institutions—normally institutions with regional accreditation status in the United States. College transcripts are evaluated after a student is admitted to the university and typically are completed several weeks after the student is admitted. Credits that are not acceptable for transfer include courses that are remedial, occupational, technical, noncredit, or career coursework used for the applied science degree from career and technical programs. In order to meet ABSN prerequisites, transfer coursework must be equivalent to the UT course. Please use the transfer equivalency guide to check course equivalencies. The required prerequisite equivalencies are listed on the ABSN webpage. For more information regarding credit transfer, see Transfer Credit Policies & Procedures .
How many spaces typically are available each year?
The program enrolls 72 students per year.
Do you accept international students?
Yes, we accept international students into the program. International student applicants need to have their transcripts from international institutions evaluated by any evaluation agency that’s a member of NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services). UT is able to process an application only after receiving the necessary report from the evaluation company. Companies offering these evaluation services include:
Educational Credential Evaluators
World Education Services Inc. (WES)
International applicants must also complete the following applications:
Is there a waitlist for the ABSN program?
Yes, students will be notified by email if placed on the waitlist.
Does the Accelerated BSN program require the TEAS test?
No, the College of Nursing does not require this test as part of our admissions process.
Is there a time limit on completed prerequisites?
There is no time limit on prerequisite course completion date. However, if your science prerequisite dates back more than seven years, it may be beneficial to repeat these courses for preparation for the accelerated curriculum.
Is there a part-time option for the program?
No, the Accelerated BSN program is a full-time program.
Can I work while in the program?
The program does not recommend working while being enrolled. However, students may be able to work a part-time schedule, as long as the hours do not conflict with classes, labs, or clinical times.
Does the program have an orientation?
Yes, the program has orientation that is held directly before the start of summer term.
Where will my clinical experiences be located?
Clinical experiences are located in the Knoxville/East Tennessee area. Most clinical locations are a 30 minute drive or less from campus.
What will my schedule be?
Course and clinical schedules will vary semester by semester. Schedules usually post one to two weeks before the semester begins. Students will have classes, clinical experiences, and labs 5 days a week.
Do you accept “C-“or “D” grades?
No, prerequisite courses must be completed with a “C” or higher.
What are your averages for admission?
4 year Average Cumulative GPA: 3.45
4 year Average Prerequisite GPA: 3.52
What if I took a course that should be used as a prerequisite course? How do I get the course reviewed?
Contact the Office of Student Services ([email protected]) for course questions. The College of Nursing does not evaluate courses for transfer equivalency, but we can help you understand your course equivalencies and support you through the credit evaluation process.
Do you accept online courses?
Yes, as long as the course is from a regionally accredited institution. For more information regarding credit transfer, see Transfer Credit Policies & Procedures.
How many applications need to be completed?
All applicants must complete two applications. One application through NursingCAS and the other application through the University of Tennessee.
Do you offer scholarships to ABSN students?
Yes, we have several scholarships that ABSN students can apply for.
Do you accept credit by exam courses?
No, we don’t.
Admissions and Aid
Learn more about the admissions process and aid at the college.