Whatever the reason — a career switch, job security, desire for a more lucrative position in an innovative field, or just the need to help people at one of their most vulnerable moments — becoming a nurse can provide the pathway to achieving just that. And in just 12 months.
The accelerated bachelor of science in nursing (ABSN) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is a one-year program designed for individuals who have already completed a bachelor’s degree and want to undergo the additional coursework and clinical experiences that are required to become a registered nurse.
“It’s definitely a very intense, immersive and fast-tracked program that requires students to hit the ground running on Day One,” said Rebecca Muehrer, accelerated BSN coordinator and clinical professor. “But with the low number of fellow cohorts in each class, the unwavering support of the faculty, our well-connected alumni network and access to state-of-the-art technology at their fingertips — as well as an emphasis on self-care throughout their journey — our students are rigorously prepared to succeed in this field and face responsibilities beyond graduation with the diligence and discipline that is required to practice nursing in all settings.”
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According to Patrick Stevens, director of admissions and recruitment, students enrolled in the program hail from all walks of life. While many have health-related backgrounds, others have liberal arts, social science and education backgrounds. What do they have in common? A desire to work with patients.
“Nurses today are on the front line of a patient’s entire medical journey through the health care system,” Muehrer said. “It’s not just about checking pulses, reading charts and monitoring medications under a doctor’s watchful eye. As medicine becomes more complex and tech-laden, the need for nurses with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) becomes more imperative.”
The mission to educate an annual cohort of graduates in a year’s time is part of the university’s initiative to confront the shortage of nurses in the state. A 2016 workforce report by Wisconsin’s Center for Nursing projected a statewide shortfall of nearly 23,000 nurses by 2035, ensuring job security for those entering the profession for years to come. Another benefit is that nearly 86% of the ABSN graduates go on to live and work within the state.
To be considered for the program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a 2.75 minimum cumulative GPA and completed seven prerequisites with at least a C grade (BSN prerequisite course equivalencies). Applicants must apply to the program between July and mid-September and will be notified of their admission status in December 2024 for the start of the next cohort, which is in May 2025. Students accepted into the program can expect to spend 50 hours a week dedicated to class and clinical work. Though organized differently, the ABSN program follows the same concept-based curriculum and clinical training as the university’s traditional BSN program.
Stevens said that 99% of students are employed within six months after graduation or are applying for graduate school. Many go on to work in one of the five hospitals located within a 2 ½-mile radius of the School of Nursing.
For more information about the University of Wisconsin–Madison ABSN program, please visit nursing.wisc.edu/absn.