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Embark on Your Nursing Career in 12-Months

Unlock your potential with Edgewood College’s online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. Exclusively tailored for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree, this 12-month program combines rigorous online coursework with in-person clinical experiences. With our robust clinical partnerships, you will benefit from hands-on experience whether you complete your clinicals in the Greater Madison area or beyond. Gain the advanced skills and confidence to launch a successful nursing career in a supportive, dynamic online learning environment.

You will attend three on-campus lab immersion visits: one week for the initial visit and two more times throughout the program. Students can expect the second and third visit to be 3 or 4 days. This structure provides comprehensive preparation for the NCLEX-RN® exam and we’re proud to boast that our BSN programs boasted an impressive 99% pass rate in 2023. With a proven track record of success, this program offers you the knowledge and nursing skills to make a meaningful impact in patients’ lives while setting yourself up for a professionally rewarding career.  Join our engaging, online program that leads you to success efficiently with uncompromising quality.

Locations
Madison, WI
Formats
Virtual
Number of Credits
58

Important Dates

Priority Application deadline: February 1, 2025
Cohort start date: August 2025

COMING SOON – Online ABSN Information Session

Join us to learn more about the Online ABSN program at Edgewood College. We’ll discuss program, courses, application, and your questions

Online Nursing Education Built on Excellence, Compassion, and Leadership

Check out our program structure:

  • Accelerated Learning: Achieve your BSN in just 12 months with theory courses completed from the comfort of your home, local travel for face-to-face clinicals, and three visits to Wisconsin for lab immersions.
  • Comprehensive Education: Our program covers 58 credits of professional nursing classes, clinicals, and simulation experiences.
  • Supportive Environment: Benefit from a low faculty-to-student ratio, 1:1 Clinical Preceptor experiences, personalized guidance, and strong community connections. Join us and fast-track your nursing career today!

Be Prepared to Pass Your NCLEX

One benchmark metric of a strong program is their NCLEX-RN exam first-time pass rate. Consistently, our pass rate is significantly higher than the national average. With a 99.1% NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (2023), the ABSN program at Edgewood College continues to outperform the national average.

Accreditation

 

The baccalaureate degree in nursing program at Edgewood College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. The program is also approved by the State of Wisconsin Board of Nursing.

Application Process

Check Eligibility

FIRST, CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY TO APPLY FOR THE ONLINE ABSN PROGRAM:

  1. Earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
  2. Cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 in college-level coursework or cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 in most recent (60) college credits.
  3. Minimum of 2.75 GPA in prerequisite math and science courses. A minimum grade of “C” is required in all prerequisite math and science courses.
    NOTE: Required math and science courses must have been taken within (8) years of admission to the first nursing course for credit in the nursing major.
  4. Complete prerequisite courses.

Residency is not required as learning is conducted online. However, immersion labs will require online ABSN students to travel to Edgewood College’s campus in Madison, Wisconsin, on three separate occasions. Theory courses are delivered through a combination of synchronous (live) and asynchronous (self-paced) online sessions.

How to Apply

Students interested in the Online Accelerated BSN degree program are required to apply through the Nursing Centralized Application Services (NursingCAS). This portal is used to simplify and streamline the application process. Edgewood College’s School of Nursing Admission Committee will make all admission decisions. We encourage students to make certain the necessary applicant qualifications have been met, and to be mindful of the application deadlines.

Nursing CAS Logo

  • Create an account and login to NursingCAS.
  • Complete and submit your application including manual entry of all courses including prerequisites. NOTE: Full transcript history should match all courses denoted on your official transcripts.
  • Upload your full transcript history into the NursingCAS portal.
  • Contact all previous higher education institutions and utilize the appropriate form through NursingCAS to request official transcripts be sent to NursingCAS. NOTE: If you’ve attended Edgewood College in the past, you must also follow this process for your Edgewood transcripts.
  • Upload Resume.
  • Pay the required application fee through NursingCAS portal.

If you are admitted to this nursing program, you will be required to submit your official high school transcripts directly to the Edgewood College Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Admitted students will receive further instructions when this information is required.

Application Cycle

Entry Term Application Opens Priority Deadline Final Deadline for Entry term Applications submitted before Priority Deadline

Admission Decision Completed

Applications submitted after Priority Deadline

Admission Decision Completed

Fall Cohort August 25 February 1 June 15 February 15 Approximately (1) month after application is received
Spring Cohort March 1 June 15 November 15 July 1 Approximately (1) month after application is received

Once you have determined that you meet the criteria to apply for the Online ABSN program, you will be ready to start the application process. As this is a highly competitive program, we recommend submitting your application and required documentation as soon as the application opens. This allows you ample time to complete each requirement and ensure all required documentation has been received so your application meets the priority deadline. After the priority deadline has passed, applications shift to rolling admission.  

Applicant Selection Process

The School of Nursing Admissions Committee is comprised of nursing faculty dedicated to screening applicants for admission into this program and making recommendations to the Dean. Admission to the Accelerated BSN program at Edgewood College is highly competitive. The School of Nursing Dean will admit the most qualified students based on cumulative GPA, science/math GPA, previous academic records, and credits completed.

Explore Additional Steps to Strengthen Your Nursing School Application

It is common for students to inquire how they can improve the likelihood of securing one of those coveted spots in the nursing program. While the above qualifications take utmost priority in determining program eligibility, the list below offers a guide as to ways decisions are made when we have more highly qualified students than we have open seats.

  • Achieve at least a 3.0 GPA or greater (on prerequisite college coursework) to have priority over applicants that meet the minimum GPA of 2.75.
  • Complete Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) requirements and hold a CNA license.
  • Outstanding professional or personal achievements
  • Prior experience working in the healthcare field.
  • Proficiency in a second language.
  • Volunteer experience in your community.

Admission Process

Academic Requirements

Eligibility for admission to the Online ABSN program requires students to complete a bachelor’s degree and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75. At the time of application, students must have either completed, or be in progression to complete, the following prerequisite courses (or their transfer equivalent):

PRE-REQUISITE COURSE CREDITS
Statistics or College Algebra (or higher) 3
General Psychology 3
Lifespan Development Psychology 3
General Chemistry I – including lab component 4
Anatomy & Physiology I – including lab component 4
Anatomy & Physiology II – including lab component 4
General Microbiology – including lab component 4
Pathophysiology (may be complete in first session of program) 3

Students possessing a baccalaureate degree in another field from a regionally-accredited institution are considered to have fulfilled all of Edgewood College’s General Education requirements, except COR courses. Post-baccalaureate students, however, must still meet all School of Nursing pre-requirements for supporting courses in the major.

I’ve Been Admitted—Now What?

Congratulations on being selected for our esteemed School of Nursing! We look forward to supporting your journey to becoming extraordinary healthcare professionals.

  • Accept admission by the specific date on your Offer of Admission Letter. NOTE: Nursing students who do not accept admission by the deadline will forfeit their space.
  • Submit a $1,000 nonrefundable deposit within (30) days of receiving the Offer of Admission Letter. NOTE: This is applied toward tuition in your final semester.
  • Complete all items listed in the welcome packet.

Program Tuition and Fees

$45,000 program cost to include the following: 

  • Nursing courses
  • Clinical fees
  • Lab fees

Items not covered by tuition:

  • Textbooks
  • ATI complete package
  • Clinical attire/materials
  • Assessment kit
  • Clinical partner onboarding costs
  • All program travel expenses (including meals and lodging)

Financial Aid

Students in the ABSN program may be eligible for federal and private loans to assist in financing their education.

Federal financial aid:

  • Complete the FAFSA
  • Students may be eligible for a maximum of $12,000 from the Stafford Loan Program

SUBSIDIZED: The Federal Government pays the interest while the student is in school at least halftime.

UNSUBSIDIZED: Interest begins to accumulate as soon as the loan is disbursed.

For additional questions about financial aid and financing your accelerated nursing degree, please visit Financial Aid or contact Edgewood Central at ECentral@edgewood.edu.

Resources for Admitted Students

Apply for Nursing Scholarships

Visit our scholarships page to view all available Edgewood scholarships.

Undergraduate Handbook

The BSN student handbook for students in the online ABSN program will be available at a later date.

Conveniently Located Nursing Clinical Experiences

Gain hands-on clinical experience through sessions conveniently located near you, with Nursing Faculty assisting in clinical placements wherever you are located. Through the year-long program, you’ll only need to travel to Madison, Wisconsin three times for lab immersions: the first visit lasts one week, while the second and third are 3–4-days each. This structure ensures that you receive top-notch training while minimizing travel commitments. Join us and advance your skills in an engaging, supportive environment!

Pathway to Advanced Nursing Education

Embarking on your journey in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program not only prepares you for a rewarding career in nursing but it also opens doors to advanced education. While earning your BSN, passing the NLEX-RN, and building a strong foundation for your nursing career, you’ll also gain the skills and knowledge to seamlessly pursue advanced education.

For students planning to continue their education, our Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program offers six diverse concentrations and a variety of certificate pathways, allowing you to continue building your expertise and advancing your career in the nursing profession.

Frequently Asked Questions About the ABSN Degree

Is an ABSN degree the right path for me?

We understand that a decision to go back to college to pursue your nursing degree is a big decision. Choosing an accelerated program is often based upon career goals, academic background, and personal circumstances. Here is a short checklist to consider:

  • You already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
  • You are prepared to make a full-time commitment to the program and your personal and professional schedules will allow you to devote your time and energy to a rigorous program.
  • You are motivated by the short term model of learning and desire to get to the field in the quickest way possible.
  • You enjoy hands-on learning and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
  • Most importantly, you are passionate about pursuing this career path and a journey to becoming a registered nurse (RN)!

How many hours a week will the ABSN program require?

Students can expect to spend 40 to 60 hours per week on coursework and classroom assignments, which results in an expedited completion time of one year as opposed to the typical two to two and a half years.

Does Edgewood College have an on-campus ABSN program?

Yes, Edgewood College has two pathways for students to achieve their ABSN degree. In addition to our Online ABSN, Edgewood College offers an on-campus ABSN. Learn more about the on-campus ABSN program.

If I only need an ADN to become an RN, why should I pursue a BSN?

A BSN provides ample benefits in terms of career advancement, earning potential, and professional development. Achieving your BSN reflects a commitment to excellence and dedication to ongoing professional development. BSN-prepared nurses are positioned to adapt to the evolving landscape in healthcare and contribute to improving patient outcomes.

Won’t I save money by just doing an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)?

College math can be tricky! While a reasonable person may infer that an Associate’s Degree is a cost-savings, we encourage you to “check the math.” Here is an example…

Program  Duration  Tuition Cost  Earning Potential  Total Financial Impact 
ADN  2 years  $15,000  $80,000/year  -$65,000 
ABSN  1 year  $45,000  $80,000/year  +$35,000 

What does this mean? 

  • Completing your ADN takes (2) years and will cost approximately $15,000. The initial investment is lower, but you will miss an entire year of earning an annual salary of $80,000. The total financial impact of spending an extra year in school is an estimated loss of $65,000 (Salary minus program cost).
  • Completing your ABSN only takes (1) year and will cost $45,000. Despite the higher initial investment, you will enter the workforce a year sooner.  The total financial impact of not spending an extra year in school is a gain of $35,000 (Salary minus program cost). Additionally, BSN-prepared RNs have higher earnings potential as compared to ADN-prepared RNs.

Embrace Diversity and Compassion in Healthcare

You Belong in Our Online ABSN

Explore a rewarding path in nursing that blends your commitment to compassionate, inclusive care with the flexibility of online learning. At Edgewood College, our online ABSN program is designed for individuals who want to make a difference by serving diverse communities with empathy and excellence.

Be part of a cohort that shares your passion for building a career of making a difference. By enrolling, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to pass the NCLEX, prepare as a leader in your field, and achieve your professional goals. Today’s dynamic healthcare landscape needs professionals, like you, dedicated to fostering a culture of compassionate health care.  Start your journey toward a meaningful, impactful nursing career today!