Best Accelerated Nursing Programs in 2024 (Online & On-Campus)

Are you looking for accelerated BSN programs or other types of programs? You’re in luck. Accelerated nursing programs allow students to complete accredited nursing programs in a shorter time than traditional on-campus programs. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing refers to accelerated baccalaureate degrees, master degrees and higher levels of nursing programs an ‘innovative approach’ to nursing education that is gaining momentum. Whether you’re looking for an accelerated nursing program in New York or another state, you’ll be sure to find an option below.

Acquire your nursing degree in an accelerated nursing program and begin a career in a rapidly growing career field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that the outlook for registered nurses includes a 15 percent job growth through 2026, which is considered ‘much faster than average’ compared to other career fields. The BLS reveals that the job outlook for Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Midwives is 31 percent, also ‘much faster than average.’

These accelerated nursing programs prepare students for careers in a variety of healthcare settings, working with diverse populations. American Nurse Today explains that most states offer accelerated nursing programs, which take less time to complete than regular nursing programs.

Achieve your dream of pursuing a nursing career when you enroll in one of these accelerated nursing programs.

Please note that tuition costs represent only the cost of tuition, and not the added costs of fees, textbooks, supplies, or other materials. Each school lists their additional costs and fees on its website.

1. Lincoln Memorial University

Lincoln Memorial University began offering an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program in 2010 for students that prefer an accelerated program. The accelerated program is offered through the Cedar Bluff location, on a rolling admissions process. 

The program provides a foundation for nursing practice, preparing students to provide nursing care for individuals, families, groups, and communities.

• Tuition: $925 per credit hour
• NCLEX first time pass rate: 99%
• Program length: 4 semesters
• Accreditation: ACEN

2. Northeastern University

Northeastern University offers the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) degree, which is for individuals that already have a bachelor’s degree in another area. Prospective students wishing to pursue a nursing career have the option of acquiring the ABSN with licensure as a registered nurse.

The full-time accelerated program combines didactic online courses with hands-on experiences in nursing labs and in clinical experiences. Learn the fundamental skills and theories of the profession and the safe and effective application of core skills. Clinical experiences prepare graduates for real-world nursing in a variety of diverse practice areas. Demonstrate clinical judgment skills through evidence-based practice, and work with other health care professionals to improve patient outcomes.

• Tuition: $1,140 per credit hour
• NCLEX first time pass rate: 100%
• Program length: 4 semesters
• Accreditation: CCNE

3. Barry University

The Bachelor of Science Accelerated Option (AO) program at Barry University is for those students that previously completed a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in another area and now want to pursue a nursing career. The program is an accelerated four-semester program that begins in the spring semester of each year. Students complete their clinical experiences at a variety of healthcare systems, clinics, and hospitals. The school website indicates that BSN/AO graduates adjust to the demands required of nurses faster than students completing a traditional four-year BSN program. 

• Tuition: approx. $466.66
• NCLEX first time pass rate: 86.66%
• Program length: 4 semesters
• Accreditation: CCNE

4. University of Wyoming

Students enrolled in the accelerated BSN program at the University of Wyoming quickly learn the meaning of BRAND, which stands for ‘Bachelors Reach for Accelerated Nursing Degree.’ The university prepares students wishing to pursue a nursing career as a registered nurse (RN) through this distance learning program. Students engage in online learning, hybrid courses, which include both online and face-to-face instruction, along with clinical experiences.

• Tuition: $733.83 per credit hour
• NCLEX first-time pass rate: 92.86%
• Program length: 4 semesters
• Accreditation: CCNE

5. Augustana University

Augustana University offers the Post-Baccalaureate Accelerated Track Program for nurses that want to acquire an advanced nursing education. Students in the competitively priced program receive the same high-quality instructions as students in the traditional nursing programs at the university.

• Tuition: $510 per credit hour
• NCLEX first-time pass rate: 95.38%
• Program length: 4 semesters (16 months)
• Accreditation: CCNE

6. Utica College

Utica College offers the Accelerated BSN program for students that can’t wait to become a nurse. While some schools have limited space available in their accelerated programs, Utica College explains that the college has the capacity to enroll high numbers of ABSN students each year. The program is a rigorous, full-time program involving online accelerated nursing courses, development of clinical skills, nursing simulation labs that provide a risk-free environment, along with clinical experiences at local hospitals.

• Tuition: $850 per credit hour
• NCLEX first-time pass rate: 93%
• Program length: 4 semesters
• Accreditation: CCNE

7. University of Washington – Seattle

The University of Washington recently implemented a change to its Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, reducing the program length from five semesters to four semesters of full-time study. The fast-track program allows students that have a bachelor’s degree in another area to acquire a BSN degree and embark on a nursing career. The program includes classroom instruction, clinical simulation exercises in the UW School of Nursing Learning Lab and supervised direct patient care. The university partners with more than 700 community partnership sites.

• Tuition: approx. $843.92 per credit hour
• NCLEX first time pass rate: 93.66%
• Program length: 4 semesters
• Accreditation: CCNE

8. Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University admits students to the Accelerated Second Degree BSN program in the spring semester. Students have the option of attending either the Bryan-College Station or the Round Rock campus. Participate in traditional instruction, along with lab simulation and clinical experiences. Simulated experiences include both standardized patients and virtual clinic learning opportunities.

• Tuition: approx. $760.50
• NCLEX first time pass rate: 89.77%
• Program length: 4 semesters
• Accreditation: CCNE

9. Simmons University

Graduate from the Simmons University online MSN family nurse practitioner (FNP) program and advance your nursing career opportunities. The flexibility of the program allows graduates to choose between working in primary care settings or select a preferred area of specialization. Foundational courses help FNP students understand primary care issues across the lifespan. Students work on a scholarly research project and participate in clinical experiences. 

• Tuition: $1,410 per credit hour
• NCLEX first time pass rate: N/A
• Program length: 5 semesters
• Accreditation: CCNE

10. Emory University

Students that hold a bachelor’s degree in another area have the opportunity to pursue an accelerated APRN degree at Emory University. Complete your BSN degree in 15 months over four semesters of full-time study and immediately start working on your MSN degree. Achieve your dream of becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) or midwife.

Students that do not wish to pursue an advanced degree often enroll in the Emory University accelerated BSN program.  

• Tuition: $1,845 per credit hour
• NCLEX first time pass rate: 100%
• Program length: 4 semesters
• Accreditation: CCNE

11. Xavier University

Perfect for recent college graduates or career changers, the Accelerated BSN program at Xavier University makes it possible to earn a BSN in as few as 16 months. The full-time program features a rigorous blend of online coursework, hands-on nursing labs, and diverse clinical rotations. Among the most accessible in Ohio, the Xavier ABSN program enrolls students three times a year at its site locations in Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus. A non-nursing bachelor’s degree is required to apply.

• Tuition: $900 per credit hour
• NCLEX first-time pass rate: 82.89%
• Program length: four semesters
• Accreditation: CCNE

12. University of Rochester

The Accelerated Master’s Program for non-nurses at the University of Rochester offers students that want to make a career change the opportunity to earn a master’s degree while first earning their bachelor’s degree alongside students in the ABPNN program. Students first obtain their bachelor’s degree in just one year of full-time study, then pursue the master’s degree portion of this program after passing the NCLEX exam.

• Tuition: $1,562 per credit hour
• NCLEX first time pass rate: 100%
• Program length: approx. 9 semesters
• Accreditation: CCNE

13. Gwynedd Mercy University

Enroll in the Gwynedd Mercy University accelerated online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program and develop the tools and advanced practice nursing skills required of advanced practice registered nurses. Work closely with the graduate faculty as you evaluate disparities in health care systems, learn to serve as a mentor, and demonstrate leadership in the delivery of comprehensive high-quality health care.

• Tuition: $930 per credit hour
• First time NCLEX pass rate: N/A
• Program length: 6 semesters
• Accreditation: CCNE

Ranking Methodology

We ranked schools on this list by assigning a score to each school in the categories of tuition, first-time NCLEX pass rate, and program length. Schools with advanced degrees received a 100% on NCLEX ranking because a successful NCLEX pass score is required before enrollment in an advanced nursing degree program.

We make every effort to do our best to be honest, fair, and accurate in our representation of each school, and gather information from the school itself or the state NCLEX records.

No school can pay us for a higher ranking. If a school wishes to be sponsored, those schools are listed separately and labeled as SPONSORED.

Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee current tuition rates or other data because these things sometimes change. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm current tuition rates and whether a particular degree program meets requirements for their state.