FranU’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program allows students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing to earn a BSN degree in 16 months, following completion of required prerequisites.
The ABSN program builds on students’ foundations in the arts and sciences to form self-directed nurse generalists prepared to assume leadership roles in the delivery of evidence-based nursing care. Our accelerated nursing program develops professional nurses within an educational climate of honesty, respect, inquiry, service and collaboration.
The program can be completed in 16 months. Besides traditional in-classroom learning, students in the accelerated nursing program will take clinical ABSN courses that provide real-world experience that will help them develop communication, teamwork, critical thinking, empathy and professionalism skills.
Graduates with an ABSN degree typically become registered nurses and work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, private practices, clinics or in-home care. Learn more about nursing careers.
View the Admission Requirements for undergraduate programs.
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Complete in 16 months - Because students who enroll have already earned a bachelor’s degree in another field, they’ll need to complete prerequisite and BSN program courses to complete their nursing degree. The entire degree requires the completion of 120 credit hours; students will complete the required nursing courses full-time in 16 months. Learn more about the curriculum.
Clinical experience - FranU ABSN students will take courses with clinical nursing components, an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in nursing. Courses will cover nursing fundamentals and concepts of community health and prepare students for the functions of nursing they will encounter in their careers
Welcoming to many backgrounds - To be considered for admission to the ABSN program, you need a bachelor’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution. By admitting students of many academic backgrounds, FranU is able to cultivate a diverse environment where all learners bring their unique expertise to the table.
Supportive faculty - Our nursing faculty support and nurture accelerated BSN students through their educational journey. Consisting of highly skilled professionals with extensive subject area expertise, FranU nursing faculty have a passion for helping nursing students achieve their goals. Learn more about our nursing faculty.
A path toward licensure - ABSN graduates can pursue nursing licensure. Requirements for professional licensure and certification can vary by state and can change without notice. Students should be sure to consult the state licensing body where they reside or seek to be licensed to ensure that the degree they earn will meet the state’s requirements for licensure. Learn more about licensure.
Financial aid opportunities - At FranU, we aim to provide the highest level of care and professionalism while assisting students and their families to find financial aid opportunities that are right for them. A large percentage of our student body receives some form of financial aid through grants, scholarships or loans. Learn more about financial aid.
Applicants to the ABSN program must submit an application specific to the program to the Office of Admission by January 15 for the August class. To apply to the accelerated bachelor’s in nursing program, students must:
Submit an undergraduate application. The student type will be “already has a bachelor’s degree” for a Spring or Summer semester. All prerequisites must be completed before entering clinicals, including pathophysiology, and must be taken at FranU.
If admitted, students will then meet with the Office of Advising to schedule classes. Advising for new students for the spring semester opens in mid-October. Advising for the summer semester opens in early April. Students will receive communication via email to schedule an appointment.
If it is determined during the advising appointment that applicants will have all prerequisites completed in time to enroll in clinicals for the fall semester, students will receive the link to the clinical application. Applicants are unable to access the clinical application prior to admission to FranU. Applying to the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is a two-step process.
Admission decisions are made in a manner consistent with the University's policy on admission. Applicants will be considered on a competitive basis. Factors considered in the review of applications include the listed admission criteria, the ability to meet the Core Performance Standards of the School of Nursing, the  University's policy on admission and other individual characteristics or attributes that increase the likelihood of success in the program.
Upon acceptance into the Accelerated BSN program, students are required to:
Attend new nursing student orientation;
Submit to a criminal background check (at the student's expense);
Comply with the health and safety requirements of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University School of Nursing;
Submit an application for approval to enroll in a clinical nursing course.
The Nurse Practice Act of Louisiana requires that all students must be approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) to enroll in clinical nursing courses.  The LSBN requires persons who have been arrested, charged with or convicted of any criminal offense in any state to petition the Louisiana State Board of Nursing in writing for the right to practice as a student nurse in Louisiana.
The LSBN also requires persons with any addiction or impairment that may affect their ability to practice nursing to petition for the right to practice as a student nurse prior to enrolling in a clinical nursing course. The Application for Approval to Enroll in a Clinical Nursing Course form will be provided to the student once accepted into the program. Final program acceptance is contingent upon LSBN approval.
Applicants to the Accelerated BSN program should meet the following minimum admission criteria listed below. Meeting minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission to the ABSN degree program.
Be in good academic standing at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University.
Have an earned bachelor’s degree in any field.
BIOL 2310: Anatomy and Physiology I (3 hours)
BIOL 2311: Anatomy and Physiology II (3 hours)
BIOL 2325: Microbiology (3 hours)
Science lab (1 hour)
PSYC 2330: Developmental Psych (3 hours)
PHIL or RELS: Ethics elective (3 hours)
MATH 2315: Statistics (3 hours)
BIOL 2320: Nutrition (3 hours)
NURS 2410: Pathophysiology (4 hours)
THEO 1310: Introduction to Theology (3)
Have earned a grade point average of 3.0 on the combination of any completed required prerequisite coursework and all previous coursework (Elective Arts/Sciences courses) applied to the BSN program
Have completed with a grade of C or better, have in progress or plan to complete all remaining prerequisite coursework prior to beginning the clinical program. Students must earn a grade of C or better in NURS 2410 (Pathophysiology) within three years of admission. Students may only attempt NURS 2410 twice within a three year period. Any grade, including a W, constitutes an attempt.
Have earned a grade of C or better in all courses applied to the ABSN program
Additional factors may influence acceptance into the Accelerated BSN program.Guaranteed Admission to the Accelerated BSN Degree Program
A transfer student is guaranteed admission to the ABSN program when:
More than 30 hours of required coursework in the BSN program (including courses that are in progress at the time of application to the University) are transferred in with at least a grade point average of 3.2 in these courses.
A grade point average of at least 3.0 is maintained while completing remaining prerequisite courses at the University.
All other minimum admission requirements are met.Program Goals
The goals of the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program are:
At least 80% of graduates who test will pass the NCLEX-RN licensure exam on the first attempt.
At least 65% of students admitted to the pre-licensure BSN program will complete the program within 150% of the program length (7 semesters).
At least 90% of graduates will be employed within 12 months of graduation.
Upon completion of the accelerated nursing program, graduates will be able to:
Provide holistic nursing care to individuals, families, communities, and populations across the lifespan, the health continuum and healthcare contexts.
Integrate knowledge from the arts, sciences and nursing in the delivery of high-quality nursing care.
Translate existing evidence into safe nursing practice.
Communicate and collaborate in respectful partnerships to optimize health.
Function as a leader and change agent within dynamic healthcare systems using knowledge of health policies and legal principles.
Apply ethical principles while serving as an advocate and a caring healthcare provider.
Demonstrate reflective practice to support continuous personal and professional growth
Contact the Office of Admissions for an evaluation of your transcript
The clinical courses in the ABSN program begin in the fall. You should plan to submit your application by January 15th. All pre-requisite courses must be completed before you can begin the clinical courses. Pathophysiology must be completed at FranU before entering the clinical courses.
You need a baccalaureate degree in any other field from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning.
Once you start taking the nursing clinical courses, you will complete this program in 16 months. Due to the rigorous, fast-paced nature of this program, you are strongly encouraged not to have outside employment while enrolled in the ABSN program.
A vital part of the healthcare system, nurses provide quality personal care to patients while maintaining health and safety best practices. With such an important role in the industry, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that registered nurses make a median annual salary of $77,600, with careers in the industry growing at a rate of 6% over the next decade.
The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program at FranU prepares students for rewarding careers in healthcare through a comprehensive, hands-on curriculum. With clinical practice, supportive faculty and a diverse peer group, our ABSN students are equipped with the skills needed to excel in their nursing careers.
The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is Continuing Accreditation
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program.
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctorate degrees. Questions about accreditation of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500 or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
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| Document Title: Undergraduate Nursing Student Handbook 2022 2023 | Type: pdf | File Size: 811.638 KB | Download |
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