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Turn your bachelor's degree into a nursing career in as little as one year.

Program Type

Bachelor's

Semester Start

Fall, Spring, Summer

Study Options

Hybrid

Minimum Duration

1 Year

UMass Boston’s Accelerated Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (ABS-N) program is designed for people with a bachelor’s degree in another field who want to become a nurse. The online ABS-N program allows you to become a baccalaureate-prepared registered nurse in as little as 12 months. Study with instructors specially trained in online, concept-based learning and experience face-to-face, state-of-the-art simulation and live clinical experiences.

Integrating Technology

Living in the technology age means graduates need meaningful exposure to technology and experiences that provide necessary skills for the workforce of today and the future. Online textbooks and the use of iPads for course work and testing decrease the out-of-pocket cost for students. Virtual simulation experiences add to the cutting-edge learning environment online and on-ground.

Applications will be accepted until September 1 for spring admission; February 1 for summer admission; and May 1 for fall admission, on a space available basis.

Tuition

  • This program consists of 12 courses, or 52 credits.
  • Students are required to have already completed 68 credits from a previous bachelor's degree.
  • Online tuition is $600 per credit.
  • Total estimated cost to complete this program is $35,905.
  • Other fees as applicable.

Deadlines

  • May start (Summer) Application Deadline: February 1
  • Sep start (Fall) Application Deadline: May 1
  • Jan start (Spring) Application Deadline: September 1

Checklist

  1. Attend an Accelerated Information Session or contact cnhsstudentservices@umb.edu to register for the virtual information session.
  2. Complete undergraduate admissions application or special application (see below)
  3. Complete accelerated nursing option supplemental form, which will be made available after submitting your application
  4. Official transcripts from all schools attended since high school
  5. Two short essays
    1. 500-Word Essay: UMass Boston's College of Nursing and Health Sciences (CNHS) is committed to advancing efforts towards promoting health equity, social justice, and population-based health in our community and beyond by educating health professionals to serve communities as diverse as our students. ​Why are you interested in studying nursing at UMass Boston, an institution committed to advancing health equity?
    2. 250-Word Essay: UMass Boston’s Accelerated Nursing program is designed to blend high quality clinical experiences with online didactic learning. Successful students must be flexible, adaptable, and self-directed. Please describe a time when you independently learned a complex task. What was the task? What resources did you utilize to learn it? What did you learn about yourself during this process?
  6. Provide two (2) letters of professional or educational recommendations*
  7. TEAS Optional — Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) scores are optional.

All non-online applications and materials may be submitted via mail to:

University of Massachusetts Boston
Undergraduate Admissions Processing Center
100 Morrissey Blvd
Dorchester, MA 02125

Special Application Former UMass Boston Students: If you obtained a bachelor’s degree from or completed coursework at UMass Boston as an accepted/matriculated student, skip the standard application and complete a special application. The One Stop can help you determine which application you’ll need to complete. (Special applications include Application for Second UMass Boston Undergraduate Degree, Readmission Application, or an Undergraduate Inter-College Transfer Application.) Additionally, if you received you Bachelor’s degree from UMass Boston, all of your documents must be submitted at once in a folder to the College of Nursing and Health Science. Please be sure to ATTN: Accelerated Option, BSN.

ATTN: Accelerated Option, Bachelor of Science
College of Nursing and Health Sciences
100 Morrissey Blvd
Dorchester, MA 02125

Please note: On all applications (online, regular paper or special paper application) please choose or indicate that you are applying to the “Accelerated Nursing Program” as your intended major and note the program start date (Spring, Summer, or Fall).

Prerequisite Courses

Prerequisite courses do not need to be completed at UMass Boston. Prerequisite courses may be taken at an accredited community college or university. If you plan to take prerequisites at a different institution, please review the courses below and compare it to the course description of the course you plan to take to confirm the same topics are covered.

  1. Anatomy and Physiology I with lab (BIOL 2017) (4 credits)*
    A study of the human organism, correlating structure and physiological mechanisms. Emphasis on skin, the special senses, and the skeletal , articular, muscular, nervous, and endocrine systems.
  2. Anatomy and Physiology II with lab (4 credits)*
    Continuation of Anatomy & Physiology I.  Emphasis on the digestive, circulatory, respiratory, excretory and reproductive systems.
  3. Microbiology with lab (4 credits)* (Pick One):
    • Medical Microbiology with a lab (BIOL 209)
      An introduction to viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa which may be pathogenic to humans and animals; and to immunology, epidemiology, and clinical microbiology. The laboratory introduces sterile techniques, maintenance of pure cultures, isolation, identification, and immunological methods. For nursing majors. Biology majors should take BIOL 334 for microbiology. 
    • Microbiology with a lab (BIOL 334)
      The study of viruses, bacteria, algae, fungi, and protozoa, to include their characterization, classification, and relationship to humans and the environment. Lecture topics include microbial biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, taxonomy, pathogenic bacteriology, food and industrial microbiology, and ecology. The laboratory emphasizes aseptic techniques to isolate, culture, observe, and identify bacteria.
  4. Statistics (3 credits)** (Pick One):
    • Statistical Methods (ECON 205)
      A non-calculus introduction to statistical inference aimed at familiarizing students with common statistical concepts so they will be able to make intelligent evaluations of technical reports. Topics include descriptive statistics; probability, including the normal distribution; hypothesis testing, including t-tests; analysis of variance; regression and correlation. Students will also learn and use Microsoft Excel.
    • Elements of Social Statistics (SOCIOL 350)
      Fundamentals of social statistics; special emphasis on probability, tests of significance, and measures of association.
    • Statistics (PSYCH 370)
      The applied study of the scientific method in the behavioral sciences. Fundamental statistical concepts and techniques are surveyed and used, with primary emphasis on the logic underlying the use of descriptive and inferential tools in scientific inquiry. Topics include parametric and non-parametric statistics, e.g., correlation and analysis of variance.
    • Introductory Statistics (MATH 125)
      This course is a concept-driven introduction to statistics and statistical reasoning. It covers descriptive statistics, including histograms, the normal curve, and linear correlation and regression; probability sufficient to enable development of inferential statistics; and topics in statistical inference. The latter will include sampling theory, confidence intervals and their interpretation, tests of hypotheses, and chi-square tests.
    • Managerial Statistics (MSIS 111L)
      Provides the student with basic statistical techniques needed for business decision making in areas such as operations management, quality improvement, marketing research, finance, and general management. The course examines collection and presentation of data, frequency distribution, basic probability, statistical inference, and regression. Students use statistical software for data presentation and analysis.
    • Statistics for Health Professionals (EHS 280)
      This course focuses on basic concepts of statistics such as measures of central tendency and variability; concepts of test validity, reliability, and objectivity and on basic techniques used in inferential statistics. Emphasis will be placed on interpreting scientific peer-reviewed research in the field of exercise and health sciences.
  5. Growth and Development through the Lifespan (NURSNG 230) (3 credits)**
    This course is designed to examine theories and concepts of normal growth and development. Ranges in human growth, development and behavior for each stage throughout the life cycle, birth through death, are emphasized. The course explores the influence of family, society and culture on health maintenance behaviors and perceived health needs for each developmental stage.
  6. Introduction to Nutrition (EHS 150) (3 credits)**
    This course examines the ways in which nutrition promotes health, influences disease, and affects exercise and sports performance. A major goal is to have students better understand the role nutrition plays in their own health. Participants evaluate popular diets and dietary supplements, examine current nutrition recommendations, and acquire confidence in making sensible nutrition recommendations.
  7. Social Science elective (3 credits)** (Pick One):
    • Intro to Psychology (PSYCH 100)
      A general survey of selected content areas in psychology, including personality and human development; physiological psychology; learning; learning; intelligence; heredity and environment; and motivation and emotion.
    • Intro to Sociology (SOCIOL 101)
      The structure of society, cultural patterns, and group life. The individual and socialization, groups, institutions, social systems and social change.

*Prerequisites must have been taken within the last 10 years and require a grade of C+ or higher.
**Prerequisites require a grade of C or higher. There is no time limit for these courses.

Program Courses

Courses are taken in seven-week terms with competency checks in the laboratory as well as in-person robust and multi-modal simulation in each of the seven-week terms. At the completion of two seven- week terms, there is a two-week clinical immersion where students will practice in a wide variety of real clinical settings including acute care hospitals, visiting nurses, primary care settings, and others.

7-Week Term A
NU 271 Concepts of Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for the Nurse
NU 272 Applying Nursing Process
 
7-Week Term B
NU 270 Introduction to the Concepts of Nursing
NU 273 Health Promotion for the Individual, Family and Community
Clinical Immersion - 2 weeks
 
7-Week Term A
NU 371 Evidence Based Nursing Practice
NU 372 Concepts of Health and Illness I
 
7-Week Term B
NU 370 Healthcare Participant
NU 373 Concepts of Health and Illness II
Clinical Immersion - 2 weeks
 
7-Week Term A
NU 471 Active and Engaged Nursing Concepts
NU 472 Concepts of Health and Illness III
 
7-Week Term B
NU 470 Professional Nursing Concepts
NU 473 Concepts of Health and Illness IV
Clinical Immersion - 2 weeks
Kaplan Test Prep - 2 Weeks

At the end of this one-year program, you’ll earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. A BS prepares you to take your state's licensing exam and become a Registered Nurse (RN). The U.S. is experiencing a nationwide nurse shortage, leading to growing opportunities and increasing compensation for RNs. While you can work as an RN with an associate's degree, RNs with a BS typically have more responsibilities and a higher salary.

  • 95% completion rate
  • 95% 1st time NCLEX-RN ® Pass Rate
  • 100% job placement

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at the University of Massachusetts Boston is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

UMass Boston programs are designed to meet the requirements for licensure or certification in Massachusetts. Please contact your state licensing or certification board to determine whether a program meets the requirements for licensure or certification in other states. You may also contact us with any questions.

Recent Graduates

UMass Boston's ABS-N program has a 95% completion rate, and a 100% employment placement rate. Employers include:

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Boston Medical Center

Brigham and Women's Hospital       Boston Children's Hospital

VA Medical CentersAtrius Health


Why UMass Boston Online?

Value

Among the lowest online tuition rates of an accredited, public research university.

Flexibility

Study full-time to finish fast, or part-time to suit your schedule. Live sessions scheduled with the working professional in mind.

Authenticity

The same courses taught by the same academic departments as on campus. No third-party providers.

Learn More

Get the inside scoop on the program and connect with the people who run it.

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

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