Nursing (Accelerated)

Keiser University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science (ABSN) in Nursing equips graduates of non-nursing bachelor’s degree programs with the knowledge, clinical experience, and professional competencies required for entry into nursing practice. The accelerated nursing program covers the full spectrum of nursing education, from foundational science prerequisite courses and physical assessment through advanced care management, nursing curriculum for community settings, and health outcomes research. ABSN students gain direct patient care experience through structured clinical placements, building the confidence and skill set needed to deliver safe, compassionate, patient-centered care.

The College of Nursing at Keiser University utilizes a “students first” philosophy to increase access to nursing education for a diverse student body at the undergraduate and graduate level and prepares students to provide holistic nursing care to improve individual, community, and global health outcomes. Keiser University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program enables students to provide evidence-based collaborative care to diverse patient populations in varied settings.

1. Demonstrate leadership, clinical decision-making, and effective communication skills to provide and evaluate safe, high-quality nursing care.
2. Creatively engage in rational inquiry, utilizing evidence-based nursing knowledge to give holistic care of patients in a continuum of healthcare environments.
3. Employ information management and patient care technologies to enhance the delivery of quality patient care.
4. Engage in system and organizational level policy to provide safe, high-quality care.
5. Collaborate with interprofessional healthcare teams to ethically design and manage care of families and individuals across the lifespan

Keiser University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program prepares students to deliver evidence-based, collaborative care to individuals, families, and communities across a variety of healthcare settings. The Programmatic Student Learning Outcomes represent a culmination of measurable competencies that support graduate readiness to practice effectively within today’s complex healthcare environment.

BSN Program Outcomes

The Programmatic Student Learning Outcomes are:

• CARE COORDINATION: Utilizes effective leadership, communication and collaboration for shared decision making with the patient and multidisciplinary healthcare providers in the deliberate organization, design and management of safe, high quality and high value care for culturally and spiritually diverse patients across the continuum of healthcare environments.
• RESEARCH AND TRANSLATION: Engages in scientific inquiry with a spirit of creativity, utilizes evidence-based nursing knowledge, and translates data and information into nursing practice to address common clinical scenarios.
• INFORMATION MANAGEMENT: Utilizes patient care technology and information systems to communicate, collaborate and support clinical decision-making in the delivery of quality patient care in a variety of healthcare settings.
• ADVOCACY AND POLICY: Integrates professional nursing values, ethical, legal, and theoretical practice frameworks fundamental to the discipline of nursing to influence health promotion, disease prevention, healthcare policy, and regulation across the lifespan and practice environments.

Admission to the ABSN program requires completion of the following before beginning nursing major courses:

• Bachelor’s or Graduate degree in a non-nursing discipline from an accredited school, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or the last 60 credits of the degree with a 3.0 GPA.
• An acceptable background check in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act upon enrollment.
• Personal interview with the BSN Program Director or Designee, and approval from the BSN Admissions Committee.
• Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA for general education and science prerequisite courses.
• Prerequisite courses of DEP2004 Lifespan Development (3 credits) and STA2023 Statistics (3 credits) with a “C” or better earned prior to acceptance.
• Minimum grade of “B” in the following additional science courses prior to beginning nursing major courses:
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology I (4 credits)
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology II (4 credits)
  • General Chemistry I (3 credits)
  • General Chemistry Lab (1 credit)
  • Microbiology with lab (4 credits)
• Satisfactory drug screening and completion of all required health screening in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act and clinical requirements.
• A Wonderlic SLE minimum score of 23 is required. The exam must be administered on site at a Keiser University campus. Applicants who fail to achieve the minimum required score on the Wonderlic SLE will be allowed to retest after a 24-hour period. If the candidate fails to achieve the minimum required score on the retest, the candidate may retest after 60 days. A fourth attempt may be made 120 days after the third attempt. Applicants who do not achieve the required score after four attempts must wait 12 months before re-starting the Wonderlic SLE testing cycle.

The Keiser University ABSN program stands out for its accelerated format, giving students with a prior bachelor’s degree a focused, efficient path to professional nursing practice. Curriculum spans nursing care coordination, patient safety, therapeutic communication, critical analysis, health equity, and public health, with robust support for clinical placement services throughout the program. Two campus residencies build hands-on clinical skills and prepare ABSN students for real-world nursing roles. A dedicated clinical placement services team assists students with finding and securing clinical placements in appropriate healthcare settings, including hospitals, community settings, and specialty practices. Students complete the program eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.

Required and Optional Fees for Programs: Fees are costs set by the university in addition to tuition (and room and board, if applicable). These fees may be required for your program or optional depending on the courses you take, and they support the costs associated with completing an approved program of study. Fees are defined in the university’s catalog or supplement and listed on the school’s billing statement or invoice. Fees that are optional will not be paid using GI Bill® benefits and will be the responsibility of the student choosing these additional options. For additional guidance, please see your Program Director or Admissions Counselor.

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Admission to the ABSN program requires completion of the following before beginning nursing major courses:

• Bachelor’s or Graduate degree in a non-nursing discipline from an accredited school, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or the last 60 credits of the degree with a 3.0 GPA.
• An acceptable background check in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act upon enrollment.
• Personal interview with the BSN Program Director or Designee, and approval from the BSN Admissions Committee.
• Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA for general education and science prerequisite courses.
• Prerequisite courses of DEP2004 Lifespan Development (3 credits) and STA2023 Statistics (3 credits) with a “C” or better earned prior to acceptance.
• Minimum grade of “B” in the following additional science courses prior to beginning nursing major courses:
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology I (4 credits)
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology II (4 credits)
  • General Chemistry I (3 credits)
  • General Chemistry Lab (1 credit)
  • Microbiology with lab (4 credits)
• Satisfactory drug screening and completion of all required health screening in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act and clinical requirements.
• A Wonderlic SLE minimum score of 23 is required. The exam must be administered on site at a Keiser University campus. Applicants who fail to achieve the minimum required score on the Wonderlic SLE will be allowed to retest after a 24-hour period. If the candidate fails to achieve the minimum required score on the retest, the candidate may retest after 60 days. A fourth attempt may be made 120 days after the third attempt. Applicants who do not achieve the required score after four attempts must wait 12 months before re-starting the Wonderlic SLE testing cycle.

Graduates of Keiser University’s accelerated baccalaureate degree in nursing enter the workforce prepared for registered nurse roles across a wide range of healthcare environments. This accelerated BSN program strengthens clinical care knowledge, nursing practice skills, and leadership capacity, positioning graduates for entry-level and advanced clinical positions. The BSN degree also serves as the foundation for graduate nursing education, including MSN and DNP programs, supporting long-term nursing career advancement.

Career Pathways in Nursing

• Registered nurse (hospital and clinical settings)
• Surgical and perioperative nurse
• Emergency department RN
• Medical-surgical nurse
• Pediatric nurse
• Labor and delivery nurse
• Rehabilitation nurse

• Home health nurse
• Hospice and palliative care nurse
• Oncology nurse
• Public health nurse
• Nurse case manager
• Travel nurse

Gain Job-Ready Skills for a Nursing Career:

• Evidence-based nursing practice and clinical decision-making
• Patient-centered care and therapeutic communication
• Nursing care coordination across the lifespan
• Critical thinking and critical analysis in clinical settings
• Health promotion and disease prevention strategies
• Patient safety and quality improvement
• Psychomotor skills for direct patient care
• Leadership skills for interprofessional healthcare teams

Keiser University offers career-focused degree programs designed to support working adults, traditional students, and career changers. With experienced faculty and comprehensive student support, Keiser helps learners achieve their personal and professional goals at all levels.

Can I complete the accelerated nursing program online at Keiser University?

The ABSN program at Keiser University takes place on-campus to provide the hands-on clinical experiences and lab work essential for nursing education. Students receive direct instruction from nursing faculty and complete clinical hours in partner healthcare facilities throughout Florida.

What makes the ABSN program different from a traditional BSN program?

The accelerated BSN program at Keiser targets students who already hold a completed bachelor’s degree or graduate degree in a non-nursing discipline. Because prior bachelor’s degree coursework and science prerequisite courses reduce the general education requirements, ABSN students can complete the nursing curriculum in approximately 16 months rather than the standard 40 months.. This accelerated format delivers the same rigorous nursing education in a condensed, intensive structure.

What careers can I pursue after completing the ABSN program?

Graduates of the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing qualify to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. Upon passing, licensed RN opportunities span hospitals, community settings, public health agencies, specialty clinics, long-term care, and more. The accelerated BSN degree also serves as the entry point for advanced nursing programs including the MSN and DNP at Keiser University.

Can I transfer credits from another institution?

Yes, Keiser University accepts transfer credits for undergraduate and graduate-level programs. Our admissions team will work with you to review your transcripts and determine your transfer eligibility. Credits transfer based on several factors including accreditation and course equivalency. Learn more about credit transfer requirements and eligibility requirements.

Is financial aid available for nursing students?

Absolutely. Students in the nursing program may qualify for grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. Military veterans may also qualify for education benefits. Speak with a dedicated financial aid counselor to explore all available options and create a plan that fits your situation. Learn more about Keiser University’s Financial Services.

Does the ABSN program hold nursing accreditation?

Baccalaureate degree nursing programs at Keiser University campuses are in candidacy status for initial accreditation with the Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia 30326, 404-975-5000, fax 404-975-5020. www.acenursing.org. For additional information, click here for a campus-by-campus list of ACEN accreditation statements for ASN programs and candidacy status for BSN programs.

What prerequisite courses do I need before starting the program?

Admission requirements include:

• Prerequisite courses of Lifespan Development (3 credits) and Statistics (3 credits) with a “C” or better earned prior to acceptance.
• Minimum grade of “B” in the following additional science courses prior to beginning nursing major courses:
• Human Anatomy & Physiology I (4 credits)
• Human Anatomy & Physiology II (4 credits)
• General Chemistry I (3 credits)
• General Chemistry Lab (1 credit)
• Microbiology with lab (4 credits)

How does the clinical placement process work?

The clinical placement process at Keiser University pairs ABSN students with appropriate clinical placements in hospitals, community settings, and specialty healthcare environments. A dedicated clinical placement services team guides students through each step, from identifying eligible sites to meeting clinical requirements. Clinical placement support continues throughout the program, ensuring students complete the required clinical hours across diverse healthcare settings. Students residing in different areas may work with the clinical placement services team to secure placements near their location.

How much does it cost to earn this degree?

Tuition at Keiser University varies by degree program. Keiser offers financial aid, military and veteran benefits, scholarships, and tuition reimbursement to those who qualify. For more detailed cost information, please contact an admissions advisor. Get more information about Keiser University’s tuition and costs.

Keiser University holds institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Learn more about Keiser University accreditation. Baccalaureate degree nursing programs at Keiser University campuses are in candidacy status for initial accreditation with the Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia 30326, 404-975-5000, fax 404-975-5020. www.acenursing.org. For additional information, click here for a campus-by-campus list of ACEN accreditation statements for ASN programs and candidacy status for BSN programs.