Nursing: Accelerated Direct-Entry BSN+MSN (Accelerated BSN Plus), Bachelor's , Master's
Overview
The DeSales' Accelerated BSN Plus (ABSN+) program allows qualified students to take up to three (3) graduate courses as part of their BSN program and provides direct-entry into the Graduate Program of their choice if qualified.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree (or will have one by May) our fast and affordable format will prepare you for beginning a nursing career. By taking three courses at the undergraduate tuition rate, students in the ABSN+ program can save significantly on the cost of their graduate degree.
The ABSN+ program can save students up to 22% of the cost of a DeSales MSN or DNP degree.
DeSales Nursing has a long history of delivering high-quality nursing education. That same outstanding quality remains in this accelerated degree — Average NCLEX first-time pass rate of 96.67% for graduates of the Accelerated Nursing program!
- All nursing courses, laboratory hours, clinical hour requirements, and clinical facilities are the same as for those students pursuing the traditional BSN program, with the addition of a course in Healthcare Informatics.
- In your internship during the last semester, you'll receive one-to-one attention in a clinical setting with a nursing preceptor — an RN who works in the field. This will give you the advantage of additional clinical experience with an expert in the nursing field.
- At the completion of all program requirements, you will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
The Accelerated BSN Plus Program is a 15-month 2nd degree option for those who already have a bachelor's degree from a non-nursing major.
- The program begins once each year during the third week of May.
- Classes & Clinicals are held Monday through Friday, taught in a full-time format.
- Limited on-campus housing is available through graduate housing. Off-campus housing may be arranged through our local realtor partnership.
Admissions Requirements
Accelerated BSN (ABSN) and Accelerated BSN Plus (ABSN+) Admissions Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing major from an accredited college or university with a graduating cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 (or 3.0 for the ABSN+ program) or higher on a 4.0 scale.*
- Entrance exams are NOT required.
- No additional application is needed for the ABSN Plus program.
ABSN Program Prerequisite Requirements:
Completion of the following courses or course equivalents, either at DeSales University or another accredited college or university, within 5 years of entering the Accelerated BSN Program, with a grade of “C” or higher**:
- BI263: Anatomy & Physiology I w/ Lab - 4 credits
- BI264: Anatomy & Physiology II w/ Lab - 4 credits
- BI252: Microbiology w/ Lab - 4 credits
- CH107: Physiological Chemistry w/ Lab (must include all 3 topics: general, biochemistry, and organic) – 5 credits
- MA111: Probability and Statistics - 3 credits
- NU305: Therapeutic Nutrition – 3 credits+
- PS240: Human Development (must cover full lifespan: conception to death) - 3 credits
ABSN+ Program Prerequisite Requirements:
Completion of the following courses or course equivalents, either at DeSales University or another accredited college or university, within 5 years of entering the Accelerated BSN Plus Program, with a grade of “B” or higher**:
- BI263: Anatomy & Physiology I w/ Lab - 4 credits
- BI264: Anatomy & Physiology II w/ Lab - 4 credits
- BI252: Microbiology w/ Lab - 4 credits
- CH107: Physiological Chemistry w/ Lab (must include all 3 topics: general, biochemistry, and organic) – 5 credits
Completion of the following courses or course equivalents, either at DeSales University or another accredited college or university, within 5 years of entering the Accelerated BSN Plus Program, with a grade of “C” or higher**:
- MA111: Probability and Statistics - 3 credits
- NU305: Therapeutic Nutrition – 3 credits+
- PS240: Human Development (must cover full lifespan: conception to death) - 3 credits
* Applicants may submit an application with degree program still in progress
** Applicants may submit an application with prerequisite courses in progress
+ Must be taught by a Registered Dietician
Three (3) of the seven (7) prerequisite courses must be completed, or currently in progress with visible grades, in order to secure an interview and receive decision for the ABSN program.
Prerequisite courses require a minimum grade of “C” or higher. A maximum of three (3) “C’s” out of the seven (7) prerequisite courses will be accepted. Submission of four (4) or more “C’s” will result in revocation of your provisional acceptance.
Due to the competitive nature of this program and seat availability, demonstrating minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the DeSales Accelerated nursing program. All decisions are final.
More Information
- DeSales offers several online prerequisites courses through our adult education program. Learn more
- Prerequisites may be completed at any accredited college or university. If completing prerequisites at a local community college, please reference the DeSales University Community College transfer agreements
- Additional prerequisite online coursework is approved for DeSales ABSN applicants via Portage Learning
- CLEP testing is available only for Developmental Psychology. Learn more
- All prerequisite courses from other institutions will be evaluated for equivalency to DeSales courses. Only courses that are considered to be equivalent will be accepted as prerequisites.
Selected applicants will be invited for an interview on a rolling basis until the application deadline.
Applicants selected for admission into the Accelerated BSN Program are accepted on a provisional basis and will be required to complete a Nationwide Criminal Background Check and FBI Fingerprinting.
The cost of the Nationwide Criminal Background Check and FBI Fingerprinting is the responsibility of the applicant. The Nationwide Criminal Background Check and FBI Fingerprinting must be completed via the process and paperwork stipulated and supplied to the applicant following an offer of provisional acceptance. No other method will be accepted or considered valid.
Learn more about admission clearances, progression policies, withdrawal refund information and more. See important program admission details
In addition to meeting all academic requirements, students must meet the functional abilities essential for nursing practice.
Curriculum
In the DeSales University Accelerated Direct-Entry BSN+MSN program, your courses will move quickly. However, you'll have the benefit of supportive, hands-on faculty to guide you through the program.
Here's a glimpse at a sample schedule for the 15-month Accelerated BSN Plus program. All nursing classes are held on-campus at the Center Valley site. Please note: MSN courses may be offered in an online format.
Summer I Semester
Session 1 (begins in mid-May)
- NU 205 - Fundamentals of Nursing
- NU 215 - Health and Physical Assessment
Session 1-2
- NU 220 - Pharmacology
Session 2 (July through mid-August)
- NU 230 - Therapeutic Nursing Interventions
Fall Semester
- NU 335: The Chronically Ill Adult
- NU 350: Nursing of the Childbearing Family
- NU 530: Applied Research*
- NU 538: Health Informatics, Quality, and Safety**
Spring Semester
- NU 340: Mental Health Nursing
- NU 365: Nursing Care of Children
- NU 370: Nursing of the Older Adult
- NU 430: Nursing of the Acutely Ill Adult
- MSN Free Elective – NU 522: Health Policy, Organization, and Financing OR NU 536: Clinical Prevention in Population Health+
Summer II Semester
Session 1 (mid-May through June)
- NU 440: Community and Public Health Nursing
Session 1-2
- NU 452: Senior Integrating Seminar
Session 2 (July through mid-August)
- NU 454: Clinical Nursing Internship
*Accelerated BSN Plus students who choose not to take NU 530 will take NU 320 instead
**Accelerated BSN Plus students who choose not to take NU 538 will take NU 380 instead
+Accelerated BSN Plus students who choose not to take an MSN Free Elective will have four (4) nursing courses in the Spring semester, congruent with the Accelerated BSN students
Academic Catalog
Graduation Requirements
Clinical Hours Breakdown
In the Accelerated BSN Plus program, you'll complete the following clinical requirements:
- 60 laboratory hours
- 630 clinical hours
- 180 clinical internship hours
All nursing clinicals are held in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding area nursing homes, hospitals, etc. Students must provide their own transportation.
Learn more about the Division of Nursing mission and philosophy, BSN program outcomes, and more
Tuition & Fees
2024-25 Academic Year
Tuition: $48,800
Tuition payable each term:
- Summer I - $12,200
- Fall - $12,200
- Spring - $12,200
- Summer II - $12,200
Tuition covers costs of all nursing coursework, all fees, standardized program testing, and NCLEX-RN preparatory review. Each semester is billed separately and is due before the next semester begins. Tuition is the same cost regardless of your state of residence.
*All rates are subject to annual increases beginning May (Summer I Session).
Learn more about the DeSales ABSN Scholarships
Private Grants & Scholarships
You may find the following resources useful in your scholarship search.
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
- Hispanic Scholarship Fund
- Scholarships and Loans for International Students
- FastWeb! Scholarship Search
- Scholarship Resource Network Express
- USA Funds Access to Education Scholarships
- Central Scholarship Bureau
- Scholarshipexperts.com
- Reagan Foundation
- Student Scholarships.org
- SallieMae.com/Scholarships
One FREE course for DeSales graduates
DeSales offers one FREE 3-credit, Accelerated BSN (ABSN) course to eligible* DeSales University undergraduate alumni.
*Offer effective as of May 14, 2020. The discount applies to DSU ABSN tuition only and is not applicable toward fees, textbooks, or other costs associated with the ABSN Program. For details regarding evaluation for eligibility, please contact nursing@desales.edu or 610-282-1100, x1509.
How to Apply
We're glad you're interested in applying for the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at DeSales.
As part of the application process, we ask that you carefully review these guidelines prior to applying. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
- Apply directly to DeSales
Annual Deadline: January 1
ABSN/ABSN+ Application Requirements
- A bachelor's degree in a non-nursing major from an accredited college or university with a graduating cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 (or a GPA of 3.0 for ABSN+ program) or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Completed prerequisite coursework.
- Official transcripts of all coursework taken at any accredited university or college
- Electronic official transcripts can be sent to: gradadmissions@desales.edu
- Paper official transcripts can be mailed to:
DeSales University
ATTN: Admissions Office
2755 Station Ave.
Center Valley PA 18034 - Nursing courses from other universities or institutions will not transfer; all nursing courses, with the exception of NU 305 Therapeutic Nutrition, must be completed at DeSales University.
- All transcripts from any degree-granting institution outside the United States must be evaluated by a NACES approved evaluation service, such as World Education Services, Inc., with the resulting report submitted directly to the address above. Please visit naces.org for additional information. DeSales University’s institutional reporting code is 002021
- ABSN Personal Statement — Explain how the program will help you achieve your professional goals and your motivation to become a nurse.
Select applicants will be invited for an interview on a rolling basis until the cohort is filled.
To secure a place in the class, accepted students are required to submit a $500 non-refundable tuition seat deposit; along with the Tuition Deposit Seat Acceptance agreement. Upon matriculation, the $500 seat deposit will be credited towards tuition.
Learn more about admission clearances, progression policies, withdrawal refund information and more. See important program admission details
Information for International Applicants
All international applicants to the ABSN program, regardless of citizenship, whose native language is not English, are required to take the TOEFL iBT. Official test results must be mailed directly from the testing agency to the Division of Nursing in a sealed envelope.
- Applicants must obtain a total score of 100 with a minimum score of 26 for speaking
- The TOEFL iBT Test must have been taken within two years of application to the program
- Up-to-date information can be found at: TOEFL
- Refer to the Undergraduate Catalog for further details
Facilities
DeSales University is home to some of the most advanced simulation technology in a university setting.
Simulation captures the key characteristics and behaviors of real life clinical events and gives students the opportunity to practice clinical skills, repeat procedures, fine-tune processes, and observe the impact of their choices — all without harm to patients.
The DeSales family of Human Patient Simulators (HPS)
HPS, also known as high-fidelity manikins, are life-like models of the human body with software/computer equipment components to mimic human bodily functions. The HSC maintains several HPSs, including a pregnant mother and new-born infant.
Clinical Skills Lab
Our clinical skills suite provides both a 12 bed in-patient and a 12 bed out-patient practice environment. Students can practice a wide variety of clinical skills with low fidelity mannequins. Task Trainers help students gain expertise in technical procedures and clinical skills such as foley catheter placement or pelvic examination for undergraduate students and more advanced skills such as central line placement or peripheral IV insertion, for our graduate students.
Standardized Patient Program
This on-campus suite replicates a functioning healthcare office, complete with a waiting room, and 8 fully equipped examination rooms. Standardized Patients are real people who are specially-trained to portray different patient scenarios, where they are treated as real patients by DeSales students. They actively participate in the instruction, practice, and assessment of the physical examination skills of our students, nurses, and physician assistants. Become a standardized patient
Education Management
Our Education Management Solutions, Inc. system (EMS) provides a comprehensive solution for the labs;. Digital AV software and hardware allow faculty to capture both the simulations and standardized patient environments for further review. The results provide a digital video record of individual and team performance, which assist in evaluating a student’s performance when faced with realistic clinical challenges.
The labs in the Gambet Center are outfitted with audio-video technology as well as integrated simulation management and skills evaluation software to allow the instructors to manage clinical skills training and patient exam protocols.
Video: See the Sim Center in Action
Be Prepared for the NCLEX!
DeSales Nursing students are above average. Actually, they're well above the average for both the PA and U.S. NCLEX first time pass rates!
- 92.32% — DeSales BSN Programs* average
- 89.38% — PA average
- 84.94% — National average
*Traditional day, Adult Studies, and ABSN
Numbers are based on a 5-year average
If career preparation is important to you, you've found the right school. All students in our nursing programs have access to a test prep included in their tuition. Maybe that's why our students consistently report above-average NCLEX first-time pass rates.
Info from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN): NCLEX Data
Student Nurses' Association
The DeSales University Student Nurses' Association (SNA) assumes responsibility for contributing to nursing education in order to provide for the highest quality of health care. The SNA also aids in the development of the NSNA core values, including care, professionalism, advocacy, leadership and autonomy, diversity and quality education.
The DeSales SNA has been recognized by the NSNA with a Stellar School Chapter award, for their superior support and commitment to developing student leaders.
CCNE Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at DeSales University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Office of Financial Aid - Here to Help
We'll guide you to make the best choices to fund your education at DeSales University. We can help make your college expenses affordable through a combination of grants, loans, student employment, and scholarship resources.
DeSales Financial Aid Office
610.282.1100, ext. 1287
Fax: 610.282.0131
finaid@desales.edu
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
