Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)
Pursue your callings to serve and heal through our accelerated nursing program.
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Prepare for a Rewarding Nursing Career
Take the next step toward becoming a nurse through the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program at Concordia University Irvine. Designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree or at least 65 non-nursing college credits, this program offers a supportive and efficient pathway into nursing.
You can choose the learning format that works best for you:
- On campus in Irvine, California
- Hybrid (online coursework with in-person labs) in Rancho Cucamonga, California
By building on the courses you’ve already completed, plus hands-on nursing classes and labs, and clinicals, you can finish your accelerated nursing degree in as little as 15 months — and step into a growing, meaningful career in healthcare.
On Campus or Hybrid
Study in person or in a hybrid format.
59 Units
Complete 59 total units of coursework.
$1,010/Unit
Financial aid is available to those who qualify.
Two Convenient Locations
Our accelerated BSN program is offered in two Southern California locations. Pick the learning environment that matches your life and learning style.
Irvine (Spectrum Campus) — On-Campus ABSN
Home to Concordia’s Nursing Program, the Spectrum Campus sits in a vibrant biotech and healthcare hub. You’ll learn in state-of-the-art simulation labs and classrooms, with plenty of study spaces and on-site parking—so you can focus on what matters most: learning how to care.
- On-campus classes and labs
- 20,000 sq. ft. of dedicated nursing teaching space
- Easy access to clinical partners across Orange and L.A. counties
Rancho Cucamonga — Hybrid ABSN
Prefer the flexibility of online learning with hands-on practice built in? The hybrid site combines online coursework with in-person simulation labs and on-site exams during the week.
- Hybrid format: online courses + in-person labs/exams
- Convenient Inland Empire location with weekday lab access
- Same curriculum, same supportive faculty, same outcome
“The ABSN program at Concordia is challenging, intense, and rewarding. There is nothing like it — the morals and values integrated in the program alongside the nursing curriculum are unique to the school. Students receive much more than their education, and the lifelong lessons I have learned at Concordia are invaluable.”
Chelsea R. ’21
Getting Started
Concordia’s accelerated BSN degree is designed to be completed in just four semesters. Along the way, you’ll balance classroom learning with real-world experience in clinical settings. From pediatric nursing to supporting older adults, you’ll work with diverse patient populations and gain confidence in your skills.
Whether you choose the on-campus or hybrid format, you’ll complete 765 hours of clinical practice. Each semester, you’ll be placed with one of our trusted clinical partners in Southern California, giving you valuable hands-on training in hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout Orange and Los Angeles counties.
Next Start
August 24, 2026
Upcoming Starts
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Fall 2 2026 October 19, 2026
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Spring 1 & Full 2027 January 11, 2027
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Spring 2 2027 March 15, 2027
Curriculum
Core Curriculum (Sample Courses):
- NTHL101 – Foundations of Christian Theology
- NUSA201 – Foundations of Nursing
- NUSA202 – Health Assessment
- NUSA205 – Pathophysiology
- NUSA207 – Pharmacotherapeutics
- NUSA294 – Nursing Skills Lab
View the Concordia University Irvine Online Catalog for a full list of courses.
Upon completion of your ABSN, you’ll be able to:
- Apply clinical judgment in developing compassionate, culturally-sensitive care, integrating patients’ and families’ preferences, values, and needs.
- Function effectively as a member of the inter-professional healthcare team in providing safe patient care.
- Integrate the best current evidence from scientific and other credible sources as a basis for developing individualized patient-centered plans of care.
- Utilize evidence-based information and technology skills that are essential for nursing practice, healthcare education, and professional nursing issues that impact patients, the profession, and communities.
- Analyze quality improvement data for the implementation of safe, quality patient care, including wellness and prevention strategies.
- Provide high-quality health care while minimizing safety risks and environmental hazards in healthcare settings.
- Utilize leadership, management, delegation, and priority-setting skills to support quality patient-centered care.
- Integrate professional standards of practice, professional values, regulatory guidelines, and institutional policies that direct quality patient-centered care and the practice of nursing.
- Apply human caring processes guided by Christian principles and ethics to enhance healthcare encounters for self, colleagues, patients, families, and communities.
- Clearly articulate nursing-related content in written and oral form to the inter-professional team, instructors, patients, families, and communities.
Tuition and Fees
At Concordia, we understand that investing in your education is a significant decision. That’s why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make your academic journey more affordable. View tuition costs and fees for undergraduate programs.
Admission Requirements
Steps in the Admission Process
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the process of applying to the Accelerated BSN program. If you have any questions about Concordia’s ABSN program, reach out to an admissions counselor to receive personalized guidance.
- Contact an admissions counselor to evaluate your academic background, decide on a planned start date, and make a prerequisite completion plan.
- Finish any needed prerequisites and meet all GPA and course requirements.
- Apply for admission by completing the online application and mailing all supplemental documentation to the Concordia admissions office (see full list of documentation requirements below).
- Finish the two remaining prerequisite courses (if incomplete when you applied) and send an updated transcript to Concordia.
- If asked to interview, complete the Concordia admissions interview process.
Admissions Support
Our admissions counselors are committed to helping you navigate your pre-nursing school journey. They are a resource for you, and you can reach out to them at any point in the process. When you contact our admissions office, you’ll be matched with a counselor, and that person will help you in the following ways:
- Advise you on the ABSN requirements and your eligibility for the program.
- Answer your questions about the admissions process or the ABSN program.
- Help you plan a start date.
- Determine if any of your prior courses meet our prerequisite requirements, and create a prerequisite completion plan.
- Assist with completing your ABSN application and submitting documentation.
Contact our admissions counselors today to learn more about the ABSN application process. Concordia is dedicated to guiding you along your journey to a meaningful career in nursing.
ABSN Admission Requirements
- ABSN applicants must have completed a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in any discipline or a minimum of 65 non-nursing college credits from a regionally accredited institution. Students will be able to transfer a maximum of seventy-five (75) units total from a previous degree, including prerequisite courses.
- Minimum required cumulative GPA is 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale). Cumulative GPA refers to the combination of bachelor’s degree and classes taken after degree completion.
- Prerequisite courses must be completed with a minimum cumulative GPA of B (3.0) or higher and a “C” or better must be earned in each course, except the science courses (see below). The complete list of prerequisite classes is listed in an accordion below.
- Each science prerequisite class with lab must be completed with a grade of “B-” or higher, and must have been completed within the last five years of the intended admission term. Of the four science prerequisite courses, only two of them can be repeated once.
- Completion of a minimum of 100 hours of qualifying patient care experiences, with at least 75 hours needing to be completed at the time of submitting an application. Examples (but not limited to): Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), COPE Health Scholar/Clinical Care Extender, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Medical Assistant (back office), Home Health Aide, and Physical Therapy (PT) Aide.
- Submit an online application to the ABSN program. All supporting documents, as listed on the application checklist, must be submitted by the application deadline.
- Admission interviews are required and by invitation only.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Required Supporting Documentation
- ABSN Application Procedure
- ABSN Application Checklist – New Applicant
- ABSN Application Checklist – Re-Applicant
- Letters of Recommendation (2 required):
- Healthcare Hours Verification Form
- Statement of Intent / Personal Essay
- Background Check Waiver Form
- Pre-Requisite Plan Form
- Official College Transcript(s)
- High school transcripts are also required for applicants to the First Degree program.
We also provide a comprehensive video on ABSN admission requirements.
Admission Deadline
The ABSN program admits students three times per year: Spring, Summer, and Fall terms. Nursing admissions uses a rolling admission model where applications are reviewed as they are completed.
Completed applications will be reviewed using the following guidelines:
Intended term: Spring 2027 (Classes begin January 2027)
- Application review starts:
- July 2026
- The last day to apply*:
- October 1, 2026 (for Irvine on-ground campus)
- October 30, 2026 (for Rancho Cucamonga hybrid campus)
Intended term: Summer 2027 (Classes begin May 2027)
- Application review starts:
- November 2026
- The last day to apply*:
- March 1, 2027 (for Irvine on-ground campus)
- March 5, 2027 (for Rancho Cucamonga hybrid campus)
Intended term: Fall 2027 (Classes begin August 2027)
- Application review starts:
- March 2026
- The last day to apply*:
- June 1, 2027 (for Irvine on-ground campus)
- July 2, 2027 (for Rancho Cucamonga hybrid campus)
* If last day to apply falls on a public holiday or weekend, the date will automatically be forwarded to the following business day.
Prerequisite Courses
Concordia’s Department of Nursing accepts prerequisite courses from the approved colleges listed below. With the exception of NTHL 101 and NTHL 202, you may transfer prerequisite units from any regionally accredited institution.*
To count toward the ABSN program, all science prerequisites must include a lab component and be completed within five years of your intended start term. Please note that completing prerequisites does not guarantee admission.
Courses:
- Chemistry** (with lab)
- Human Anatomy** (with lab)
- Human Physiology** (with lab)
- Microbiology** (with lab)
- Human Nutrition#
- Statistics – Mathematics
- General Psychology
- Lifespan Developmental Psychology (birth to death)
- Oral Communication++
- Written Communication
- Introduction to Sociology or Cultural Anthropology
- NTHL 101: Foundations of Christian Theology+
- NTHL 202: New Testament+
Approved Colleges:
- Cerritos College
- Chaffey College
- Citrus College
- Coastline Community College
- College of the Canyons
- College of the Desert
- Cuyamaca College
- Cypress College
- East Los Angeles College
- El Camino College
- Fullerton College
- Glendale Community College
- Golden West College
- Grossmont College
- Irvine Valley College
- Long Beach City College
- Los Angeles City College
- Los Angeles Pierce College
- Moorpark College
- Moreno Valley College
- Mount San Antonio College
- Mount San Jacinto College
- Norco College
- Orange Coast College
- Palomar College
- Pasadena City College
- Rio Hondo College
- Riverside City College
- Saddleback College
- San Bernardino Valley College
- San Diego Miramar College
- Santa Ana College
- Santa Barbara College
- Santiago Canyon College
- Ventura College
- West Los Angeles College
*These courses are approved for Concordia University’s ABSN prerequisites only. For traditional undergraduate degree requirements, refer to the General Education and the specific major Articulation Agreements to view which courses will satisfy your requirements.
Key
* Coursework will be evaluated for transferability at the time of application.
** Must be completed within 5 years of intended admission term.
# Must be completed within 7 years of intended admission term.
+ Must be completed at Concordia University Irvine after acceptance to the ABSN program. Offered 100% online.
++Small Group Communication is not an approved course for Oral Communication.
Information Sessions
Attend an Information Session online to learn more about our ABSN program, the application process, financial aid, payment plans, and more.
Clinical Hours
A total of 765 clinical hours are required to complete the program. Students are assigned to clinical sites with our clinical partners in Southern California each semester. The clinical sites are located in or around Orange County and Los Angeles County.
Career Outcomes
California employs more nurses than any other state: in 2023, it was over 330,000.1 And nationwide at that time, registered nurses held about 3.3 million jobs.1
Demand for healthcare workers continues to increase, as the large population of older adults continues to age.1 Because this population typically has more medical problems than younger people, more caregivers are needed to work with them all.
The openings for registered nurses are no exception. Employment is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.1 That’s more than 190,000 openings each year on average.
Explore Financial Aid
Reduce your tuition costs with financial aid — with help from a team that wants to make your time at Concordia as affordable as possible.
Meet Our Faculty
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Cheryl Smythe-Padgham
Assistant Dean, Director of Nursing, School of Health and Human…
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Maria Jean Caterinicchio
Assistant Director, Academic Clinical Partnerships
FAQs
General Questions
Accelerated nursing programs let you earn your degree faster so you can begin your nursing career sooner. At Concordia, the ABSN program is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree or at least 65 non-nursing college credits.
What is the fastest you can get an ABSN?
At Concordia, our accelerated nursing degree can be completed in as few as 15 months. That means you could move from the classroom to clinical practice to a new career in nursing in just over a year.
Are accelerated nursing programs more expensive?
Not necessarily. When comparing accelerated BSN programs, it’s important to look at how many units are required, how long the program takes to finish, and what additional fees may apply. At Concordia, tuition is set by unit, making it easier to see your total investment and plan ahead as you pursue your accelerated BSN degree.
Who should apply?
Persons interested in nursing, who either have a previous Bachelor’s degree, an IGETC Certification, a CSU Breadth Certification, or an Associate’s Degree Transfer (ADT), and can attend school full-time. Before applying to the program, take time to consider your financial situation, career goals, family responsibilities, and your ability to become a full-time college student again. The ABSN program is full-time, and accelerated which requires students to devote forty (40) or more hours per week to lectures and clinical work for a 15-month period.
Is the ABSN program accredited?
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Concordia University Irvine is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Will I be able to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) after completing the ABSN program?
After you have successfully completed the ABSN program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), you will be eligible to practice as a Registered Nurse.
Does the ABSN program accept international students?
The ABSN program is currently not accepting international students.
International students are defined as students who are enrolled at institutions of higher education in the U.S. who are neither a U.S. Citizen nor a U.S. Permanent Resident.
All students who have completed their bachelor’s degree in non-English speaking countries must achieve a TOEFL score of 100 or higher to apply to the ABSN Program. A TOEFL score is not required for students who earned their bachelor’s degree or have completed two years of studies at a U.S. regionally accredited university/college.
Is volunteer experience required? What kind of volunteer experience should I get before applying to the ABSN program?
A minimum of 75 hours of qualifying patient care experiences are required.
Here are some examples: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), COPE Health Scholar, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Medical Assistant (back office), Home Health Aide, Physical Therapy (PT) Aide.
How do I apply to the ABSN program?
Submit an application to the ABSN program using the online application portal. Please refer to the Concordia University Irvine Online Catalog for more information on the admissions process.
Is an interview required for admission?
Yes, an admission interview is required, and it is by invitation only — not every applicant will be invited to an interview. The ABSN Admission Committee will review all completed files after each deadline, and then, if the Committee determines you have a strong application profile, you will be contacted via email for your assigned interview schedule. Nursing Admission uses the video interviewing platform, Spark Hire, for these interviews. The goal of the video interview is for the ABSN Admission Committee members to get to know you beyond your academic profile.
If you fail to complete the interview assignment, the Committee will automatically assume that you would like to withdraw from the admission process.
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Sources
1U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm#st (viewed Dec. 7, 2024),
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm (viewed Dec. 7, 2024).
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.