ABSN vs. BSN: What Are the Differences?

There is more than one way to earn a nursing degree. The traditional method is to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through a four-year degree program. Accelerated BSN programs, however, enable you to leverage your previous education to earn a degree in less time. Explore the differences between an ABSN vs. BSN to determine your path.

If you’re interested in an ABSN, Concordia University Irvine’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program allows you to earn a nursing degree in as few as 15 months. You’ll be eligible to take the licensure exam and start your nursing career sooner.

Before making any decisions about your future career, however, you should take the time to get the answers to some common questions, such as “What is a BSN?” and “Is an ABSN the same as a BSN?” Compare and contrast the differences between these programs, then determine which is right for you.

What Is a BSN?

A BSN is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Earning a BSN qualifies graduates to take the NCLEX-RN, the licensure exam that all aspiring nurses must pass to become a licensed registered nurse (RN).

Is an ABSN the Same as a BSN?

An ABSN is an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, such as the one offered by Concordia University. An ABSN confers a BSN degree in less time than a traditional program, yet it provides the same quality education.

 

Key Differences Between an ABSN vs. BSN

Should you enroll in an ABSN program or a traditional BSN program? To figure this out, dive into the major differences between an accelerated program vs. a traditional BSN program.

Duration

A traditional BSN program typically takes four years of full-time study to complete. This is similar to other bachelor’s degree programs.

The timeline required for an ABSN program varies by school. Concordia University Irvine’s ABSN can be completed in as few as 15 months. Keep in mind, however, that it can take longer if you need to complete admission requirements, such as prerequisites.

Schedule

An ABSN program’s schedule is more compressed compared to a traditional BSN program. While a traditional BSN includes summer and winter breaks, the ABSN typically has back-to-back semesters.

Curriculum

Both ABSN and traditional BSN programs offer a comprehensive nursing curriculum comprised of didactic coursework and hands-on, immersive learning. The traditional BSN, however, also includes general education courses. The ABSN program doesn’t, as it’s designed specifically for transfer students and working professionals who have already completed those courses.

Learning Approach

Traditional BSN programs typically offer an entirely in-person learning experience. At many ABSN schools, the coursework is offered online, but students attend in-person labs and clinicals. This hybrid learning approach offers more flexibility for those interested in switching careers.

Concordia University Irvine takes this a step further. Our ABSN program offers both online and in-person coursework, allowing our students to choose the option that best fits their needs and learning preferences. Students can enroll in either our campus-based program in Irvine, California, or our hybrid program in Rancho Cucamonga, California.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements are another difference between an ABSN vs. BSN program. Since a traditional BSN program is designed for high school graduates without prior college experience, admission requirements typically include:

• High school transcripts
• Minimum high school GPA
• Undergraduate admissions test scores, such as SAT or ACT scores
• Any other school-specific requirements

An ABSN program, on the other hand, is designed for transfer students and working professionals with a non-nursing degree. Admission requirements vary by school, but generally include:

• A non-nursing bachelor’s degree or a minimum number of college credits
• Minimum cumulative GPA
• College transcripts
• Completion of all needed prerequisites with a minimum grade or higher

Some ABSN schools may also require admission test scores, such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). At Concordia University Irvine, we highly recommend that students have a minimum of 100 qualifying hours of patient care experiences, which may include work as a home health aide, an emergency medical technician (EMT), or a certified nursing assistant (CNA).

 

Is an ABSN or a Traditional BSN Right for You?

Whether you earn a BSN through an ABSN or a traditional BSN program, your career outcome will be the same: You’ll be qualified to take the RN licensure exam and pursue entry-level RN jobs.

If you hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 65 non-nursing college credits, you may be eligible to earn your BSN in as few as 15 months at Concordia University Irvine. Our ABSN is an effective way to fast-track your nursing career and get to work sooner. If you aren’t sure whether you meet the admission requirements, our admissions counselors can help you put together a plan for getting started.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s a good idea to write down a list of questions you can refer to when speaking with an admissions counselor. Some of your questions might include the following:

Is the Quality of Education the Same in an ABSN vs. BSN?

Academic quality is an important consideration before enrolling in any program. Apply to an accredited nursing school that is recognized by the state board of nursing. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Concordia University Irvine is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The ABSN program is also approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing.

As long as you choose an accredited and approved nursing program, the quality of education you’ll receive in an ABSN program will be the same as in a traditional BSN program. In either type of program, you’ll receive a comprehensive, hands-on nursing education, and you'll be qualified to take the NCLEX-RN after graduation.

Are ABSN Graduates Treated Differently in the Workplace?

Both ABSN programs and traditional BSN programs confer the same bachelor’s degree and have the same skills and job opportunities. ABSN graduates might have a bit of an edge, as they can point to the fast and intensive pace of the ABSN program as proof that they have a strong work ethic and excellent time management skills.

 

How Hard Is an ABSN?

The curriculum for an ABSN is much the same as it is for a traditional BSN. The challenge lies in the pace. Concordia’s 15-month ABSN requires dedication and focus to keep up with the coursework and hands-on learning components. Here, however, you’ll benefit from small class sizes, which allow for personalized attention from your nursing instructors. We also make student success counselors available for our ABSN students to help them overcome any challenges.

How Concordia University Irvine Prepares Successful Nurses

Concordia’s values-based curriculum prepares compassionate, competent nurses who prioritize professional integrity. Our mission is to prepare future RNs to make a positive impact on their communities.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you could graduate with a quality BSN from Concordia in as few as 15 months. Our Spectrum campus in Irvine and Learning Site in Rancho Cucamonga offer both online and in-person classwork, along with student success counselors to facilitate progress.

Contact an admissions counselor today and take the first step toward earning a BSN in less time.