Freshman Advantage Nursing Pathway
Set yourself on the path toward a rewarding nursing career.
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Accelerate Your Healthcare Career
Recognized among the best nursing programs in California, Concordia University Irvine offers incoming first-year students a direct path into our accelerated nursing program through the Freshman Advantage Nursing Pathway. Students must meet and maintain certain criteria to be part of this pathway.
This opportunity provides guaranteed acceptance to the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program when completed successfully, allowing you to earn two bachelor’s degrees in as little as five years. Unlike traditional nursing tracks, this pathway begins with a strong foundation in the sciences, then builds into a focused, rigorous second degree in nursing.
Guaranteed ABSN Admission
Meet annual requirements to earn your spot without the added stress and uncertainty of applying to school again.
Healthcare Experience
Enter the ABSN program having earned healthcare experience.
Structured Touchpoints
Guided touchpoints with nursing and admissions teams throughout the undergraduate journey.
Pathway Overview
The Freshman Advantage Nursing Pathway is not a degree program — it’s a supportive track designed to help undergraduate students of any major prepare for acceptance into Concordia’s Accelerated BSN program. To join, you’ll simply submit a declaration of intent to your academic advisor during your first semester at Concordia.
While students in any major can pursue this pathway, we recommend declaring a B.A. in Biology, B.A. in Psychology, or B.S. in Kinesiology. The coursework in these programs aligns closely with the ABSN prerequisites, helping you finish your degrees faster. Regardless of which major you choose, you will need to meet all the ABSN prerequisites and maintain a certain GPA to have guaranteed acceptance into the ABSN program.
By starting with a strong undergraduate foundation, you’ll be well-positioned to step into the ABSN program with competence and confidence.
“Concordia offers not only a fast-track BSN producing program, but also trains and prepares students for the real-world mission.”
Hyung Kim, ABSN ’18
Getting Started
Nursing is both a challenging and deeply rewarding vocation, and the Freshman Advantage Nursing Pathway is designed to help you prepare with focus and dedication. Meeting the academic and personal requirements throughout your undergraduate degree program ensures your place in one of California’s most highly regarded nursing programs.
If at any point you choose a different direction or do not meet the annual requirements, you’ll still be able to continue your major, but you’ll need to apply separately to the ABSN program after graduation. No matter your path, you’ll be supported as you work toward your goals in healthcare.
Next Start
January 11, 2027
Requirements
Nursing is a challenging, rewarding calling, and completing this pathway requires determination and commitment. If you meet all academic and personal requirements through the entire progression of your undergraduate degree, you’ll earn a spot in one of the most highly regarded nursing programs in California.
Any deviation from these requirements will result in removal from the Freshman Advantage Nursing Pathway program. If you decide not to continue or no longer meet the requirements in the program, you can still continue your major and apply for the ABSN program, if desired, upon graduation.
Requirements
- Maintain a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.25 overall for all coursework. You must meet this benchmark by the end of your freshman year and at the end of every subsequent semester thereafter.
- You must complete all prerequisite classes for the ABSN program with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- You must earn a “B-” or higher in each science prerequisite course. You must earn a “C” or higher in all other prerequisite courses.
- You may repeat only two of the four science prerequisite courses once if necessary.
- Your completion of the prerequisite courses for the ABSN program must meet the following guidelines:
- All science prerequisite classes must be completed at Concordia University Irvine.
- All non-science prerequisite classes that are not transferred at the time of admission must be completed at Concordia University Irvine.
- You must be continuously enrolled as a full-time student at Concordia University Irvine.
- You must complete a minimum of 100 hours of qualifying patient care experiences prior to completing your undergraduate studies. Some examples are Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), COPE Health Scholar, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Medical Assistant (back office), Medical Missions, Home Health Aide, Physical Therapy (PT) Aide.
- You must complete three interviews with the Nursing admissions committee before beginning the ABSN program. During these interviews, you will be evaluated and must meet the “Average/Meets Standards” benchmark of the ABSN Interview Rubric.
For this program, “Freshman” is defined as an incoming student who has completed less than 30 semester units at the time of undergraduate admission. These units may include: ANT 210, BIO 111, CHE 101, COM 211, COM 261, MTH 265, PSY 101, SOC 101, WRT 102.
Prerequisite Courses
Concordia’s nursing prerequisites are designed to prepare you for your nursing degree while also providing space and opportunity to explore other interests and pursuits as you complete your education. You don’t need to major in Biology, Psychology, or Kinesiology to complete the ABSN prerequisite courses. However, those majors include all prerequisite coursework and will provide a strong foundation for your nursing studies.
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.
Nationally Recognized Q&I Curriculum
Concordia University Irvine is among a distinctive group of universities that offer a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum for all of its students. Our nationally recognized Enduring Questions & Ideas curriculum (Q&I, for short) is carefully crafted so that you discover the purpose of a liberal arts education — to grow intellectually, ethically, and spiritually.
Examples of Heathcare Hours
Many of our nursing students have volunteered or worked as nursing assistants, COPE Health Scholars, EMTs, medical assistants, home health aides, and physical therapy aides. We also encourage participating in medical mission trips to uphold the Great Commission and share the Gospel and care for all of God’s people.
Orange County offers numerous opportunities to gain healthcare experience. These resources will help you find the right fit for your interests and level of experience.
Career Outcomes
Jobs for registered nurses are expected to grow faster than average: about 194,500 openings for registered nurses are projected each year from 2023 to 2033.¹
At Concordia, you’ll be equipped to step confidently into this growing field. The Freshman Advantage Nursing Pathway gives you a strong scientific foundation, hands-on experience in the field, and meaningful preparation for the accelerated BSN program.
Life at Concordia
Join a community where you’re free to explore your interests and pursuits, make relationships that last a lifetime, and develop your own relationship with God. What will you explore?
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
Who is a good fit for the Freshman Advantage Nursing Pathway?
This pathway is designed for first-year students who feel called to nursing and want a clear, supportive plan from the start. It’s a good fit if you’re motivated to succeed academically, have a strong work ethic, ready to gain hands-on healthcare experience, and eager to join a community that values caring, compassionate, and competent nursing.
If that sounds like you, the Freshman Advantage Nursing Pathway can help you take the next step toward an accelerated BSN program and a meaningful future in healthcare.
What are appropriate healthcare hours for FANP students?
FANP students are required to complete a minimum of 100 hours of qualifying patient care experience before finishing their undergraduate degree. Appropriate healthcare hours include roles such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), COPE Health Scholar, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), medical assistant (back office), home health aide, physical therapy aide, and approved medical mission experiences.
Do I have to be a biology, kinesiology, or psychology major to join FANP?
No. Students of any major may participate in the Freshman Advantage Nursing Pathway.
However, Concordia recommends majors such as biology, kinesiology, or psychology because their coursework aligns closely with the ABSN prerequisites and can help you complete both degrees more efficiently. Regardless of your major, you’ll need to complete all ABSN prerequisite courses and meet program requirements to maintain guaranteed admission.
What do I have to do to maintain eligibility within the FANP program?
To remain eligible for guaranteed admission into Concordia’s Accelerated BSN program, FANP students must meet ongoing academic, enrollment, and experience requirements throughout their undergraduate studies. These include maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25, earning strong grades in prerequisite courses, completing all required prerequisites at Concordia, remaining continuously enrolled as a full-time student, completing required healthcare hours, and successfully participating in nursing admissions interviews.
These standards are designed to support your growth, preparation, and readiness for the rigor of an accelerated nursing program.
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Sources
1U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, on the internet, at:
- 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.