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HYBRID ACCELERATED BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (ABSN)
Rockhurst University’s Hybrid ABSN: Built on Excellence, Driven by Support
If you’re ready to begin a career as a nurse and have already earned a bachelor’s degree in another field, Rockhurst University offers a Hybrid Accelerated BSN:
- A full-time program that prepares you to become a confident, job-ready nurse in just 16 months with over 583 hours of clinical experience
- A hybrid program featuring one 10-day on-campus residency with hands-on instruction at our state-of-the-art simulation lab
- 100% online coursework: convenient access to our top-ranking program and faculty from anywhere, any time
- Rockhurst’s 360Support adds value to your degree, offering complementary clinical placements and mentors at top regional hospitals in your area, 1:1 NCLEX coaching, dedicated student success advisor, academic success coach, and comprehensive career services
- Receive quality mentorship from the highly respected faculty of Saint Luke's College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Start Sooner
Classes start in Spring, Summer or Fall
Receive Personalized 1:1 Support
From prerequisites to graduation to NCLEX
Top-Ranked Program
#1 Nursing College in Missouri* and #6 Regional University Midwest**
*Niche.com
**U.S. News & World Report
HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS AND FACULTY
Interim Dean for the Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences Kristina Henry joined by Hybrid ABSN graduates Carly Tomlin and Abbey Clark, share their goals, experiences and what students can expect from Rockhurst University’s Hybrid Accelerated BSN program.
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- State requirement
- Residency in one of the following states: Iowa, Kansas or Missouri
- Bachelor’s degree in any field
- 2.7 cumulative GPA or higher
- Resume
- Completion of prerequisites:
- Must complete 2 of 4 science prerequisites for your application to be reviewed
- Science credits must be no older than 7 years; older credits trigger an ATI TEAS admission exam
- Cannot repeat science courses more than once
- Minimum of grade C in all prerequisite courses
- 2.7 cumulative GPA or higher for prerequisite coursework, and a minimum grade of C in all prerequisite courses
- While we welcome all students, students must provide proof of immigration status for clinical placement.
- State requirement
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- State requirement
- Residency in one of the following states: Iowa, Kansas or Missouri
- Bachelor’s degree in any field
- 2.7 cumulative GPA or higher
- Resume
- Completion of prerequisites:
- Must complete 2 of 4 science prerequisites for your application to be reviewed
- Science credits must be no older than 7 years; older credits trigger an ATI TEAS admission exam
- Cannot repeat science courses more than once
- Minimum of grade C in all prerequisite courses
- 2.7 cumulative GPA or higher for prerequisite coursework, and a minimum grade of C in all prerequisite courses
- While we welcome all students, students must provide proof of immigration status for clinical placement.
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This course provides a foundation in the essential principles, concepts, and skills needed by the beginning nursing student who is learning the role of the nurse generalist. Emphasis is placed on the role of the nurse in the provision of safe patient care, effective communication, patient teaching, health promotion, and utilization of the nursing process. Students have the opportunity to apply fundamental nursing principles in lab and clinical settings. (6 credits) Corequisites: NUA 3100, NUA 3120
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This course provides a foundation in the essential principles, concepts, and skills needed by the beginning nursing student who is learning the role of the nurse generalist. Emphasis is placed on the role of the nurse in the provision of safe patient care, effective communication, patient teaching, health promotion, and utilization of the nursing process. Students have the opportunity to apply fundamental nursing principles in lab and clinical settings. (6 credits) Corequisites: NUA 3100, NUA 3120
How does the clinical placement process work?
You’ll work with a dedicated Rockhurst Student Success Advisor who will walk you through the process and be your primary point of contact. Based on your goals and where you live, the placement team will identify an appropriate site and preceptor for you.
How should I prepare for nursing clinicals?
You will be in close communication with your Student Success Advisor all the way through to graduation. They will ensure you complete all requirements and meet deadlines, and will answer your questions, verify your clearance requirements, and walk you through the nursing clinicals checklist.
When will I receive my clinical placement details?
You will receive a notification from your Student Success Advisor prior to each clinical start date. Once the placement has been confirmed and communicated, you are encouraged to begin working directly with your preceptor to establish a schedule.
What can I expect during nursing clinicals?
All clinical experiences are a bit different because students work in a variety of health care environments. During clinical rotations, you will be under the close supervision of your preceptor and the indirect supervision of Rockhurst clinical faculty.
INNOVATION IN EDUCATION
Rockhurst University’s brand new, state-of-the-art simulation lab and renovated nursing facilities provide our nursing students with hands-on clinical learning experiences so they learn the suitable competencies and skills they need to provide quality patient care.
Rockhurst’s 360Support
Unmatched 1:1 Support to Accelerate Your Success
If you have a bachelor's degree and want to become a nurse quickly, our Hybrid Accelerated BSN program is designed to get you there faster than the standard BSN program. Some of the common challenges of an Accelerated BSN program include academic rigor, course or clinical logistics, and time management.
This is why at Rockhurst, we surround you with Rockhurst's 360Support – to remove barriers and ensure your success at every stage of your journey, from before enrollment to academics, and from clinical placements to the NCLEX exam after graduation. Rockhurst's unprecedented, personalized 360Support system is built into the Hybrid ABSN experience, so you're supported every step of the way.
What Rockhurst’s 360Support Includes:
You receive early, personalized guidance around prerequisites and expectations, helping you enter the program prepared, confident, and aligned with the pace ahead. If you’re missing a few prerequisites, we’ll guide you to fast and affordable courses to complete your ABSN application.
We coordinate your clinical placements, eliminating one of the most stressful and time‑consuming aspects of nursing education and allowing you to focus on skill development rather than site sourcing. Our team ensures your rotations meet University and national guidelines.
You’ll train alongside experienced clinical mentors (preceptors) who guide your learning in real care settings and help bridge the gap between coursework and professional practice.
You’ll be paired with a dedicated student success advisor who will help you stay on track term to term, assist with the logistics of course registration, identify any areas of support needed, and answer any questions as they come up.
Your academic coach will assist with 1:1 tutoring sessions as needed and be available to help you maintain momentum through a rigorous curriculum.
In addition to an NCLEX-prep course which includes test exams and live reviews, you’ll receive individualized NCLEX preparation support designed to reinforce key concepts, strengthen test‑taking strategies, and help you feel prepared on exam day. This individualized support translates into strong outcomes, with a first‑time NCLEX pass rate that exceeds the national average at nearly 100%.
Rockhurst’s career services department offers a variety of services from resume support to interview preparation to help you transition from student to practicing nurse with confidence. Additionally, you'll receive individualized career counseling from faculty with strong connections to regional hospitals, providing guidance and support through your nursing career development.
Rockhurst’s Hybrid ABSN is fast‑paced, full‑time, and rigorous by design. With Rockhurst, you'll get a top-ranked nursing program from a respected institution, as well as exceptional support that adds value to your program. Our 360Support gives you the structure, resources, and personal attention needed to succeed in a demanding program without sacrificing quality or speed.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you don’t find the answers to your questions here, contact your Rockhurst University (RU) enrollment adviser and schedule a time to talk that’s convenient for you.
An Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program caters to those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree who seek a career change into nursing. A second-degree BSN presents a faster and more cost-effective path to attaining the status of a registered nurse compared to traditional four-year BSN programs. Rockhurst’s Online ABSN program provides vital nursing education and training in a 16-month timeframe, equipping students for the NCLEX exam and their nursing careers.
To become a registered nurse, you need to complete a nursing education program and pass the NCLEX exam. For those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree, a second-degree BSN program offers an accelerated pathway to becoming an RN. After graduation, you will get paired with a faculty member to meet weekly for 1:1 NCLEX coaching. After passing the NCLEX exam, you can apply for state licensure and begin your nursing career. In 2023, Rockhurst University’s BSN graduates had a 97% NCLEX pass rate.
The demand for nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of RNs will increase by 6% by 2032, which is higher than the national average for all occupations. Many healthcare settings, including 77% of hospitals, prefer to hire registered nurses with a BSN, according to the AACN. BSN-prepared nurses are equipped with a higher level of education and skills, making them well-prepared to provide quality patient care.
The median salary for registered nurses is around $86,070, according to the BLS. The salary of an RN can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, education level and the specific healthcare facility or setting. Due to an aging population, healthcare advancements, and the evolving nature of the industry, BSN degree holders have better career prospects, opportunities for advancement and the ability to pursue specialized nursing roles.
Rockhurst University and Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences* are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
*The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at Rockhurst University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
The accelerated BSN program is full-time and takes 16 months to complete.
The accelerated BSN is a rigorous program intended for full-time study. Students are not expected to work while enrolled in this program.
You will learn from active clinicians who bring real-world experience into the online classroom. As trusted Rockhurst faculty members, they are committed to your success as an advanced practice nurse.
Yes. Clinical placement services are built into the cost of the program. You’ll work with your Student Success Advisor who will walk you through the process and be your primary point of contact. Based on your goals and where you live, the placement team will work to help source and secure placement sites.
During the required 10-day on-campus residency in Kansas City, Missouri, students will gain needed clinical experience and hands-on training with feedback from faculty. Learn more about the on-campus residency experience.
Halie McArdle, Hybrid ABSN student, Rockhurst University
Ellie Thompson, Hybrid ABSN student, Rockhurst University
Daley Sullivan, Hybrid ABSN student, Rockhurst University
YOUR WEEKLY COMMITMENT TO THE HYBRID ABSN PROGRAM
2-3
HOURS
SYNCHRONOUS
Real-time virtual sessions with an instructor
6-8
HOURS
ASYNCHRONOUS
Self-paced independent study
3-4
HOURS
ASSIGNMENTS
Writing assignments and participation in virtual discussion forum
20-24
HOURS*
CLINICAL PLACEMENT
On-site clinical rotation with a preceptor, starting in semester 2
31-39
HOURS*
TOTAL HOURS
Total hourly commitment per week
*Varies depending on number of clinical rotations. 10-12 hours of clinical placement during semesters with one clinical rotation; 20-24 hours of clinical placement for two rotations.
CAMPUS RESIDENCY FOR ABSN STUDENTS
During the first semester, Hybrid ABSN students will attend Rockhurst’s campus in Kansas City, Missouri for 10 days of clinical instruction and direct patient care. In this immersive clinical experience, students will:
- Receive hands-on instruction from Rockhurst faculty.
- Practice their skills.
- Complete high- and low-fidelity simulation.
- Demonstrate competencies in various critical elements.
Students will also have direct patient care experience through clinical rotations, conducted in small groups, under the direct supervision of University faculty. These clinical experiences will expose students to the spheres of care in which professional nurses need expertise, such as skilled nursing, hospice, and long-term, acute care settings.
Following the campus residency, students will return home for the remainder of the program to continue their online coursework. Additionally, they will complete the rest of their clinical hours at a predetermined site under the direct supervision of a licensed RN preceptor and the indirect supervision of a Rockhurst clinical faculty supervisor.
ABSN PROGRAM THEMES
Preparing future nurses to provide holistic care
Nursing Foundations
Prepare for clinical practice by building core knowledge in nursing science and evidence-based practice
Clinical Competencies
Prepare for today’s complex healthcare environment by developing the critical thinking needed to serve as a compassionate healthcare professional
Professional Development and Leadership
Demonstrate readiness as a bachelor’s-prepared nurse through leadership, reflection, and personal growth
Care for the Whole Person
Guided by the Jesuit value of “cura personalis,” provide compassionate care to populations in need and contribute to the advancement of justice, equality, and dignity for all individuals
