Post-Baccalaureate Accelerated Bachelor of Science in NursingHenry Predolin School of Nursing, Business, Education, and Health Sciences
Complete your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 12-months.
You are ready to build a new career – one that feels more like a calling. Becoming a registered nurse is one of the most rewarding professions and will take you on a journey of bringing hope, celebrating the wins, and having a profound impact on the lives of others every day. The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program at Edgewood College is a one year pathway designed for post-baccalaureate students who have earned a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Leverage your academic experience and fast-track your nursing education through this rigorous, in-person accelerated nursing program.
Our immersive second-degree program is a hands-on journey, empowering students to embark on a career driven by passion, where they play a pivotal role at the forefront of healthcare. Rooted in a robust theoretical foundation, our curriculum seamlessly integrates experiential learning through clinical coursework. The Henry Predolin School of Nursing is proud to have one of the nation’s lowest clinical student-to-faculty ratios at 7:1. Clinical faculty, rather than preceptors, guide our students, fostering a student-centric atmosphere. Faculty members actively cultivate relationships, provide mentorship, offer valuable career insights, and create networking opportunities tailored to enhance both academic and professional achievements.
Located in Wisconsin’s capital city, Edgewood College’s location makes it an ideal choice for students pursuing an accelerated nursing degree. Madison, known for its expansive healthcare community, is home to several renowned hospitals including UW Health and clinical partner of Edgewood College. A vibrant and engaged community both on campus and beyond, our picturesque location is the perfect blend offering a stimulating place to live and learn and a professional network that will position you to achieve your goals.
ABSN Information Session
Join us to learn more about the Accelerated BSN program at Edgewood College. We’ll discuss program, courses, application, and your questions.
Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 4:00 PM until 5:00 PM Central Daylight Time UTC -05:00
To join us for the information session, please register here!
ASBN Program Structure
- Complete in one year
- Extremely competitive GPA requirement (2.75)
- Graduate from the ABSN program with a 3.0 GPA or higher, and be automatically accepted into our master’s level program
- Earn (3) graduate-level credits while completing ABSN program
- 7:1 Clinical Student-to-Faculty Ratio (one of the lowest in the nation).
August Course | 2-weeks |
Fall Session 1 of 2 | 8-weeks |
Fall Session 2 of 2 | 8-weeks |
Winterim (Online) | 2-weeks |
Spring 1 of 2 | 8-weeks |
Spring 2 of 2 | 8-weeks |
Summer 1 of 2 | 7-weeks |
Summer 2 of 2 | 7-weeks |
Winterm (Online) | 2-weeks |
Spring Session 1 of 2 | 8-weeks |
Spring Session 2 of 2 | 8-weeks |
Summer Session 1 of 2 | 7-weeks |
Summer Session 2 of 2 | 7-weeks |
Fall Session 1 of 2 | 8-weeks |
Fall Session 2 of 2 | 8-weeks |
Careers in Nursing
$81,220
Average annual salary for Registered Nurses with a BSN
As healthcare continues to advance, there is a growing emphasis on the value of highly educated nurses in the workforce. With a BSN, you will be prepared to pass the NCLEX exam and enter the workforce having a competitive edge. Many organizations prefer or require nurses to have a BSN for consideration of certain positions, especially leadership roles. Your bachelor’s degree will also prepare you for entry into graduate programs if your career aspirations include advanced positions such as a nurse anesthetist, nurse educator, nurse practitioner, and nurse manager/administrator.
Be Prepared to Pass Your NCLEX
One benchmark metric of a strong program is their NCLEX-RN exam first-time pass rate. Consistently, our pass rate is significantly higher than the national average. With a 97% NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate, the ABSN program at Edgewood College continues to outperform the national average.
Graduates of the Edgewood College ABSN Program:
Achieve high NCLEX pass rates.
Continue their education and serve in leadership roles.
Practice in a variety of settings.
Selected for prestigious nurse residency programs.
Nursing by the Numbers
80+
Community partners for clinical placements
7:1
Student-to-clinical faculty ratio
545
Clinical hours
Graduate Spotlight
MSN, RN, CNL Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Angie Krey ’07
“When you hire a graduate from the Henry Predolin School of Nursing at Edgewood College, you can be confident that you are hiring a well-rounded professional who will be an asset to your RN team. Edgewood graduates have been challenged throughout their education in a way that sets them apart and prepares them for the rigor of the nursing profession. They are critical thinkers, leaders, and to embrace every aspect of being a nurse.”
Assistant Manager, Nurse Residency & Internship Programs William S. Middleton Memorial Veteran’s Hospital
Featured Courses
Nursing 300 Nursing Science: Adult Health Care I
Nursing content addressing the regenerative and restorative management of acute and chronic conditions in adults within a complex acute care setting is discussed within a framework of holistic nursing care. Integration of pathophysiology, pharmacology, and knowledge gained from the biological and behavioral science is emphasized.
Nursing 320 Nursing Science: Pharmacology & Therapeutics
This course focuses on the major classes of drugs, addressing the physiological and pathophysiological rationale for each drug indication, mechanisms of drug action, dosing implications, and adverse drug events. The course will enhance the student’s comprehension of the scientific complexity of therapeutic interventions and will build upon the foundational sciences. Additionally, the course will provide the student with sufficient scientific knowledge and skills to monitor drugs and therapies in a safe and effective manner. Nurse’s role in assisting individuals and families in the pharmacological management of illness and health maintenance is addressed.
Nursing 400 Nursing Science: Pediatric Nursing
Person and Family Centered Care in Child and Adolescent Health engages students in a family-centered approach to health and health alterations in infants, toddlers, preadolescent children, adolescents and families.
Henry Predolin Student Nurses Association
You will gain valuable leadership experience by joining the Henry Predolin Student Nurses Association (SNA), the largest student association in Wisconsin.
The Henry Predolin SNA regularly sends more delegates to the annual statewide conference than any other school. If you’re interested in gaining incredible global health experience, you might want to consider joining our faculty on a trip to underserved areas like Cambodia, El Salvador, and St. Lucia. It’s an enriching experience to learn and grow while making a positive impact on the world.
Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree in nursing program at Edgewood College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. The program is also approved by the State of Wisconsin Board of Nursing.
Application Process
First, check your eligibility to apply for the ABSN program:
- Earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 in college-level coursework or cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 in most recent (60) college credits.
- Minimum of 2.75 GPA in prerequisite math and science courses. A minimum grade of “C” is required in all prerequisite math and science courses.
NOTE: Required math and science courses must have been taken within (8) years of admission to the first nursing course for credit in the nursing major. - Complete prerequisite courses.
- Complete CPR Certification. Must be Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers.
- Residency is required as learning is in-person.
Apply to the ABSN program
Students interested in the Accelerated BSN degree program are required to apply through the Nursing Centralized Application Services (NursingCAS). This portal is used to simplify and streamline the application process. Edgewood College’s School of Nursing Admission Committee will make all admission decisions. We encourage students to make certain the necessary applicant qualifications have been met, and to be mindful of the application deadlines.
- Create an account and login to NursingCAS.
- Complete and submit your application including manual entry of all courses including prerequisites. NOTE: Full transcript history should match all courses denoted on your official transcripts.
- Upload your full transcript history into the NursingCAS portal.
- Contact all previous higher education institutions and utilize the appropriate form through NursingCAS to request official transcripts be sent to NursingCAS. NOTE: If you’ve attended Edgewood College in the past, you must also follow this process for your Edgewood transcripts.
- Upload Personal Statement with 500 word limit. Choose ONE of the following when writing your personal statement:
-
- What does professionalism in Nursing mean to you and how will you apply this in your studies and profession –OR–
- Nurses uphold responsibilities consistent with providing high quality care. In what ways would you utilize this approach in your practice and address related challenges? –OR–
- What moral and ethical principles would you consider in Nursing? Why is this important?
- Upload Resume.
- Pay the required application fee through NursingCAS portal.
If you are admitted to this nursing program, you will be required to submit your official high school transcripts directly to the Edgewood College Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Admitted students will receive further instructions when this information is required.
Entry Term | Application Opens | Priority Deadline | Final Deadline for Entry term | Applications submitted before Priority Deadline
Admission Decision Completed
|
Applications submitted after Priority Deadline
Admission Decision Completed
|
Fall Cohort | August 25 | January 15 | June 15 | February 1 | Approximately (1) month after application is received |
Spring Cohort | March 1 | June 15 | November 15 | July 1 | Approximately |
Once you have determined that you meet the criteria to apply for the ABSN program, you will be ready to start the application process. As this is a highly competitive program and admission is capped at (21) students, we recommend submitting your application and required documentation as soon as the application opens. This allows you ample time to complete each requirement and ensure all required documentation has been received so your application meets the priority deadline. After the priority deadline has passed, applications shift to rolling admission.
The School of Nursing Admissions Committee is comprised of nursing faculty dedicated to screening applicants for admission into this program. Admission to the Accelerated BSN program at Edgewood College is highly competitive and is limited to (21) students in the fall semester and (21) students in the spring semester. The Admissions Committee will admit the most qualified students based on cumulative GPA, science/math GPA, previous academic records, personal written statement, and credits completed.
Explore Additional Steps to Strengthen Your Nursing School Application
It is common for students to inquire how they can improve the likelihood of securing one of those coveted spots in the nursing program. While the above qualifications take utmost priority in determining program eligibility, the list below offers a guide as to ways decisions are made when we have more highly qualified students than we have open seats.
- Achieve at least a 3.0 GPA or greater (on prerequisite college coursework) to have priority over applicants that meet the minimum GPA of 2.75.
- Complete First Aid certification.
- Complete Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) requirements and hold a CNA license.
- Degree(s) in other fields.
- Edgewood College Students who have completed (10) or more credits at Edgewood College will have higher priority over those who have less/none.
- Outstanding professional or personal achievements
- Prior experience working in the healthcare field.
- Proficiency in a second language.
- Strengthen your personal statement.
- Volunteer experience in your community.
Admission Process
Eligibility for admission to the ABSN program requires students to complete a bachelor’s degree and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75. At the time of application, students must have either completed, or be in progression to complete, the following prerequisite courses (or their transfer equivalent):
PRE-REQUISITE COURSE | CREDITS |
Statistics | 3 |
General Psychology | 3 |
Lifespan Development | 3 |
Anatomy & Physiology I – including lab component | 4 |
Anatomy & Physiology II – including lab component | 4 |
General Microbiology for Nursing – including lab component | 4 |
Pathophysiology | 3 |
General Chemistry I – including lab component | 4 |
Students possessing a baccalaureate degree in another field from a regionally-accredited institution are considered to have fulfilled all of Edgewood College’s General Education requirements, except COR courses. Post-baccalaureate students, however, must still meet all School of Nursing pre-requirements for supporting courses in the major.
Congratulations on being selected for our esteemed School of Nursing! We look forward to supporting your journey to becoming extraordinary healthcare professionals.
- Accept admission by the specific date on your Offer of Admission Letter. NOTE: Nursing students who do not accept admission by the deadline will forfeit their space.
- Submit a $1,000 nonrefundable deposit within (30) days of receiving the Offer of Admission Letter. NOTE: This is applied toward tuition in your final semester.
- Complete all items listed in the welcome packet.
According to the 2023-24 U.S. News & World Report, Madison stands out as one of the premier cities in the United States, securing the third spot as the best place to reside for quality of life. Boasting an extensive array of hospitals, clinics, and healthcare institutions, many of which serve as clinical partner sites, Madison offers an optimal environment for nursing students at Edgewood College.
It’s more of an experience, and less of a destination. Madison is nestled among four scenic lakes and surrounded by lush greenery. This natural beauty coexists with the amenities of its urban infrastructure as Wisconsin’s capital city. You will fall in love with the vibrant downtown where you will find live music, a “foodie” rivaled landscape, expansive farmer’s markets, and a popular arts and culture scene. And for those days when you want to escape the hustle and bustle, Madison offers incredible parks, hiking paths, and so many cozy nooks and crannies to explore.
Transportation
Navigating around the beautiful city of Madison is intuitive thanks to a robust transportation network. You will fall in love with the balance of living in a bustling capital city without the sacrifice of the rich nature found just steps from the classroom. If you want to explore other midwestern sights, Madison’s centralized location means you’re not far from Milwaukee, Chicago, and Dubuque.
- Walk
- Car – Under 20 minutes is the average commute time for Madison residents
- Bus – Madison Metro and long-distance intercity bus service
- Taxi and rideshare services
- Bicycle – Madison BCycle bike-sharing program
- Airplane – Dane County Regional Airport
Housing Resources
On-Campus Housing:
- Affordable options: average $1300/month.
- No deposit or utility payments, free laundry.
- Low/no transportation costs. 9 or 12-month contracts.
- Meal plan included.
- Pets allowed in select apartments.
- More information on upper-class housing options
Off-Campus Housing:
Edgewood College has an Off-Campus Housing Guide.
To request a copy of this comprehensive guide, please email residencelife@edgewood.edu.
$45,000 inclusive program cost 2024-25 includes:
- Nursing courses
- Clinical fees
- Lab fees
- ATI Testing
- Parking (on campus during classes)
- Textbooks & Clinical Attire/Materials purchased by student.
Students in the ABSN program may be eligible for federal and private loans to assist in financing their education.
Federal financial aid:
- Complete the FAFSA
- Students may be eligible for a maximum of $12,000 from the Stafford Loan Program
SUBSIDIZED: The Federal Government pays the interest while the student is in school at least halftime. You may receive a maximum of $5500 per academic year.
UNSUBSIDIZED: Interest begins to accumulate as soon as the loan is disbursed.
For additional questions about financial aid and financing your accelerated nursing degree, please visit Financial Aid or contact Edgewood Central at ECentral@edgewood.edu.
Edgewood College keeps a list of available scholarships students can pursue.
To request additional information, please contact Edgewood Central at ECentral@edgewood.edu.
Nursing Clinical Experiences
The Henry Predolin School of Nursing partners with over 80 community agencies for clinical placements. Locations span across southcentral Wisconsin as well as northern Illinois. Some of these include:
- SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Madison
- The American Family Children’s Hospital
- UnityPoint Health-Meriter Hospitals and Clinics
- UW Hospitals and Clinics
- Veteran’s Administration Hospital
Clinical placements also include multiple public health sites and public/private school sites.
Faculty Spotlights
Lecturer
Heidi Deininger
hdeininger@edgewood.edu
Associate Professor
Maria Yelle
MYelle@edgewood.edu
Building Confidence Through the Application of Experiential Learning
The Center for Healthcare Education and Simulation (CHES) is a collaborative partnership between Edgewood College School of Nursing, SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital, and UnityPoint Health – Meriter Hospital. This state-of-the-art space has been providing Edgewood College nursing students with innovative education and training through the utilization of patient simulators. Simulation rooms are designed and equipped to replicate a multitude of environments such as a patient room in a hospital or a clinic, or a resident room of a nursing home or skilled care facility.
Three realistic patient rooms are fully equipped, each viewable from a control room that allows instructors to monitor students and record sessions. Two of these classrooms are equipped with audio-visual equipment that provides live feed simulation. This reflective learning environment includes opportunities to discuss and debrief. Robot patient simulators include high-fidelity mannequins across the lifespan – infant, child, birthing mother, adult – that can be programmed to replicate patient conditions and physiologic responses. Several low-fidelity mannequins and task trainers are used by students as they practice specific skills and techniques.
Simulation experiences introduce nursing students to clinical scenarios in preparation for real clinical interactions, thus allowing students to safely practice team-based care and improve individual skills. This learning environment places students in the experience and is often mentioned as a favorite aspect of nursing school. This engaging space fosters team-based learning as students learn, train, and work together. This is where students apply their textbook knowledge, learn from their mistakes, practice skills, and improve communication. It’s also when future nurses emerge and begin to build their self-confidence.
Pathway to Advanced Nursing Education
Embarking on your journey in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program not only propels you toward a rewarding career in nursing. When you choose the ABSN program at Edgewood College, you have a couple of additional advantages.
This opportunity not only accelerates your path to becoming a nurse but also provides a head start toward advanced education and specialization in nursing. As you navigate through the rigorous curriculum, you’ll seamlessly earn (3) graduate-level credits, setting the foundation for your future academic pursuits.
Upon successful completion of the ABSN program, graduates are guaranteed admission into Edgewood College’s Master of Nursing programs, contingent upon achieving a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
- Clinical Nurse Specialist–Adult Gerontology (CNS-AG)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- MSN Comprehensive
- Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Frequently Asked Questions About the ABSN Degree
Is an ABSN degree the right path for me?
We understand that a decision to go back to college to pursue your nursing degree is a big decision. Choosing an accelerated program is often based upon career goals, academic background, and personal circumstances. Here is a short checklist to consider:
- You already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
- You are prepared to make a full-time commitment to the program and your personal and professional schedules will allow you to devote your time and energy to a rigorous program.
- You are motivated by the short term model of learning and desire to get to the field in the quickest way possible.
- You enjoy hands-on learning and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Most importantly, you are passionate about pursuing this career path and a journey to becoming a registered nurse (RN)!
How many hours a week will the ABSN program require?
Students can expect to spend 60 to 80 hours per week on coursework and classroom assignments, which results in an expedited completion time of one year as opposed to the typical two to two and a half years.
What if I’m not from the Madison area?
Edgewood College can accommodate students with on-campus housing. We can also connect you with resources to assist with off-campus housing if you prefer.
If I only need an ADN to become an RN, why should I pursue a BSN?
A BSN provides ample benefits in terms of career advancement, earning potential, and professional development. Achieving your BSN reflects a commitment to excellence and dedication to ongoing professional development. BSN-prepared nurses are positioned to adapt to the evolving landscape in healthcare and contribute to improving patient outcomes.
Won’t I save money by just doing an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)?
College math can be tricky! While a reasonable person may infer that an Associate’s Degree is a cost-savings, we encourage you to “check the math.” Here is an example…
Program | Duration | Tuition Cost | Earning Potential | Total Financial Impact |
ADN | 2 years | $15,000 | $80,000/year | -$65,000 |
ABSN | 1 year | $45,000 | $80,000/year | +$35,000 |
What does this mean?
- Completing your ADN takes (2) years and will cost approximately $15,000. The initial investment is lower, but you will miss an entire year of earning an annual salary of $80,000. The total financial impact of spending an extra year in school is an estimated loss of $65,000 (Salary minus program cost).
- Completing your ABSN only takes (1) year and will cost $45,000. Despite the higher initial investment, you will enter the workforce a year sooner. The total financial impact of not spending an extra year in school is a gain of $35,000 (Salary minus program cost). Additionally, BSN-prepared RNs have higher earnings potential as compared to ADN-prepared RNs.
Does Edgewood College have a traditional undergraduate nursing program?
Yes, Edgewood College has two pathways for students aspiring to achieve their bachelor’s degree. If you are interested in both our ABSN and Traditional BSN programs, you do not need to submit two applications on NursingCAS. To be considered for both programs, please contact Amy Brinks at abrinks@edgewood.edu.