Post-Baccalaureate Accelerated Bachelor of Science in NursingHenry Predolin School of Nursing, Business, Education, and Health Sciences

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.  

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.

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.

First, check your eligibility to apply for the ABSN program:

1. Earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. 
2. 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. 
3. 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. 
4. Complete prerequisite courses.
5. Complete CPR Certification. Must be Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers.  
6. 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: 

1. 1. What does professionalism in Nursing mean to you and how will you apply this in your studies and profession –OR–
   2. 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–
   3. 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.   

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.

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.

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):

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.

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)!

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.

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.

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.

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…

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.

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.