Dive Deeper into Healthcare with a Second Degree in Nursing
Fast-track your path to becoming a registered nurse with our Accelerated Bachelor of Nursing (ABSN) program.
Designed for individuals with a prior bachelor’s degree, this intensive and rigorous program allows you to earn your nursing degree in a fraction of the time while still focusing on the fundamentals of nursing science, clinical reasoning and our hallmark social-justice mindset critical to serving a diverse set of patients in today’s healthcare field.
The Accelerated BSN pathway is appropriate for students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in another field of study and have completed both the general education and prerequisite course requirements for BSN study.
See our BSN program disclosures to learn more about accreditation and professional licensure.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at St. Edward’s University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Explore More Details About the Accelerated BSN
Degree Plan
Major Requirements:
The Accelerated BSN curriculum includes 51 credits and is designed to be completed in 3 semesters (13 months) of full-time study.
General Education Requirements:
All majors require completion of 44 hours of the St. Edward’s general education curriculum or the Texas core curriculum, in addition to the nursing prerequisites. Because ABSN degree candidates are typically adding a second degree, these credits may already be fulfilled. Check with your admission counselor to ensure your General Education requirements are complete.
View and download the full degree plan for our ABSN major (PDF)
Application Process
Application Process and Deadlines:
ABSN admission is only offered for the fall semester.
We do not require TEAS, HESI, or other nursing entrance exams as part of the application.
Applicants must first apply to the university via the St. Edward's University application. Once admitted to the university, students will then be required to apply to the Department of Nursing.
Applications are NOW open for Fall 2026. Application deadline is Dec. 31, 2025. Students must have earned a “C” or better for prerequisite coursework in a maximum of two (2) attempts per course, and have a minimum prerequisite GPA of 2.5 to be considered for admission. Students may apply with general education or prerequisite coursework in progress. However, all coursework must be completed prior to the start of nursing coursework.
St. Edward’s University School of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, has adopted a rolling admissions policy. Applications submitted within the application window will be reviewed and admission decisions will be made on a continuous basis. Applicants can expect an admission decision within one month of submitting a completed application. Complete applications include department application, essays, resume and official transcripts. Only complete applications will be reviewed and considered. Students are encouraged to apply early in the application window. If the department reaches capacity for enrollment prior to the application deadline, subsequent qualified applicants may be deferred to the next academic term.
Scholarships
The Accelerated BSN is a post-baccalaureate program. Students in this program do not qualify for academic or merit-based scholarships at St. Edward’s University. However, students may seek outside scholarships.
FAFSA
When completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA, be sure to list your year in college as 5th year/other undergraduate. As a student seeking your second bachelor’s degree, you may be eligible to receive Federal Direct Loans.
At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, practitioners, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.
View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Nursing webpage.
Stay Informed in Your Admission Journey
Timely reminders, helpful resources, and key insights— delivered to you.
Sign up to get personalized updates, important deadlines, and expert tips to make your path to becoming a St. Edward's Hilltopper seamless and stress-free.