How long does it take to complete the ABSN?

As few as 21 months with eight‑week courses and multiple yearly starts.

What is the tuition for the ABSN?

$625 per credit hour. The nursing‑major consists of 60 core credits; total degree requirements are 120 credits.

How many clinical hours are required?

630 total clinical hours completed with local preceptors, plus a five‑day on‑campus skills bootcamp before clinicals.

What are the entry requirements?

A completed application, a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, a cumulative 3.0 GPA, résumé/CV, completion of prerequisites with a C or better, health and professional liability insurance, and an initial background check facilitated by TU.

Will the ABSN prepare me for the NCLEX‑RN?

Yes. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX‑RN. TU reports high first‑time pass rates and provides NCLEX‑aligned preparation throughout the program.

Accelerated Online BSN Program

Where Future-Ready Nurses Come to Learn

Do you see a future for yourself in the field of nursing, but you’re not sure how to make your entrance? If you already have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and you’re ready to make meaningful strides toward your future nursing career, The University of Tulsa allows you to earn your Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) online in as few as 21 months.

TU’s online ABSN is built on 60 core credits* of nursing major courses. TU waives 31 credits of general coursework for students who are admitted to the online ABSN degree program and grants conditional admittance to students with a variety of bachelor’s degrees.

You’ll receive one-on-one support from our accomplished faculty, who take the time to understand your goals and set you on the right course to achieve them. You’ll learn the clinical knowledge necessary to deliver effective care as well as soft skills — such as communication, critical thinking, and self-care — that make for well-rounded nurses.

You’re what nursing needs. We’re what you need to get there.

*Total credit hours required may vary based on your individual official transcript evaluations.

Earn Your Accelerated Online BSN at TU

Our online ABSN degree is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and offers adult learners an expedited path to a nursing career. Students take courses over eight-week periods with three start times per year, making the program an accessible and efficient pathway for motivated future nurses. Our compassionate, experienced faculty emphasize research-based practices, preparing you to pass the NCLEX-RN® and meaningfully impact patient outcomes.

We include the Roy Adaptation Model, a theoretical framework that gives a holistic and collaborative lens to complex health care problems, throughout the curriculum. Here are some general topics you’ll encounter in ABSN coursework:

The professional, historical, social, and political forces that affect nursing and health care
Principles of pharmacotherapeutics and metrology calculation related to drugs and solutions
Using the nursing process to help individuals experiencing simple disruptions to health across the lifespan

Live the Life of a Nurse

In addition to fully online coursework, the ABSN program includes hands-on clinical training. You’ll begin with an immersive, on-campus nursing skills bootcamp in Tulsa, followed by small-group clinical rotations with instructors in your local community. These experiences allow you to apply what you’ve learned online while gaining a real-world introduction to life as a full-time nurse.

Succeeding in the ABSN Oklahoma bootcamp and clinical rotations may require adjustments to your daily routines. To help you prepare, we recommend the following guidelines:

Prepare to visit The University of Tulsa for a one-week, on-campus skills bootcamp scheduled after your second term of classes. For complete details and requirements, see our the FAQ page.
After the bootcamp, you will complete six in-person clinical rotations, each lasting eight weeks. To set yourself up for success, we recommend careful planning—coordinate with your employer, arrange childcare, and organize personal responsibilities in advance.

TU Graduates Are Ready for the NCLEX-RN

From your very first class at TU, you’ll begin building the knowledge and skills you need to succeed on the Next Generation NCLEX. The NCLEX is the licensure exam that determines whether prospective nurses have the clinical knowledge necessary to begin practicing as registered nurses.

The University of Tulsa is proud to have some of the highest first-time NCLEX pass rates in the state of Oklahoma, rates that also far exceed the national average.

Take a look at TU’s NCLEX results for first-time test takers over the past four years:

Calendar Year	TU Pass Rate
2024	100%
2023	95%
2022	95%
2021	95%

Accelerated Online BSN to MSN Degree Pathway

Graduates of TU’s ABSN program with a 3.0 or greater who pass the NCLEX enjoy priority admission to the online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a 30-credit hour program designed for working nurses who want to continue advancing their professional skill set.

Why Choose an ABSN Degree?

An ABSN program provides a quick pathway to a nursing career for professionals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. Explore some of the top benefits of earning an ABSN degree:

Achieve Your Goals Faster. An ABSN typically requires 60 credits to complete, allowing you to complete your coursework and clinical hours in as few as 18 months.
Focus on Nursing Coursework. With the general credits you’ll transfer from your existing bachelor’s degree, you can spend your time building foundational clinical knowledge and developing hands-on nursing skills.
Prepare for Career Advancement. While earning a BSN isn’t the only pathway to RN licensure, bachelor’s-educated nurses are equipped with the advanced skills necessary to qualify for future promotions and leadership roles.

“As a nurse who has worked out in the community, when we see TU graduates, they stand out from other nursing graduates because of that high level of professionalism that’s expected from them when they leave the program. So not only are they academically and clinically inclined, but they are just great people overall.”

— Tamara Hryshchuk, DNP, RNC-NIC, ABSN Program Director and Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing

Tuition and Financial Aid

$625 PER CREDIT HOUR, TEXTBOOKS INCLUDED

60 CORE CREDITS*

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE

Are you ready to invest in your future with an online ABSN degree at The University of Tulsa?

Our online ABSN offers a premier private-school nursing education at just $625 per credit hour, textbooks included. With this 60-credit-hour program*, you can fast-track your nursing career and increase your earning potential sooner.

*Please note: 60 credit hours is the minimum for nursing courses taken at TU. Your total credit hours at TU will depend on your official transcript evaluation.

Learn More

FOCUS ON LEADERSHIP

We teach the hard sciences alongside valuable soft skills, preparing you to take the lead in your career.

TANGIBLE NURSING SKILLS

Between research-based coursework and hands-on clinicals, you’ll gain critical skills to be a transformative provider for patients.

ACCOMPLISHED FACULTY

Our faculty includes certified nurse educators and advanced practitioners, with 60% holding a doctorate.

COMMUNITY OF CARE

Our educators take the time to provide one-on-one academic support and career guidance.

FUTURE-PROOF PRACTICES

We shape our programs around current industry needs, preparing you to face them with confidence.

Reputation of Excellence

TU grads are consistently recognized as capable leaders by partner hospitals and patients.

What You Need for Admission

The University of Tulsa is home to ambitious learners of diverse backgrounds and experiences who seek impactful roles in nursing. Please review the below requirements for admission to the online ABSN program at TU.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS*

Completed application for admission
A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
Professional resume or CV outlining academic and professional experience

Professional liability insurance and health insurance (for clinical courses). The liability insurance fee is $25 per semester.
Initial criminal background check paid on behalf of the student by The University of Tulsa

*An on-campus, five-day skills bootcamp must be completed prior to starting clinical courses

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisite Science Courses Required for Admission (12 Credits)

Transfer courses equivalent to:

BIOL-2151 Human Anatomy Lab (1 cr.)
BIOL-2153 Human Anatomy (3 cr.)
BIOL-2171 Human Physiology Lab (1 cr.)
BIOL-2173 Human Physiology (3 cr.)
CHEM-1004 Chemistry in Medicine (4 cr.) or CHEM 1013 General Chemistry I/CHEM 1011

*Prerequisite for major coursework, must complete with a grade of C or better before beginning nursing courses.

TRANSFER CREDIT GUIDELINES

Please note that the total credit hours required may vary based on your individual official transcript evaluations.

The ABSN program requires a total of 120 credit hours
Students must complete at least 60 credit hours at TU
TU waives 31 credits of general coursework for ABSN students
Transfer credits must be from regionally accredited institutions
- A grade of C or better has been earned in the course
Pass/fail courses are not transferable unless a grade of C or better can be documented

OBTAINING LICENSURE IN YOUR STATE

For students seeking registered nurse licensure, please review the specific academic requirements for the program in which you are enrolling, including those related to practicum/internship, as well as pre-qualifications for licensure. To determine if the ABSN program at TU meets your state’s requirements for Registered Nurse (RN) licensure, please visit our Disclosures for Professional Nurse Licensure page.

It is the responsibility of the student completing the licensure program to check with the licensing board(s) in their state of residence or the state in which they intend to obtain a license for the most recent information and requirements. Many licensure boards have additional requirements beyond successful degree completion to obtain a license. Please be advised that state laws, regulations, and policies may change at any time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an accelerated BSN and a traditional BSN?

Program length is the main difference. Whether you choose an accelerated or a traditional program, earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) provides the skills and training you need to advance into nursing leadership. While a traditional BSN takes about four years to complete, an accelerated BSN can take around half that time. Students of the ABSN program at The University of Tulsa can complete their degree in as little as 21 months.

Note that accelerated BSN programs require a general bachelor’s degree to apply, while BSN programs accept students with a high school diploma or an associate degree. If you are a current RN with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), you can also explore our RN to BSN program.

Do online accelerated BSN programs require clinical hours in person?

Yes, all accredited accelerated BSN programs require in-person clinical hours to meet state and national licensing requirements. TU’s online ABSN program begins with a one-week, on-campus skills bootcamp and requires an additional 630 hours of clinical experience in real-world health care settings.

See our online nursing FAQ page for more information about the ABSN skills bootcamp.

Can you apply to an accelerated BSN without a nursing background?

Yes, accelerated BSN programs are designed to serve students who hold a general bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. An accelerated BSN program only requires 60 credits to complete, making it a good option for working professionals who want to launch a career in nursing.

Can I work while completing an online accelerated BSN program?

To support accelerated degree completion, most accelerated BSN programs require full-time coursework and between 600 and 800 hours of in-person clinical rotations. To set yourself up for success while completing your accelerated BSN, it’s important to coordinate as necessary with your employer, arrange child care, and organize personal responsibilities in advance.

Nursing students in graduation ceremony wearing their whitecoats.

About The University of Tulsa

Since the School of Nursing graduated its first class in 1973, The University of Tulsa has maintained a long-standing tradition of producing skilled, dedicated nurses. TU’s online nursing programs continue this legacy, fostering academic excellence among learners across the United States and preparing a new generation of competent, compassionate nurses who are shaping the future of healthcare.

Request information to learn more about the online ABSN program at The University of Tulsa.

Fill out the form below, and an admission counselor will reach out to you via email or phone with more information.

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ONLINE ACCELERATED BSN PROGRAM