Accelerated BSN Program

The Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing meets the standards for and has been approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, leading to a California Registered Nurse (RN) license. Students who wish to practice in a state other than California may or may not have additional educational and/or non-educational requirements to complete prior to applying for the RN license. Prior to enrollment, prospective students must review the lists below to determine whether this program meets the educational requirements in a specific state. MSMU would like to help applicants and students navigate the licensure process. Contact Marie Seitz at mseitz@msmu.edu to discuss the process of obtaining an RN license in a state outside of California.

ABSN Application Procedure

ABSN applicants must submit the following documents:

• Completed admissions application
• Personal statement of intent
• Official transcripts of all college work
• Two recommendations by those acquainted with the applicant's ability to succeed in an accelerated curriculum.
• Personal interviews may be scheduled.

ABSN Program Admission Requirements

The ABSN program is open to persons who have previously completed a Baccalaureate degree and who meet specific admission requirements. Admission to the program is open twice a year. Please see the website for specific deadlines.

To be considered for admission, students must be graduates of an accredited four-year college or university with an earned cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.

ABSN Entrance Requirements

Before admitted students begin the program, they must:

• Complete the necessary health forms and immunizations (See Health Policies, Department of Nursing.).
• Be current in CPR (Healthcare Provider BCLS/Professional Rescuer CPR).
• Carry malpractice insurance.
• Complete a First Aid Course.
• Submit a successful completion of a Criminal Background check as outlined in clinical policies
• Drug Screening

LVN to RN Non-Matriculation Option (26 unit option)

See option under the BSN option.

Transfer Articulation for the Accelerated Bachelor of Science – Major in Nursing

Mount Saint Mary's University accepts completed Baccalaureate degrees from accredited colleges and universities as evidence of fulfillment of MSMU General Education requirements with the exception of GE Central Core. ABSN students will be exempted from taking 3 units of GE Written Communication, GE Critical Thinking, GE Math, and GE Integrative Scholarship courses because they are pursing a second bachelors degree.

Costs/Financial Aid/Registration

Tuition for the ABSN program is the same as the standard Mount Saint Mary’s University undergraduate tuition and fees for three semesters. There is a nursing fee for each of the three accelerated sessions. Please refer to the Fees and Expenses for exact figures and guidelines.

While ABSN students are not eligible for Mount Saint Mary's grants or scholarships, students may be eligible for federal, state, or private grants or loans. In order to qualify, students must send the FAFSA forms to the processor no later than January 15. Information on financial aid eligibility will be sent prior to the deposit deadline. A non-refundable deposit fee of $400.00 is due on the date specified in the acceptance letter.

Nursing Pre-requisite Requirements (starting Fall 2021)

An eligible applicant entering the ABSN option Fall 2021 or thereafter, must have also completed the following requirements prior to beginning the program:

Nursing Pre-requisite Requirements:

*Must have been completed within five years prior to admission

General Education Requirements - Central Core

The General Education requirement includes 12 units of course work in the Central Core category, with 3 units completed in each core: Spirit of the Founders, Community, Global Awareness and Understanding, and Women and Gender.

ABSN Degree Curriculum Requirements for Students Entering Fall 2021 and thereafter

The ABSN program requires 58 Nursing department units and 3 units of upper division Bioethics. Admitted students must complete their total curriculum plan at Mount Saint Mary’s University. They may not take required nursing courses at other institutions. A sample program is listed below.