ABSN vs. BSN: Comparing the Nursing Degree Types

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that people over 65 will make up nearly 22% of the U.S. population by 2035, up from just over 18% in 2025. This growth in the population segment that often requires assistance with geriatric care and chronic disease management only serves to compound the country’s ongoing nursing shortage. There may be more than 200,000 unfilled registered nursing positions by 2037, according to data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). As such, the need for registered nurses (RNs) is great.

Individuals interested in advancing their nursing careers or moving into nursing from other fields have multiple educational paths available to them. A traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is a common option; however, aspiring nurses should also consider an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. This guide compares ABSN vs. BSN programs, examining their curricula, duration, and cost.

What Is a BSN?

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a four-year undergraduate degree that provides foundational education in nursing theory and practice. It typically provides an overview of different forms of nursing specializations and patient health assessments, alongside courses in nursing leadership, management, health policy, and ethical considerations in health care. BSN programs — both online and in person — also typically feature clinical experience. As a bachelor’s degree program, it may also feature general education requirements not specifically focused on nursing.

Compared with Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and nursing diploma programs, bachelor’s programs generally offer more in-depth coursework because of their longer duration. A BSN can help prepare students for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), which is required to become an RN. It can also expand career opportunities for current RNs or serve as a stepping stone to an advanced nursing degree.

What Is an ABSN?

An ABSN is a more condensed version of a BSN program and is typically reserved for individuals who have already earned an undergraduate degree in a field other than nursing. This prerequisite makes an ABSN program an excellent option for those who have decided to switch careers. An ABSN curriculum generally overlaps with the nursing-focused curriculum of a traditional BSN program and may include courses on pathophysiology, health assessment, nursing research, issues and ethics in nursing systems, mental health nursing, and clinical care.

As the name suggests, ABSN programs don’t take as long as traditional BSN programs, with some able to be completed in as little as 15 months. The programs offer graduates the same NCLEX-RN exam preparation and career opportunities as traditional programs, despite their shorter duration.

What Are the Differences Between ABSN vs. BSN Programs?

Both ABSN and BSN programs can help prepare graduates for nursing careers in various roles — either at the bachelor’s level or after completing an advanced degree — including nurse midwife, home health nurse, nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner, perioperative nurse, and RN case manager.

However, the programs have different strengths and are designed for students with different backgrounds and needs.

Curriculum

An ABSN program generally covers much of the same curriculum as a BSN program regarding nursing practices and theory. However, because ABSN students typically have a bachelor’s degree in another field, they can often bypass general education requirements. As a result, an ABSN program is streamlined compared with a traditional BSN program, which provides a more well-rounded education for first-time bachelor’s degree students.

Duration

A primary difference between ABSN and BSN programs is how long it takes to earn a degree. ABSN programs typically take much less time to complete than BSN programs, which typically take four years to complete. However, ABSN programs are designed to be much faster, with students often able to complete them in 15 to 20 months. Because general education requirements are typically not included in an ABSN program, this dramatically reduces the time it takes to graduate.

Cost

Individual program costs can vary significantly; however, ABSN programs generally cost less than BSN programs because they require fewer course credits to graduate. This can make an ABSN a more cost-effective option for aspiring nurses who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in another area. Keep in mind that this doesn’t account for the cost of the first bachelor’s program.

Advance Your Career in Nursing

The ABSN vs. BSN debate may be quickly settled based on whether an individual has previously earned a bachelor’s degree. For those who have, an ABSN program can provide the knowledge and skills to successfully switch careers on an accelerated timeline and at a lower cost than a traditional BSN program.

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program from California State University, Northridge, Tseng College can be completed in 15 months. It combines classroom instruction on pharmacology, nursing research, nursing leadership, and community and population health with clinical work in real patient care settings. Additionally, the program helps prepare graduates to take the NCLEX-RN.

Discover how you can make a difference in nursing with CSUN’s ABSN program.