College of Nursing
University of Nebraska Medical Center
University of Nebraska Medical Center

ABSN Student Experience

A student at the Kearney campus reads a book to two children.
A student is given a white nursing coat by two faculty members
Five students in red scrubs gather around a desk.
Two students write on an interactive wall.
“The benefit of this is you get all the same amount of clinical hours and education materials, but you really just focus on that one year of your studies, which is very mangeable.”
Sarah Walford, UNMC College of Nursing student, Lincoln Division, speaks on camera

Sarah Walford

UNMC College of Nursing student, Lincoln Division

Students in the Accelerated BSN program move through an immersive, fast‑paced learning environment designed for motivated, second‑degree students. The experience is intensive and highly focused, blending rigorous coursework with hands‑on clinical practice from the start.

Cohort‑based learning fosters strong peer connections and collaboration, while close faculty support helps students stay engaged and on track. Though demanding, the program offers a purposeful, streamlined path that prepares graduates to enter the nursing workforce quickly and confidently.

Explore more aspects of the UNMC Accelerated Student experience below.

UNMC provides a cost of attendance estimate for students, including current tuition and fee rates, along with expected expenses. Please click here for a detailed cost of attendance breakdown.

Scholarships and financial aid are available to eligible students enrolled in the UNMC Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. UNMC is committed to making nursing education affordable and accessible by offering a range of federal aid, institutional scholarships, and external funding opportunities. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA to be considered for federal financial aid and to explore scholarship options that can help reduce the overall cost of their education.

For Federal Aid consideration, students must complete the FAFSA. Be sure to include the University of Nebraska Medical Center's institutional code on the form. The code is 006895. If you have already filed a FAFSA but did not include our school code, you can contact the financial aid office for assistance. You do not need to file another form.

Scholarships offered at UNMC are provided by the University of Nebraska Foundation's fundraising efforts and a variety of private donors. Most awards are made based on merit or financial need. To complete the UNMC Scholarship Application, you must have a UNMC ID and Password. Once you have received your login information, we encourage you to submit your UNMC Scholarship Application through MyRecords. Scholarship applications are due within 30 days after acceptance. 

Review the Office of Financial Aid website for more information about financial aid at UNMC. If you would like more information about financing your education, please call the UNMC financial aid office at 402-559-4199 or 800-626-8431 ext. 4199.

The rigorous pace of the UNMC CON Accelerated BSN program will entail a student’s commitment to completing several clinical hours each nine or ten-week session. (Late Spring: 5 clinical credits (10 hours/week); Early Spring: 5.5 clinical credits (11 hours/week); Summer: 6 clinical credits (12 hours/week); Fall: 9 clinical credits (18 hours/week)). Students can expect to spend numerous hours outside of class and clinicals preparing for experiences, completing assignments and studying for exams. These time demands often make it very difficult for students to also meet work commitments during the Accelerated BSN program. Working while completing the Accelerated BSN program is discouraged.

Accelerated BSN students in the College of Nursing receive dedicated academic success coaching designed to support the fast-paced and rigorous nature of the program. An Academic Success Coordinator (ASC) is available to partner with you throughout your journey and help you stay on track for success.

Success looks different for every accelerated student. Using a holistic, student-centered approach, your ASC works with you to develop an individualized success plan that aligns with your goals and responsibilities. You can meet with your ASC for support with study strategies, test-taking skills, time and stress management, work‑life balance, and navigating challenges both inside and outside the classroom. Your ASC serves as a key point of connection and support, helping you make the most of your Accelerated BSN experience at UNMC.

Prior to matriculating into our busy Accelerated BSN program it is vital to take inventory of your personal support system so that they are aware of the rigorous schedule you are going to be undertaking while in the UNMC CON program. Set yourself up for success by communicating ahead of time that you will be completing a nursing program that will take up the majority of your time during this year.  Also let your support system know that there may be times that you will depend on them for a supportive ear or to boost your spirits.  Accelerated BSN students with multiple competing family demands on their time will need to be prepared with backup plans A, B and C.  Open communication with your UNMC CON faculty will be vital to reaching your goals if life events become overwhelming.

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a comprehensive academic success program designed to support students enrolled in historically challenging courses. Through peer‑led, open‑forum sessions, SI helps students strengthen their understanding of course content, build effective study skills, and navigate the rigor of demanding coursework in a supportive, collaborative environment.

Supplemental Instructors guide sessions focused on reinforcing lecture and lab material, developing strong study strategies, and planning and prioritizing time for academic success. SI provides a proactive, student‑centered approach to learning that promotes confidence, preparedness, and persistence.

Stable housing, within reasonable distance from your designated UNMC CON division is a necessity. Work with the UNMC CON Student Services team for recommendations on lodging. UNMC CON strives for clinical placement within a 50 mile radius of your designated campus.  Factor travel time into your weekly schedule.

Traditional vs. Accelerated

Do you wonder if a traditional BSN or an accelerated BSN is best for you? Learn more about the differences and demand of each program.

Who it’s for

  • Students without a prior bachelor’s degree

Structure & length

  • 4-semester or 6-semester plans of study
  • In-person classes, which include didactic and clinical coursework

Pace

  • More gradual and balanced
  • Time between semesters allows for deeper exploration, campus involvement, and part‑time work

Schedule

  • Follows the traditional academic calendar, with classes offered in the fall and spring semesters

Common advantages

  • More time to build study skills and clinical confidence
  • Often lower term‑by‑term intensity

Who it’s for

  • Students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field

Structure & length

  • 12 months
  • Classes attended on campus, but some instruction via Zoom

Pace

  • Fast‑paced and intensive
  • Covers the same nursing content as a traditional BSN but in a shorter timeframe

Schedule

  • Year‑round enrollment (including summers)
  • Full‑time, with limited ability to work while enrolled

Common advantages

  • Faster path into the nursing workforce
  • Efficient use of prior college credits
  • Strong option for career‑changers