12-Month ABSN Programs in Maryland: Accelerated Nursing Online
Students looking to become registered nurses can earn their BSN at an accelerated pace at a variety of Maryland schools. ABSN programs are offered online and in person.
Nurses are vital components of the national workforce. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 194,500 job openings for registered nurses (RNs) are expected each year for the next decade.
If you already have a non-nursing bachelor's degree and are looking to enter this healthcare profession, a 12-month accelerated nursing program could be the right path. Read on to learn more about 12-month accelerated nursing programs and other fast-track nursing degree options in Maryland and beyond.
What Is a 12-Month ABSN Program?
The first step to becoming a certified registered nurse is to graduate from an accredited nursing program. Earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in an accelerated degree program, also known as a second-degree BSN or an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN), is one of the fastest ways to become a nurse.
ABSN programs are designed for students who have already earned a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field. Students may apply transfer credits to general prerequisite courses and move directly into nursing coursework. You can take these fast-track nursing programs online or in person.
<h2 id="section---AreThereAnyOnlineABSNProgramsInMaryland">Are There Any Online ABSN Programs in Maryland?</h2><p>There are limited online ABSN programs in Maryland. Notre Dame of Maryland University has a hybrid option for its second-degree BSN program. Other schools offer general education classes online. In addition to Maryland, we'll explore 1-year accelerated nursing programs in nearby Virginia.
</p><p>Hands-on clinical experiences are an essential component of earning a BSN; these typically occur in person.
</p><h2 id="section---TopAcceleratedBSNProgramsInMaryland">Top Accelerated BSN Programs in Maryland</h2><p>The following Maryland schools have BSN programs available in accelerated formats. Nursing students can earn their degrees in 12 to 16 months.
</p><h3 id="section---1.SalisburyUniversity">1. Salisbury University</h3><p>Salisbury University (SU) is a mid-sized public school with two options for its second-degree BSN program. Its accelerated track can be completed in 16 months — and its fast-track option can be completed in 12 months. Both tracks require three semesters of full-time study and are conducted mainly on campus.
</p><p>The SU School of Nursing boasts an expert faculty, small clinical groups (typically no more than eight students), and a dedicated advisor for each nursing student. Its graduates consistently exceed the national average pass rates for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $8,517 per year
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 12 to 16 months
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Financial aid is available via scholarships, grants, loans, work-study programs, and veterans benefits. There are scholarships specifically designated for nursing students at Salisbury University, such as its $500 Avery W. Hall Scholarship.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
</li></ul><h3 id="section---2.CoppinStateUniversity">2. Coppin State University</h3><p>Located in Baltimore, MD, Coppin State University has an accelerated second-degree BSN program that can be completed in 15 months. The degree program is divided into seven sessions; coursework and clinical experiences take place in person.
</p><p>Coppin State University's ASBN program focuses on developing analytical skills, utilizing emerging technology and information systems, and serving diverse communities. Its faculty works closely with nursing students to provide resources, guidance, and networking opportunities to ensure full-time employment after graduation.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $6,700 per year
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 15 months
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Students may receive grants, loans, and scholarships to help fund their education.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---3.NotreDameOfMarylandUniversity">3. Notre Dame of Maryland University</h3><p>Notre Dame of Maryland University offers the state's most online-oriented ASBN program. Nursing theory coursework is given through the school's e-learning platform while students develop hands-on skills during in-person simulation labs and clinical rotations. Clinical practice takes place at various Baltimore healthcare facilities, like Johns Hopkins Hospital and Mercy Medical Center.
</p><p>Full-time students can earn their degree in 15 months over four semesters. They are then eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and receive their RN licensure.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $40,430
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 15 months
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Types of financial aid available at Notre Dame of Maryland University include scholarships, grants, loans, and federal work-study programs.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE
</li></ul><h2 id="section---OtherAcceleratedBSNPrograms">Other Accelerated BSN Programs</h2><p>Although located outside of Maryland, the following schools, situated in nearby Virginia, offer a variety of accelerated BSN programs.
</p><h3 id="section---GeorgeMasonUniversity">George Mason University</h3><p>George Mason University, based in Fairfax, VA, has an accelerated pathway to a BSN that can be completed in 12 months. This program enables full-time students to earn their degrees in three semesters. Coursework is primarily in-person and includes on-campus lectures, skill labs, simulation hours, and direct patient care hours.
</p><p>Nursing students gain clinical experience in healthcare settings throughout the National Capitol area.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $10,392 per year
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 12 months
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Students may apply for loans, scholarships, grants, and work-study programs.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---ECPIUniversity">ECPI University</h3><p>Located in Virginia Beach, VA, ECPI University is a mid-sized private school with a 12-month accelerated BSN program. Students learn nursing theory and gain hands-on experience through on-campus classes, clinical rotations, and high-fidelity simulations. ECPI University's accelerated BSN program focuses on leadership, critical and emergency training, and community health.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $10,913 per year
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 12 months
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> ECPI University provides scholarships, military benefits, and employer partnership programs to help offset tuition costs.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---ShenandoahUniversity">Shenandoah University</h3><p>Shenandoah University is a public, nonprofit university located in Winchester, VA, with a second-degree BSN program. Full-time nursing students can earn their degree in 15 months.
</p><p>Shenandoah University's BSN program features small class sizes and a faculty with a wide range of expertise. The curriculum focuses on evidence-based practices, nursing ethics and genomics, emergency preparedness, and disaster relief. Program graduates achieve among the highest NCLEX-RN pass rates in the state of Virginia.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $36,330 per year
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 15 months
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Students can receive financial aid through federal and state grants, loans, and scholarships; institutional scholarships are also available.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---MarymountUniversity">Marymount University</h3><p>Located in Arlington, VA, Marymount University offers a hybrid accelerated BSN program. Full-time students complete the program in 16 months over four consecutive semesters. Coursework combines online and in-person classes, with eight clinical practice courses focusing on patient care.
</p><p>Clinical experiences take place at local healthcare institutions, such as Sibley Memorial Hospital and Children's National Medical Center. Graduates of Marymount University's nursing program have an impressive NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate, consistently over 90%.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $39,270 per year
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 16 months
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Financial aid is offered as grants, loans, and scholarships. Marymount University provides funding opportunities specifically for ASBN students, like its $10,000 Nursing Workforce Scholars Program Scholarship.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE
</li></ul><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2><p>We use the following criteria to rank our featured school programs:
</p><ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Colleges and universities must be vetted by one of two independent accrediting organizations: the CCNE or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
</li><li><b>Program reputation:</b> Programs must have experienced faculty, follow standard nursing practice curriculums, offer clinical experiences, and be approved by the appropriate State Board of Nursing.
</li><li><b>Program cost:</b> We rank schools by affordability and feature the lower-cost schools toward the top. All are accredited in-person or <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_accept_fafsa_maryland.html">accredited online colleges that accept financial aid</a>.
</li></ul><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutAcceleratedOnlineABSNPrograms">FAQs About Accelerated Online ABSN Programs</h2><p>Below, we'll address some frequently asked questions about hybrid and online ASBN programs.
</p><h3 id="section---HowMuchDoesAnOnlineABSNProgramCostInMaryland">How Much Does an Online ABSN Program Cost in Maryland?</h3><p>The total cost of earning your ASBN varies depending on your school, specific program, and financial aid opportunities. One of the most affordable accelerated BSN programs in Maryland is offered by Coppin State University.
</p><p>To keep your education costs low, be sure to apply for the <a href="https://studentaid.gov">Free Application for Federal Student Aid</a> (FAFSA) and take advantage of financial assistance opportunities at the federal and state levels.
</p><p>Learn More: <a href="https://learn.org/articles/cheapest_absn_programs.html">Cheapest Accelerated Nursing Programs</a>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheRequirementsForAcceleratedBSNPrograms">What Are The Requirements For Accelerated BSN Programs?</h3><p>Admission requirements for accelerated BSN programs typically include a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field, official transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and a personal essay. Many schools require a minimum grade point average (GPA) for transfer credits; others require prospective students to submit their Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) score.
</p><p>It's best to refer to each school's application process to find out its particular <a href="https://learn.org/articles/what_education_do_i_need_to_become_nurse.html">educational requirements for nurse</a> program candidates.
</p><h3 id="section---CanIBecomeAnRNIn12Months">Can I Become an RN in 12 Months?</h3><p>You can become an RN in 12 months by committing as a full-time student. Upon completing your degree program, you will take the NCLEX-RN and receive your RN license after passing.
</p><p>If you'd like to learn more about this process, you can learn more by checking out our article <a href="https://learn.org/articles/can_i_get_bsn_without_rn.html">Can You Get A BSN Without An RN?</a>.
</p><h2 id="section---FindAnOnlineNursingDegree">Find an Online Nursing Degree</h2><p>We invite you to connect with the featured institutions on Learn.org and discover which is the best school to help you as you delve into an exciting nursing career.</p>