Are you considering a fulfilling career change into healthcare? The field of nursing offers immense rewards, and if you already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, an Accelerated 2nd Career Nursing Program could be your fastest pathway to becoming a registered nurse (RN). These innovative programs, like the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN), are specifically designed for individuals like you, enabling you to earn a nursing degree in as little as 15 months. This accelerated format equips you with the essential skills and knowledge needed for entry-level nursing positions across various healthcare settings, and importantly, financial aid options can make this career transition surprisingly affordable.
Fast Track to a Nursing Career with Exceptional NCLEX Pass Rates
This intensive 15-month accelerated second-degree BSN track is tailored for those who have already completed a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline. Your prior degree fulfills the general education requirements, allowing you to concentrate solely on nursing-specific coursework. This focused approach lets you achieve a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in just over a year at a nursing school renowned for its outstanding NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) pass rates, which are significantly above the national average. We are committed to ensuring your success in the national licensure exam, a critical step to becoming a registered nurse. Our first-time NCLEX pass rate for the ’23-’24 academic year reached a remarkable 100% (to date), positioning us among the leading nursing programs in Virginia.
“Shenandoah has a great reputation for its health care degrees, so I knew I would get a top-notch education. I live in Loudoun County, and the convenience of the Loudoun location was a great option. Finally, I plan to go on to graduate school and Shenandoah has great options for advanced practice nursing with a tuition discount for alumni, which was a bonus!”
Johanna “Joey” Vazzana ’23
Comprehensive Support System for Career Changers in Nursing
Choosing an accelerated nursing program for a second career is a significant step, and we understand the importance of strong support. At Shenandoah University, you’ll benefit from unwavering faculty and peer support, invaluable hands-on experience in diverse clinical environments, access to cutting-edge simulation technology, and small, personalized class sizes. We provide limitless opportunities for growth and learning as you pursue your nursing education. Explore our program requirements and connect with our admissions team to address any questions you may have.
Megan Hardwick, a graduate of the Accelerated BSN program at Shenandoah University, headshot.
“Shenandoah University’s ABSN program provided me with the necessary building blocks, at a pivotal point in my life, in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a career record in business management and early childhood education, adjusting the trajectory of my career to nursing was a simple decision during a challenging time. To anyone considering this program: do it; not only for yourself, but for the people who need your healing hands. Take it from me — it is never too late, and, in reflection, it feels like SU was right on time.”
Megan Hardwick ’24
Register for Upcoming ABSN Open Houses
Proven Success: ABSN Graduates in Leading Healthcare Institutions
The effectiveness of our accelerated second career nursing program is evident in the career trajectories of our graduates. They are readily employed by prestigious healthcare institutions such as John’s Hopkins, Valley Health, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, INOVA, and the Mayo Clinic. Our graduates also find fulfilling roles in regional private practices and across the tri-state area, demonstrating the broad applicability and high demand for Shenandoah-trained nurses.
A Student’s Journey Through the Accelerated Nursing Program
At Shenandoah, we are dedicated to preparing you for success in the demanding yet deeply rewarding nursing profession. As a student in our ABSN program, you will engage in collaborative learning with peers, experienced faculty, and practicing nurses. Your learning extends beyond the classroom into diverse clinical settings within hospitals and the community, providing a well-rounded and practical nursing education.
In-Depth Learning Experience in our Accelerated BSN Program
Our Accelerated BSN track is intentionally rigorous to ensure you are thoroughly prepared for the challenges and rewards of a nursing career. Throughout your 15 months in the program, you will receive personalized academic and professional guidance from an experienced nursing faculty advisor. Our advanced, specialized nursing labs create realistic healthcare environments, exceptionally preparing you for your clinical rotations and future practice. The Accelerated BSN program is offered at two convenient locations: Winchester, Virginia, at the Cecil Pruitt, Jr. Health and Life Sciences Building, and in Loudoun, Virginia, easily accessible on Route 7 east of Leesburg. Upon program completion, you will be well-prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and confidently apply for entry-level professional nurse positions. We are excited to share more about how our program can help you achieve your nursing career goals.
“I had just finished the fifth week of the first semester of the accelerated nursing program when I got an unexpected call from my brother that my mom had suddenly passed away. Within the first few days after my mom passed away I was also contacted by someone in the spiritual life department offering to talk to me if I needed to talk. I was also able to speak to one of my professors who was teaching the nursing psych class I was in and she helped me process through the different options of returning right away, coming back one semester later or waiting indefinitely to begin again. She also helped me with some counseling referrals. The accelerated nursing program is VERY intense. I don’t think I could have been successful at restarting this type of program without the added support I have received from SU. Several of the students who were in the cohort I started with have continued to support me in my journey of beginning again. My advisor has been an available support person I can turn to if I need to cry or get encouragement to continue pressing on. All of the faculty I have had have been so supportive, not just of me, but of all the students in our program.”
Amy Eckrote ’23
Hands-on Learning: Simulation and Clinical Experiences
State-of-the-Art Simulation Experiences
Shenandoah University utilizes advanced simulation equipment in our nursing laboratories to enhance your learning experience. Our high- and low-fidelity simulation technology, including lifelike human models (manikins), allows faculty to create realistic clinical scenarios. This interactive approach is crucial for teaching theory, assessment skills, technical procedures, pharmacology, and critical decision-making. You will learn and apply knowledge in a safe, controlled environment, fostering critical thinking and skill development.
Diverse Clinical Experiences
Shenandoah University has established strong partnerships with numerous regional hospitals and healthcare facilities. Our clinical preceptors, alongside our dedicated full-time faculty, are leading practitioners in the region, providing exceptional mentorship and real-world learning opportunities. Clinical locations vary, offering exposure to a wide range of healthcare settings:
Winchester, Virginia, Clinical Site Examples:
- Valley Health System hospitals: Winchester Medical Center, Warren Memorial Hospital, Shenandoah Hospital
- WVU East Berkeley Medical Center
- Martinsburg Veterans Affairs Medical Center
- INOVA Health System facilities
- Community settings: Blue Ridge Hospice, Public Health Departments, Sinclair Free Medical Clinic
Loudoun, Virginia, Clinical Site Examples:
- INOVA Health System hospitals: Loudoun, Fair Oaks, Fairfax, and Alexandria
- Reston Hospital Center
- Virginia Hospital Center
- Children’s National Medical Center
- Fauquier Hospital
- Novant Hospitals
Interprofessional Collaborative Experience
The Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing promotes interdisciplinary learning and practice by fostering collaborations with Shenandoah’s other esteemed health programs. These include pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical and occupational therapy, athletic training, public health, and music therapy, enriching your understanding of holistic patient care.
Understanding the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)
Upon completing your accelerated second career nursing program, you will need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a registered nurse. This exam validates your nursing knowledge and skills, ensuring you are ready for entry-level professional nursing positions.
Shenandoah University consistently achieves NCLEX first-time pass rates that are above the national average and are among the highest in Virginia. Our final semester includes a dedicated NCLEX preparation course, a key factor in our students’ high success rates.
Graduates of our BSN programs are eligible to apply for licensure and registration nationwide. Successful completion of the NCLEX exam leads to the designation of Registered Nurse (RN).
View Our Recent NCLEX Pass Rates
Robust Career and Salary Prospects in Nursing
Nursing is recognized as one of the fastest-growing occupations in the U.S., with demand projected to increase significantly. Graduates of accelerated nursing programs enjoy excellent starting salaries and flexible scheduling options in diverse locations. A nursing career offers numerous opportunities for specialization and professional advancement.
“Any university will prepare you for employment — SU prepared me for discipline, integrity and empathy. The nursing curriculum was developed to be directly helpful for clinical application. I’m a nurse now! And I’m making a difference!”
Scott Long ’20
A BSN degree is the standard entry-level qualification for many healthcare organizations. It equips you with the skills for clinical practice in today’s technologically advanced healthcare environments, emphasizing clinical reasoning, critical thinking, and compassionate patient care.
The Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing prepares you to deliver, manage, and lead nursing care across various healthcare settings and to engage in continuous personal and professional development. Career settings include hospitals (acute care), clinics, medical practices, health departments, hospice, and military healthcare. You can also explore international care, home care, trauma care, school nursing, and even teaching in vocational LPN programs. Furthermore, a BSN degree is a foundation for graduate studies in advanced practice nursing, nursing education, and research.
For detailed salary information for nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, please visit BSN Payscale.com.
Shenandoah’s Career & Professional Development services offer comprehensive support to students in their career search, including resume and cover letter development, mock interviews, and professional etiquette workshops.
Career & Professional Development at Shenandoah
Curriculum Highlights of the Accelerated BSN Program
Our nursing program features small class sizes and faculty with expertise across diverse nursing specialties. The curriculum includes core nursing courses, nursing ethics and genomics, nursing research and evidence-based practice, and emergency preparedness and disaster relief. Our campus learning facilities are designed to foster your knowledge, skills, clinical judgment, and confidence.
BSN Program Outcomes:
- Synthesize knowledge from liberal arts, sciences, and nursing science for professional practice.
- Apply evolving technology to monitor healthcare outcomes.
- Integrate illness prevention, wellness, quality, safety, ethics, and leadership in complex healthcare systems.
- Demonstrate effective communication and collaboration with patients, families, and interprofessional teams.
- Deliver safe, compassionate, holistic, person-centered care to diverse populations.
- Advocate for policies to improve healthcare outcomes for diverse populations.
- Translate research into evidence-based practice for quality care.
- Examine social determinants of health in equitable care delivery.
| Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| 1st Semester | |
| Health Assessment (3/1) | 3/1** |
| Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (3/1) | 3/1** |
| Foundations in Professional Nursing Concepts and Practice | 3/1** |
| Pathophysiology | 3 |
| Pharmacotherapy | 3 |
| 2nd Semester | |
| Nursing Care of Adults I | 3/2** |
| Theory, Research and EBP | 3 |
| Nursing Care of Adults II | 3/2** |
| Ethics and Genomics in Nursing | 3 |
| Advancing Nursing Practice and Clinical Judgment | 1/1** |
| 3rd Semester | |
| Nursing Care of Children and Adolescents | 3/1** |
| Nursing Care of Childbearing Families | 3/1** |
| Nursing Care of Adults III | 3/2** |
| 4th Semester | |
| Community and Population Health | 3/1** |
| Senior Nursing Capstone | 0/3** |
| Advancing to Professional Practice | 3 |
| Leadership and Management in Professional Nursing Practice | 3 |
| Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Nursing | 3 |
| Total Nursing Credits: 65 Total Credits needed for BSN: 121 |
** Denotes a clinical course. The first number refers to the didactic portion and the second number to the clinical portion.
Students need 121 total credits (General Education, Prerequisite, and Nursing courses) for a BSN degree, with a minimum of 30 credits from Shenandoah University.
Learning support services are available to all Shenandoah students, including free peer tutoring, a Writing Center, and a Math Enrichment Center. Professors and Academic Advisors also offer extensive support to ensure student success.
Learning Support Services at Shenandoah
Meet Our Expert Nursing Faculty
We pride ourselves on a low faculty-student ratio, ensuring personalized attention in small classes and clinical groups. This fosters a close-knit, collaborative community among nursing students, faculty, and clinical preceptors.
Shenandoah University is known for the strong bonds between students and professors. You will benefit from close mentorship from faculty both inside and outside the classroom, a hallmark of our nursing education.
Our experienced and practicing faculty are committed to providing the academic foundation needed to meet the evolving standards of the nursing profession. They cultivate an environment where you can be inquisitive, grow professionally, and excel in your nursing studies.
Lesley McCorry, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs at Loudoun, Shenandoah University Nursing Faculty.
Meet Lesley McCorry, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs at Loudoun, and explore our full Nursing Faculty.
Explore Related Graduate Programs
Advance your nursing career further by pursuing a graduate degree at Shenandoah University, with tuition discounts available for SU alumni:
Application Information for the ABSN Program
Shenandoah University operates on rolling admissions and accepts applications throughout the year. We review applications individually and holistically.
Submit your application, review admissions requirements, and learn more about ABSN / Transfer Admissions Information.
Application Information
“I chose to attend Shenandoah University after I came to the Loudoun location for a tour. Almost immediately, I felt a strong sense of community and belonging. In conversations I had that day with current students and professors, it was evident that the professors were so supportive of their students and made themselves readily available at any time of the day to ensure their student’s success in their classes. I can still remember a specific conversation I had with a professor where he said, ‘Yes, the program is hard, but we get through it together.’ Having faculty support was extremely important to me coming into an accelerated nursing program, where I knew the intense rigor of the program and accelerated speed would be a challenge. I felt supported on this nursing school journey by faculty and staff every step of the way – without their continued support, I would not be where I am today!”
Maeve Mulvanerty ’21
Assured Graduate Program Admission for BSN Alumni
Starting Fall 2024, Shenandoah University’s Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing offers assured graduate program admission to BSN and MSN alumni interested in pursuing an MSN, post-master’s specialty certificate, or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
Alumni must meet minimum admission criteria for the MSN, post-master’s, and DNP programs and submit an application by the deadline. Applying by the priority deadline of February 15 is strongly encouraged to secure cohort placement.
School of Nursing alumni are guaranteed entry into these graduate programs:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) MSN
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) MSN
- Nurse-Midwifery (NM) MSN
- All Post-Master’s Certificates – FNP, PMHNP, NM
- Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
For more information about this benefit and our graduate programs, contact Associate Dean of Graduate Nursing Programs Robbie McCauley, DNP, at [email protected].
*BSN program students must graduate, obtain their RN license, and complete 2080 direct patient care hours before starting specialty courses.
Financial Aid Options for ABSN Students
FAFSA: Many students remain eligible for federal loan assistance through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Shenandoah University’s Office of Financial Aid can assess your eligibility.
Scholarships & Loans: ABSN students are eligible for transfer scholarships and need-based scholarships. Additional aid includes the Federal Nursing Loan program and private loans. Contact Shenandoah financial aid at [email protected] for federal program eligibility or explore private lender options at https://choice.fastproducts.org/FastChoice/home/373700.
Employer Assistance: Check with your employer’s human resources department about potential tuition assistance benefits. Payment plans are also available to divide tuition into four or five installments per semester.
Additional Aid and Loan Forgiveness: Dependent ABSN students may have parents apply for a parent PLUS Loan at https://studentaid.gov. Virginia residents who earned their first bachelor’s degree in Virginia or out-of-state may qualify for the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant.
Furthermore, some nurses may qualify for state or federal loan forgiveness programs post-graduation. Learn more about the federal program at https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service#qualifying-employment.
