r/ABSN

i need advice. i was accepted into an 11 month accelerated absn program. i have my first bachelors in health sciences where i completed all of my pre reqs. too be honest, i bullshitted my entire 4 years at that school i don’t remember much at all from A&P 1 and 2, micro, or literally anything else. I rarely studied i just got by and somehow got okay grades. my entire life i wanted to be a nurse but i got mixed up with the wrong people in college and fell into some bad habits and a lot of drinking.

the school i was accepted into is 60k…. im taking a partial private loan, putting in my ENTIRE life savings, and my parents are paying a little. so there is a lot riding on this and if i fail out my life will be absolutely horrible. and i can’t afford to move out so i have to commute ~1 hour every day.

i want to be a nurse literally more than anything and i can definitely say i’ve matured, and quit drinking. but i am terrified no matter how hard i try i will still fail out because i don’t remember much from pre reqs and did not develop good study habits.

please give honest advice if i should go.

edit: the issue is my worry of failing out, not the loans.

I just started an ABSN program and what I want to do is use Claude to create a prompt/skill to use for every course. Mind you, I've never used Claude but I want to, to work smarter not harder and get more studying done. My school actually allows us to use AI and encourages us to help us to study. For instance, I just started taking Patho but I want to use my A&P and Microbio PDF textbooks to go over the body systems and how they work normally and compare that to the abnormal diagnosis I learn in Patho, and just build on each topic weekly with active recall while also providing me with NCLEX style questions to gauge my learning/studying. I learn visually with diagrams, labeling, mnemonics, charts, and videos. Would anyone be able to help me with this prompt in terms of wording so I can apply it to the rest of my courses also? TIA!!

I have a 3.003 health science bachelors degree. I could go to chamberlain but it will take almost 3 years. I have taken biology, chemistry, microbiology, psychology, and stats for pre recs. I still need to take both anatomy courses.

Does anyone have any schools that I would have a shot at getting into, or is chamberlain my best option? My microbiology credit expires in the spring. Midwest preferred

Hi. Does everyone using the NursingCAS site to apply to programs?

Today was Instant Decision Day today at Samuel Merritt University and I received my acceptance in the Fall 2026 ABSN cohort!! I’m super excited and eager to get started on my next steps. There were only about 10-15 people that showed up, I know that’s not indicative of the class size, but I’m hoping for one on the smaller size.

I worked very hard at completing my prerequisites before the application deadline and I’m happy to see that all my hard work paid off. Now I’m can simply relax until first day of class (November 9th).

Did any of you apply online, but didn’t come to the Instant Decision Day?? I wanna get to know my future classmates 😌😌😌

Hi! I already have a bachelor’s degree and I’m looking for a second-degree nursing program in the Bay Area. I’m trying to apply pretty broadly and would love to hear what programs people think I have a realistic shot at.
My stats:
3.96 overall GPA
4.0 science GPA
93% TEAS
Bachelor’s degree
Phlebotomy certification (currently working as mobile phlebotomist)
Working full time as MA and Phlebotomist at a Medical Spa

I’ve completed the usual nursing prerequisites, but some of my prerequisites/labs were taken online, so I know that limits some programs.

I’m considering Samuel Merritt’s ABSN, but the ~$100k cost is really making me hesitate. I already have some student loans from my first degree, and with how competitive the Bay Area new grad RN market seems right now, taking on that much additional debt makes me nervous.

I’m completely open to ADN programs, ABSNs, second-degree BSNs, Masters programs or other pathways that lead to RN licensure. I’d ideally like to stay around 2–2.5 years or less and would strongly prefer something more affordable than SMU.
I’m mainly looking around San Jose, Fremont, the Peninsula, and San Francisco, but I’m open to other Bay Area options if the program is worth it.

I’ve been looking at SFSU as well, but I recently spoke with someone who had a 4.0 prerequisite GPA and a 92% TEAS who didn’t get in, so I’m realizing even strong stats don’t make these programs a guarantee.

What Bay Area nursing programs would you recommend I apply to with my stats? I’m especially interested in hearing about affordable ADN/public programs that accept online prerequisites, or any programs I might be overlooking. Ty!!

Hey guys, I’ve been thinking about applying to this school but I’m worried I don’t have the right stats for it, the very few things I could find on here ab concordia/ applicants most people had at least plenty of healthcare experience hours. I’m worried about the letter of recommendations honestly and I’ve only accumulated about 200 volunteer hours at Kaiser. Has anyone applied with less than ideal stats and got in? I’m not really worried ab gpa or anything else. I just don’t have a lot of experience nor do I know who to contact about filling out my LORs. Should I try anyway?

Hello, I am a Cna in Pleasanton. I have a bachelors degree. I want to be an RN. I have my prerequisites done. I just need to finish the TEAS. I am interested in applying to sf state ABSN. It’s just I don’t know if I’m gonna get in or not. Does anyone know another way I can become an RN fast? Or of any other ABSN schools near me in Livermore?? I need advice!

Hello Everyone!
I am currently starting general pre-reqs in the fall for both ABSN and MEPN programs. I am in the Bay Area, and am just wondering which one might be more worth it. Obviously they’re both expensive there’s no negotiating that, but I am wondering which would be best to pursue. I have a bachelors in sociology, working as an admin now and realized this isn’t what I want anymore. My fiancé currently works at a hospital and tbh, he really inspired me to pursue healthcare. Just wondering if anyone has gone through something like this. Debating both options and what did you go with or what do you recommended ? ☻ Thanks and sorry for ranting lol

Hello everyone, I’m 50 y/o and applied for summer 2027 ABSN. Currently finishing all the pre reqs online and so far I’m getting good grades -A’s. I hold two degrees 1 from out of the country and 1 here in the US. I’m also a private caregiver caring for ALS patients on ventilator and tracheostomy for more than a decade now which ignited my passion to pursue clinical nursing.
I’m a little concerned about the intensity of ABSN whether I am able to cope with rigorous, condensed class. I get overwhelmed now easily but I can focus when needed. I don’t intend to work while in the program so I could focus. It’s been a dream for me to be a full fledge nurse and I love caring for people. I also feel like I’m becoming a bad test taker ugh I think it comes with age.
Any suggestion? I also would not consider traditional BSN since I’m on my fifties, I can’t do 3-4 years of studying. Please advise, and be kind 😊
Thank you 🙏🏽

Heyy im trying to with my options and is there a difference in the pay as a nurse with ASN VS BSN because I want to do an online course cuz I have a degree in another field. But im weighing the time, debt, and pay. Ive seen people say get the ASN and let the employer pay for bsn but I I also just want to get it over with and not feel like im going backwards with having to get an associates when I already have a bachelors. Then being in school for another 4 years does not seem appealing to me unless it’s also towards my masters.

Hi! I’m in the process of looking into ABSN programs and I’m coming across a few that are about 1.5+ hours of driving away. I’m wondering if anyone here has decided to go to a program that involves more than 1.5 hours of driving one way, and if so, what factored into your decision? Also, to anyone who has started/finished a program that was a long commute away, do you regret your decision? Was there anything you’d have done differently looking back (e.g. would you have tried to move closer)?

To add, I recognize that in making this decision, the best choice will also depend on personal preferences and commitments. Also, I know that a school being a certain distance away means that the clinical placements could be even further, and I am taking that into consideration as well.

Thank you!

Hi! I'm planning out my prerequisites for ABSN programs and would love some advice about what to take this fall. My top choices right now are Hunter A2D and Mount Sinai, but I'm planning to apply to several NYC-area ABSN programs.
I already have:

I have a 3.6 GPA from my first bachelor’s (2025)
General Chemistry + lab — A
Genetics — B+
Statistics — A- (it was psyc. stats)
Writing/English- A
AP Psychology (2021) - 4 (I also minored in psyc. at my first university)
AP Biology — 4 (2020)
Currently taking Developmental/Lifespan Psychology, and I will most likely get an A

I still need some combination of:
A&P I + lab
A&P II + lab
Microbiology + lab
Organic Chemistry + lab (Hunter)
Nutrition
Ethics (Mount Sinai)

I'm trying to decide which 3–4 classes to take in Fall 2026. My main goal is to have enough prerequisites completed to be competitive and apply this winter, while also not overloading myself with too many difficult lab sciences at once.

My biggest complication is Microbiology. I don't currently meet the prerequisites for many CUNY Microbiology courses since I never took Bio II. After A&P I, I should be eligible for Hunter's Microbiology, but I'm nervous about relying on getting a seat. I've considered taking Biology II or Microbiology on Portage Learning to fix this problem but I am worried about time, and if the schools will reliably accpet the credit.

One option I'm considering is:
Fall: A&P I + lab, Organic Chemistry + lab, Nutrition, and Ethics
Winter: possibly Biology II or another remaining prerequisite
Spring: A&P II + lab and Microbiology + lab

If you were in my position, what would you prioritize this fall?
Would you do A&P I + Orgo + Nutrition + Ethics, try to get Microbiology done this fall instead, or structure it completely differently?

I’m currently comparing my options for nursing school and would really appreciate some advice. Galen’s program is approximately 30 months, and given the cost, I’m trying to understand what makes the program “accelerated” compared with other options. If the nursing portion itself is around 24 months, I’m wondering if there are better routes I should consider.
I have approximately 15 months available, so I’m considering retaking some prerequisite courses and applying to a true 15-month accelerated BSN program. Another option would be pursuing an ADN, which would be more affordable, and then applying for a BSN program afterward.
For those who have taken either route, which option would you recommend based on cost, time, and overall career outcome? I’d really appreciate any advice or experiences you can share.

Just finished pre reqs for ABSN programs, my target school s application is due end of January 2027. I don’t have any previous work experience with patients, I am wondering what jobs people are applying with? I have some volunteer experience in hospice/assisted living centers, I volunteered with my school with dementia and Alzheimer’s residents doing activities to help with cognitive function, but lack patient care experience. Wondering what jobs others had when applying to programs as well as any recommendations that don’t require any previous experience or minimal training/certification, I know CNA is popular but programs around me are about $2,000 or would finish just before my application is due.

Hello!!! Has anyone here taken two or more of their ABSN prerequisites through Portage Learning?

I already know that the programs I’m considering accept Portage courses, but I’m wondering more about the application itself.

Did having multiple prerequisites from Portage affect your application in any way, or was it completely fine?

Thank you! 👍🏻

Hello! After years of working in the healthcare field as a Medical Assistant, I realize that I want to become a RN. I took all the prerequisites that are required in most of the programs. I just want to know if I have a chance of getting in.

My overall GPA is a 3.3

My science GPA is a 3.0.

I spent six years working as a Medical Assistant (while going to school as well)

The most common prerequisites required is:

Anatomy and Physiology I with lab (Grade B)

Anatomy and Physiology II with lab (Grade C)

General Chemistry I (Grade B)

Microbiology with lab (Grade A-)

I do plan on taking Lifespan Human Development and retaking Anatomy and Physiology II in the fall semester.

I really want to apply to Stony Brook, Binghamton (that is where i went to college during undergrad), DeSales University, Moravian University so far

Hi! I’m planning on applying to ABSN programs in January 2027 for fall 2027 start. I’m applying to a handful of schools and some require or have optional personal statements. I’m just curious since it’s been about 6 years since I wrote my college essay, what exactly should be going into these statements? I plan to address the not so great grades I received freshman year but I have an upward trajectory (deans list almost every semester after) and why I want to go nursing route. But I’m curious as to how in depth or “personal” the statement should be and phrasing. Any tips, insights or tools to help would be fantastic! Thank you!!

Hello don’t hate on me I know I screwed up. I did not take my chem lab because my advisor said it was not necessary for my pathway to an accelerated nursing program. I was wondering if anyone knows of ABSN programs without chem lab as a pre-req. looking into taking just the lab but want to have backups. Goal school is USF

Hey all. So I am currently in a 16-month ABSN program. I have survived the first 2 semesters and now I'm about to enter my 3rd, out of 4 semesters.

We have an exam, sometimes 2, every week. That's not a problem, I pass all of it. Here's where it becomes tricky, once that exam is over, I have to move on and learn a different topic. The final exam is cumulative of everything we learned, and I almost don't remember most of it if. Needless to say, I'd still pass my classes regardless of the finals because I have established a good foundation for my grades. But I am worried for the long term, I'm scared I'm not going to pass the NCLEX when I graduate and this is how it went.

I know I should study more, and NCLEX is a long way to go. But I'm wondering if anyone else felt like this? It's like I'm trying to survive every week, and doing adrenaline learning, but hard to retain.