Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) - Accelerated

The Caylor School of Nursing offers three options to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree: the BSN Option, the ABSN option, and the RN-BSN Option (see following pages). 

The end-of-program student learning outcomes state the graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program will: 

• incorporate knowledge from the humanities, arts, social, and natural sciences into nursing as a basis for decision making in the delivery of care, 
• apply a variety of leadership concepts such as quality improvement, nursing skills, and decision making to provide, coordinate, and oversee safe, quality nursing care, 
• apply evidence-based practice and participate in the evaluation of the most current research, 
• assimilate data from relevant sources which include technology and patient information systems to plan and document care and adhere to the ethical standards related to data security and confidentiality, 
• demonstrate basic knowledge of health care policy including financial and regulatory environments to manage resources and time to achieve patient and organizational outcomes, 
• use effective communication and collaboration as a member of the interprofessional health care team to advocate for and provide high quality and safe patient care, 
• promote health adaptation and disease prevention for individuals, families, groups, and communities, 
• adhere to standards of professional practice and be accountable for his/her own actions and behaviors and provide culturally competent nursing care within legal, ethical, and regulatory bodies, 
• be prepared to deliver safe, effective, and efficient nursing care to individuals, families, support systems, groups, communities, and populations across the lifespan in today’s complex health care environment. 

ABSN Option 

A student must successfully complete a total of 122 credit hours to be eligible for graduation; 75 general education credit hours (57 which will have been earned through a previous bachelor's degree and 18 hours of required general education courses specific to nursing) and 47 nursing credit hours. The student will complete the program in three terms: Term I (Summer), Term II (Fall), and Term III (Spring). Graduates of the ABSN Option are eligible to apply to write the NCLEX-RN through the state Board of Nursing in which they plan to practice. The Board of Nursing has the right to deny licensure to practice nursing to individuals guilty of crime, unprofessional conduct, or incompetence. Direct any questions regarding eligibility to take the licensing examination to the Board of Nursing in the state in which the student wishes to be registered. The specific rules related to eligibility for the licensing may be found as follows: TN Rule 1000-01-.13, (2-5); FL Rule Section 464.008, F.S.; KY Rule 201KAR20:070.

Please be aware that in certain academic programs requiring internship or placement, an additional criminal background check, and an chain of custody urine drug screen (in addition to the one required with the medical profile), may be required by affiliate agencies and organizations. If required, these tests would be at the student’s expense. 

ABSN Option Admission Requirements 

Students must first be admitted to the University before formally applying for admission to the BSN program. Admission to the University, however, does not guarantee admission to the BSN program. Admission to the program is competitive. Factors considered include: cumulative grade point average, ACT/SAT scores, grades/grade point average in required BSN Degree Core Curriculum courses, number of repeated courses and withdrawals, and grade improvement over time. The Admissions Committee will review all applicants’ materials. Applicants will be considered based on admission criteria. Interviews may be conducted. 

Any omission, false, or misleading information on the application related to prior admission to a nursing school will preclude the student from being considered for admission or will result in the student being dismissed from the program. 

Admission criteria for the BSN Option include: 

• Admission to LMU. 
• Formal application for admission to the CSON ABSN Option Program. 
• Satisfactory completion of general education and program course requirements (non-degree holding transfer students may take LNCN 100 and CIVX 300 at any time during the nursing program, or prior to matriculation). 
• Submission of official academic transcripts from all postsecondary schools attended. 
• Completion of BIOL 230 with lab, BIOL 261 with lab, BIOL 262 with lab, PSYC 221, and MATH 270, with grades no lower than “C”. 
• Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 or higher. 
• Completed medical profile form. 

Prior to beginning the ABSN nursing program the student must submit: 

• A completed physical examination form. 
• Evidence of a negative chain of custody urine drug screen and background check. 
• Current negative two-step TST or blood assay for Mycobac. Tuberc. with a completed TB Risk Assessment form; Rubella, Rubeola & Mumps titer or documentation of 2 MMR vaccines; Varicella titer or immunization with Varicella vaccine; Flu immunization; COVID immunization; Hepatitis B immunization series; and proof of Tdap booster within the past 10 years. 
• Current CPR certification (must be Healthcare provider and include adult, child and infant training). 
• Proof of medical insurance coverage. 
• Completed and signed Student Essential Functions Form. 

Core Curriculum Requirements for Baccalaureate Degree Program 

Students enrolled in the ABSN Option of the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program must complete 75 general education credit hours. Students admitted to the program must have earned a Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) and will be required to meet the five general education program requirements if not obtained already. These include: PSYC 221, MATH 270, BIOL 230 with lab, BIOL 261 with lab, and BIOL 262 with lab.

No student may begin the ABSN Option until all general education and program requirements are met.