Accelerated Online Bachelor's to BSN

The Accelerated Online Bachelor’s to BSN Program at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh began with a pilot cohort in May 2003, after two years of planning. This innovative program, the first of its kind in the country, allows individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree and have met rigorous admission criteria to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 12 months.

Theory courses are offered online, and clinical rotations are completed in the student’s home community, guided one-on-one by nurse preceptors and supervised by clinical faculty.

Students must meet admission requirements and complete all academic prerequisites before beginning the program. Admission to the program is highly competitive. Admitted individuals represent a strong cadre of nursing students.

The accelerated BSN program currently has two cohorts. One runs from May to May, and the other from October to October. Students take one course at a time and progress through the program as a cohort.

The program is completed at a rate of one credit per week. Since the rapid pace demands a full-time commitment to academics, students are required to agree in writing to forgo all employment during the entire program.

During the program, students have a total of three weeks of campus residency, during which they complete intensive skills and health assessment labs, the first clinical rotation and a capstone experience.

The accelerated nursing program utilizes innovative technology, including Second Life, to provide unique immersion learning experiences. Students participate in online discussions and exercise their clinical knowledge in virtual classrooms and laboratory settings.

Next class: October 2010 - October 2011

Application for the October 2010 Cohort

Application deadline: March 19, 2010
Recommendation Form

The Accelerated Online Bachelor’s to BSN Program IS:

Innovative: The accelerated online nursing program utilizes a one-on-one, precepted clinical model and cutting-edge technology including Second Life.
Rigorous: Courses are completed at the rate of one credit per week with few days off throughout the program year. Students must meet high academic standards.
Successful: The attrition rate is less than 3%; the NCLEX first-attempt pass rate is well above the national average. The program consistently graduates well-prepared new nurses who are able to quickly take on the professional role.
Accredited: The accelerated BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The Accelerated Online Bachelor’s to BSN Program IS NOT:

Self-paced: The entire cohort progresses through the curriculum together. Students must adhere to strict due dates.
Self-directed: Although the coursework requires a significant amount of independent work, courses are always closely guided by the course instructor in a highly structured online class.
Easy: Coursework is rigorous to best prepare competent new nurses. Students typically spend 8-12 hours on coursework each day.

Contact Information

Sue Clark, Adviser/Recruiter
Nursing Education 307
(920) 424-7215
ona@uwosh.edu

Accelerated Online BSN Program Office
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Nursing/Education 306
800 Algoma Boulevard
Oshkosh, WI 54901-8660
(920) 424-3096
on@uwosh.edu