Frequently Asked Questions
If you don’t find the answers to your questions here, contact your Rockhurst University (RU) enrollment adviser and schedule a time to talk that’s convenient for you.
An Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program caters to those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree who seek a career change into nursing. A second-degree BSN presents a faster and more cost-effective path to attaining the status of a registered nurse compared to traditional four-year BSN programs. Rockhurst’s Online ABSN program provides vital nursing education and training in a 16-month timeframe, equipping students for the NCLEX exam and their nursing careers.
How do I become a registered nurse?
To become a registered nurse, you need to complete a nursing education program and pass the NCLEX exam. For those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree, a second-degree BSN program offers an accelerated pathway to becoming an RN. After graduation, you will get paired with a faculty member to meet weekly for 1:1 NCLEX coaching. After passing the NCLEX exam, you can apply for state licensure and begin your nursing career. In 2023, Rockhurst University’s BSN graduates had a 97% NCLEX pass rate.
What is the demand for nurses with a BSN degree?
The demand for nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of RNs will increase by 9% by 2030, which is higher than the national average of 8% for all occupations. Many healthcare settings, including 77% of hospitals, prefer to hire registered nurses with a BSN, according to the AACN. BSN-prepared nurses are equipped with a higher level of education and skills, making them well-prepared to provide quality patient care.
How much does a registered nurse make?
The median salary for registered nurses is around $77,600, according to the BLS. The salary of an RN can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, education level and the specific healthcare facility or setting. Due to an aging population, healthcare advancements, and the evolving nature of the industry, BSN degree holders have better career prospects, opportunities for advancement and the ability to pursue specialized nursing roles.
Is RU’s Hybrid ABSN program accredited?
The Hybrid ABSN is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Rockhurst University and Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Are clinical placement services provided?
Yes. Clinical placement services are built into the cost of the program. A dedicated Rockhurst placement coordinator will identify an appropriate site and preceptor within a reasonable driving distance from where you live.
How long will it take for me to complete RU’s ABSN program?
This rigorous program is intended for full-time study. Students should not expect to work while enrolled in this program, which takes 16 months to complete.
Is RU’s ABSN faculty experienced?
You will learn from active clinicians who bring real-world experience into the online classroom. As trusted Rockhurst faculty members, they are committed to your success as a new nurse.
What happens during the 10-day on-campus residency?
During the required 10-day on-campus residency, students will gain needed clinical experience and hands-on training with feedback from faculty. Learn more about the on-campus residency experience.
Campus Residency for ABSN Students
During the first semester, Hybrid ABSN students will attend Rockhurst’s campus in Kansas City, Missouri for 10 days of clinical instruction and direct patient care. In this immersive clinical experience, students will:
- Receive hands-on instruction from Rockhurst faculty.
- Practice their skills.
- Complete high- and low-fidelity simulation.
- Demonstrate competencies in various critical elements.
Students will also have direct patient care experience through clinical rotations, conducted in small groups, under the direct supervision of University faculty. These clinical experiences will expose students to the spheres of care in which professional nurses need expertise, such as skilled nursing, hospice, and long-term, acute care settings.
Following the campus residency, students will return home for the remainder of the program to continue their online coursework. Additionally, they will complete the rest of their clinical hours at a predetermined site under the direct supervision of a licensed RN preceptor and the indirect supervision of a Rockhurst clinical faculty supervisor.
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