Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

Application Open for Cohort Beginning Fall 2025

The application for the fall 2025 cohort is now open. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with interviews beginning in October. Candidates are encouraged to apply early.

Accelerated Nursing Program in Ohio

A rewarding, in-demand career in nursing awaits you. If you have a bachelor's degree, Baldwin Wallace's accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can put you in a rewarding new career in just 15 months. Through a combination of classroom rigor and comprehensive clinical rotations, you'll gain leadership, communication, critical thinking and clinical skills suited to today's complex healthcare system. Upon completion, you'll be prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

ABSN Student

Students enter BW's accelerated BSN with many academic and professional backgrounds. However, all students must have successfully completed specific prerequisite coursework. Individuals interested in studying nursing who do not have a bachelor's degree may qualify for Baldwin Wallace's undergraduate, four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

You'll learn from professors who are nurses with years of clinical as well as academic experience. You'll develop a compassionate, holistic and team approach to patient care while gaining the skills to prepare you for leadership roles in nursing.

Accredited Nursing Program

The baccalaureate degree in nursing at Baldwin Wallace University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Ranked #2 Nursing Program in Ohio

BW's nursing program was named second best in Ohio according to rankings released by Nursing Schools Almanac.

ABSN Highlights

Outstanding NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

Graduates of the Baldwin Wallace University Accelerated BSN enjoy a superior passage rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). On average, the first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN licensure exam is 94%.

Concept-Based Curriculum, Workplace Focused

BW employs concept-based learning, a dynamic approach that focuses on key concepts that can be applied to multiple clinical settings. As a result, nursing students develop a deep understanding of interrelated concepts and how to organize information in logical ways. In the workplace, they are collaborative, team-oriented problem solvers. BW graduates enter healthcare organizations as nurses who are versatile and skilled across multiple platforms - care provider, designer and manager - and are poised for career advancement.

Curriculum

BW's accelerated bachelor of science in nursing is an intensive 15-month track that requires 63 credit hours. Students complete the ABSN in just four semesters, including summer. New cohorts begin each August.

This is an intensive, full-time commitment with a demanding schedule of courses and clinical experiences throughout the 15 months. Due to the rigor and demands of the didactic coursework and laboratories, clinical practice experiences, ongoing homework and studying, accelerated BSN students should not plan to work during their enrollment.

View required courses in the University catalog.

Mission Statement

As a center for innovative nursing education, the mission of Baldwin Wallace University department of nursing is to provide outstanding learning opportunities for students who desire to acquire evidenced-based knowledge encompassing the art and science of nursing practice. Graduates will assimilate into their respective professional roles and achieve the competencies required, thus contributing to the profession of nursing and well-being of society.

Clinical Affiliations

BW's outstanding reputation across Northeast Ohio's healthcare hub gives you clinical opportunities with world-renowned research hospitals and medical centers - Cleveland Clinic, Southwest General Health Center, University Hospitals, Educational Service Center of Medina County and Eliza Jennings.

Approval and Accreditation Status

The Baldwin Wallace University Accelerated BSN is fully approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN).

The baccalaureate degree in nursing at Baldwin Wallace University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

National Student Nurses Association (NSNA)

BW nursing students have the opportunity to join the NSNA. The mission of the NSNA is to:

Bring together and mentor students preparing for initial licensure as registered nurses, as well as those enrolled in baccalaureate completion programs.
Convey the standards and ethics of the nursing profession.
Promote development of the skills that students will need as responsible and accountable members of the nursing profession.
Advocate for high quality, evidence-based, affordable and accessible health care.
Advocate for and contribute to advances in nursing education.
Develop nursing students who are prepared to lead the profession in the future.

ABSN Prerequisites

Prerequisites

BW's accelerated BSN has seven prerequisite courses that must be completed prior to enrollment. Students must take these courses through a regionally accredited college or university within the United States and they must be completed within seven years of your intended ABSN program start date.

While a grade of C or better is required in all prerequisite courses, candidates must have a cumulative prerequisite GPA of 3.0 to be considered for admission. The admission committee may request course descriptions and/or syllabi for additional consideration.

Please note, candidates may apply and have their applications reviewed by the admission committee while they are still in the process of completing their prerequisites.

Program Prerequisites

Human anatomy and physiology I with lab
Human anatomy and physiology II with lab
Microbiology with lab
General Chemistry I with lab
General Chemistry II with lab
Nutrition
College Mathematics

Candidates still completing prerequisite coursework may apply

Candidates may apply and have their applications reviewed by the admission committee while they are still in the process of completing their prerequisites. In some cases, candidates may be conditionally admitted pending successful completion of their prerequisites. All prerequisite courses must be completed by early August before the start of the program.

Regionally Accredited College or University

The prerequisite courses must have been completed within the last seven years at a regionally accredited college or university in the United States. The science prerequisites must contain lab components to be considered.

International candidates who have completed medical programs in other countries must complete the prerequisite coursework at a regionally accredited institution in the U.S.

Please refer to the following guides for assistance in planning prerequisite course completion:

Seven-Year Time Limit

All prerequisite courses are to be completed within the last seven years, and candidates must have a working knowledge of these courses. For candidates seeking admission to the fall 2025 cohort, prerequisite must be completed in spring 2018 or later.

Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2

Not all schools offer A&P as a combined two-course sequence with labs. One semester of human anatomy with lab and one semester of human physiology with lab may be substituted for the two combined anatomy and physiology courses with labs.

Courses in comparative anatomy, mammalian anatomy and physiology and/or vertebrate anatomy will not meet the prerequisite requirement of human anatomy and physiology. Likewise, courses such as anatomy and physiology for non-science majors, anatomy and physiology for physical education majors and anatomy and physiology for non-health science majors will not meet the Baldwin Wallace nursing prerequisite requirement.

Chemistry Coursework

Candidates are required to take two chemistry courses along with labs to meet the ABSN prerequisites. The recommended sequence is General Chemistry 1 and General Chemistry 2 with labs; however, other chemistry courses may be considered with approval from the admission committee. These courses may include: Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Foundations of Chemistry, Introduction to Chemistry, etc. For questions regarding your chemistry coursework, please contact the office of admission at graduate@bw.edu.

Retaking Prerequisites

When a student has retaken courses for a better grade or to meet the seven-year time limit, both the original and retaken grade will be included in the ABSN GPA calculation, and BW will make note of the better grade. Preference will be given to candidates who have no more than two attempts per prerequisite.

No previous credit replaces or transfers into the accelerated BSN curriculum

No previous coursework will transfer to replace courses in the BW nursing program. There will be no advanced standing permitted in the accelerated BSN.

Additional recommended coursework

While not required for admission, these recommended courses may strengthen a candidate's application and support successful performance:

Medical terminology
Pathophysiology
Introduction to pharmacology
Abnormal psychology
Medical ethics

Admission

The accelerated BSN enrolls a new cohort each August. Admission to the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) is selective. Candidates are evaluated on a rolling basis with application review for each cohort beginning up to a year in advance.

Selection is based on a combination of factors including academic performance (GPA), letters of recommendation, personal statement, life/work experience, and an interview with the admission committee. Candidates must have a cumulative GPA of 2.8 (4.0 scale) and a prerequisite GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) to apply.

Candidates have degrees from all academic areas but must have completed the required prerequisites prior to enrollment. All collegiate coursework will be considered during the admission review process. While a minimum GPA of 2.8 is required to apply, the average GPA of students selected for admission is above a 3.0.

Application Process and Deadlines

The application for the fall 2025 cohort is now open. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with interviews beginning in October. Candidates are encouraged to apply early to receive priority application review and interview preference.

Apply Now

Official College Transcripts

Official transcripts from each college/university you listed in the Colleges Attended section of your application must be sent directly to Baldwin Wallace from your college’s registrar by mail or electronically through Credentials Solutions, Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse.

Sending electronically:

Electronic transcripts should be sent to admit@bw.edu.

Sending by mail:

Admission Office
Baldwin Wallace University
275 Eastland Road
Berea, OH 44017

*BW transcripts for current or former students will automatically be obtained by the office of admission at no cost.

Please note:

Candidates with degrees earned from foreign institutions must have a course-by-course evaluation completed with degree verification by an approved credential evaluation service as part of the application process. BW has approved the following credential evaluation services: Education Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, SpanTran and World Education Services (WES). This evaluation must be sent directly to BW from the credential evaluation service to be considered official.

Provide a Resume

An updated resume/CV is required as part of your BW application. Your resume/CV should also include:

Academic degrees
Leadership and community involvement
Healthcare-related experience (if applicable)
Employment history (if applicable)

Provide Two Professional Recommendations

Recommenders should be familiar with your achievements and goals in terms of leadership, motivation and dependability, potential for growth, communication skills, character and integrity. We encourage recommendations to come from employment/internship managers or supervisors, college professors, or academic advisors.

Please note: Recommendations will not be accepted from any member of your family, a spouse/partner, or close friend, even if they work in the healthcare field.

Applications received by the University without two recommendations following the above guidelines will be considered incomplete. It is in your best interest to avoid that delay in processing your application by giving your references ample time and following up on their progress.

Essay

As part of the application, BW requires candidates to respond to an essay prompt. Your essay response serves as a writing sample and helps the admission committee become acquainted with you in ways different from courses, grades and other objective data. It demonstrates your ability to organize your thoughts and express yourself.

International Candidates

Clinical training and experience from another country brings depth to a candidate's application but does not satisfy or waive prerequisite and application requirements.

Prerequisite Courses

All prerequisite courses must be taken at a regionally accredited college or university in the United States within the last seven years.

Foreign Transcripts

Candidates with degrees earned from foreign institutions must have a course-by-course evaluation completed with degree verification by an approved credential evaluation service as part of the application process. BW has approved the following credential evaluation services: Education Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, SpanTran and World Education Services (WES). This evaluation must be sent directly to BW from the credential evaluation service to be considered official.

English Proficiency Requirement

Upon initial application review, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam may be required if English is a second language. Minimum TOEFL score (IBT 79, CBT 213, PBT 550) or IELTS (composite 6.5) must be achieved. Register to take the TOEFL.

Financial Support

Students intending to enroll on an F-1 visa must submit the Certification of Financial Support form to showcase financial ability to cover direct program costs while studying at Baldwin Wallace University. Students must submit this completed form before Baldwin Wallace will issue an I-20. Please review the Instructions for Completing the International Student Certification of Financial Support form for additional information.

Questions?

For questions regarding international credentials, please contact the office of admission at graduate@bw.edu.

Interview By Invitation

The Accelerated BSN has an interview process with members of the admission committee and BW's nursing program. After successful review of submitted application credentials, qualified candidates will be invited to begin the interview process. An invitation to interview for the Accelerated BSN does not guarantee admission.

Previous Nursing Program Candidates

The Previous Nursing Education Program Evaluation Form is REQUIRED by the Admission Committee if you are currently enrolled or have attended another nursing program/school but did not graduate.

Additionally, due to the unique approach to teaching and learning employed throughout the nursing program, no transfer credit is accepted.

Criminal Record

When applying for admission to the accelerated BSN, candidates are asked whether they have ever been found guilty of a misdemeanor or felony that was not expunged or sealed. Candidates with a criminal record that has not been expunged or sealed are not eligible for enrollment in the nursing program at Baldwin Wallace University.

All students who enroll in the nursing program are required to complete both a civilian and a federal background check through the Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation (BCI&I). Forms and details will be provided to all students who qualify for admission to the program. Students will also be required to complete both the civilian and federal background checks in preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Although students with an expunged record may be eligible for enrollment and clinical placement in BW's program, an expunged or sealed record may impact a student's eligibility to qualify for a professional license following completion of the program. Eligibility for a professional license varies by state and may be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the professional licensing board.

Tuition & Costs

Tuition & Costs

Comprehensive Program Costs (2024-25)

The comprehensive cost of the 2024-25 accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing program is $41,400 for the entire 15-month, 63-credit-hour program. The program cost includes tuition and fees for the following:

Textbooks
Two uniform sets and a lab coat
Stethoscope
Consumable laboratory supplies
HESI Exit Exam (first test) testing fee
Malpractice insurance
Parking fee

Note: Tuition for students who entered the ABSN program in a previous cohort will remain at the rate quoted when they started.

Accelerated BSN Alumni Award

BW alumni who enroll in this program are eligible for the Accelerated BSN Alumni Award.

Scholarships Through Choose Ohio First STEM Healthcare Scholars Program

The BW Choose Ohio First STEM Healthcare Scholars program is open to any Ohio resident entering Baldwin Wallace as a graduate student in one of our healthcare programs. Students are eligible to apply for the Choose Ohio First scholarship, which awards substantial annual, renewable financial support.

Financial Assistance

Students use a variety of options to cover costs, and must also consider living expenses during the 15 months. As a post-baccalaureate program, nursing students do not qualify for federal grants. In addition to personal savings or other outside resources, most nursing students rely heavily on financial assistance through federal direct student loans and private educational loans. Federal loans will not cover the entire cost.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has information on additional education loan and scholarship opportunities for nursing students.

Because of the intensive, accelerated curriculum and schedule, students are strongly encouraged not to seek or continue employment while enrolled.

While the scheduling and coordination of clinical rotations and labs are covered in the comprehensive cost, nursing students will incur additional fees to cover rescheduling costs associated with missed clinicals and labs that must be made up.

FAQs

Admission Questions: When is the application deadline?

The application for the fall 2025 cohort is now open. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with interviews beginning in October. Candidates are encouraged to apply early to receive priority application review and interview preference.

Is there a minimum GPA requirement to apply?

Candidates must have a cumulative GPA of 2.8 (4.0 scale) and a prerequisite GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) to apply. All collegiate coursework will be considered during the admission review process. Meeting the GPA minimum does not guarantee an interview or admission to the accelerated BSN.

Candidates with GPAs below the preferred cumulative 3.0 minimum may be asked to provide additional documentation outlining academic performance during the admission review process.

I completed a graduate program. Will this coursework be considered when calculating the cumulative GPA?

All university coursework, including graduate-level courses, are included when calculating the cumulative GPA.

Is there an interview process?

Qualified candidates are invited to participate in an interview with members of the admission committee and nursing faculty. Being selected for an interview does not guarantee admission. Interviews begin in October and continue throughout the spring semester until the cohort is full.

I am still completing my bachelor's degree and will graduate before the nursing program starts. May I still apply?

Yes. Many candidates apply to the accelerated BSN while still completing their initial undergraduate degrees. Official transcripts depicting degree conferment is required before entering the accelerated BSN.

Which prerequisite courses are required for admission?

Seven prerequisite courses are required and must be completed before the start of the accelerated BSN. Please refer to our prerequisites page for additional information.

I have significant healthcare experience. Can this waive prerequisite requirements?

Currently, there are no waivers in place for prerequisite coursework. All candidates seeking the accelerated BSN must show successful completion of prerequisite coursework by early August prior to the program start.

I earned my bachelor's degree from a foreign institution. What should I do?

Candidates with degrees earned from foreign institutions must have a course-by-course evaluation completed with degree verification by an approved credential evaluation service as part of the application process. BW has approved the following credential evaluation services: Education Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, SpanTran and World Education Services (WES). This evaluation must be sent directly to BW from the credential evaluation service to be considered official.

I previously attended another accredited nursing program. May I apply to BW's accelerated BSN?

Candidates who previously attended another accredited nursing program will be required to submit a supplemental form in addition to other application materials. Please note that no previous coursework will transfer or replace courses within BW's ABSN curriculum. Please contact a member of the admission staff for more details.

Do you require any entrance exams like the TEAS or HESI to apply?

No entrance exams are required as part of the admission process to the accelerated BSN.

I'm a current BW student or graduate. Do I have to request my transcripts?

BW transcripts for current or former students will automatically be obtained by the office of admission at no cost.
Program Specific Questions: How long is the program and when does the program start?

The ABSN is 15 months and a new cohort begins each August. The accelerated BSN is only offered full-time and in person. Courses are taken in sequence throughout the fall, spring and summer semesters.

What degree is awarded upon completion of the program?

Students graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

What is concept-based learning?

The ABSN utilizes concept-based learning, a cutting-edge teaching and learning model that addresses the needs of the profession. Nursing students learn how to organize information in logical ways, thus challenging them to become increasingly skilled at critical thinking.

What can I expect from the clinical rotations?

Each student completes approximately 700 hours of clinical experience, and rotations are set up in groups of six to eight students. BW partners with a variety of healthcare facilities within the region including University Hospitals and Cleveland Clinic. Students will gain valuable hands-on experience within multiple settings including major hospitals, clinics and extended care facilities.

When do classes, labs and clinical rotations take place?

Classes and labs are arranged in a prescribed order during the program and are typically held Monday through Friday during daytime hours. Clinical assignments and community health experiences are scheduled according to the availability of the clinical sites and organizations, and may be held during the day, evening or weekend.

Is transportation provided to clinical sites?

Students are responsible for arranging transportation to classes and clinical assignments.

Can I work while attending this program?

Due to the intensity and rigor, students are encouraged not to work during the duration of this program.

Contact

Admission: Graduate & Professional Studies Admission

(440) 826-8012, graduate@bw.edu
Faculty: Full-Time Faculty

Yvonne M. Smith, Ph.D., APRN-CNS
Chair, Department of Nursing
Professor

Jodi Burdon, D.N.P., R.N., NEA-BC
Associate Professor

Angela Douglas, M.S.N., APRN-CNP, CNE, ATC
Assistant Professor

Yolanda Flenoury, M.S.N., APRN-CNS, CDCES
Traditional BSN Coordinator
Assistant Professor

Diane M. Kocisko, D.N.P., R.N., NPD-BC, C.P.N.
Director of Clinical Education
Assistant Professor

Christine Kuchenrither, D.N.P., R.N.
Accelerated BSN Coordinator
Associate Professor

Christopher Seminatore, M.S.N, MBA, R.N., CEN, EMT-P
Lab Coordinator
Assistant Professor

Adjunct Faculty

Ellen Bertke, M.S.N., MSHA, R.N., CEN, CMSRN
Adjunct Faculty

Linda Butorac, M.S.N., R.N.
Adjunct Faculty

Kristine Coleman, M.S.N.-Ed., R.N.
Adjunct Faculty

Tiffany Colston, M.S.N., AGPCNP
Adjunct Faculty

Alecia Crawford, M.S.N., R.N.
Adjunct Faculty

Andrea DeSapri, M.S.N., RN-BC
Adjunct Faculty

Katherine Donofrio, D.N.P., R.N.
Adjunct Faculty

Kim Firment, M.S.N., R.N.
Adjunct Faculty

Ashley Fisher, M.S.N., R.N.
Adjunct Faculty

Alyssa Ganzke, M.S.N., R.N.
Adjunct Faculty

Jodi Guzman, M.S.N., R.N., CMSRN
Adjunct Faculty

Michael Haase, M.S.N., CNP, FNP-C, L.S.N.
Adjunct Faculty

Kristen Hrabak, M.S.N., R.N., C.P.N., CPST
Adjunct Faculty

Jeffrey James, M.S.N., R.N.
Adjunct Faculty

Tiffany Koziol, M.S.N., R.N.
Adjunct Faculty

Aimee Lane, M.S.N., R.N.
Adjunct Faculty

Justin T. Loew, D.N.P., R.N., CNL
Adjunct Faculty

Sarah Marincic, M.S.N., R.N.
Adjunct Faculty

Kate Menosky, D.N.P., R.N.
Adjunct Faculty

Heather Miles, M.S.N., R.N.
Adjunct Faculty

Monica Miller, M.S.N.-Ed., R.N.
Adjunct Faculty

Lorann Murphy, M.S.N., APMHCNS-BC
Adjunct Faculty

Kathleen Overy, M.S.N., R.N.
Adjunct Faculty

Kate Paulic, M.S.N., R.N.
Adjunct Faculty

Kasja Pinter, D.N.P., R.N.
Adjunct Faculty

Rose Randle, M.S.N.-Ed., R.N.
Adjunct Faculty

Adam Sheaks, M.S.N.-Ed., R.N., C.E.N.
Adjunct Faculty

Roberta Snyder, M.S.N., R.N.
Adjunct Faculty

Monica Stybel, D.N.P., M.H.A., R.N.
Adjunct Faculty

Cherilyn A. Sudar, M.S.N., APRN-BC
Adjunct Faculty

Laura Wray, M.S.N., R.N.
Adjunct Faculty

Adjunct Teaching Assistants

Kathy Felgar, B.S.N., R.N., RNC-INPT-OB, C-EFM-CKC
Adjunct Teaching Assistant

Mallory Frederick, B.S.N., R.N.
Adjunct Teaching Assistant

Martha Nickel, B.S.N., R.N.
Adjunct Teaching Assistant

Daniel Rausch, B.S.N., R.N.
Adjunct Teaching Assistant

Jennifer Schwartz, B.S.N., R.N., R.N.C.
Adjunct Teaching Assistant

Alumni Success

BW nursing alumni are employed in healthcare organizations across Northeast Ohio, including Southwest General Health Center, Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Guidestone, MetroHealth Medical Center, Akron General Medical Center and Akron Children's Hospital in specialties such as medical surgical nursing, trauma nursing, burn care nursing, neonatal intensive care nursing, pediatric nursing, skilled nursing, coronary intensive care nursing and psychiatric nursing. Additional BW graduates are enrolled in nurse practitioner graduate programs.

"I don't regret a single moment in BW’s nursing program. BW's instructors prepared me to provide top-notch patient care and work under pressure, which I experience in the ICU every day."

Cody McNulty '20

Critical Care Registered Nurse
OhioHealth Grant Medical Center

"Transitioning from the military can be intimidating and nerve-racking. Losing a steady income and figuring out how to translate military experience into a viable career in the civilian world can be challenging. BW’s ABSN offered an opportunity to pursue a totally different career in a relatively short amount of time."

Asi Dzietror '19

Surgical Telemetry
Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center

"Clinicals challenged me to think critically about real-world patients, hone assessment skills and put all of the medical pieces together to become a caring nurse who develops better plans, encourages improved outcomes and empowers people to a greater quality of life."

Laura Palazzo '19

High Risk Labor and Delivery Float Pool
University Hospitals

"I most enjoyed the opportunity to learn with a small and diverse group of students. Everyone brought unique experiences along with diverse interests and backgrounds to our cohort, making for a supportive and fun learning environment.

Aubrie Lyons '18

Neuro/Ortho RN
Providence Hospital System - Missoula, Montana