Students who already have a bachelor’s degree or higher and are interested in making a career change to nursing can apply to enter this fast-track professional program to earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 12 months. In the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, students complete approximately one credit per week including classroom-based, clinical, and out-of-class hours each week.
For tuition rates, see: https://bursar.wisc.edu/tuition-and-fees
How to Get in
School of Nursing Admissions Requirements
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| How to get in | Application required. Meeting the requirements listed below does not guarantee admission. The program requires two applications: one to UW–Madison (https://admissions.wisc.edu/apply-as-a-second-degree-student/) and one to the School of Nursing for the Accelerated BSN program (https://nursing.wisc.edu/undergraduate/bsn-accelerated/). |
| Courses required to get in | Applicants are required to complete a course (or its equivalent) in each of the seven prerequisite areas. Requirements can be completed via coursework, test credit, transfer work, or placement exam (if applicable). Chemistry Microbiology Human Anatomy Human Physiology Psychology Sociology
Human Growth and Development The first four prerequisites (science courses) must be completed by the application deadline and within seven years of program start date. The Anatomy and Physiology prerequisite may be satisfied by one stand alone Anatomy course and one stand alone Physiology course or by two semesters of a combined Anatomy and Physiology I and II. The pairing of one combined Anatomy and Physiology course and a stand alone Anatomy or Physiology is not acceptable for this requirement. Additionally, at least two of the following courses must be completed by the application deadline, and all must be completed before the program start date.
Note: Applicants do not need to complete a course with the Communication B designation. All prerequisites must be completed before the program start date. Prerequisite equivalency information is available on the BSN Prerequisite Course Equivalencies page (https://nursing.wisc.edu/undergraduate/course-equivalencies/). |
| GPA requirements to get in | At the point of application submission (mid-September):
Prior to program start (early May):
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| Credits required to get in |
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| Other |
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| Semester | Deadline to apply | Decision notification timeline |
|---|---|---|
| To apply for a fall start | This program does not accept applications to start in the fall | |
| To apply for a spring start | This program does not accept applications to start in the spring | |
| To apply for a summer start | Mid-September | On or before December 31 |
Transfer Credit Evaluation
An unofficial transfer credit evaluation to check for completion of the nursing prerequisite courses and the university’s General Education Requirements will be completed by the School of Nursing prior to the decision release date. Admission is contingent upon official verification by the UW–Madison Office of Admissions and Recruitment.
University and School of Nursing Requirements
The Nursing (Accelerated) BSN is a second degree program. The program may be completed in 12 months. The program requires completion/satisfaction of the admissions and prerequisite requirements, which satisfy the University [insert link for Front Matter] and School of Nursing requirements.
Residence and Quality of Work
- A cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required for graduation.
- Students must earn a C or better in all NURSING coursework.
- 30 credits of coursework must be completed in-residence.
Nursing (Accelerated) BSN Major Requirements
The Nursing, BS (Accelerated) program requires 52 credits of Nursing coursework. The credential requires a total of 120 credits to complete the degree with the rest of the credits being satisfied by admissions requirements (first degree completion).
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NURSING 313 | Foundations of Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NURSING 314 | Essentials of Health Promotion, Prevention, and Wellness in Person-Centered Care | 3 |
| NURSING 315 | Professionalism in Nursing Practice | 1 |
| NURSING 316 | Foundations of Nursing Practice: Experiential Learning | 4 |
| NURSING 317 | Pharmacology Essentials for Nursing Practice | 2 |
| NURSING 318 | Pathophysiology Essentials for Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NURSING 323 | Developing Clinical Judgment in Nursing Practice: Health and Illness Concepts | 4 |
| NURSING 324 | Meeting the Psychosocial Health Needs of Individuals, Families, and Communities | 3 |
| NURSING 326 | Foundations of Nursing Practice: Experiential Learning II | 4 |
| NURSING 430 | Perinatal Nursing | 2 |
| NURSING 431 | Nursing Care of Children & their Families | 2 |
| NURSING 432 | Population Health Nursing | 2 |
| NURSING 433 | Nursing Care of the Older Adult | 2 |
| NURSING 436 | Advanced Experiential Learning I | 2 |
| NURSING 438 | Informatics and Health Technologies for Nursing Practice | 1 |
| NURSING 443 | Advancing Clinical Judgment in Nursing Practice: Complex Health and Illness Concepts | 4 |
| NURSING 445 | Transition to Practice | 1 |
| NURSING 446 | Advanced Experiential Learning II | 5 |
| NURSING 447 | Scholarship for Evidence-Based Practice | 2 |
| NURSING 448 | Leadership in the Profession of Nursing | 2 |
| Total Credits | 52 | |
Learning Outcomes
- Promote health and manage illness by providing safe, client-centered, culturally congruent care across the lifespan in a variety of health care settings.
- Employ professional nursing leadership concepts to address patient care and system needs to promote quality health care outcomes and health equity for all.
- Make effective use of technology for patient care, education, and management of health information.
- Understand the roles and scope of practice of disciplines of the health care team and practice as an effective, collaborating member of the interprofessional team.
- Use knowledge sources effectively to provide evidence-based care.
- Identify health disparities and advocate for basic essential health services for all.
- Allocate health care resources to maximize the health care benefit to clients, families, and community.
- Assume fiscal and ethical responsibility for clinical practice.
- Function as a member of the nursing profession within the community and the world.
Four-Year Plan
The ABSN program is for second-degree candidates and is a 52-credit program completed over 12 months, not four years.
| Semester 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| Summer Term | |
| NURSING 313 | 3 |
| NURSING 314 | 3 |
| NURSING 316 | 4 |
| NURSING 317 | 2 |
| NURSING 318 | 3 |
| 15 | |
| Semester 2 | Credits |
| Fall Term | |
| NURSING 323 | 4 |
| NURSING 324 | 3 |
| NURSING 326 | 4 |
| NURSING 431 | 2 |
| NURSING 433 | 2 |
| NURSING 438 | 1 |
| NURSING 447 | 2 |
| 18 | |
| Semester 3 | Credits |
| Winter Term | |
| NURSING 315 | 1 |
| NURSING 436 | 2 |
| Spring Term | |
| NURSING 430 | 2 |
| NURSING 432 | 2 |
| NURSING 443 | 4 |
| NURSING 445 | 1 |
| NURSING 446 | 5 |
| NURSING 448 | 2 |
| 19 | |
| Total Credits 52 | |
Advising and Careers
The School of Nursing’s advising team helps students identify academic pathways and educational goals to aid in developing meaningful plans to ensure academic and career success. We believe that advising is an ongoing, caring, and collaborative relationship between advisor and student that provides meaning, guidance, and support throughout the educational process.
Academic Advising
All students are assigned an academic advisor based on the nursing or pre-nursing program with which they are affiliated. Detailed information on the school's advising structure and staff is available on the School of Nursing’s academic advising website.
Career Advising
The School of Nursing offers extensive career advising services which provide resources and strategies for career readiness and licensure planning. This includes workshops, career fairs, resume review, prospective employment resources, and licensure information. More information about career advising is available on the School of Nursing’s career advising website.
Student Support
The School of Nursing offers academic support, leadership & connection, mentorship, and wellness throughout the student experience. Additionally, admitted nursing students have access to onsite UHS mental health services. Information about student support is available on the School of Nursing’s student support website.
Certification/Licensure
Earning the bachelor of science in nursing degree is the first step toward becoming a Registered Nurse. Graduates must also take and and pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN) to receive their nursing license and begin their careers as nurses in hospitals, community health and mental health agencies, industrial health centers, nursing homes, family planning centers, crisis care centers, and beyond. A nursing license gives an individual permission to practice nursing, granted by the state where he or she met the requirements.
The School of Nursing works with students as they complete graduation requirements and the two-step process to register for the NCLEX. Specifically the school verifies graduation and assists students as they register for the exam. Most students take the NCLEX within three months of graduation. More than 90 percent of School of Nursing graduates pass the NCLEX on first attempt.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
National Council of State Boards of Nursing NCLEX-RN
| Year of Exam | UW-Madison Graduates: First Attempt | National: First Attempt | |
|---|---|---|---|
| April-September 2025 | 93% | 87% | |
| April-September 2024 | 100% | 100% | |
| April-September 2023 | 96% | 81% |
Note: UW-Madison BSN Graduates pass rate reflects all UW-Madison Bachelor of Science-Nursing graduates who tested during the April-to-September test period for the first time, including recent and previous graduates.
Professional Certification/Licensure Disclosure (NC-SARA)
The United States Department of Education (via 34 CFR Part 668) requires institutions that provide distance education to disclose information for programs leading to professional certification or licensure. The expectation is that institutions will determine whether each applicable academic program meets state professional licensure requirements and provide a general disclosure of such on an official university website.
Professional licensure requirements vary from state-to-state and can change year-to-year; they are established in a variety of state statutes, regulations, rules, and policies; and they center on a range of educational requirements, including degree type, specialized accreditation, total credits, specific courses, and examinations.
UW-Madison has taken reasonable efforts to determine whether this program satisfies the educational requirements for certification/licensure in states where prospective and enrolled students are located and is disclosing that information as follows.
Disclaimer: This information is based on the most recent annual review of state agency certification/licensure data and is subject to change. All students are strongly encouraged to consult with the individual/office listed in the Contact Information box on this page and with the applicable state agency for specific information.
The requirements of this program meet certification/licensure requirements in the following states:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, District of Columbia, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands
The requirements of this program do not meet certification/licensure requirements in the following states:
California, New York
Updated: 1 June 2026
Resources
Signe Skott Cooper Hall
The School of Nursing is located in Signe Skott Cooper Hall. The building features world-class technology and innovative educational spaces that will allow the nursing school to address health care’s new standard of excellence—high-tech and high-touch methods and practices that result in better patient outcomes.
Office of Academic Affairs
The Office of Academic Affairs functions as the academic dean's office for the School of Nursing. Staff members interpret school regulations, policies, and program requirements; make exceptions around requirements and deadlines; advise prospective and current students; monitor and support students having academic difficulties; coordinate compliance; facilitate the admissions process; and maintain the official files of students in the school.
Academic and Career Advising
The School of Nursing provides dedicated, professional academic and career advising to undergraduate students in their pre-nursing and nursing years. Detailed information can be found on each individual degree guide page and on the School of Nursing’s Student Website.
Academic Support Services
Career & Student Success is available at the School of Nursing. Students can utilize support by Student Success course TAs and peer led study groups.
Student Support Services
Information about student support: academic and non-academic resources, policies, forms, clinicals, and compliance can be found on the School of Nursing’s Student Website.
Student Organizations
The School of Nursing encourages and supports students to pursue their interests and form social networks. Information about nursing specific student organizations can be found on the School of Nursing’s Student Website. You can also find more opportunities by going to the Wisconsin Involvement Network page.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
The School of Nursing offers a generous scholarship program to incoming and current School of Nursing students. All School of Nursing applicants and current students are highly encouraged to apply for scholarships. Applications will be considered for all School of Nursing scholarships depending on a variety of factors, including: academic achievement, financial need, leadership experiences, community involvement, personal qualifications, and career interests.
Students are invited to apply to nursing-specific scholarships, as well as campus-wide or non-nursing scholarships, through the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub or WiSH. For more information, see the School of Nursing website.
In addition, university scholarships, loans, and employment are available through the Office of Student Financial Aid for additional information about financing your education.
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Accreditation status: Accredited. Next accreditation review: 2029–2030.