Accelerated Nursing Programs in NY: Choosing the Best Option for You

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Accelerated nursing programs in NY can be a great way to fast-track your career switch to nursing. When evaluating the best accelerated nursing programs in NY, consider factors such as the length of the program, whether there’s a waitlist, the degree requirement courses, and whether online coursework is available.

Utica nursing student standing in front of Utica's logo banner

Not every nurse goes on to nursing school immediately after high school. It’s entirely possible to switch careers to nursing, even if you have an unrelated degree or are working in a different career field. There are even options that leverage your prior education. Accelerated nursing programs in NY enable students to graduate with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Nursing more quickly than a traditional program.

Utica University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program enables students to graduate in as few as 16 months. Students have flexible options for pursuing a nursing education thanks to our hybrid learning approach, two ABSN site locations, and three start dates per year. Our ABSN program is a second-degree program that requires a completed non-nursing degree, while our Advanced Standing B.S. in Nursing program is a transfer pathway for students with a minimum of 65 non-nursing college credits.

Before you apply, however, reflect on what you need from an ABSN program and why New York can be an excellent choice for you. Utica University’s prelicensure B.S. in Nursing program was ranked No. 10 in the state of New York by the Nursing Schools Almanac.

What to Look for in an ABSN Program

Before deciding which program is right for you, you’ll need to determine what you’re looking for in an accelerated nursing program in NY. First, consider the admission requirements and whether you can meet them. Note that even if you can’t quite meet the GPA requirements right now, you may raise it through good grades in the degree requirement courses.

You might also ask questions such as:

  • Are accepted applicants waitlisted?
  • How many start dates are offered each year?
  • How many degree requirement courses would I need to take?
  • How long is the program?
  • What are the student support resources like?
  • What’s the program’s NCLEX pass rate?

If you’re considering Utica’s ABSN program, you’ll be pleased to know that Utica:

  • Has no waitlist, so students can start sooner
  • Offers three start dates each year
  • Has minimal degree requirement courses
  • Has a 16-month graduation timeline
  • Offers personalized student attention and Academic Success Coaches
  • Had a 2024 NCLEX pass rate of 92.16%, above the national average
Utica nursing student using laptop

What is nursing school like? Discover what you can expect from the program and how to prepare for success.

Why Consider New York?

New York City gets a lot of attention, but there’s much more to New York than the downstate area. Upstate and Central New York are hubs of activity, yet they’re also close to natural green spaces like the Adirondack Mountains. If you attend Utica, you can look forward to doing your clinical rotations at reputable healthcare facilities throughout the region.

Plus, there’s plenty to enjoy in your free time in the Albany, Utica and Syracuse areas.

  • Albany Pine Bush Preserve
  • Harriet Tubman National Historical Park
  • Hudson River sightseeing cruises
  • Rosamond Gifford Zoo
  • The Egg performing arts venue
  • The Great New York State Fair
  • The Stanley Theatre
  • USS Slater
  • Utica Zoo

In addition, the area is home to some impressive dining options, including local breweries and various festivals.

syracuse skyline

Comparing NY ABSN Schools

Before deciding which accelerated nursing program in NY is right for you, comparing a few schools can be helpful. You can compare different schools based on factors like the length of the program, tuition costs, and admission requirements.

Typical Accelerated Program Length

ABSN programs vary considerably in length. Some are as short as 12 months, while others are 18 months or longer. Remember that accelerated nursing programs have consecutive semesters, with no summer vacation, to accommodate an earlier graduation date.

With Utica University’s ABSN program, it’s possible to graduate in as few as 16 months after completing the degree requirement courses.

nursing students in classroom

Degree Requirement Courses

Another factor to consider is the number and type of degree requirement courses, sometimes called prerequisites. You must pass these courses before enrolling in an ABSN program. They provide foundational knowledge, ensuring that all ABSN students are on an even academic footing before starting the program.

Utica University’s ABSN program has six degree requirement courses. They include:

  • Anatomy & Physiology I and II with lab
  • Chemistry with lab
  • Microbiology with lab
  • Statistics
  • Life Span Development Psychology

Generally, the fewer degree requirement courses you need to take, the sooner you can expect to begin your nursing education. The admissions team can help you determine which courses you need to take.

Explore your financial aid options, including scholarships and grants, as you figure out how to pay for nursing school.

hands holding a jar full of change

Hybrid Learning Options

Another factor to consider before choosing an accelerated nursing program in NY is whether it offers hybrid learning. While earning a nursing degree entirely online is impossible, it is possible to take online courses paired with in-person experiential learning. Online coursework can make nursing education more accessible and flexible, particularly for career switchers.

The ABSN program at Utica includes online coursework that covers nursing theory and concepts like clinical research and leadership. These concepts are put into practice through nursing simulation labs and skills labs, as well as clinical placements at local healthcare facilities.

If flexible nursing education matters to you, an online accelerated nursing program in New York, such as Utica, could be your best option.

Apply to Our Online Accelerated Nursing Program in New York

Since 1946, Utica University has focused on our mission of academic excellence and career preparation through personalized student attention, promoting ethical behavior, and integrity. Our nursing education empowers future nurses to become leaders who adhere to high standards and deliver exceptional patient care.

Here, you’ll benefit from online and in-person education that is fully supported, thanks to our diligent nursing instructors and Academic Success Coaches. With no waitlist and three start dates each year, you could get started sooner and graduate in as few as 16 months following enrollment.

Contact an admission representative at Utica today to find out if our online accelerated nursing program in New York could be the right choice for you.

The Ultimate Nursing School Admissions Checklist

Ready for nursing school but stressed about applying? We recommend downloading our free admissions checklist to learn the important ins and outs of applying to accelerated nursing school.

The ultimate nursing school admissions checklist