5 Best Accelerated Nursing Programs in Philadelphia

TCA Editorial Staff

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Are you looking for accelerated nursing programs in Philadelphia? We’ve compiled and listed them conveniently for you. They are all top accelerated BSN & entry-level masters programs that will swiftly transition you from a non-nursing background into being a nurse in record time!

Read: Guide to Accelerated Nursing Programs: What are they?

The quickest duration of these accelerated nursing programs in Philadelphia is about 12 months. If you need to work part-time while pursuing the program, you might prefer a slower pace with a longer duration of up to 23 months.

Here’s a list of accelerated BSN programs in Philadelphia.

Table of Contents

4 Best Accelerated BSN Programs in Philadelphia

1. Thomas Jefferson Accelerated BSN

Program Overview

Thomas Jefferson’s ABSN program presents two tracks to earning your degree. Opt for the Full-Time Accelerated Coursework Track (FACT)-1 and earn your BSN degree in 12 consecutive months of intensive, full-time study.

If you prefer a less rigorous pace but with the same course coverage, the Full-Time Accelerated Coursework Track (FACT)-2 spans 24 months. Regardless of the track chosen, you’ll earn 60 undergraduate and 9 graduate credits.

Duration: 1 year or 2 years

Format: In-campus

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Guaranteed Admission to Specialty Programs

Your admission to the Jefferson ABSN program opens the door to further educational opportunities. You’ll be guaranteed admission to any Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) specialty program (except Nurse Anesthesia).

This admission is valid for up to two years from completing your ABSN, provided you maintain a minimum 3.20 cumulative GPA.

Prerequisites

These include Anatomy and Physiology I and II (each with a lab), Chemistry I (with lab), Microbiology (with lab), Statistics, and Nutrition.

Tuition

The tuition for the 12-month program is $51,400, while the 2-year program costs $44,400. For the most updated rates, please visit the Thomas Jefferson University tuition information page.

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2. Drexel University Accelerated BSN

Program Overview

Drexel University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a record 11-month full-time program. This high-velocity program lets you fast-track your nursing career by condensing your studies into four consecutive 10-week terms.

You’ll graduate in less than a year, primed and ready to make your mark in healthcare.

Duration: 11 months

Format: In-campus (& very few online elements)

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Enriching Learning Experience

To supplement your theoretical learning, the ABSN program at Drexel offers you access to a wealth of clinical affiliations and simulated healthcare scenarios. These hands-on experiences will equip you with a practical understanding of your future nursing work environment.

Prerequisites

These include English Composition, Developmental Psychology (lifespan), Human Nutrition, Statistics, General Chemistry I with a lab, Anatomy and/or Physiology (each with lab), and Microbiology with lab.

Drexel ABSN Tuition

The tuition is $56,592. For the most updated rates, check Drexel University’s tuition page.

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3. Holy Family University Online Accelerated BSN

Program Overview

The online accelerated BSN program at Holy Family University is rooted in the school’s Judeo-Christian tradition and values. It is a 14-month program consisting of 59 credit hours and 504 clinical hours.

Duration: 14 months

Format: Online Coursework

Location: Philadelphia, PA

The coursework is 100% online, offering both synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous (on your own time) sessions to suit your learning style.

However, there will be one on-campus residency requirement, providing an opportunity for hands-on learning and engagement with faculty and peers.

Clinical Placement Process

The university’s dedicated placement team will work closely with you to identify suitable placement opportunities, reaching out to potential sites and preceptors on your behalf.

Prerequisites

These include Anatomy & Physiology I and II (each with lab), Microbiology (with a lab), Nutrition (taught by a registered dietician), and Elementary Statistics.

Tuition

The cost of this online ABSN program is $800 per credit hour. For the most up-to-date rates, please refer to the official website below.

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4. Villanova University Accelerated BSN

Program Overview

The program offers two options to suit your unique circumstances and aspirations. If you’re looking for an intense, full-time program, the 14-Month Express Track might be your fit. Starting in May, you’ll complete your degree by August of the following year.

However, if you’d prefer to juggle part-time work or other responsibilities while pursuing your studies, the 23-Month Flex Track could be a better option. This longer track begins in August and allows you a more relaxed pace to complete your degree.

Duration: 14 or 23 months

Format: In-person

Location: Villanova, PA (About 30 min from Philly)

Prerequisites

These include Anatomy & Physiology (with a lab), Chemistry (which must include an organic component, along with a lab), Microbiology (with a lab), Statistics, Human Development (lifespan), Nutrition, Pathophysiology, and Theology/Religious Studies.

Tuition

The estimated tuition is $51,000. Check the latest rates below.

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Here’s a list of entry-level master’s programs in Philadelphia.

1 Best Direct Entry MSN/Entry Level Masters Program in Philadelphia

1. University of Pennsylvania Master of Professional Nursing (MPN) Degree

Program Overview

UPenn’s Master’s in Professional Nursing (MPN) is a new program that prepares you to become an RN in 15 months, starting in late August and finishing in December of the next year. This program is replacing the old accelerated bachelor’s nursing program (ABSN).

Duration: 15 months

Format: In-campus

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Dual Degree Options

If you want to be a Nurse Practitioner, you can join the combined MPN/MSN program. After you become an RN with the MPN program, you’ll move on to the next part of your studies.

This will take you around a year and a half if you’re studying full-time, or two to three years if you’re studying part-time.

Experiential Learning

This Upenn accelerated nursing program offers a holistic learning experience. The package includes a state-of-the-art simulation center, engaging student research opportunities, comprehensive mentorship, and community engagement.

The cherry on top? You’ll have the chance to participate in rigorous clinical experiences with renowned hospital partners like the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Prerequisites

Before embarking on the UPenn MPN journey, you must complete several prerequisite courses. These include Chemistry, Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Nutrition, and Statistics.

Penn MPN Acceptance Rate

With an average acceptance rate of 35%, this prestigious program is competitive. Prepare to stand out!

Tuition

For the most current information, visit the UPenn Accelerated program tuition and fees page.

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To Conclude

With nurses in Philadelphia earning a median annual income of $87,830, this presents a great opportunity for any aspiring nurse to begin a fulfilling & rewarding career.

The even better news is that even with a non-nursing background, any of the accelerated nursing programs in Philadelphia will get you donning nursing scrubs in at least 12 months!

Frequently Asked Questions

The Fast Track BSN at Villanova University is the 14-Month Express Track of the ABSN program. This option is designed for students who wish to complete their nursing education in a shorter time frame. It starts in May and ends by August of the following year.

Over the past four years (2019-2022), the first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam for BSN students has been 93.85% on average.

Disclaimer:

Information on these programs may change without notice. So, we cannot guarantee their authenticity and accuracy. You’d have to check with the school and do further research. Our review list is simply for guidance and cannot be relied upon exclusively without research on your part.
Before enrollment, check with your state regarding licensing rules or whether your desired program meets your home state’s certification requirements and licensure.
If you are an administrator/staff for one of the schools listed in this article, and you would like to issue corrections or updates on your program’s information, please contact us here.

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