How long does it take to complete the ABSN?

As few as 21 months with eight‑week courses and multiple yearly starts.

What is the tuition for the ABSN?

$625 per credit hour. The nursing‑major consists of 60 core credits; total degree requirements are 120 credits.

How many clinical hours are required?

630 total clinical hours completed with local preceptors, plus a five‑day on‑campus skills bootcamp before clinicals.

What are the entry requirements?

A completed application, a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, a cumulative 3.0 GPA, résumé/CV, completion of prerequisites with a C or better, health and professional liability insurance, and an initial background check facilitated by TU.

Will the ABSN prepare me for the NCLEX‑RN?

Yes. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX‑RN. TU reports high first‑time pass rates and provides NCLEX‑aligned preparation throughout the program.

ACCELERATED BSN PROGRAM

EXPEDITE YOUR PATH TO A NURSING CAREER

Where Future-Ready Nurses Come to Learn

You see a future for yourself in the field of nursing, but you’re not sure how to make your entrance. The University of Tulsa’s online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) is built specifically for working professionals and adult learners who have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and want to quickly transition to a nursing career — allowing them to complete their degree program in as few as 21 months.

To support you in completing your degree, the online ABSN at TU is built on 60 core credits* of nursing major courses. TU waives 31 credits of general coursework for students who are admitted to the ABSN program and grants conditional admittance to students with a variety of bachelor degrees.

At TU, you’ll receive one-on-one support from our accomplished faculty, who take the time to understand your goals and set you on the right course to achieve them. You’ll learn the clinical knowledge necessary to deliver effective care as well as soft skills — such as communication, critical thinking, and self-care — that make for well-rounded nurses.

TU graduates are eager to advance the social good and have the clinical knowledge necessary to make an impact. You’re what nursing needs. We’re what you need to get there.

*Total credit hours required may vary based on your individual official transcript evaluations.

Earn Your Accelerated Online BSN at TU

Our online ABSN, accredited by Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), is designed for adult learners who want an expedited path to a nursing career. Courses are delivered over eight-week periods with five start times per year, offering an easily accessible and truly efficient pathway for motivated future nurses. Our compassionate, experienced faculty emphasize research-based practices, preparing you to pass the NCLEX-RN® and meaningfully impact patient outcomes.

We include the Roy Adaptation Model , a theoretical framework that gives a holistic and collaborative lens to complex health care problems, throughout the curriculum. Here are some general topics you’ll encounter in ABSN coursework:

Overview of the professional, historical, social, and political forces that affect nursing and health care
Basic principles of pharmacotherapeutics and metrology calculation related to drugs and solutions
How to use the nursing process to help individuals experiencing simple disruptions to health across lifespan

Live the Life of a Nurse

In addition to fully online coursework, the ABSN program includes hands-on clinical training. You’ll begin with an immersive, on-campus nursing skills bootcamp in Tulsa, followed by small-group clinical rotations with instructors in your local community. These experiences allow you to apply what you’ve learned online while gaining a real-world introduction to life as a full-time nurse.

Succeeding in the ABSN bootcamp and clinical rotations may require adjustments to your daily routines. To help you prepare, we recommend the following guidelines:

Prepare to visit The University of Tulsa for a one-week, on-campus skills bootcamp scheduled between sessions 2 and 3. For complete details and requirements, see our the FAQ page .
After the bootcamp, you will complete six in-person clinical rotations, each lasting eight weeks. To set yourself up for success, we recommend careful planning—coordinate with your employer, arrange childcare, and organize personal responsibilities in advance.

TU Graduates Are Ready for the NCLEX-RN

From your very first class at TU, you’ll begin building the knowledge and skills you need to succeed on the Next Generation NCLEX. The NCLEX is the licensure exam that determines whether prospective nurses have the clinical knowledge necessary to begin practicing as registered nurses.

The University of Tulsa is proud to have some of the highest first-time NCLEX pass rates in the state of Oklahoma, rates that also far exceed the national average.

Take a look at TU’s NCLEX results for first-time test takers over the past four years:

Calendar Year	TU Pass Rate
2024	100%
2023	95%
2022	95%

Accelerated Online BSN to MSN Degree Pathway

Graduates of TU’s ABSN program with a 3.0 or greater who pass the NCLEX enjoy priority admission to the online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a 30-credit hour program designed for working nurses who want to continue advancing their professional skill set.

“I’ve enjoyed the nursing program at TU and my first round of classes. These are the most down-to-earth professors I’ve ever had, and I truly believe they make this experience the best. I’m coming back as a non-traditional student, and they have made the transition much smoother than I ever dreamed.”

– A. Carter, ABSN student

Tuition and Financial Aid

$625 PER CREDIT HOUR, TEXTBOOKS INCLUDED

60 CORE CREDITS*

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE

Are you ready to invest in your future with an online ABSN at The University of Tulsa? Our online ABSN offers a premier private-school nursing education at just $625 per credit hour, textbooks included. With this 60-credit-hour program*, you can fast-track your nursing career and increase your earning potential sooner.

*Please note: 60 credit hours is the minimum for nursing courses taken at TU. Your total credit hours at TU will depend on your official transcript evaluation.

Learn More

FOCUS ON LEADERSHIP

We teach the hard sciences alongside valuable soft skills, preparing you to take the lead in your career.

TANGIBLE NURSING SKILLS

Between research-based coursework and hands-on clinicals, you’ll gain critical skills to be a transformative provider for patients.

ACCOMPLISHED FACULTY

Our faculty includes certified nurse educators and advanced practitioners, with 60% holding a doctorate.

COMMUNITY OF CARE

Our educators take the time to provide one-on-one academic support and career guidance.

FUTURE-PROOF PRACTICES

We shape our programs around current industry needs, preparing you to face them with confidence.

Reputation of Excellence

TU grads are consistently recognized as capable leaders by partner hospitals and patients.

It’s not too late to apply!

We offer multiple chances to apply with one Fall term start and two Spring term starts for maximum flexibility.

An Accessible Path to Your Nursing Career

To make the ABSN degree as accessible as possible to impassioned prospective nurses, TU offers three start dates each year — one every Fall term and two every Spring term — and accepts applications from students with a variety of bachelor’s degrees. Contact us today to learn more about your future at TU.

Fall I start: August 25, 2025
Spring I start: January 19, 2026
Spring II start: March 16, 2026

Submit your application by for a start.

Apply Now

What You Need for Admission

The University of Tulsa is home to ambitious learners of diverse backgrounds and experiences who seek impactful roles in nursing. Please review the below requirements for admission to the online ABSN program at TU.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS*

Completed application for admission
A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
Professional resume or CV outlining academic and professional experience

$150 enrollment deposit
Professional liability insurance and health insurance (for clinical courses). The liability insurance fee is $25 per semester.
Initial criminal background check paid on behalf of the student by the University of Tulsa

*An on-campus, five-day skills bootcamp must be completed prior to starting clinical courses

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisite Science Courses Required for Admission (12 Credits)

Transfer courses equivalent to:

BIOL-2151 Human Anatomy Lab (1 cr.)
BIOL-2153 Human Anatomy (3 cr.)
BIOL-2171 Human Physiology Lab (1 cr.)
BIOL-2173 Human Physiology (3 cr.)
CHEM-1004 Chemistry in Medicine (4 cr.) or CHEM 1013 General Chemistry I/CHEM 1011

*Prerequisite for major coursework, must complete with a grade of C or better before beginning nursing courses.

TRANSFER CREDIT GUIDELINES

Please note that the total credit hours required may vary based on your individual official transcript evaluations.

The ABSN program requires a total of 120 credit hours
Students must complete at least 60 credit hours at TU
TU waives 31 credits of general coursework for ABSN students
Transfer credits must be from regionally accredited institutions
- A grade of C or better has been earned in the course
Pass/fail courses are not transferable unless a grade of C or better can be documented

OBTAINING LICENSURE IN YOUR STATE

For students seeking registered nurse licensure, please review the specific academic requirements for the program in which you are enrolling, including those related to practicum/internship, as well as pre-qualifications for licensure. To determine if the ABSN program at TU meets your state’s requirements for Registered Nurse (RN) licensure, please visit our Disclosures for Professional Nurse Licensure page.

It is the responsibility of the student completing the licensure program to check with the licensing board(s) in their state of residence or the state in which they intend to obtain a license for the most recent information and requirements. Many licensure boards have additional requirements beyond successful degree completion to obtain a license. Please be advised that state laws, regulations, and policies may change at any time.

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About The University of Tulsa

Since the School of Nursing graduated its first class in 1973, the University of Tulsa has maintained a long-standing tradition of producing skilled, dedicated nurses. TU’s online nursing programs continue this legacy, fostering academic excellence among learners across the United States and preparing a new generation of competent, compassionate nurses who are shaping the future of healthcare.

Request information to learn more about the online ABSN program at The University of Tulsa.

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