University of St. Thomas now offers a fast-track option for bachelor’s degree holders who want to transition into the nursing field quickly. Called ABSN@UST, the Second-Degree Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is a hybrid learning option offered in addition to the four-year campus-based Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

ABSN@UST is designed to allow qualified students to leverage their existing non-nursing bachelor’s degree toward earning a BSN in 12 months. With three start dates per year — in January, May and August — and a unique hybrid learning model, students gain valuable nursing skills and knowledge that will prepare them for a rewarding career in nursing sooner rather than later.

Hybrid Learning Model

The ABSN program welcomes students of all faiths and combines online coursework, onsite lab experiences at a new ABSN program site in the Houston metro area and clinical rotations at top healthcare facilities around the city:

• Online coursework via an interactive e-learning platform allows students to complete course assignments and participate in simulated learning modules from anywhere, any time.
• Skills and simulation labs allow students to work under the guidance of highly experienced clinical instructors to hone nursing skills and practice clinical judgment in a mock clinical environment.
• Clinical rotations at top healthcare facilities around Houston allow students to gain confidence in interacting with patients using a holistic care model in a variety of real-world healthcare settings.

Quality Program

ABSN@UST extends the Carol and Odis Peavy School of Nursing’s tradition of academic excellence and commitment to quality Catholic nursing education, ensuring students will feel prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN® licensure exam and enter the profession with confidence and a commitment to holistic nursing practice.

That’s because the ABSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and covers the same curriculum as UST’s campus-based BSN program, just on an abbreviated timeline. The curriculum for our 12-month ABSN program also places a strong emphasis on patient-centered nursing, which is based on healing and holistic care.

In-Demand Career Path

The University of St. Thomas ABSN program becomes available right at a time when Texas and the rest of the country is on track to experience a severe nursing shortage due to the aging American population and the increased specialization of the profession.

By 2030, a National Center for Health Workforce study projects Texas will be short nearly 16,000 registered nurses — the second-largest shortage in the country, behind only California.

To learn more, visit here or call 855-830-2713.