School of Nursing

Accelerated BSN Application Process

The School of Nursing uses a comprehensive admission process to identify students for the accelerated bachelor of science in nursing (ABSN) program.

Follow the directions carefully to complete all steps of the application process.

  • This program is for non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders (second-degree) applicants.
  • Students must be admitted to UW–Madison to be a part of this program.

Take Your Next Step

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Steps to Apply to ABSN Program

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Step 1: Review the prerequisites

Review the BSN Prerequisites page:

  • Students must complete a course in each of the seven prerequisites.
  • Prerequisites can be met through coursework, test credit, or placement exams.

Step 2: Check your ABSN eligibility

Check the ABSN eligibility to understand the admission requirements and due date.

Step 3: Review application process through NursingCAS application

Review the application process through NursingCAS instructions.

Step 4: Apply to UW–Madison as a Second Degree Student

Apply to UW–Madison as a second degree student.

    • Your UW–Madison application is reviewed by the university’s Office of Admissions and Recruitment at the same time your nursing application is being reviewed by the School of Nursing.
    • Eligible applicants must be admissible to both the university and the School of Nursing’s BSN program.

Step 5: Application is open May 1-September 15

Applications are open from May 1–September 15. Check all the steps before you apply.

ABSN Admission Eligibility

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Before you apply, you must:

  • have not previously enrolled in a professional bachelor of science in nursing program at another institution.

When you submit your application, you must:

  • have completed all four nursing science prerequisite courses within seven years of the program start date. Visit BSN prerequisites for more information.
  • have completed at least two of the four general education course requirements. For more information, visit the General Education Requirements section of BSN prerequisites page.
  • have a minimum combined prerequisite GPA of 2.75** on all prerequisites completed at the time of application.
  • have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75** on all undergraduate college credits.
  • earn a “C” or higher in each of the prerequisites completed.

By the program start date (early May), you must:

  • have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field from an accredited institution.
  • complete all seven prerequisites.
  • complete all four general education course requirements.
  • have a minimum combined prerequisite GPA of 2.75** on all seven prerequisites.
  • earn a “C” or higher in each of the individual seven prerequisite courses.
  • have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75** on all undergraduate college credits.

** GPA requirements are based on 4.0 scale.

After You Apply

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Application Review

School of Nursing admission staff will review submitted applications for eligibility. This review process generally takes 2-3 weeks to complete following the application due date. All applicants who meet the eligibility criteria will be invited to participate in a virtual group interview.

Interview Scheduling

Eligible applicants can expect to receive:

  • An email communication requesting a convenient interview time.
  • A specific interview time and date at least one week before the scheduled interview time.
  • Information about what to expect and how to prepare for the interview, included with the specific interview time.

*Please note:

  • Failure to respond to the request for times will result in applications being removed from admission consideration.
  • Interview reschedules will not be allowed unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Virtual Group Interview

  • Interviewers: Three faculty members
  • Applicants: Three–four applicants per session
  • Response Time: Each applicant has about one minute to answer each question.
  • Answer Order: Each applicant will have a turn to answer a question first, second, third, and last.
  • Requirements: Both video and audio capabilities are required for participation.

Admission Decision Notification

Historically, admissions notifications for the accelerated BSN have been made by the end of December.

Rescinding Admission

It is possible for an offer of admission to be revoked. We may revoke admission if one of the following occurs:

  • You do not respond to the admission offer by the stated due date.
  • You do not complete a prerequisite course.
  • You earn below a C (2.0) grade in a prerequisite course.
  • Your spring coursework drops your cumulative and/or prerequisite GPA below the 2.75 minimum.
  • You provide false or misleading information on your application or compliance documents, or your Caregiver Background Check reveals disqualifying information.
  • You do not successfully graduate with your first bachelor’s degree prior to starting the program.

Need Help?

Undergraduate Admissions

Email: admissions@nursing.wisc.edu

Phone: 608-263-5180

Address:
Suite 1100 Signe Skott Cooper Hall