Nursing programs are resource-intensive, and most schools don’t have enough of what they need to increase enrollment. That makes the process of getting into nursing school extremely competitive. In response, Averett University is launching a new Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program in Norfolk, Virginia, to help make a quality nursing education more accessible.
So what makes our 16-month ABSN program in Norfolk more accessible? When compared to other nursing schools in Virginia, our ABSN program can enroll more qualified students annually for reasons that include three start dates a year and a blended learning format that allows for larger cohort sizes.
Are You Eligible?
While most accelerated nursing programs require you to have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to begin the admissions process, we also consider applicants who have at least 60 non-nursing college credits. If fact, Averett ABSN is the only such program that doesn’t exclusively require a bachelor’s degree for admission. Regardless, you need a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 to be eligible.
Once you’ve verified your eligibility with an admissions counselor, this individual will walk you through the other requirements you must satisfy before applying to the program, including a series of ABSN prerequisites.
If you decide to move forward with the enrollment process, your admissions counselor will support you every step of the way as you target a program start date in January, May or August.
How the ABSN Program Works
Our accredited ABSN program in Norfolk, Virginia, makes it possible to earn a quality BSN in as few as 16 months by building on your non-nursing college education. The full-time program follows a blended learning model that consists of:
- Online courses that teach you the fundamentals and theories of nursing.
- Nursing labs at our Norfolk ABSN Site develop your practical skills and clinical judgment.
- Clinical rotations give you real-world experience in diverse practice settings.
Our ABSN program is both rigorous and fast-paced, which requires a serious commitment to your education to be successful.
By the time you graduate from the program, you’ll be able to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®) with confidence and enter the profession as a practice-ready nurse.
School of Nursing Mission
The School of Nursing at Averett University aims to graduate nurses who provide compassionate, evidence-based care and serve as catalysts for change in a complex health care system. We educate students in a collegial and interdisciplinary environment that prepares them to become responsive leaders who have a passion for excellence, social responsibility and lifelong learning.
Online ABSN Coursework
Online ABSN coursework sets the foundation for your nursing education. Being able to complete the fundamental coursework online gives you the flexibility to choose when and where you study as well as learn at your own pace. Keep in mind, however, instructor deadlines still apply. Also, being successful with online learning requires more self-discipline than a traditional classroom experience.
Hands-on Nursing Labs
As an Averett ABSN student, you’ll regularly attend nursing skills and simulation labs with faculty and other members of your cohort at our program site in Norfolk. These labs serve as the bridge between your online coursework and in-person clinicals.
Featuring advanced hospital equipment and patient simulators, our nursing labs provide a realistic backdrop for you to develop your clinical skills and judgment without the fear of harming an actual patient. It’s a setting where it’s perfectly OK to make and learn from your mistakes.
Diverse Clinical Rotations
Unlike most nursing programs, we get you started on your clinical rotations during the first semester. By the time you graduate, you’ll have logged nearly 500 hours in diverse areas of nursing practice and nearly 100 hours in simulated clinical experiences.
Your clinicals, which we arrange for you, will take place at top hospitals in Norfolk and Hampton Roads, covering practice areas such as acute care, adult health, community health, mental health and women and children.
Overall, clinical rotations are active learning environments where you and up to nine of your classmates perform tasks a nurse would typically do in a given situation. While there are some clinical tasks you can’t perform as a student, we do expect you to approach every clinical as if you were a nurse on duty.
After Nursing School
After graduating from our ABSN program, you must register to take the NCLEX-RN® exam in your state of residence. Administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the exam helps ensure that every nursing graduate has the knowledge and skills to deliver safe, effective patient care before entering the profession. After passing the NCLEX-RN®, you must apply for your registered nurse license in the state for which you plan to live and work.
As a registered nurse, you’ll be able to practice the profession anywhere there’s a need for patient care, including hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, private practices, military bases, school systems and summer camps. You can also choose to work in a specialty area of nursing practice such as ambulatory care, cardiac care, critical care, geriatric care, hospice care, pulmonary care, trauma care or urology care.
About Averett University
Founded in 1859, Averett University is a private, fully accredited higher learning institution, with its main campus in Danville, Virginia. The University offers more than 30 undergraduate majors, minors and special programs as well as five graduate programs. Overall, Averett University educates students from diverse backgrounds, faiths and cultures within the context of the six core values:
- Integrity by practicing the highest ethical standards.
- Innovation by teaching inside and outside of the classroom.
- Engagement by promoting global awareness, service and leadership.
- Discovery by incorporating liberal arts with professional preparation.
- Diversity by valuing the thoughts, cultures and uniqueness of all persons.
- Tradition by upholding a heritage that honors the search for truth and spiritual formation.
For 2020, U.S. News & World Report ranked Averett No. 15 of 124 on its list of Best Regional Colleges in the South. It also ranked it the No. 7 Best Colleges for Veterans.
Enroll for the Averett ABSN Program
If you’re ready to accelerate into nursing, our 16-month ABSN program in Norfolk, Virginia, is now enrolling for the January 2021 term. A minimum of 60 non-nursing college credits is required to apply. Contact an admissions counselor today to access your nursing future!