Frequently Asked Questions: Accelerated B.S. in Nursing Program
You ask, we answer! Don't see your question answered below? Please also refer to our ABSN program admissions page before reaching out to our Student Support Team at nursing [at] UMass [dot] edu (nursing[at]UMass[dot]edu).
What prerequisites do I need to take?
Answer: The requirement to apply to our accelerated program is to take six prerequisites. All prerequisites must be completed when you submit your application prior to the application deadline. We accept courses from any accredited institution, in-person or online. A minimum 3.0 average GPA for the six prerequisites and no prerequisites below a “C” grade will be accepted.
The following prerequisites must have been completed within the past five years of the program start date:
- Human Nutrition (3 credits)
- Medical Microbiology or General Microbiology (3 credits, no lab required)
The following prerequisites must have been completed within the past ten years of the program start date:
- Anatomy and Physiology I with lab (4 credits)
- Anatomy and Physiology II with lab (4 credits)
- Statistics (3 credits)
- Human Growth and Development throughout the Lifespan (3 credits)
May I submit courses for consideration if they are not on the pre-approved prerequisites list?
Answer: Yes.
Courses not on our pre-approved prerequisites list must be approved by the program director. In one email, send a syllabus for each course, along with the institution's name, to nursing@UMass.edu.
Where do I send my supplemental application materials?
Answer: To the Flexible Education Office.
Flexible Education
UMass Amherst
350 Campus Center Way
Amherst, MA 01003-9248
Along with submitting your application, you will need to submit an essay, a resume, and one letter of recommendation, as well as transcripts from all colleges you have previously attended. They must be official transcripts. Information about these materials is provided in the Flexible Education online application.
Please direct questions about the admissions process to the Admissions Team.
I'm graduating in the spring and currently finishing up my prerequisistes. Am I able to apply for the upcoming fall cohort?
Answer: It depends.
If you are on track to graduate in the spring with your non-nursing bachelors degree AND you have completed all prerequisites by the time you apply prior to the ABSN application deadline, then yes. If you have not completed all prerequisites by the time you apply, you are ineligible to apply for the upcoming fall term.
Am I able to work my full-time job while enrolled in this program?
Answer: No.
We do not recommend students work other jobs outside of this demanding accelerated program. This program requires full days, Monday through Friday, with some weekend days depending on clinical placements.
What clinical placements does this program offer?
Answer: We boast over 100 longstanding clinical partnerships with regional healthcare providers and organizations. View a list of our frequently used clinical sites, including Baystate Medical Center, Holyoke Medical Center, and Cooley Dickinson Hospital.
Am I still eligible to apply if I have my LPN?
Answer: Yes.
As long as you already have a non-nursing bachelor's degree and meet our program's prerequisites, a LPN license simply gives you more experience!