The University of Northern Iowa has announced plans to launch a new Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, offering a fast-track pathway for students seeking a bachelor's degree in nursing. The program is expected to begin in Fall 2026, pending final approval from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), and builds on the university's existing nursing offerings in Cedar Falls.
The accelerated BSN option is designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree or have completed significant undergraduate coursework. By condensing the traditional BSN curriculum into a focused 12-month schedule, the program aims to help students enter the nursing workforce more quickly while maintaining the same academic and clinical standards as the traditional four-year program.
According to the university's announcement, the accelerated program will follow a continuous schedule that includes summer and winter terms, allowing students to complete classroom instruction, simulation lab experiences, and clinical placements across diverse health care settings within one year. Coursework will align with the Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice, integrating evidence-based practice, clinical judgment, leadership, and person-centered care into training.
Meeting Iowa's Nursing Workforce Needs
Like many states, Iowa continues to face a growing need for baccalaureate-prepared nurses to support hospitals, long-term care facilities, community health initiatives, and rural clinics. Health systems increasingly require BSN-educated nurses to deliver high-quality, safe patient care and respond to evolving health challenges.
University leaders say the accelerated BSN program will help expand the pipeline of practice-ready nurses throughout the state. The program's structure — a more intensive but shorter timeline — is intended to attract students who already hold prior degrees and are looking to transition into nursing, as well as those seeking an efficient route to licensure and professional practice.
Program Design and Student Experience
The accelerated BSN builds on the existing Bachelor of Science in Nursing curriculum offered by UNI's Department of Nursing & Public Health and mirrors the same rigorous learning outcomes as the traditional pathway. Students enrolled in the ABSN will complete a full suite of nursing courses while gaining hands-on experience through simulation labs and clinical rotations coordinated with regional health care partners.
The traditional BSN at UNI already emphasizes a competency-based education model that includes classroom instruction, simulation practice, and clinical residency experiences designed to prepare graduates for entry into professional nursing roles. The accelerated pathway brings these elements together within a tight, year-long sequence of terms, enabling students to achieve the same preparation in less time.
What Prospective Students Should Know
For students considering nursing school in Iowa, the accelerated BSN program offers a compelling option for earning a bachelor's degree without spending four years in a traditional program. Admission to the ABSN will be competitive, and potential applicants should be prepared for an intensive and full-time academic commitment that includes both didactic coursework and direct patient care training.
Because the accelerated BSN is a condensed program requiring a strong foundation of previous academic work, students are encouraged to review prerequisite requirements and application details once they become available through the university's nursing department.
To learn more about the University of Northern Iowa and its campus in Cedar Falls, visit:
https://uni.edu/
To learn more about the University of Northern Iowa nursing programs, including the traditional and accelerated BSN pathways, visit:
https://csbs.uni.edu/nursing-public-health/majors/accelerated-bachelor-science-nursing