Learn with Purpose
Start a new and meaningful nursing career in 16 months.Start a new and meaningful nursing career in 16 months.

Stand Out in Nursing
RNs in Virginia earn higher wages and are in demand.

Get Support to Succeed
Collaborate with us to find a clinical placement in Virginia.

Become a Nurse Quickly with a Second-Degree Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing - ABSN

*The Marymount Online Second-Degree Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is currently designed for students who can come in person to Virginia to complete their clinicals.

Why Become a Nurse in Virginia?

The demand for skilled, caring nurses continues to grow in Virginia—and across the country. Marymount University offers one of the fastest online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs in Virginia (ABSN), so you can earn a BSN in just 16 months.

Limit your commute by traveling to our main campus in Arlington, Virginia, nestled among influential organizations and healthcare providers, for one in-person residency. Balance your commitments with convenient access to online courses and clinical hours in Virginia that are required to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) exam and become a licensed registered nurse (RN).

The Department of Health Professions found that nurses in Virginia have:

  • A BSN degree or higher (69%)
  • 91% job satisfaction
  • 1% unemployment


What Is the Outlook for Nursing in Virginia?

By earning your accelerated BSN degree, you will benefit from a career with greater job security, fulfillment and earning potential. Nurses work in many areas and specialties, including acute care settings like hospitals, surgical centers, home health agencies, schools, and nursing homes.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ranks Virginia as one of the top-paying areas for registered nurses. Earning an annual mean salary of $92,800, RNs near Arlington and the D.C. area earn 19% more than the average nurse.

Virginia expects a 10% increase in RN jobs by 2033, according to Lightcast Labor Insights. With employment rates high above the national average, these Virginia counties had the most RN openings between 2022 and 2023: Norfolk, Richmond City, Fairfax and Chesterfield. 

Program Features At a Glance

  • 65 Credit Hours/17 courses
  • 640 Clinical Hours
  • Four semesters/16 months to complete
  • 17 courses/7 and 14-week semesters
  • Values-based education located in Virginia
  • Clinical Placement Services at no additional cost
  • NCLEX-RN prep course included at no cost and occurs at the end of the program
Transfer Credits

Marymount University generally accepts credits for courses taken at a regionally-accredited institution within the last ten years and completed with a grade of C or higher.

Want to know how your credit will transfer? Search our equivalency database to find out.

Search Our Database

Please note that just because a course is not listed in the equivalency database, that does not mean it will not be accepted. Credit acceptance is at the discretion of Marymount University.

Tara Peterson

"Prior to enrolling in the ABSN program at Marymount, I graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and served for 8 years on active duty in the US Coast Guard. It was an experience with a family member that really influenced my decision to separate from the Coast Guard and become a nurse."

- Tara Peterson

Is This Accelerated Nursing Program Right for Me?

The online ABSN from Marymount’s Malek School of Nursing Professions is rigorous, requiring full-time work and total dedication – between 8 to 12 hours of study per day. You will use an online learning platform to complete your coursework, with direct access to your professors and cohort. The ABSN is specifically for residents of the DC metro area. It is geared toward second-career professionals who currently possess a bachelor’s in any field and are open to enrolling in a challenging and fast-paced program.

The ABSN program is not meant to be juggled with any job – full or part-time. Students find success by dedicating their time solely to this fast track program. As such, it’s strongly advised that you take a year off to dedicate all your energy to this rigorous program. Students will engage in learning through a combination of online learning activities as well as live synchronous video conferencing sessions with faculty and fellow students. All work is done online except for clinicals and one skills residency that will take place on Marymount’s main campus.

The ABSN program is for individuals who can complete their clinical experience and residency in Virginia. This program is not for employed nurses. It is specifically tailored to individuals seeking to transition to a career in nursing from another unrelated field.

Admission Requirements

All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited U.S. college or university. Prerequisite courses are required. For a complete list of prerequisite courses, please see the FAQ section below.

To apply, you must complete an online interview and submit:

  • Transcripts with a minimum GPA of 2.8 (TEAS required if cumulative GPA is lower)
  • One letter of recommendation
  • A writing sample

 

Access Your Program Guide to Learn More

"Throughout the program, I was impressed with the professors' attention and devotion to students with genuine concern for our success. Through mentorship and guidance of professors, I successfully navigated and passed classes with flying colors."

- Phyo Myo