Frequently Asked Questions

These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are designed to assist you in applying to and enrolling in the Second Degree Accelerated BS in Nursing Program (ABSN).

Which semester can I start the program?

The ABSN program offers one annual admission start date during the fall semester which usually begins the first week of September. The clinical rotation begins during the following week. There is a required 3-credit (non-matriculated) summer course that all accepted students must take prior to the fall start. This course is 4 weeks long and runs from late July to mid-August.

How long is this program?

This is a 17-month hybrid, full-time, 59 credits program. UMass Dartmouth does not offer a part-time, evening, nor weekend program. The program consists of 59 nursing credits including:

38 classroom (course) credits
21 clinical credits

How often will I need to come to campus?

Students will be required to attend in-person 3-4 days a week that consists of scheduled on-campus laboratory skills, proctored course exams, and off-site clinical nursing practice in healthcare settings. The lecture courses are conducted fully online.

Where are the clinical nursing practice sites located?

The clinical nursing practice sites are located throughout the Southcoast area and around Massachusetts. Sites include those in Fairhaven, Fall River, New Bedford, and Wareham, MA and Providence, RI.

How much does the program cost?

UMass Dartmouth’s tuition is competitively priced to support your career goal of becoming a registered nurse. The estimated cost of the program is $47,500 which includes books, supplies, and uniforms. The tuition is distributed over 6 semesters, including the summer course that is taken prior to the start of the first Fall semester. Tuition is evaluated annually and is subject to change.

What if I do not have a 3.0 GPA, will I not be admissible?

The GPA requirement for admission is 3.0 or higher for the original degree and 3.2 for the prerequisites. The admission committee conducts a holistic review of the application, taking all requirements into consideration. Applicants who do not have a GPA of 3.0 or better, should strive for a strong TEAS score and higher academic scores (as recommended) in the prerequisite courses.

How do I transfer my credits to UMass Dartmouth?

We do not transfer credits into the program. The admission committee will review your transcript to make sure you have completed the prerequisite courses.

Is there a time limit on the prerequisites?

No; we accept prerequisite courses from any time they are taken

What is the TEAS exam and where do I register?

The TEAS is a Teaching Essential Academic Skills exam (similar to the SAT). Registration can be done through the ATI Testing website and be taken at any testing location.

What if I obtain a Pass/Fail for a prerequisite grade; do you accept P/F grades?

The College of Nursing and Health Sciences does not accept pass/fail grades.

What are the program pre-requisites requirements and accepted equivalency?

The program requires five pre-requisites courses and a minimum earned GPA of 3.2 for admission. A pre-requisite course grade below a C+ will not be considered for admission.

1. BIO 221/BIO223 - Anatomy & Physiology I with lab—4 credits (Online version of this course and lab accepted)
2. BIO 222/BIO 224 - Anatomy & Physiology II with lab—4 credits (Online version of this course and lab accepted)
3. CHM 100 or higher - Chemistry—3 credits
4. BIO 251/BIO 261 - Microbiology with lab—4 credits (Online version of this course and lab accepted)
5. MTH 147 - Introduction/Basic Statistics—3 credits

Access the Transfer Dictionary.

What financial options do students have to finance the program’s tuition?

Students may apply for government-based financial aid in which student loans are available to those who qualify. Note that the summer course that is required prior to the first Fall semester is not covered by financial aid. Students may seek other options to finance this course. Visit https://www.umassd.edu/online/tuition-and-fees/financial-aid/ for more information.

What is the application deadline?

The ABSN application is open on a rolling basis. There is a priority review deadline of February 15 for each year’s cohort, though reviewing does continue afterward for a limited time based on remaining available seats.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their application while they collect and request the admission material be sent to UMass Dartmouth. The application is reviewed when the required admission materials, including the pre-requisites, are complete and received. The college reviews complete applications on a continuous basis. Applicants are notified by email of their admission decision.

Who do I contact with more program-specific questions?

Online & Continuing Education
508.999.9202
online@admissions.umassd.edu
Foster Administration, Room 001