Accelerated BS in Nursing
Accelerate your nursing career with the ABSN program at Mount Saint Mary’s University
If you're looking to enter the nursing profession quickly and with confidence, Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles offers a seamless pathway with the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. Designed for those who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field, the ABSN program lets you earn your BSN degree in just 12 months (3 semesters), combining rigorous coursework with immersive clinical experiences. As the first institution in California to offer a BSN program, the Mount represents a legacy of nursing excellence rooted in compassionate care and innovative education.
MSMU prepares you for a fulfilling career in nursing. Make our ABSN program your next step and join a community of professionals committed to making a meaningful impact.
Ready to begin your nursing career? Learn more about our ABSN admission process.
This university played a huge part in where and who I am today.
The Mount gave me the opportunity to completely change my career and follow my dreams. Stephanee Beggs ‘20 ABSN CEO of RNExplained Inc.Career opportunities and program outcomes for ABSN graduates
With a rigorous, fast-paced curriculum and extensive clinical experience, our ABSN students graduate ready to take on the challenges of modern nursing. From hospitals and community health centers to specialized clinics and public health roles, our graduates excel in various healthcare settings thanks to their comprehensive training and commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care.
The ABSN program’s emphasis on evidence-based practice, leadership skills, and interdisciplinary collaboration sets our graduates apart. As a result, they are not only equipped to provide high-quality care but are also inspired to lead, innovate and advocate for their patients and communities. Our alumni benefit from increased career mobility, networking opportunities and access to advanced nursing education pathways. Join the ABSN program at the Mount and take the first step toward a fulfilling and impactful nursing career.
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Rigorous academic training meets hands-on clinical experiences
Clinical rotationsStarting from your first semester, you’ll begin hands-on clinical rotations at Los Angeles’ top hospitals. Rotations will occur three times a week, for nine hours each day. Clinical hours are mandatory and require flexibility from students. Through rotations in adult medical-surgical nursing, pediatric care, mental health, maternal-newborn support, advanced medical-surgical nursing, community health, leadership, gerontology and professional nursing practice, you’ll gain invaluable experience in a variety of specialized areas.
ABSN courses that will take you from classroom to clinic
Our dynamic curriculum is based on the acclaimed Roy Adaptation Model, developed right here at Mount Saint Mary’s University by Sister Callista Joy, CSJ, former chair of MSMU’s nursing department. This model encourages future nurses to see patients as individuals, considering their biological, psychological, social and spiritual needs and not just their medical conditions. This holistic approach helps nurses deliver truly personalized care.
ABSN students benefit from a generous amount of interaction in both didactic classroom learning, held two days a week from about 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and hands-on experiential learning through clinical rotations, three days a week from about 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at top hospitals in and around Los Angeles County. This blend of rigorous academic and practical training ensures that students are ready to excel when they graduate. Though our ABSN program is housed at Doheny, students can take classes at our Chalon campus if they so desire.
ABSN course highlights
In this course, you’ll explore the connection between research and real-world nursing care. You'll learn how to leverage evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes, gaining essential skills in understanding and applying the latest research.
Dive into the unique challenges and joys of caring for childbearing families and women’s health across different stages of life. This course blends theory and hands-on experience, using the Roy Adaptation Model to guide you in understanding and addressing diverse health needs in both local and global contexts.
This course focuses on the complexities of mental health and mental illness, helping you develop a well-rounded approach to care. Through theory and clinical practice, you'll learn to recognize and manage the mental health needs of individuals, families, and communities.
A lot of surgeons comment on my attention to detail — like getting my patient a warm blanket or putting a pillow under their knees. I was taught to think about the whole person and treat them as I would my mother, father or sister.
- Accelerated pathways: complete the program in 12 months
- Reputation and accreditation: accredited by CCNE, which is known for its high standards and is required by many graduate schools
- Clinical experience: extensive hands-on training in various healthcare settings
- Career services: strong job placement assistance and career support
- Alumni network: access to a vast network of supportive alumni
- Advanced facilities: modern simulation labs and learning resources
- Supportive environment: small class sizes with personalized attention
- Location: based in LA with access to diverse populations and job opportunities
- Commitment to inclusive excellence: emphasis on patient-centered care
Accreditations
BRN accreditation
Upon completing their final semester, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and are qualified to apply for the Public Health nursing certificate issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). The percentage of Mount Saint Mary’s students who passed the exam the first time they took it can be found on BRN’s website. MSMU’s rates reported for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program include students from the Accelerated BSN program.
CCNE accreditation
The accelerated baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Mount Saint Mary’s University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202.887.6791. This ensures our program meets rigorous academic and professional standards, providing our graduates with enhanced job prospects and preparing them for advanced studies in nursing.
WASC accreditation
Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), MSMU’s ABSN program meets exceptional standards of academic quality and effectiveness. This accreditation reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, student-centered education that prepares graduates for rewarding nursing careers.
The bachelor's degree in nursing meets the standards for and has been approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, leading to a California Registered Nurse (RN) license. Students who wish to practice in a state other than California may or may not have additional requirements to complete prior to applying for the RN license. Mount Saint Mary’s University is in the process of researching program professional licensure standards in other states. Contact Beverley Brownell at bbrownell@msmu.edu to discuss additional requirements that may be needed to obtain an RN license in a state outside of California.