ABSN programs are the fastest way to become a registered nurse (RN). You can earn an accelerated BSN in 11–18 months, depending on the program. The pace of these programs is intense, and you will earn the same amount of clinical hours as someone in a traditional BSN program. ABSN programs in our area include Belmont University, East Tennessee State University, Emory University, Samford University, the University of Memphis, and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has compiled a list of accelerated baccalaureate programs by state.

Course Requirements
Course requirements vary by school, so research your programs early and make sure your Sewanee schedule accommodates these requirements.

Many schools require the courses listed below. Requirements vary substantially, so please consult with the Office of Medical and Health Programs when planning your coursework. 

Biology 
Note that BIOL 133 and BIOL 233 are non-lab courses that are prerequisites for required upper level biology lab courses. CHEM 120/150 is a prerequisite for Microbiology.

Many programs require all of the following courses:
BIOL 180: Principles of Human Nutrition or BIOL 218: Principles of Animal Nutrition and Metabolism
BIOL 203: Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy or BIOL 270: Human Anatomy
BIOL 312/314: General and Human Physiology 
BIOL 340: Microbiology 

Mathematics and Statistics
Some schools require statistics, while others require a college-level math class or have no requirement.
STAT 204: Elementary Statistics

One or More of the Following Psychology Courses
Note that PSYC 100/101 is a prerequisite for the upper-level courses listed below, and PSYC 251 is a prerequisite for PSYC 357. 
Requirements vary widely and are specific. Please check your schools’ requirements and consult with the Office of Medical and Health Programs when planning your course schedule.
PSYC 100: Introduction to Psychology or PSYC 101: Principles of Psychology
PSYC 202: Abnormal Behavior
PSYC 221: Adolescence 
PSYC 222: Adult Development and Aging
PSYC 357: Child Development 

Chemistry
CHEM 120 General Chemistry (Lab) or CHEM 150 Advanced General Chemistry (Lab)
Some schools, including the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, require a second semester of chemistry with lab. Below are inorganic chemistry courses that will satisfy the second semester of chemistry for most schools that require an additional course:
CHEM 210 Solution and Solid State Chemistry (Lab)
CHEM 308 Inorganic Chemistry (Lab)
CHEM 352 Thermodynamics and Kinetics (Lab)

Some schools also require courses in or sociology (MHUM 110) and two semesters of English. 
Many Sewanee students fulfill the English requirement with the following courses:

  • ENGL 101 Literature and Composition + ENGLXXX 
  • HUMN (with GFWI) + ENGLXXX 
  • WRIT courses also are accepted by some schools

Some schools have additional requirements, such as a religion courses or bioethics/medical ethics.
PHIL 235: Bioethics may fulfill the medical ethics requirement.