FAQs
What is the difference between the 3 year Bachelor of Science with a Major in Nursing (B.S.) and the Accelerated BS (ABS) program?
Both the 3 year B.S. and ABS programs yield the same degree: a Bachelor's of Science with a major in Nursing. However, they offer different paths to get to this degree.
Our Accelerated Bachelor's of Science with a major in Nursing degree is a program for people who have or will have a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field prior to matriculation but are wishing to earn their B.S. with a major in Nursing. Applicants with an accredited bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing or those anticipating the degree prior to starting the nursing program must complete eight additional prerequisite courses, which must be taken with a grade of "B-" or better. Once admitted, students will start the program in the summer and complete a generalist nursing curriculum that is comprised of five (5) intensive, consecutive quarters of full time nursing coursework required to achieve a B.S. with a major in Nursing. The B.S. degree is awarded at the successful completion of the undergraduate coursework, and graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX). The ABS program looks at a cumulative GPA, which must be above a 3.0. The deadline for applications for this program is typically January 15.
The 3 year B.S. program is for people who have no previous degree or for people with a previous bachelor's degree in another field. Applicants must do their 45 quarter credit hours of prerequisite requirementsfor one year at any accredited institution. Applicants must earn a "C-" or better in all prerequisite courses to be eligible. Once admitted, students will start the program in the fall of each year and complete a generalist nursing curriculum. Students will take classes and work with nurse preceptors in clinical settings with varying hours and schedules. This program is over a three year period and includes both nursing and non-nursing coursework; students have summers off. The B.S. degree is awarded at the successful completion of the undergraduate coursework, and graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX). The OCNE program looks at applicants' prerequisite GPAs only, which must be above a 3.0. The deadline for applications for this program is typically February 15.Can I accelerate through the 3 year B.S. program if I already have a bachelor's degree or many of the courses from the program completed?
No. Students who already have bachelor's degrees or a lot of previous course credit can transfer credits toward our general education and non-nursing requirements if their credits are from accredited institutions, if the courses are college level, and they received a "C-" or higher in the courses. This would not make you advance through the program any faster (it would still take three years); no students are allowed to accelerate through this program. However, your course load for each term would be lighter as you would only be taking the nursing courses.
Can I complete either the 3 year B.S. or ABS program part-time, or are they offered online?
No, these bachelor's programs are full-time programs of study not offered via distance education.
Where does OHSU rank with other nursing schools?U.S. News and World Report ranks the OHSU School of Nursing among the top ten schools of nursing in the nation. The school's midwifery program is ranked number one in the nation.
