Become a registered nurse (RN) in under 2 years
Help fill the growing need for registered nurses in your community by enrolling in one of Elmhurst University’s online accelerated nursing programs. For those with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, Elmhurst offers two full-time second-degree nursing program options:
- Online Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
- Online Master’s Entry in Nursing Practice (MENP)
Through our hybrid nursing programs, you'll complete all coursework entirely online while gaining valuable hands-on experience through one or two on-campus residencies and clinical placements in your local community.
Academically Strong
Accredited by the CCNE* and ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a leading Midwest university
Integrated Support
Dedicated student advisors will be by your side from application to graduation
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
-
With your bachelor’s degree in any non-nursing discipline as your foundation, you’ll earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and be prepared to take the NCLEX-RN examination.
-
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in NursingAccelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- 16 months to complete
- 600+ clinical and lab hours
- Two on-campus residencies
-
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- Prerequisite courses
Now accepting applications for Fall 2025
Fall 2025 Start:
August 25, 2025
Master's Entry in Nursing Practice
-
Our online direct entry MSN program provides a fast-paced pathway from a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to earning your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.
-
Master's Entry in Nursing PracticeMaster's Entry in Nursing Practice
- 20 months to complete
- 1,000+ clinical and lab hours
- One on-campus residency
-
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university
- 3.2 minimum GPA
- Prerequisite courses
Now accepting applications for Fall 2025
Fall 2025 Start:
August 25, 2025
Comparison of our online nursing programs for non-nurses
Both of our fast-track nursing programs offer a convenient path to a new and meaningful nursing career. If you’re undecided about which program to choose, this comparison chart may help you select the path that’s right for you.
| ABSN | MENP | |
|---|---|---|
| Degree upon Completion | Bachelor's Degree | Master's Degree |
| Program length | 60 credits/16 months | 71 credits/20 months |
| Clinical hours | 450+ | 850+ |
| Program cost | $50,000 | $60,000 |
| Exam(s) | NCLEX-RN | NCLEX-RN, CNL |
| Credentials** | RN | RN, Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) |
| Ideal student |
Students who want to enter nursing to follow their passion for caring for others |
Students who want to enter nursing and advance to leadership roles to improve patient safety and quality outcomes |
*The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and the master’s degree program in nursing at Elmhurst University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791
**Upon successful completion of the relevant licensure examinations
Kickstart Your Second Career in Nursing
The online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program will help you solidify your skills and knowledge for a career in nursing while teaching you the required competencies in just 16 months. Work alongside registered nurses through a variety of hands-on experiences in Elmhurst’s state-of-the-art Simulation Lab, and examine the factors that influence the well-being of diverse communities. Earning an accelerated BSN is the perfect opportunity for those looking for a second career as a BSN-prepared RN.
The online Master’s Entry in Nursing Practice (MENP) program prepares you with the foundations, skills and clinical experience to begin your career as a clinical nurse leader. Enroll with a bachelor’s degree in any field and graduate with an MSN degree. You’ll also have the ability to advance your education after graduation by bridging to a nurse practitioner through post-graduate certification programs or a doctor of nursing practice program.
