Jacksonville University & Ascension St. Vincent's16-month Accelerated BSN
Earn a second bachelor's degreeLaunch your career in just 16 months.
Have you earned your associate’s or bachelor’s degree and are ready to begin your career in nursing? Jacksonville University and Ascension St. Vincent’s are partnering to bring a 16-month Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program that will prepare you to succeed in your nursing career in less than two years. Graduates of this program participate in simulations, clinicals, and coursework that prepares them to make their career change as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The Ascension St. Vincent's Scholars program connects students with mentors who guide them through their academic journey and help them build their careers. The program provides students with an immersive experience in the Ascension St. Vincent's environment and awards a scholarship to selected students. All students in the 16-month JU & Ascension St. Vincent's cohort will receive a patch to wear on their scrubs that shows their participation in the program.
start your application
The application for Spring 2025 is open!
Virtual information session
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the program director and advisor to ask questions about our curriculum and admissions process.
Why choose our program?
Our partnership program is designed to help you transition into a nursing career, regardless of your degree field. The experienced faculty at Jacksonville University and staff at Ascension St. Vincent’s will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed. Gain practical experience through clinical rotations at Ascension St. Vincent’s locations in Jacksonville (Southside and Riverside), Clay County, and St. John’s County.
Scholarship Opportunities
At Jacksonville University, we believe in making high-quality education affordable. All admitted 16-month Accelerated BSN students to receive a merit scholarship from Jacksonville University, no additional application required.
The Ascension St. Vincent's Scholars program awards scholarships to selected students who applied separately after being admitted to the 16-month program.
To learn about other scholarship opportunities, please visit our scholarship website.
Are you ready for your career change?Minimum Qualifications
JU and Ascension St. Vincent's 16-month ABSN program is right for you if you have already earned an associate's or bachelor’s degree and want to pursue a career in nursing.
In order to be considered for this program, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Associate's or bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution*
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale
- Prerequisite courses completed with a 'C' or higher from a regionally accredited institution*
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I with lab taken within the last 10 years (4 credits)
- Human Anatomy & Physiology II with lab taken within the last 10 years (4 credits)
- General Chemistry with lab (4 credits)
- Microbiology with lab (4 credits)
- Nutrition (3 credits)
- Human Growth & Development (3 credits)
- Statistics (3 credits)
These are our minimum qualifications. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance to the program.
*You may apply with a degree in progress and/or outstanding pre-requisites. However, they must be completed by the program start date
Admissions RequirementsApplication & Evaluation
Your application must include the following components in order to be considered:
- Submit an online application. Start your application.
- Unofficial transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
- Proof of current or future enrollment in any outstanding pre-requisites, which must be taken at a regionally-accredited institution and scheduled to finish before the program starts.
- Short-answer writing sample.
- One-way recorded virtual interview.
Curriculum
Our 16-month program offers a spring entry term and includes lessons in Critical Care. Students are expected to attend on-campus classes four days a week and clinicals one day a week. However, during senior summer, students are expected to attend clinicals two days a week. This program does not offer evening or online classes.
Our programs are 'lock-step.' A lock-step program requires all students to complete a set curriculum in a specified sequence. This also requires that students successfully complete each course in order to progress. Because of this, programs cannot be completed in less time than outlined.
Please visit our frequently asked questions website for more information regarding our program's curriculum.
Explore Accelerated Nursing at JUChoose Your Path
Explore your options in accelerated nursing with Jacksonville University! With four different accelerated nursing programs, JU and the Keigwin School of Nursing are committed to the success of each student by providing a high-quality, well-rounded education that works best for you.
Programs offered:
- JU & St. Vincent's Ascension Accelerated 16-month Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing*
- JU & Baptist Health 12-month Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- JU & Mayo Clinic 12-month Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- 20-month Accelerated Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing
*These programs are accepting applications with associate's degrees.
Request Information
Contact Information Keigwin School of Nursing
Phone: (904) 256-7000
Email: graduateadmissions@ju.edu