ABSN

absn is an acronym used in various contexts, though it is most prominently associated with nursing education. In contemporary higher education, ABSN commonly stands for Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a degree pathway designed for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree and wish to become registered nurses.

In the ABSN nursing programs, students typically complete prerequisite science and general education coursework before entering intensive full-time study. The program duration is generally shorter than a traditional four-year BSN, often ranging from about 12 to 18 months, with a heavy emphasis on clinical practice and patient care. Upon completion, graduates are prepared to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain licensure. Program goals typically include building foundational nursing knowledge, clinical competency, critical thinking, and the ability to work in diverse clinical settings.

Outside of nursing education, ABSN is used as an acronym in other settings, including organizations, initiatives, or program titles that adopt the same initials. These uses are context-specific and vary by institution or industry, and there is no single standardized meaning beyond the nursing degree shorthand in education. When encountering ABSN, identifying supporting context—such as the field, organization, or geographic region—helps determine the intended meaning.

See also: nursing education, accelerated degree programs, NCLEX-RN, undergraduate nursing.