The accelerated bachelor of science in nursing (ABSN) program allows students, who have completed pre-requisites either at MBU or another institution, to obtain their BSN in as little as 12 months.
Courses for the ABSN are taught in MBU’s state-of-the-art School of Nursing, located in the Walker Medical Building neighboring MBU’s main campus. The 8,000-plus square feet space has been transformed into an innovative learning space, which includes technology-equipped training classrooms, community meeting areas and a simulation program with a state-of-the-art lab.
MBU’s nursing simulation program is endorsed by the International Nursing Association of Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) for the program’s high quality simulation learning experiences.
Why MBU?
- The only evangelical Christian university in St. Louis. MBU’s program fills an important role in St. Louis and beyond as it aims to intersect innovative preparation with Christian perspectives, integrating personal faith in the practice of nursing while serving in a global and culturally diverse society.
- Founded in St. Louis and connected to St. Louis. As an ABSN student, you’ll join our network of healthcare partnerships and see why St. Louis institutions love MBU nursing students. Through years of working in St. Louis, we have professional partnerships and connections others can’t offer.
- An innovative learning space. You’ll learn in an environment built specifically to prepare you to be successful in the ever-changing nursing industry. MBU’s School of Nursing is located in the Walker Medical Building, which neighbors MBU’s main campus. The 8,000-plus square feet space was transformed into an innovative learning space, which includes a simulation lab, technology-equipped training classrooms, and community meeting areas. View the gallery here.
- State-of-the-art technology. All students admitted into this program within the School of Nursing will receive a new laptop included in tuition to help foster innovative learning. At MBU, you’ll use technology to learn how to communicate relevant patient data, manage care, mitigate errors, and support clinical judgment and evidence-based nursing practice.
- A high demand for registered nurses. The launch of MBU’s nursing program comes when the demand for registered nurses who have earned a BSN is high. In Missouri, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow more than 13 percent by 2024, according to Missouri’s Division of Employment Security. The projections are, in part, based on the rising demand for healthcare confounded with a significant number of nurses who will be retiring in the next decade.
FAQ
1. Are there any part-time or online options available for the ABSN program? No, the ABSN program is a full-time program. There are no online options for completion of the ABSN.
2. Do all of the prerequisite courses need to be completed when I apply? Applicants should have completed all pre-nursing requirements (or be currently enrolled) prior to applying for the nursing program. Students can take the following courses in conjunction with their nursing courses:
- Pathophysiology (must earn a B or better)
- Old Testament History
- New Testament History
All remaining science and math courses must be completed prior to starting the nursing program:
Students must have two of the four following science courses completed prior to applying for admissions:
- Anatomy & Physiology I w/lab (must earn a B or better in theory & lab)
- Anatomy & Physiology II w/lab (must earn a B or better in theory & lab)
- Microbiology w/lab (must earn a B or better in theory & lab)
The other two courses can be in progress during the application timeframe but must be completed prior to the nursing program beginning.
The science courses must be completed within the past 7 years.
3. Can I take the prerequisite courses at a community college or online? Yes. The prerequisite courses can be completed at any accredited college/university or community college. They can also be taken online.
4. How can I apply? Complete the undergraduate application to MBU and note your interest in the nursing program. Your admissions counselor will work with you on the details.
5. Can I be a student-athlete while enrolled in the nursing program? No. Due to the accelerated nature of the program, our students are unable to participate in athletics.
6. How many clinical hours will I have during the ABSN program? Students completing the ABSN program complete 765 hours of clinical practice in a variety of specialty areas. The program concludes with a 168-hour Senior Capstone experience where the student works with a preceptor to increase knowledge application, prioritization and decision-making skills as well as help facilitate a smooth transition to professional practice.
7. Are there opportunities to work with diverse populations during the ABSN program? Each student will have a number of opportunities to work with diverse populations during the course of study.
8. When do clinical experiences begin in the ABSN program at Missouri Baptist University School of Nursing? Students in the ABSN program begin clinical in their first semester and continue in clinical synthesis experiences throughout the program.
9. Where are clinical courses? Clinical courses may be held anywhere within a 75-mile radius of the campus. Students are responsible for transportation to and from clinical sites. Clinical experiences may be eight-hour or twelve-hour shifts. The usual start time is 6:30 a.m., although there could be some night shift hours during senior capstone.
10. Is there a time limit on when courses had to be completed in order for them to be transferred in to the School of Nursing? Yes, there is a 7 year time limit on four science courses. Students must have completed the following courses in the past 7 years in order to transfer them in to the School of Nursing.
- Anatomy & Physiology I & II
- Pathophysiology
- Microbiology
Clinical Sites
The School of Nursing at Missouri Baptist University will use a variety of clinical sites to give students a broad range of experiences across various settings and with different populations. Our list of clinical sites is continually growing. Below is an example of some of the sites that students could attend.
- BJC Healthcare
- Mercy Jefferson
- Mercy South
- Mercy St. Louis
- Mercy Washington
- Mid-America Transplant
- Ranken Jordan Pediatric Rehabilitation Hospital
- SSM Health
- St. Luke’s Hospital