SDSU Online is launching a brand-new Accelerated Second Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (ASBSN) that is perfect for career changers.
You don’t need to start over academically to become a nurse. With this 18-month program, you are able to transition your current degree into a stable, patient-centered career in nursing. This pre-licensure program combines online courses with hands-on labs and clinical training, all geared towards preparing you to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
Here’s everything you need to know about this new program:
What Are the Main Parts of the ASBSN Program?
San Diego State’s ASBSN program utilizes both online coursework and in-person experiences to train future nurses.
The program is designed to be completed in six consecutive semesters, including summers. Each semester includes 2-4 online courses, with at least 1 of them also requiring a lab component. The classes span a variety of topics within nursing from general fundamentals of nursing practice, to more specialized looks at pediatrics and psychiatric nursing.
The in-person lab components will be completed at a brand-new, state-of-the-art SDSU nursing facility in Chula Vista. This purpose-based campus features modern simulations, skill labs, and classrooms. You’ll be trained to meet today’s healthcare needs.
The hands-on experience that can be gained through the clinical component is extremely key. Students are required to complete 900 hours of clinical experience. These clinicals are completed at hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities across the San Diego County region. You’ll be helping real people and gaining real-life practice in nursing.
The courses in this program are equally important too. The skills and knowledge you learn through online classes, labs, and clinicals will be vital to passing the NCLEX-RN exam and officially becoming a licensed nurse.
What Does “Accelerated” Mean?
The “accelerated” part of the program name does not mean rushed; it means that it’s focused, structured, and supported.
The word can be easily misconstrued as an indication that the course material will be condensed and presented at an extremely fast pace. However, this is far from the case. While this program is very rigorous, you’ll be provided with the academic, clinical, and personal support required to make it achievable.
The 18-month completion time makes your transition into nursing as simple and efficient as possible. From the very beginning, you’ll have a clear, structured path laid out for you so you’ll never have to wonder what’s next. You’ll be able to focus on mastering every skill and topic you’ll need to be the best nurse you can be.
You won’t have to worry about feeling hurried; you’ll just be able to start making your mark on your community sooner.
How is the Current Job Market for Nursing?
The nursing profession is experiencing a high demand due to the aging population, healthcare expansion, and the need to replace retiring nurses.
Graduates with an ASBSN are particularly valuable today due to their diverse experience and educational backgrounds. This extra life experience can give you a leg up on the competition.
These are the current statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor (2025):
- 933,628 Job Postings in the last 12 months
- A projected job growth of 10.30% for the next 10 years
- An average salary of graduates of $97,700
What Makes SDSU Nursing Different?
San Diego State University has a long history of excellence in nursing education.
SDSU’s in-person bachelor of nursing program has consistently been ranked among the top 100 nursing programs in the country. It’s a highly selective and competitive program for applicants. Most years, only the top 5% of first-years in the pool are accepted, leading to only the best of the best being admitted.
The BSN program additionally boasts a 95% NCLEX-RN pass rate, as well as a 92% graduation rate. This new ASBSN program will be led by the same expert faculty that helped the program to achieve these impressive stats.
