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Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Accelerated
book_2 Learning Mode: Residential
Program Overview
Pursue a focused path to professional nursing through a residential program that integrates academic excellence with clinical readiness.
Application Timeline
Spring
Jul 1 – Aug 15 (Priority)
Jul 1 – Sep 15 (Regular)
Fall
Aug 15 – Nov 15 (Priority)
Aug 15 – Jan 31 (Regular)
Learning Experience
Develop clinical confidence through immersive coursework, guided simulations and real-world experiences across diverse care settings.
Curriculum
Year 1, Semester 1
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NURSU 315 | Health Assessment* | 4 |
| NURSU 451 | Pathophysiology/Pharmacology I | 3 |
| NURSU 385 | Professional Nursing & Nursing Practice | 2 |
| NURSU 461 | Foundations & Gerontologic Nursing* | 6 |
| IP 711 | IP Foundations & Teamstepps | 1 |
| IP ### | IP Concentration Course of Choice | 1 |
| Semester Total | 17 | |
Year 1, Semester 2
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NURSU 452 | Pathophysiology-Pharmacology II | 3 |
| NURSU 464 | Research & Evidence Based Practice in Nursing | 3 |
| NURSU 387 | Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing* | 5 |
| NURSU 454 | Medical Surgical Nursing I* | 6 |
| Semester Total | 17 | |
Year 1, Semester 3
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NURSU 417 | Women's Health* | 5 |
| NURSU 405 | Nursing Care with Children & Their Families* | 5 |
| NURSU 409 | Population Focused Nursing* | 5 |
| Semester Total | 15 | |
Year 2, Semester 4
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NURSU 372 | Health Care Systems & Policy** | 2 |
| NURSU 376 | Leadership & Management in Nursing** | 3 |
| NURSU 455 | Medical Surgical Nursing II Synthesis Practicum | 7 |
| Semester Total | 12 | |
Curriculum Total: 61
Prerequisite Credit Hour Total: 60
Required Credit Hour Total: 121
Clinical Education
ABSN students participate in clinical experiences throughout various clinical agencies, including in-patient, out-patient and community settings in the greater Charleston area. Clinical rotations primarily take place at sites located on or close to the MUSC campus.
MUSC operates a 700-bed medical center, a nationally recognized children’s hospital, the NCI-designated Hollings Cancer Center, a Level I trauma center, the Institute of Psychiatry, more than 100 outreach locations across the state and South Carolina’s only transplant center.
In addition to rotations in the clinical setting, the College of Nursing uses best practices simulation to provide a safe environment for learning psychomotor and critical thinking skills. Simulation experience also allows students to connect didactic learning with clinical learning.
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Your Path to Admission
Discover key information about application steps and required documentation to help you move forward with confidence.
Eligibility Requirements
Sixty credit hours of prerequisite coursework are required for students planning to apply to the ABSN program. The preferred minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) is a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students must earn a minimum grade of "C" in prerequisite courses. Coursework may be in progress at the time of application but must be completed by the initial date of enrollment. Three of the four required science courses must be completed at the time of application. The required science courses are human anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and a science elective.
Minimum Abilities
At MUSC, we actively support all students to ensure their success in both academic and clinical settings. To support this goal, the university outlines the essential qualities and functional abilities required for participation in its educational programs. These include a range of observational, communication, motor, intellectual, and behavioral skills necessary for safe and effective practice. You can view the full list of minimum abilities by visiting the Minimum Abilities page .
Prerequisite Coursework
The following prerequisite coursework is required for all applicants.
| Prerequisite Coursework | Description | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Human Anatomy | A survey course of the physical structure of human cells, tissues, and organs. This may be a stand-alone human anatomy course, or it may be a combined human anatomy and physiology course. If it is a stand-alone human anatomy course, a stand-alone human physiology course is also required. If it is a combined course, a second human anatomy and physiology course will be required to meet the minimum course content requirements. It must include a lab component. Comparative anatomy and physiology courses do not meet the minimum course content requirements. | 4 |
| Human Physiology | A survey course of the function and regulation of the human body and physiological integration of the organ systems to maintain homeostasis. Course content should cover the major function of the major organs and organ systems of the body. This may be a stand-alone human physiology course, or it may be a combined human anatomy and physiology course. If it is a stand-alone human physiology course, a stand-alone human anatomy course is also required. If it is a combined course, a second human anatomy and physiology course is also required to meet the minimum course content requirements. It must include a lab component. Comparative anatomy and physiology courses do not meet the minimum course content requirements. | 4 |
| Lifespan Human Growth & Development | A survey course of theory and research concerned with human growth and development from conception/birth through senescence and death. A course in child development will not fulfill this requirement. The CLEP and Excelsior College exams taken after 2001 are acceptable. | 3 |
| Microbiology | A survey course of morphology, structure, metabolism, and growth of microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, protozoan, and parasites. Basic concepts of virology, epidemiology, and pathogenicity should be included. Must include a laboratory component. | 4 |
| Nutrition | A survey course of the functions of the major nutrients (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals) and food sources of each. Course content should address the needs of the person through the lifespan and include diet evaluation, nutritional assessment, energy balance, weight control, nutrition and fitness, and how food choices can enhance health, athletic performance, and reduce the risk of chronic disease. | 3 |
| Science Electives | Biology, chemistry, and physics courses with a laboratory component are preferred. | 4 |
| Statistics | A course that emphasizes basic statistical concepts. Topics should include descriptive statistics, probability, sampling distributions, hypothesis testing, simple linear regression and correlation, and analysis of variance. | 3 |
Additional Prerequisites for Applicants Without a Bachelor's Degree
| Prerequisite | Description | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| English Composition/Communication | Coursework that emphasizes expository and critical writing and utilizes selected works of literature for analysis and composition topics. Can also include communication courses (interpersonal and public speaking). | 6 |
| Social Sciences and Humanities Electives | College transfer coursework is acceptable including anthropology, psychology, sociology, geography, art, literature, philosophy, religion, music, history, theater, economics, political science, and government. | 15 |
| General Electives | College transfer coursework (non-nursing) is acceptable. Any computer information, public speaking, additional math, and additional science courses are highly recommended. General rule: Any course that is college transfer eligible, the course number is 101 or higher and has not been used to meet other specific prerequisite coursework may be used. | 14 |
Frequently Approved Prerequisites:
Before applying, it's essential to ensure that any prior coursework meets the admissions requirements. MUSC provides a helpful
reference list of frequently approved prerequisite courses to guide you in understanding which classes may satisfy your program's
requirements. To explore the list, visit our Frequently Approved Prerequisites page
.
Application Process
The following process outlines how and when your materials will be reviewed.
- Submit the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) NursingCAS application as early as possible. After fee payment and official transcripts are received, it usually takes four to six weeks to process and verify the application. The application must be verified by the application deadline to be eligible for review.
- Review the MUSC admissions process.
- Complete the MUSC Supplemental Application.
- Once both applications are complete and the AACN NursingCAS application has been verified, your application will be reviewed. Selected applicants will be contacted for an interview.
Priority Admission
The ABSN program offers the opportunity to apply for priority admission and receive an early decision. To qualify for priority admission, applicants must meet the same requirements as regular admission. However, applicants must have an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher and a prerequisites GPA of 3.8 or higher to be considered.
The ABSN program also offers active-duty military the opportunity to apply for early decisions. Active-duty military who apply within the admission cycle will receive an admission decision within two weeks of submitting a complete and verified NursingCAS application and supplemental MUSC application. Applicants must meet the same requirements as regular admission and provide proof of active-duty military status.
Application Requirements
- NursingCAS Application: All applicants must submit the NursingCAS application. You do not need to send any of the following information directly to MUSC.
- Letters of Recommendation: All applicants must provide three letters of recommendation, including one academic reference.
- Official Transcripts: Applicants are required to submit official transcripts from all institutions attended.
- Personal Essay: All applicants must submit a personal essay.
- Resume: Applicants must provide an updated resume detailing relevant academic and professional experiences. It is highly recommended that applicants have work or volunteer experience in a health care setting.
- MUSC Application: All applicants must submit the MUSC Application.
- Immunization Records: Due to the clinical components of this program, official immunization records are required for all students upon admission and matriculation.
- Student Confirmation Fee: The Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Accelerated program at MUSC is nationally recognized and highly competitive, especially for out-of-state applicants. Due to limited enrollment and a large number of out-of-state applications, it is essential that accepted students confirm their intent to enroll. To secure a place in the program, all out-of-state students who matriculate are required to submit a one-time, non-refundable $1,000 confirmation fee. This fee is applied directly to the student’s first-semester tuition. The payment deadline is outlined in the program acceptance letter. Students who submit the confirmation fee but do not enroll will forfeit the fee.
- Supplemental Materials: In addition to the application itself, the applicant must review supplemental materials specific to the program to which they are applying. These forms are sent via email once an application has been submitted.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Scores: The score report of the TOEFL is required for all applicants whose native language is not English. A TOEFL score of at least 80 is required.
Priority Admission
The ABSN program offers the opportunity to apply for priority admission and receive an early decision. To qualify for priority admission, applicants must meet the same requirements as regular admission. However, applicants must have an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher and a prerequisites GPA of 3.8 or higher to be considered.
The ABSN program also offers active-duty military the opportunity to apply for early decisions. Active-duty military who apply within the admission cycle will receive an admission decision within two weeks of submitting a complete and verified NursingCAS application and supplemental MUSC application. Applicants must meet the same requirements as regular admission and provide proof of active-duty military status.
International Applicants
MUSC's College of Nursing degree programs are unable to admit international students requiring an F-1 visa. Applications will only be accepted from U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or those holding other valid nonimmigrant visa classifications that allow participation in lawful study while in the United States.
Funding Your Path Forward
Access resources that support your goals, including guidance on tuition, financial aid and scholarships for admitted students.
Tuition
| Fee Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application Fee (per application) | $50 |
| Matriculation Fee (upon applicant acceptance) | $485 |
| Testing/NCLEX Preparation Fee (first semester) | $425 |
Tuition and fees listed below are per semester unless otherwise noted.
| Tuition/Fee Type | Fall | Spring | Summer | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-state Tuition | $7,811 | $7,811 | $7,811 | - |
| Out-of-state Tuition | $14,515 | $14,515 | $14,515 | - |
| Lab Fee | $330 | $330 | $330 | - |
| Program Fee | $270 | $270 | $270 | - |
Cost of Attendance
Fall Start
| Item | Year 1 | Year 2 | Est. Total* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Costs | |||
| Tuition - In-state/Out-of-state | $23,433/$43,545 | $7,811/$14,515 | $31,244/$58,060 |
| Fees | $2,525 | $750 | $3,275 |
| Direct Costs Subtotal | $25,958/$46,070 | $8,561/$15,265 | $34,519/$61,335 |
| Indirect Costs | |||
| Housing/Food | $24,882 | $9,048 | $33,930 |
| Personal | $2,640 | $960 | $3,600 |
| Transportation | $2,970 | $1,080 | $4,050 |
| Books/Required Expenses | $10,598 | $2,581 | $13,179 |
| Indirect Costs Subtotal | $41,090 | $13,669 | $54,759 |
| Total - In-state/Out-of-state | $67,048/$87,160 | $22,230/$28,934 | $89,278/$116,094 |
Spring Start
| Item | Year 1 | Year 2 | Est. Total* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Costs | |||
| Tuition - In-state/Out-of-state | $15,622/$29,030 | $15,622/$29,030 | $31,244/$58,060 |
| Fees | $1,775 | $1,500 | $3,275 |
| Direct Costs Subtotal | $17,397/$30,805 | $17,122/$30,530 | $34,519/$61,335 |
| Indirect Costs | |||
| Housing/Food | $15,834 | $18,096 | $33,930 |
| Personal | $1,680 | $1,920 | $3,600 |
| Transportation | $1,890 | $2,160 | $4,050 |
| Books/Required Expenses | $8,059 | $5,838 | $13,897 |
| Indirect Costs Subtotal | $27,463/$27,463 | $28,014/$28,014 | $55,477 |
| Total - In-state/Out-of-state | $44,860/$58,268 | $45,136/$58,544 | $89,996/$116,812 |
*The Estimated Total listed above reflects an approximation of educational costs for planning purposes only. Actual expenses may vary based on individual circumstances, program requirements, and annual changes in tuition, fees, and other costs. The Medical University of South Carolina reserves the right to adjust tuition, fees, and other charges at any time without prior notice.
Scholarships
MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means that these scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees. If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list the Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC's code: 003438. We encourage you to submit your FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit your FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the fall.
Click here to visit our scholarship application system to view a complete listing of MUSC scholarships.
Program Faculty
Megan Honaker, DNP, RN
Instructor
Dr. Honaker is an Instructor and Lead Faculty for Undergraduate Programs in the accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing program. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Radford University and her Doctor of the Nursing Practice with a concentration in Nurse Executive Leadership from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Dr. Honaker’s nursing career began in 2015 in Obstetric nursing and includes experience in labor and delivery, antepartum, mother- baby, OBGYN emergency department, women’s surgery, and high- risk obstetrics. Throughout her nursing career, Dr. Honaker worked as a travel nurse and was fortunate to work in a variety of healthcare settings caring for patients across a wide range of backgrounds in seven states. She now serves as a women’s health advocate, preparing the next generation of nurses through evidence-based instruction, clinical mentorship, and a continued commitment to advancing maternal health outcomes.
Dr. Honaker started her academic career in 2022. Her areas of expertise include maternal- child nursing, health assessment, and leadership.As lead faculty, she engages in academic and professional mentorship, provides comprehensive student advisement, and contributes to the continuous evaluation and refinement of undergraduate policies and procedures to advance best practices in nursing education. Dr. Honaker also serves as the Student Government Association faculty advisor and Sigma Theta Tau Gamma Omicron chapter counselor at MUSC.
Dr. Honaker is a member of the American Nurses Association, Association for Women’s Health Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, Association for Leadership Science in Nursing, and American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Dr. Honaker is a certified peanut ball trainer and board member for the You Keep Hope Alive Foundation.
Dr. Honaker’s research interests include the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL), decreasing maternal mortality rates, and grief support after early pregnancy and infant loss.
Amy Smith
Kristen McDaniel Poston, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CHSE
Assistant Professor
Dr. Kristen Poston is an Assistant Professor and the Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs in the College of Nursing (CON) at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of South Carolina, and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, her Master of Science in Nursing, and her Doctor of Nursing Practice from MUSC.
Dr. Poston has been a faculty member at the CON since 2017. Prior to serving as the Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs, she was the Lead Faculty for Undergraduate Programs. She is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE). She spent her time as a Registered Nurse working in neurology and neurosurgery at MUSC, and has extensive experience as a FNP in urgent care and rural health. In addition to her roles at the CON, Dr. Poston has served as the President of the South Carolina Nursing Education Simulation Alliance and on the Board of Directors of the South Carolina Nurses Foundation.
Dr. Poston’s scholarship interests are centered on practice readiness, simulation, immersive virtual reality, and the development of clinical judgment in prelicensure nursing students. She is passionate about preparing high-quality nurses for certification and practice, primarily through experiential learning and simulation. Dr. Poston aims to inspire excitement and growth in students via supporting their development to become the next generation of nurse change-makers. She considers it an honor and a privilege to empower students to reach their professional goals at the MUSC College of Nursing.
Academic Focus: Clinical judgment, Simulation, Immersive virtual reality, and Practice readiness/Transition to practice
Frequently Asked Questions
We do offer a campus virtual tour and multiple information sessions to educate prospective students about the programs we offer in the College of Nursing. For more information on current sessions and when tours will resume, visit our Campus Tours page.
Yes, coursework may be in progress when you make an application to the College of Nursing. It must be completed with a grade of “C” or better prior to your matriculation (or start) date at the College of Nursing. However, three of the four science courses must be completed at the time of application. The four science courses are Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology and a science elective.
Students may not begin their nursing coursework without having all prerequisite coursework completed.
The application, the application fee, official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (even if it was just one course), three completed reference forms (provided with the application), a resume highlighting your related work or volunteer experience and a short essay, not to exceed 100 words.
No, we must receive the official reference forms. Generally, we prefer academic and/or professional references. These forms will be available when you begin the application process. They may be sent to the person providing the reference electronically or you may download and provide to the reference personally.
Due to our competitive applicant pool, an applicant may be placed on our alternate list. The alternate list is comprised of qualified and competitive applicants who have not yet been accepted for admission but may be accepted should an offered applicant decline their admission into the program. Due to privacy for all our applicants, we will not be able to divulge your place on the alternate list. We assure you that we will notify you immediately if selected for a seat in the program.
The Accelerated BSN program at MUSC is one of the top programs in the country with competitive entry, particularly for out-of-state students. Because there is a large out-of-state applicant pool and we have limited enrollment, we must be assured that those out-of-state students who are accepted to our program actually attend. Therefore, all out-of-state students who matriculate are required to pay a one- time, non-refundable confirmation fee of $1,000 that will be applied directly to the student’s first semester tuition charges. The deposit confirms the intention of the accepted out-of-state applicant to enroll and secures a place in the Accelerated BSN program. The confirmation fee for accepted out-of-state students is due by the date stipulated in the program acceptance letter and is non-refundable. If a student pays the confirmation fee and does not enroll in the program, the confirmation fee is forfeited.
No, all students are admitted to the BSN program full-time.
It's strongly recommended that students avoid working while in the program, as it demands your full attention for coursework and clinicals, which may include some evenings and weekends. Although working during the program is discouraged, some students find it possible to work a limited number of hours per week as a nursing extern or patient care tech after their first semester of nursing coursework.
No, MUSC is an academic health science center and does not provide student housing. There is an excellent Office of Off-campus Housing which will provide you with information about the Charleston area and even coordinates “room-mate finder” parties. For more information, visit our Off-Campus Housing page.
The Board of Nursing for each state dictates licensure requirements for Registered Nurses. MUSC College of Nursing applicants and students should familiarize themselves with the requirements for the state(s) in which they intend to practice using this site. During your final semester, the Assistant Dean of Students will present information on endorsement, testing and licensure. ABSN graduates will be eligible to sit for national licensure (NCLEX-RN).
Living in Charleston
Charleston offers a unique blend of coastal beauty and modern convenience. With top-rated dining, scenic waterfronts and endless outdoor activities, the city offers an unmatched quality of life for residents, striking a balance between work and leisure.
Guided by Purpose and Principles
Join a program built on a foundation of leadership, service and a commitment to improving health across communities.
Objectives
The Accelerated BSN program aims to prepare graduates to:
- Aspire to advance health care through integration of rigorous clinical scholarship, ethical inquiry, and evidence-based decision-making in various professional settings.
- Undertake leadership roles that shape patient outcomes, health systems, and policy through collaborative, interprofessional engagement.
- Contribute to nursing knowledge and practice through reflective inquiry, research literacy, and preparedness for graduate and scholarly career trajectories.
- Influence societal well-being by applying holistic nursing perspectives to individuals, families, communities, and populations in an ever-evolving health care landscape.
Competencies
Upon completion of the Accelerated BSN program, graduates should be able to:
- Employ comprehensive health assessment strategies grounded in pathophysiological understanding to inform individualized, evidence-based care.
- Execute interdisciplinary care coordination and communication with proficiency in clinical, community, and policy-oriented contexts.
- Design, critique, and apply empirical research and evidence-based practice findings to influence clinical outcomes and health care delivery.
- Demonstrate ethical, sensitive professional conduct in patient care environments and research settings.
- Exercise leadership and systems thinking to improve quality and safety in health care delivery.
- Navigate and contribute to health policy, organizational dynamics, and interprofessional teamwork with scholarly acumen.
To lead a bold new era in nursing.
To transform health care through education, practice and research.
Values
At the core of our program, we are guided by a commitment to the following values that drive our mission:
- Compassion: We act with kindness, empathy, and dignity.
- Collaboration: We achieve common goals through teamwork and partnerships.
- Innovation: We drive transformation by embracing new ideas, discoveries, and practices.
- Integrity: We do the right thing and commit to accountability in words, actions, and use of resources.
- Respect: We value everyone and their many perspectives to build trust and a sense of belonging.
Stories Worth Sharing
Discover how students and alums are shaping the future of care through meaningful contributions and experiences.
Accreditation & Recognition
Trust a program that meets recognized standards of quality and prepares graduates for respected roles in nursing.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Accelerated program at the Medical University of South Carolina is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. CCNE accreditation means that our program meets or exceeds established standards for a professional program leading to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Whereas accreditation applies to training programs, licensure applies to individuals.
Our program prepares students for and makes them eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), which all individuals must pass in order to become a licensed registered nurse (RN). Passing the NCLEX-RN is necessary, but it may not be sufficient to practice in all states as licensure requirements for registered nurses are determined by each state’s Board of Nursing. All applicants should review the licensure criteria for the state or states where they plan to practice. A helpful resource is available through NursingLicensure.org.
Passing the NCLEX-RN satisfies licensure requirements for the state of South Carolina.