Accelerated BSN at University of Northern Iowa now enrolling for fall launch

12-month program offers fast, affordable path to meet critical nursing workforce needs

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - The University of Northern Iowa is now enrolling students for its new Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, set to launch in August 2026.

First approved by the Iowa Board of Regents in November, the 12-month program is designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree or have completed significant undergraduate coursework. Applicants must have completed general education requirements (or equivalent), along with all prerequisite coursework for the nursing major.

"This is a great opportunity for career changers who are ready to enter nursing and make an immediate impact," said Nancy Kertz, chief academic nurse administrator and head of the nursing department. "In just 12-months, students can transition into one of the most in-demand, trusted and meaningful professionals in health care."

The inaugural cohort of UNI's ABSN program will also take advantage of a significantly lower cost than comparable accelerated nursing programs in the region, with tuition expected to be approximately $19,000, plus program fees for Iowa residents. Students from Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin and other states that border Iowa are also eligible for UNI's Neighboring State Rate, providing in-state tuition.

"By offering a program that is significantly more affordable than many others in the region, we're opening the door for more students to pursue this path and enter the workforce sooner." said Kertz. "That difference matters. It allows students to focus on their training and enter the profession with far less financial burden. And extending UNI's neighboring state rate to ABSN students is a game-changer."

The ABSN program offers a streamlined curriculum that allows students to complete their nursing degree in just one year. Students will train in UNI's recently completed nursing facility, which features immersive simulation spaces including trauma, critical care, labor and delivery, pediatric care and medical-surgical environments.

Students in the ABSN program will join UNI's broader nursing community, building on the success of the university's traditional BSN program. UNI's first cohort of pre-licensure nursing students recently completed clinical rotations and is on track to graduate next year.

The demand for nurses remains urgent in Iowa. Registered nurses remain the most in-demand profession in the state, with more than 3,300 job postings as of mid-2025. Workforce shortages have impacted hospitals, long-term care facilities and rural health systems across Iowa.

Applications for the inaugural ABSN cohort are now open. For more information, visit the UNI website at csbs.uni.edu/absn.