How to Apply to ABSN
We're glad you are interested in applying for the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at DeSales. As part of the application process, we ask that you carefully review these guidelines prior to applying. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
Admissions Requirements
Accelerated BSN (ABSN) and Accelerated BSN Plus (ABSN+) Admissions Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing major from an accredited college or university with a graduating cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 (or 3.0 for the ABSN+ program) or higher on a 4.0 scale.*
- Entrance exams are NOT required.
- No additional application is needed for the ABSN Plus program.
ABSN Program Prerequisite Requirements:
Completion of the following courses or course equivalents, either at DeSales University or another accredited college or university, within 5 years of entering the Accelerated BSN Program, with a grade of “C” or higher**:
- BI263: Anatomy & Physiology I w/ Lab - 4 credits
- BI264: Anatomy & Physiology II w/ Lab - 4 credits
- BI252: Microbiology w/ Lab - 4 credits
- CH107: Physiological Chemistry w/ Lab (must include all 3 topics: general, biochemistry, and organic) – 5 credits
- MA111: Probability and Statistics - 3 credits
- NU305: Therapeutic Nutrition – 3 credits+
- PS240: Human Development (must cover full lifespan: conception to death) - 3 credits
ABSN+ Program Prerequisite Requirements:
Completion of the following courses or course equivalents, either at DeSales University or another accredited college or university, within 5 years of entering the Accelerated BSN Plus Program, with a grade of “B” or higher**:
- BI263: Anatomy & Physiology I w/ Lab - 4 credits
- BI264: Anatomy & Physiology II w/ Lab - 4 credits
- BI252: Microbiology w/ Lab - 4 credits
- CH107: Physiological Chemistry w/ Lab (must include all 3 topics: general, biochemistry, and organic) – 5 credits
Completion of the following courses or course equivalents, either at DeSales University or another accredited college or university, within 5 years of entering the Accelerated BSN Plus Program, with a grade of “C” or higher**:
- MA111: Probability and Statistics - 3 credits
- NU305: Therapeutic Nutrition – 3 credits+
- PS240: Human Development (must cover full lifespan: conception to death) - 3 credits
* Applicants may submit an application with degree program still in progress
** Applicants may submit an application with prerequisite courses in progress
+ Must be taught by a Registered Dietician
Three (3) of the seven (7) prerequisite courses must be completed, or currently in progress with visible grades, in order to secure an interview and receive decision for the ABSN program.
Prerequisite courses require a minimum grade of “C” or higher. A maximum of three (3) “C’s” out of the seven (7) prerequisite courses will be accepted. Submission of four (4) or more “C’s” will result in revocation of your provisional acceptance.
Due to the competitive nature of this program and seat availability, demonstrating minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the DeSales Accelerated nursing program. All decisions are final.
More Information
- DeSales offers several online prerequisites courses through our adult education program. Learn more
- Prerequisites may be completed at any accredited college or university. If completing prerequisites at a local community college, please reference the DeSales University Community College transfer agreements
- Additional prerequisite online coursework is approved for DeSales ABSN applicants via Portage Learning
- CLEP testing is available only for Developmental Psychology. Learn more
- All prerequisite courses from other institutions will be evaluated for equivalency to DeSales courses. Only courses that are considered to be equivalent will be accepted as prerequisites.
Selected applicants will be invited for an interview on a rolling basis until the application deadline.
Applicants selected for admission into the Accelerated BSN Program are accepted on a provisional basis and will be required to complete a Nationwide Criminal Background Check and FBI Fingerprinting.
The cost of the Nationwide Criminal Background Check and FBI Fingerprinting is the responsibility of the applicant. The Nationwide Criminal Background Check and FBI Fingerprinting must be completed via the process and paperwork stipulated and supplied to the applicant following an offer of provisional acceptance. No other method will be accepted or considered valid.
Learn more about admission clearances, progression policies, withdrawal refund information and more. See important program admission details
In addition to meeting all academic requirements, students must meet the functional abilities essential for nursing practice.
How to Apply
We're glad you're interested in applying for the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at DeSales.
As part of the application process, we ask that you carefully review these guidelines prior to applying. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
- Apply directly to DeSales
Annual Deadline: January 1
ABSN/ABSN+ Application Requirements
- A bachelor's degree in a non-nursing major from an accredited college or university with a graduating cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 (or a GPA of 3.0 for ABSN+ program) or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Completed prerequisite coursework.
- Official transcripts of all coursework taken at any accredited university or college
- Electronic official transcripts can be sent to: gradadmissions@desales.edu
- Paper official transcripts can be mailed to:
DeSales University
ATTN: Admissions Office
2755 Station Ave.
Center Valley PA 18034 - Nursing courses from other universities or institutions will not transfer; all nursing courses, with the exception of NU 305 Therapeutic Nutrition, must be completed at DeSales University.
- All transcripts from any degree-granting institution outside the United States must be evaluated by a NACES approved evaluation service, such as World Education Services, Inc., with the resulting report submitted directly to the address above. Please visit naces.org for additional information. DeSales University’s institutional reporting code is 002021
- ABSN Personal Statement — Explain how the program will help you achieve your professional goals and your motivation to become a nurse.
- Copy of current résumé.
Select applicants will be invited for an interview on a rolling basis until the cohort is filled.
To secure a place in the class, accepted students are required to submit a $500 non-refundable tuition seat deposit; along with the Tuition Deposit Seat Acceptance agreement. Upon matriculation, the $500 seat deposit will be credited towards tuition.
Learn more about admission clearances, progression policies, withdrawal refund information and more. See important program admission details
Information for International Applicants
All international applicants to the ABSN program, regardless of citizenship, whose native language is not English, are required to take the TOEFL iBT. Official test results must be mailed directly from the testing agency to the Division of Nursing in a sealed envelope.
- Applicants must obtain a total score of 100 with a minimum score of 26 for speaking
- The TOEFL iBT Test must have been taken within two years of application to the program
- Up-to-date information can be found at: TOEFL
- Refer to the Undergraduate Catalog for further details
