ABSN Requirements
If you’re ready to fast-track your journey to becoming a nurse, the Harding accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing track is your path toward a fulfilling new career.
Who is Eligible for the Harding ABSN Program?
Additional ABSN Requirements
You must also meet the following ABSN requirements:
- 2.78 or higher GPA in pre-nursing courses (for conditional admission)
- 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Successful completion of all prerequisites
- Complete all six component tests of the Health Education Systems, Inc. Admission Assessment exam: Chemistry, Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Critical Thinking, Personality Profile and Learning Style. These exams evaluate the basic reading, math, writing and science skills of students seeking entry into a nursing program leading to RN licensure.
- Completed state and national criminal background check
- Completed official Test of English as a Foreign Language iBT composite score of at least 83, with a minimum speaking score of 26 (if applicable). The test must have been taken within the previous calendar year of admission.
- Students must submit one character reference to complete the application (cannot be a family member). This reference will receive an email with a short questionnaire about the student.
- Students must reside in proximity to the Rogers, Arkansas, ABSN program site to attend the in-person ABSN curriculum components.
Harding University offers three start dates each year in the spring (January), summer (May) and fall (August).
Talk to a Counselor
If you meet the above academic requirements and believe you have been called to become a nurse, you owe it to yourself to reach out to our dedicated admissions counselors as soon as possible so that they can help you navigate the accelerated nursing school application process.
Your admissions counselor can also answer any questions you may have about the ABSN tuition and help you get in touch with the financial aid office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply while finishing prerequisites?
You do not need to complete every prerequisite before applying and can instead move through the admissions process while completing coursework. Harding offers conditional admission for qualified applicants, provided the remaining prerequisites are completed by the required deadline before the program begins. Your admissions counselor will help you create a plan to complete the remaining courses on time.
Do prerequisite courses expire?
To ensure students enter the program with the most up-to-date foundational knowledge, some prerequisite courses expire. For example, Anatomy and Physiology should be completed within the last five years. We understand, however, that every academic history is unique, and students are encouraged to connect with an admissions counselor early to review transcripts and eligibility.
To learn more about prerequisite course requirements, please visit the prerequisites page.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree to apply to the ABSN program
A non-nursing bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is one of the ways in which you can qualify for the ABSN program. If you do not have a bachelor’s degree, you may still be eligible if you have at least 64 college credits in liberal arts courses and nursing prerequisites.
How do I know if I meet the ABSN program requirements?
If you are unsure whether you meet the ABSN program requirements, fill out the contact form to have an admissions counselor contact you. They can review your transcripts and help determine if you meet the requirements. They will also help set a target start date, create an academic plan to complete prerequisites and guide you through the admissions process.
Can international students apply to the Harding ABSN program?
International students are welcome to connect with an admissions counselor to learn more about eligibility requirements, documentation and the admissions process.
For More Information
Request information to connect with an admissions counselor and learn more about our ABSN admission requirements.