CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The University of Northern Iowa has received approval from the Iowa Board of Regents to launch a new Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The accelerated option is designed for students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree or significant undergraduate coursework and are seeking a faster, more affordable pathway to a career in nursing. The program is expected to launch in fall 2026, pending approval from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

The full-time, 12-month accelerated BSN builds upon students’ prior academic experience while maintaining the rigorous standards of UNI’s traditional BSN program. The curriculum aligns with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials, integrating classroom instruction, clinical practice, simulation, and community-based experiences. Students gain skills in evidence-based practice, clinical judgment, leadership, and person-centered care, preparing them to meet the demands of modern health care. The program follows a continuous schedule, including summer and winter terms, to allow students to complete the BSN in 12 months.

Meeting Iowa’s nursing workforce needs

Iowa, like much of the nation, continues to face a critical shortage of baccalaureate-prepared nurses. Health systems increasingly require BSN-prepared professionals to deliver safe, high-quality care. UNI’s new accelerated BSN program responds to this demand by providing a quicker pathway for motivated students, particularly those looking to change careers or leverage prior degrees, while expanding the pipeline of practice-ready nurses for Iowa communities.

“By offering an accelerated option, we can help students transition into nursing efficiently without compromising the quality or rigor of their education,” said Nancy Kertz, chief academic nurse administrator and head of the Department of Nursing & Public Health. “Our accelerated BSN program allows students to apply their existing academic foundation to a program that prepares them for immediate impact in the health care workforce.”

Same high standards, accelerated pace

The accelerated BSN is a revised plan of study rather than a new program, offering the same rigorous curriculum as the traditional BSN but delivered in a condensed, 12-month format. Students will complete the same number of nursing credits (50), clinical hours (412.5), and lab hours (87.5). Clinical experience and practice learning environments remain unchanged, with strong partnerships across 25 clinical agencies.

Students in both the accelerated and traditional BSN programs complete the same courses using the same delivery methods, primarily in-person classes at UNI’s state-of-the-art nursing facilities. While the sequencing and pace differ, the programs maintain identical quality and scope of education. Both pathways share the same End-of-Program Student Learning Outcomes, ensuring all graduates are equally prepared for licensure and professional practice.

About the University of Northern Iowa nursing program

Since its launch in fall 2024, UNI’s nursing program has grown rapidly, enrolling more than 100 students in just one year and exceeding initial projections. The program is housed in the newly renovated Innovative Teaching & Technology Center on the Cedar Falls campus, providing students with hands-on, competency-based learning in clinical-like environments. Learning spaces combine traditional classrooms with fully equipped labs for active learning, simulations and patient care experiences that mirror real clinical environments.

UNI is committed to delivering high-quality, innovative nursing education that meets state workforce needs. By providing flexible pathways like the accelerated BSN program, UNI supports students in achieving their professional goals while addressing critical health care demands across Iowa.