Accelerated Bachelor of Science
in Nursing
Experience the Duke Difference. Embrace a culture of excellence, innovation, & commitment to equitable and inclusive care with the Duke School of Nursing. Named #1 Bachelor of Science in Nursing by U.S. News & World Report in 2024, our ABSN program prepares you to enter a thriving career as a nurse make lasting change. Collaborate with expert faculty, utilize high-fidelity simulation labs, experience diverse local and global clinical placements, and participate in shaping the future of health care.
The Duke University School of Nursing need-based scholarship provides newly admitted ABSN students who demonstrate the greatest financial need with a grant toward tuition. Scholarship awards range up to 100% tuition in total over four semesters of the program.
Whether you're beginning a new career in health care, seeking a fresh professional challenge, or leveraging your diverse experiences to make a meaningful impact, our ABSN degree prepares you to lead lasting change in nursing. Here, you’ll find unmatched opportunities and resources to become practice-ready and provide high-quality, inclusive care in diverse settings.
The accelerated degree program is designed for:
Highly-motivated individuals who already have a bachelor's degree and are passionate about becoming a professional nurse
Students looking for an education that equips them with the knowledge, skills, experiences and connections for immediate and future success
Change agents seeking educational experiences that align with their passion to make a lasting impact in their communities and the world
We’re committed to developing nurses that will transform health care by advancing health equity and social justice.
Our diverse, mission-minded program works to advance health equity and social justice through an innovative educational experience. With Duke, you will find boundless opportunities and unique experiences, all preparing you for a successful nursing career.
Community global health immersion trip – Partner with Duke’s Office of Global and Community Health Initiatives to practice community health in other countries like Rwanda, Tanzania, and Guatemala.
Abundant clinical experiences – Experience a wide variety of clinical sites due to Duke’s partnerships with both major medical centers and community organizations.
Unique partnership opportunities – Leverage the power of Duke's academic programming, like participating in faculty-lead research or designing your own opportunities for scholarly inquiry with faculty-mentored independent studies.
Interprofessional education – Collaborate across professions and disciplines with the Duke Health Center for Interprofessional Education and Care (IPEC). The Center is committed to transforming the culture of care to one that is collaborative and team-based, and its graduates will be change agents for team-based healthcare.
Hands-on experiences – Actively expand access to health care and diversify the nursing workforce through the Mobile Prevention and Care Team (M-PACT) Clinic. This program is a nurse-led mobile health unit created to increase nursing students, faculty, and staff knowledge of the social drivers of health as they apply to rural and underserved urban populations.
Discover an innovative nursing education. Access world-class resources, collaborate with clinical experts, and experience unmatched student support through faculty guidance and peer assistance groups.
The ABSN plan of study is purposefully designed to equip you with the expertise to become practice-ready and provide high-quality, inclusive care in diverse settings. With Duke, you are immersed in a future-focused educational environment, collaborating with students and faculty from around the country and around the world. Our clinical experiences are thoughtfully developed with the student in mind. Clinical groups are kept small to foster enhanced collaboration with clinical faculty.
Our curriculum also provides the opportunity to earn 6 credits towards a future Master’s degree, positioning you for a successful path to advanced nursing practice.
At Duke, we’re committed to your success. From application to enrollment, you’ll find world-class resources and experts always ready to go the extra mile. Have access to outstanding support services, such as:
Utilize the Center for Nursing Discovery, our state-of-the-art simulation facility that is both Accredited and Endorsed by two international simulation organizations. Here, you’ll integrate nursing science with hands-on experiences to confidently deliver compassionate care in diverse health care environments.
When applying to ABSN programs, I wanted to apply to a school that shared my values. A crucial part of my identity is my ethnic background, being Iranian and Puerto Rican. Coming from a diverse background taught me the importance of respecting others’ beliefs and gave me a greater sense of openness to others’ hardships. Embracing diversity and contributing to the creation of a respectful and inclusive environment are emphasized greatly at Duke School of Nursing. The school’s beliefs on the importance of inclusion influenced my decision to select its ABSN Program.
- Elisabeth Tavana