Degrees & Programs Nursing
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Students entering the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program will learn from experienced, competent registered nursing professors chosen for their dedication to the ministry of health and wellness through the theory of compassionate care.
This post-baccalaureate program requires prior completion of a B.A. or B.S.
In nursing theory courses, students will explore the compassionate care given to patients from diverse backgrounds with a multitude of conditions and disorders. Progressive clinical practicums include encounters with patients of all ages across a spectrum of illnesses. Experienced faculty serve as role models and supervise interactions between students and patients in the beginning clinical courses with collaborative instruction occurring during the intermediate and more advanced clinical experiences. Students graduate as entry-level registered nurse generalists.
We are so excited to begin the application process for our second cohort of students. The ABSN program is a 16-month accelerated prelicensure baccalaureate nursing program housed at Westmont Downtown. Our facility is the beautifully renovated first and second floors of the existing Westmont Downtown building one block from State Street. Our first cohort is finishing their first semester and we expect a second cohort of 24 to start in fall 2022 and another to follow in spring 2023. Our clinical practicums will be completed mainly at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara with a few other ambulatory settings in and around Santa Barbara County. Please explore our nursing website, ensure you have completed all the prerequisites for the program, and get your documents ready for the fall 2022 application.
- Dr. Carol Velas, Founding Director of the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program
Information Sessions
May 18 5:30–7:30 p.m. Westmont Downtown 26 W. Anapamu St. Register |
Sample Schedule
- NUR200: Health Assessment
- NUR210: Pathophysiology
- NUR220: Fundamentals of Nursing
- SOC200: Understanding My Neighbor: Society, Culture, and Health
- PHI200: Nursing and Human Flourishing
- NUR230: Beginning Medical/surgical/geriatric (MSG) Nursing
- NUR240: Obstetrical Nursing
- NUR250: Pediatric Nursing
- NUR260: Nursing Research
- NUR265: Psych/Mental Health Nursing
- NUR270: Intermediate MSG Nursing
- NUR275: Professional Nursing Roles
- NUR280: Nursing and the Liberal Arts
- NUR285: Advanced MSG Nursing
- NUR290: Public Health Nursing
- NUR295: Nursing Leadership
Career Paths
- Intensive Care
- Emergency Department and Trauma Services
- Surgical Service
- Acute Patient Care
- Ambulatory Patient Care
- Home Patient Care
- Public Health Nursing
- Case Management
- Discharge Planning
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Informatics
- Nursing Leadership
- Nursing Research
FAQ
Students who have already received a baccalaureate degree earn a second baccalaureate degree in nursing through this program. Applicants must complete all prerequisites required for the nursing program as well as a previous Baccalaureate degree.
The ABSN curriculum is sequenced with progression in courses and courses cannot be dropped or added to each semester. If a student must drop a course during the semester, they must drop from the program and apply for re-admission.
See the list of prerequisites in the chart below. Students must have already received a Bachelor's degree to be considered for the program. Anatomy, physiology and microbiology courses must be taken within the past seven years.
Course Name |
Human Anatomy with Lab |
Human Physiology with Lab |
Microbiology with Lab |
Any chemistry course with lab |
World History (must cover global content, not regional or just western) |
Composition |
Public Speaking |
General Psychology |
Lifespan Development |
Introduction to Statistics |
Introduction to Old Testament Introduction to New Testament Introduction to Christian Doctrine (must take 2 of the 3 courses) |
Introduction to Sociology |
Working Artistically |
Reading Imaginative Literature |
Modern Language |
Possibly. If the courses are similar to what the courses at Westmont would teach you, they will be accepted. If you believe you have completed all the requirements you should apply to the program and submit official copies of all college transcripts for an evaluation. Please contact admissions@westmont.edu with any questions.
You may complete your prerequisites through your local community college, Westmont College, or another accredited four-year institution. Be aware that completing these courses does not guarantee admission into the program. We anticipate admission will be competitive, and it is possible that you would not be admitted into the program even with all of the prerequisites completed.
Students must complete the current Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) test that can be found here. Students must request their test scores be sent to Westmont College.If you have already taken it and have any questions about it please contact cvelas@westmont.edu. You may need to pay a fee to get your scores sent over to Westmont College.
If you have not yet met the Religious Studies prerequisites please contact the Student Records Office at registrar@westmont.edu for further guidance.
Each fall and spring semester, Westmont will accept a total of 24 students, with a ratio of one professor to a group of eight students in the clinical setting.
The 16-month program costs $65,000.
Yes, students may apply for financial aid, and the college will award scholarships. Important information for applying for financial aid is available on the Financial Aid page.
Westmont housing will not be available for nursing students.
The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program requires 16 months of study.
Students take between 16 to 19 units each semester of the ABSN program. They attend classes two days a week and participate in clinical experiences two to three days a week.
Yes, all admitted students will undergo a criminal background check and drug screen among other mandated requirements, such as COVID-19 immunization and the American Heart Association Basic Life Support course.
At present, Westmont’s ABSN program is a full-time, 16-month program.