Accelerated BSN ranks No. 5 nationally

The University of North Georgia's (UNG) accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) track has been ranked No. 5 in the nation by RegisteredNursing.org. It is the only public university in Georgia on the list, with Emory University at No. 21 as the only other school in the Peach State to be recognized.

UNG launched its accelerated BSN in January 2023 and is currently teaching its third cohort, with the fourth cohort beginning in January 2026. The university developed the 15-month accelerated nursing track, which requires students to have a bachelor's or master's degree in another field, in partnership with Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS). 

"In just a few short years, this program has grown from an initial cohort of 19 students into one of the most sought-after and respected nursing programs in the country," Dr. Heather Harris, department head of nursing, said. "This incredible achievement is a direct result of the unwavering dedication, hard work and excellence demonstrated by our outstanding faculty, staff and students."

One of those students is Gabriella Tapley, a Suwanee, Georgia, resident scheduled to earn her ABSN in May. She earned an undergraduate degree in Portuguese at another university and began working at a physical therapy office with plans to eventually earn her doctorate in physical therapy.

While working with patients, she met nurses and others, often hearing great things about the nursing profession. When considering an ABSN program, proximity and unmatched value put UNG at the top of her list. Thus far, the program has lived up to her high expectations.

"I had to learn how to think like a nurse," Tapley said. "The professors in the program do a great job of teaching you how to think and break down questions."

Tapley is grateful for the connections she has made with other students and her faculty members. She also points to her clinical experiences as furthering her passion to serve in health care.

"I am glad to be able to provide care for people in their time of greatest need," Tapley said.

Across its traditional BSN and accelerated BSN, UNG boasts a 100% job placement and consistently leads the state in National Council Licensure Examination pass rates. Tapley encourages others to give the ABSN a chance if they are considering it.

"It's a lot of content all at once, and it takes up a lot of your time," Tapley said. "But the skills and information you gain are so worth it."

Dr. Stuart Downs, chief nursing executive for NGHS, said the ABSN partnership with UNG continues to benefit everyone involved.

"We are honored to unite with UNG as their preferred partner for the ABSN program. The tremendous value this program brings not only to our hospitals, but also to our nursing workforce, helps us fulfill our mission of improving the health of our community in all we do. Students in the ABSN program receive dedicated, hands-on experience and work alongside our professional registered nurses so they can feel confident when it's time to transition from academia to practice," Downs said. "I admire and applaud that this is a second career for these students, which means they care for our patients through a different clinical lens and bring fresh perspectives that enhance the overall care experience delivered across our organization."

RegisteredNursing.com top 10 accelerated BSN programs in nation

1. Northeastern University
2. Monroe College
3. Georgetown University
4. Ohio State University
5. University of North Georgia
6. University of Central Florida
7. Southeastern Louisiana University
8. University of Florida
9. Cleveland State University
10. University of North Florida