Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure)

All program locations are not currently accepting new applications. Aspen voluntarily surrendered its program approval with the Arizona Board of Nursing through a consent agreement with a two-year teach-out of Core component students: https://www.azbn.gov/education/nursing-programs-lists/programs-under-current-discipline. The Core component of the program is additionally being taught out in all locations.

NCLEX Pass Rate Disclosure

Prepare to be an RN, and earn your BSN with an affordable pre-licensure nursing program.

Aspen’s Pre-licensure BSN program provides students with opportunities to become a BSN-educated nurse and learn the essential skills needed to practice as a professional registered nurse (RN). Skills lab, clinical simulation, seminars and community-based clinical experiences anchor the curriculum. Upon completion of their studies, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) in the state or territory in which they choose to practice (the NCLEX is the national registered nurse examination used by all states for potential registered nursing licensure). Students provide their state board of nursing applicable forms to the School of Nursing, which completes them on behalf of the individual student, and take the exam in the state in which they choose to practice. Upon passing the NCLEX, students then work with their state Board of Nursing to finalize their professional licensure.

We designed this program for students who do not currently hold a state registered nurse license and have little to no prior nursing experience. Students must be able to attend Nursing Core classes at one of the two Aspen University locations in Austin, TX, or Tampa, FL.  

Students are encouraged to review the state authorization information found on our website and within our Academic Catalog.

Salary and employment information for BSN program graduates is provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Registered Nurse Summary
Employment and Wages
Job Outlooks

Program Highlights:

Finish Fast – Complete your BSN program in 36 months (9 semesters)
Enjoy an Innovative Hybrid Format – 83 of 120 credits completed 100% online*
Forge Ahead – Courses begin throughout the year
Build your Skills through Practice – Fully equipped Aspen Center for Applied Learning in each location
Achieve Educational Goals and Career Mobility – Interact with respected nursing leaders; network as you learn

Hybrid Format

All non-clinical courses for the BSN prelicensure nursing program are completed online. On-ground courses include labs, hands-on clinicals including simulation, and seminars. *Students in Florida only will participate in an additional weekly in-residence component at the Tampa location in non-clinical courses only.

Texas Clinical Partners

Aspen University’s Clinical Partnership is with the largest not-for-profit healthcare system in Texas and one of the largest in the United States. In the Austin/Round Rock region, clinical rotations are planned at 7 of the system’s largest hospitals and their associated acute care or community-based settings, ambulatory sites and clinics.

View the BSN (Pre-Licensure) Handbook (Texas)

Florida Clinical Partners

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in Tampa/St. Petersburg provides expert pediatric care for infants, children and teens in its 259-bed hospital providing care in over 50 specialties. It is the regional pediatric referral center for Florida’s West Coast.

Aspen also maintains clinical affiliation agreements with Care Connections at Home and Global Nurse Network, and the American Red Cross. These agreements round out the competencies taught through clinicals to also include community health and psychiatric.

View the BSN (Pre-Licensure) Handbook (Florida)

Get in touch to learn more about Aspen’s BSN Pre-Licensure nursing program. 

For more information about the program, see the Academic Catalog.

Admission Requirements

  • Completed application.
  • High School Transcripts: An official transcript demonstrating a completed high school diploma.
    • Waived if the student has completed at least 15 credits of college-level coursework at an institution that is accredited by a CHEA-recognized accrediting body or an international equivalent. 
    • Applicants who have a GED will enroll as a Continuing Education (non-degree seeking) student and complete the following courses: COM100, MAT140, MAT130, BIO210, and CMP160. After completion of those credits, students with a 2.75 cumulative GPA may reapply for the BSN Pre-Licensure program.
  • Official Transcripts for all previous college credit earned.
  • Submission of the signed Nursing Essential Functions Form.
  • Minimum GPA: a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required for all previous high school or college credit.

Competitive Evaluation Process for the Nursing Core

Aspen uses a competitive evaluation process to assess student readiness for the Nursing Core. The Nursing Core begins during the session in which students would enroll in SEM101, N110, N320, and N320L. Students are not guaranteed entry to the Nursing Core. Entry to the Nursing Core additionally requires:

  • Minimum GPA: A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for all Pre-Professional Nursing Coursework.
    • Successful completion of CMP160, MAT140, BIO201/L, BIO202/L, BIO210, and BIO220 with a “B” or higher
    • During the competitive ranking process, the number of course withdrawals and retakes the student has had within the last five years may also be reviewed when necessary
    • During the competitive ranking process, grades for individual courses may also be reviewed when necessary.
  • HESI A2: Minimum required scores for English Composite-80; Math-80; A&P-75. 
    • Students must meet all required scores on the first attempt
    • The exams must be taken at Aspen University
    • Scores from other institutions or locations are not accepted
  • Criminal Background Check: Submission of a passed criminal background check.
  • Fingerprint Clearance Card: Submission of a fingerprint clearance card.

Pre-Professional Nursing (41 Credits)

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    3 Credits
    Required Books

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    3 Credits
    Required Books

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    Required Books

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    3 Credits
    Required Books

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    Required Books

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    3 Credits
    Required Books

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    3 Credits
    Required Books
    Prerequisites: BIO201 BIO201L

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    Required Books

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    3 Credits
    Required Books

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    Required Books

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    3 Credits
    Required Books
    Prerequisites: BIO202L BIO201 BIO202 BIO201L

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Nursing Core (79 Credits)

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