Misericordia University Launches Accelerated Nursing Program Locally to Address Growing Healthcare Workforce Needs 

Misericordia University Launches Accelerated Nursing Program Locally to Address Growing Healthcare Workforce Needs  

Dallas, PA – Misericordia University announced today the launch of its Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program in Dallas, Pennsylvania, expanding opportunities for individuals seeking a fast-track pathway into the nursing profession.  

Designed for individuals who already earned at least 60 undergraduate credits or currently hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, the intensive ABSN program allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in as few as 16 months while gaining the knowledge and hands-on clinical experience needed to pursue licensure as a registered nurse.  

The ABSN program is offered in a hybrid format designed to accommodate individuals transitioning into nursing from other careers. Lecture content is delivered online, while laboratory and clinical experiences are held primarily on weekends to provide hands-on training and flexibility for students. The program requires a total of 120 credits for graduation, including prerequisites and coursework in the nursing major. Students who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree are not required to complete Misericordia University’s core curriculum or free elective requirements, but must complete all remaining prerequisite coursework prior to beginning the nursing sequence.  

The ABSN program at Misericordia University will begin in Spring Semester 2027, with an initial cohort expected to start with classes in January 2027. Students will participate in laboratory and simulation experiences on campus using newly expanded and renovated nursing labs equipped with high-fidelity simulation, virtual reality technology, and other hands-on learning tools. Clinical placements will take place throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania in partnership with established regional health systems. While coursework will be delivered online during the week, testing, simulation, labs, and clinical experiences will be scheduled primarily on weekends to accommodate the needs of adult learners and career changers.  

“The launch of the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program reflects Misericordia University’s commitment to preparing compassionate, highly skilled healthcare professionals. By creating additional pathways into nursing, we are helping meet the growing workforce needs of our region while maintaining the high standards of nursing education that define our program,” said Lisa May Norton, EdD, dean of the College of Health Sciences and Education at Misericordia University.  

“We are excited to help this highly sought after accelerated nursing program take root within our local community. We are eager to rapidly infuse enthusiastic skilled professionals into our health systems,” said Annette Weiss, PhD, RN, CNE, associate professor, assistant dean of Nursing and chief nurse administrator at Misericordia University.  

The launch of the ABSN program reflects Misericordia University’s continued commitment to advancing healthcare education and addressing workforce needs across Northeast Pennsylvania.   

Misericordia University offers a comprehensive, career ready portfolio in health care—spanning nursing, occupational and physical therapy, medical imaging and sonography, speech language pathology, public health, physician assistant studies, and health care administration—with flexible pathways that meet the needs of working adults and career changers.   

To learn more about the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and application requirements, click here.