Yes. Baylor University’s Distance ABSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE**).
Louise Herrington School of Nursing Online
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Baylor University's online programs:
ABSN
Accreditation & Authorization
Is Baylor University's Distance ABSN program accredited?
Cost
Is financial aid available to online students?
A variety of financial aid is available to online students. Find more information on our Tuition & Financial Aid page.
How much does the Distance ABSN program cost?
The cost of the Distance ABSN online program is $68,100. Typically, the program requires 62 credit hours to complete.
Schedule an Appointment or contact an Enrollment Advisor today at 888-227-5901. Financial Aid is available to those who qualify.
Requirements
Where can I find information on applying to Baylor University?
You can find more information on this page or contact your Baylor University Enrollment Advisor at 888-227-5901.
What are the requirements to apply for the Distance ABSN programs at Baylor University?
Distance ABSN Admission Requirements
The requirements to apply for the Distance ABSN online program are:
- Completed bachelor's degree in any non-nursing discipline
- 52 pre-req credits must be completed before start
- 3.0 GPA on pre-req courses, 2.75 GPA on science courses
- After 52 hours in the program, you must maintain a 3.0 GPA
- HESI Exam
The Baylor Distance ABSN program is currently designed for students residing in Texas, but outside the DFW metro area. Students who reside within Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, & Rockwall counties should apply for the on-campus accelerated FastBacc® program at the Louise Herrington School of Nursing in Dallas.
Program Details
Do you require a pre-nursing test for Distance ABSN program candidates?
Yes, we require the HESI A2 and Math & English Composite tests. You must receive an 80 in both sections.
Do pre-requisite credits for the Distance ABSN program have to be completed at Baylor University?
No, but please connect with your enrollment advisor at 888-227-5901 to confirm equivalency and ensure the credits transfer.
Can a prospective Distance ABSN student continue to work while completing the program?
No, ABSN students may not work while enrolled in the program due to the academic rigor of the program.
Are the classes for all programs 100% online?
Excluding clinicals and residencies, coursework is 100% online.
Can I apply for the Distance ABSN program if I live within the Collin, Rockwall, Dallas or Tarrant counties of Texas?
The Baylor Distance ABSN program is currently designed for students residing in Texas, but outside the DFW metro area. Students who reside within Dallas, Tarrant, counties should apply for the on-campus accelerated FastBacc® program at the Louise Herrington School of Nursing in Dallas.
How long does the Distance ABSN program take to complete?
The Distance ABSN program takes 45 weeks to complete--under 1 year.
How many start dates does the Distance ABSN program have per year?
Two, in January and September.
Clinical Placement Services
How does the clinical placement process work?
Shortly after enrollment, you will be provided with a placement intake form you are required to complete that captures your competencies, experience, and placement preferences.
Baylor University will collaborate with you to identify a quality placement site and preceptor. While the placement team is securing sites and preceptors, you will be responsible for completing clinical clearance requirements in preparation for placement, including:
- Drug screening
- Background check
- Recommended vaccinations
You will not be permitted to begin your placement rotations without your clearances complete. Once the sites have been approved by the School of Nursing, Baylor University will share the placement site details with you prior to placement.
What Can I Expect from My Preceptor?
Your preceptor is your on-site role model and will help you develop as a nurse during your clinical rotation. They will:
- Bridge the gap between theory and actual practice
- Orient you to the practice setting (key personnel, organization, and institutional policies)
- Help you plan clinical assignments
- Provide one-on-one supervision and daily feedback
- Review and co-sign all documentation in the clinical records
What Courses Are Required for the Distance Accelerated BSN program Clinical Hours?
Baylor University’s Distance ABSN program requirements for clinical hours are:
- CSHA Clinical Skills / Health Assessment Lab [students will go to campus one time for two weeks]
- NUR 3200 Professional Nursing Practice: Intro to Professional Nursing
- NUR 3226 Professional Nursing: Care of the Patient with Mental Health Needs
- NUR 3225 Professional Nursing: Care of the Patient with Medical Surgical Needs
- NUR 4345 Professional Nursing Practice: Community Health Nursing
- NUR 4225 Professional Nursing Practice: Care of the Childbearing Family
- NUR 4226 Professional Nursing Practice: Care of the Childrearing Family
- NUR 4335 Professional Nursing Practice: Transition to Practice
What Are My Responsibilities as a Student?
Your responsibilities during clinical rotations include:
- Reviewing objectives for fulfilling clinical requirements
- Providing your preceptor with daily written objectives and evaluation forms
- Reviewing existing clinical protocols and Baylor University’s protocols with your preceptor
- Documenting all clinical encounters using a SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment and Plan) format
- Ensuring you are always under the supervision of your preceptor
How Does This Benefit You?
Baylor University’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing believes you are only as successful as your training, which is why we will collaborate with you to identify clinical sites and preceptors for clinical rotations. This will enable you to focus on coursework and developing core competencies rather than spending a significant amount of time on the logistics of clinical placements. However, if you already have a placement site or preceptor in mind, students are encouraged to refer them to the placement team to secure. Additionally, you may find clinical placement sites to be potential locations for future employment opportunities upon graduation.
What Can I Expect on My First Day of Clinicals?
Clinical orientation is different for each site, but you can expect to complete the clinicals clearances, learn about appropriate dress codes and the necessary clinical tools.
What is Clinical Placement?
Clinical placement is the required clinical education component of Baylor University’s Online Doctor of Nursing Practice programs (DNP) and the Distance ABSN program. Clinicals work closely with the classroom-based coursework to prepare you for your future providing primary care in the field.
After I Approve My Site, How Long Before I Start My Clinicals?
You’ll receive an email notification approximately 30 days before you begin your clinical rotation. This email will detail the site and preceptor information, any additional requirements requested by the site. It is at this time that you will introduce yourself to the site and determine a detailed schedule for completing your clinical hours for that rotation.
Do I Have to do Anything After I Complete the Intake Form?
The Placement team will ensure your clinical site and preceptor are located within your regional area and meet all the requirements - from restricted settings and support to education and experience. Once you have received your site information, your only responsibility will be to contact the site and discuss your clinic hours.
What is the Placement Experience Like?
During the placement experience, you will have access to faculty and other resources to support you. Faculty will be available to mentor and support you throughout the rotation if there are any specific questions about procedures, patient interactions, and general proficiencies. At the end of the placement rotation, you and your preceptor will review requirements, complete surveys and officially end the placement rotation. If you have multiple rotations, you will receive the next preceptor/site details.
What Tools Will Be Available to Support Me During My Clinicals?
Clinical faculty and your preceptor will be your primary support during clinical rotation courses. You will also record your assessment /recommendations in SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment and Plan) Notes. This will be reviewed and critiqued so you can achieve better practice methods.
COVID-19
Where can I go for more information about Baylor University’s response to COVID-19?
You can find additional information about Baylor’s response to COVID-19 here: https://www.baylor.edu/coronavirus/
In what ways is Baylor University supporting students who are facing this difficult time as nurses?
Baylor is giving as much grace as possible to students this semester and working to meet your needs. Your Student Success Coach will work with you to give support, identify challenges, and provide unique solutions that will help you balance your education with changes in your personal life.
Is Baylor University still providing Clinical Placement Services during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Yes. We are working diligently to ensure that all students are placed for clinicals while respecting the challenges that our healthcare partners are experiencing during this pandemic. We will continue to work with you individually to find solutions that set you up for success.
Should I anticipate an interruption in the availability of Enrollment Advisors, faculty, or in standard course delivery?
We are continuing to serve students without disruption during this time. Those who are inquiring about enrollment in a Baylor online nursing program are able to discuss options with an Enrollment Advisor who will work with them through the admissions process. For current students, we fully expect that they will have normal access to faculty and course materials.
Is a COVID-19 vaccine necessary to enroll?
At this point in time, COVID-19 vaccinations are highly encouraged but not required to enroll at Baylor University. However, Baylor nursing students must meet clinical site requirements in order to complete clinical rotations. Unvaccinated students may not be eligible for clinical placements.
Does the current situation with COVID-19 impact when classes start?
No. All online classes are still scheduled to begin on the planned start dates and are not impacted by COVID-19.
