Can You Train as a Nurse in a Year? A University of Northern Iowa Nursing Program Could Get You Earning $93K in a Year

Nurses are the caregivers we need. They also earn a tempting median salary of $93,600 a year in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But making a career change to become a nurse can be a huge undertaking, especially when you factor in years of schooling. That’s exactly why the University of Northern Iowa has launched a new accelerated nursing program designed to give future nurses the tools they need to succeed—in just one year! After 12 months of completed coursework, mentorship and in-field experience, students graduate with a Bachelor of Science and the confidence they need to thrive. If this sounds like it may be a fit for you, keep reading for everything you need to know about the university’s new nursing degree—just in time for National Nurses Week!

What you’ll learn in the accelerated nursing program

The university offers several different nursing programs for students, including a Bachelor of Science and two different nursing 3+1 programs that allow students to obtain two degrees in four years. Now a fourth program is joining the lineup for autumn 2026: an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN).

The 12-month format helps you develop the necessary skills in a quicker timeframe and successfully dive into your career in the healthcare field. Unlike other programs where students must complete general education courses and nursing prerequisites, the ABSN program focuses solely on nurse-specific classes from the very beginning.

Starting in the fall, students begin their studies with courses focusing on topics like acute and chronic care. The spring semester brings even more complex coursework, such as psychiatric-mental health nursing and a look at emergency and trauma situations.

The second-half of the program is when the hands-on learning begins. During the summer session, nursing students will start their clinical placements and in-field experience. This includes:

• 412.5 hours of clinicals in settings like hospice, rehabilitative, pediatrics and more
• 87.5 hours in nursing labs
• 150 hours of residency in an acute or critical care unit setting, mentored by an RN.

By the end of the season, students are ready to graduate with their degree—and are fully prepared to excel in any healthcare environment.

Who qualifies for this fast-track nursing degree?

This accelerated program fast-tracks your nursing education, so it’s important you enter it ready to dive into the courses headfirst. That’s why the University of Northern Iowa requires students to have already completed at least 70 credits of undergraduate coursework or hold a bachelor’s degree before enrolling.

The good news? Since this program is only 12 months, however, you won’t have to spend years getting a second degree like you would with a traditional program. For those seeking a career change, this is an amazing opportunity to enter the world of nursing. You’ll save time—and money—by taking the accelerated route.

How much does the program cost? (And who gets in-state tuition?)

Let’s talk about affordability—because this program is designed to be accessible! The year-long program will cost $19,000 in tuition for in-state students, making it a lower-cost alternative to similar programs in the area, reports KWWL.com.

But you don’t have to be an Iowa resident to take advantage of the lower tuition! Students from bordering states—Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota—will also receive in-state tuition.

The specific tuition amount of out-of-state students has not yet been publicized, but a university employee should be able to provide that information when requested.

How to apply and get started on your nursing journey

If you or someone you know is interested in the new accelerated nursing degree, you’re encouraged to complete the form on the program’s page. You can also contact the Department of Nursing & Public Health directly at nursing@uni.edu or Nursing Admissions at admissions@uni.edu.

A University of Northern Iowa representative will reach out to you directly to give you all of the information about applying to the program and how to make your dreams of becoming a nurse a reality!

Copyright 2026 A360 Media

This story was originally published May 7, 2026 at 11:40 AM.