The University of Northern Iowa has received approval from the Iowa Board of Regents to launch an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, set to begin in fall 2026 pending accreditation. Designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree or substantial undergraduate credits, the full-time, 12-month program condenses the same curriculum of UNI’s traditional BSN program, requiring completion of identical nursing credits, clinical hours, and lab work. The accelerated pathway aligns with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials and offers hands-on learning through clinical placements and community experiences. UNI’s program aims to address Iowa’s critical shortage of baccalaureate-prepared nurses by providing a faster, affordable route into nursing, especially appealing to career changers and those leveraging prior degrees.