Accelerated Nursing Programs and Financial Aid

Accelerated nursing programs are quickly becoming a way for hospitals, clinics and medical facilities to attain new nursing staff to help with patient care. These programs typically build upon the skills and experience learned in an RN program, Associate of Science in Nursing, or from a Bachelor’s degree in another concentration. Students that are accepted into an accelerated program may be able to complete the requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing or PhD in Nursing in much less time than in typical nursing programs.

As the students enrolled in an accelerated degree program are often considered “non-traditional,” many times, financial aid resources may be hard to find. Options like federal loans may be the only way to pay for tuition, books and all fees associated with these programs, but even those resources have limits, especially for students seeking a second four-year degree. With the nursing shortage in full effect, however, more hospitals and medical care organizations are beginning to offer programs that “sponsor” nursing school students in exchange for a commit to work within the organization for a set amount of time.

Many states offer incentives to nursing school students in order to attract more working nurses to the hospitals within those states, while other states may have pending legislation to implement these same types of incentives. For instance, Ohio has the Nurse Education Assistance Loan Program (NEALP) that provides financial assistance and loan cancellation programs to nursing school students in both nursing and nurse education concentrations. Some colleges and universities may also offer loan programs, scholarships or other incentives for nursing school students within the Nurse Educator field who commit to working at the academic institution after graduation.

Searching for financial aid for an accelerated nursing program may be as simple as contacting a local hospital, medical organization or academic institution. Research the programs specific to nursing school as well as any financial aid geared toward individuals interested in pursuing a second career, finishing a degree or working within the health care field. Loans, scholarships and other assistance programs are available to those enrolled in these types of programs, whether completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, striving for a second Bachelor degree, or continuing education through the Master or PhD levels.

by Linda Bright

Earn Your Nursing Degree Online

Explore these accredited online nursing degree programs below and request free no obligation information from any that interest you.

We recommend getting information from several schools so you can compare the programs, costs, time commitments and financial aid options.

Chamberlain College of Nursing

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Fast-Track RN to BSN)

Chamberlain College's Fast-Track RN to BSN program allows current registered nurses to earn their BSN in as little as three months through online learning and clinical training. full degree description

Walden University Online

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Walden's BSN curriculum has been designed by nursing experts and provides an in-depth understanding of evidence-based practices that can be applied on the job immediately. The program can be completed in as little as 18 months.

Kaplan University

RN to BS in Nursing Completion Degree

Accredited, online RN to BSN degree completion program that centers around health promotion, risk reduction, disease prevention, information and health care technologies, ethics, human diversity, management theory, and health care system and policies.

Herzing University

Accelerated BS in Nursing

This innovative and accelerated program can be completed in just 32 months. The program will prepare students to take the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) upon completion.

South University

Accelerated RN to BSN

Accelerated RN to MSN

Earn a BSN degree in 18 months with accelerated nursing degree courses. Qualified applicants can earn a BSN degree in 1 ½ years with accelerated 5 ½ week courses.

Independence University Online

Accelerated RN to BSN to MSN

The Accelerated Nursing BSN program at Independence University enables a Registered Nurse to earn a baccalaureate degree in nursing with the option of continuing those studies at the graduate level.