What is an Accelerated Nursing Program?

The accelerated nursing degree program is another innovative idea to deal with the ongoing nursing shortage. The idea is to send a nurse through nursing school at a faster rate than traditional schooling to increase the number of nurses in the healthcare industry. This has been going on for a number of years and the number of schools that have been offering this program has been growing exponentially.

 Nursing School Spotlight

The University of Illinois at Chicago accelerated nursing program can be completed in just 16 months, with no traditional clinicals. The pace is up to you - Attend class anytime, anywhere, 24/7. No campus attendance is required.

 

Accelerated Nursing Program Overview:

In order to qualify for the accelerated program, an individual must complete a bachelor's degree in any subject with or without having acquired an RN prior to entering the accelerated program. Many registered nurses looking to advance their career without having to return to school fulltime have turned to the accelerated BSN degree program. Other RN's that already have a bachelor's degree in another area of study choose the accelerated program to earn their BSN without repeating the basic requirements that typical bachelor degree programs require.

While the accelerated BSN degree program does not require the individual to retake many of the liberal arts requirements that were completed for their prior bachelor's degrees, occasionally they must complete some science requirements before matriculating such as anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and microbiology.

The accelerated BSN program is intense and demands a certain type of individual. The accelerated student is extremely hard working, self-motivated, and focused on goals as they are now entering a program that will demand a tremendous amount of time and effort from them.

Course Requirements:

In 1990 there were 31 accelerated baccalaureate programs (BSN) and 12 accelerated master's nursing degree programs (MSN) in the U.S. Today there are 168 accelerated BSN programs and 50 MSN programs and more than 46 new accelerated BSN programs are still being created (AACN).

The accelerated BSN program lasts approximately 12 to 18 months compared to 3 to 4 years for the standard RN to BSN program. If someone chooses to continue further towards an accelerated MSN, this coursework generally takes three years to complete which is included with the BSN (AACN). From there they can become a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, or a nurse midwife.

Many new accelerated nursing students have limited clinical experience before entering the BSN program. When in the program, the student must complete a large amount of credits and be exposed to many hours of clinical experience. In order to be accepted into the program, most schools require a minimum 3.0 GPA from their previous bachelor's degree.

Next >> Impact of an Accelerated BSN on nursing career

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.

University of Illinois Chicago

Accelerated RN to BSN

This degree provides you with an excellent foundation for leadership in a career in one of the fastest growing professions in the United States.  Complete your BSN in as little as 16 months, with no traditional clinicals.

South University

Accelerated RN to BSN

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.

Drexel University Online

RN to BSN to MSN

This accelerated online degree completion program is designed for graduates of diploma and associate degree nursing programs who are committed to earning the Master of Science in Nursing degree.

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.

Kaplan University

Certified Legal Nurse Consultant

A Legal Nurse Consultant (LNC) might be the RN who handles data collected by a forensic nurse, without actually handling the patients. A compensation survey by the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants shows its members earning hourly fees ranging from $70 to $200.

Kaplan University

Forensic Nursing Certificate

Certified forensic nurses examine and provide care for survivors of assaults, disasters, abuse and negligence. You’ll be called in to determine the causes of injuries and deaths, discover or help decide who’s responsible for a victim’s care, and make appropriate referrals and follow-ups.

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