An accelerated nursing program is for students who currently hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. This program shortens the time needed to earn a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) in only 11 – 18 months. Students may not be allowed to work another job because of the rigorous schedule.
The students who take an ACP are motivated, ambitious and are working for academic excellence. There are usually two reasons why someone would want to take this fast-paced program: Current job dissatisfaction or the complete opposite reason of absolutely loving nursing.
Types of Accelerated Nursing Programs
You have to be careful when you are researching your list of accelerated nursing programs for the type of bachelor degree they are looking for. Some prefer students to have a bachelors in science and some programs will accept a bachelor’s degree in any field.
On Campus or Online
If you are extremely focused and disciplined person, you may find that an online program would work for you. If you would rather learn in an environment with other students, look into an on-campus program.
700 to 800 hours are the required clinical time for an accelerated nursing program. However, the clinical phase starts sooner in an accelerated program.
Accelerated BSN Classes
Once the prerequisites are out of the way, you can get started with your nursing classes. Some of the courses include:
- Nursing Profession Introduction
- Maternity and Newborn Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Pharmacology
- Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
- Pathophysiology
- Nursing Research
Your clinicals will be at a hospital or some other kind of health care facility where you will gain the skills needed with real on-the-job training. You will also work with a nurse for one on one training.
What Do Accelerated Nursing Programs Look For
- A grade of B or higher
- Minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Pre-screening Questionnaire
What If You Have A Low GPA
You may have to go back to school and retake courses that you did not do well In the first time around. Or you may want to take courses that you know that you’re going to get a good grade and such is volleyball or nutrition to get your GPA back up to 3.0.
If your GPA was low because of a particular hardship or reason, you may be able to write a letter to the school explaining the situation and what you have done to overcome and become better students.
If the last two years of your schooling you excelled at academic work, some schools may not look past the last 60 units. This could help wipe out the bad undergraduate grade point average.
Salary and Job Growth Projections
Demands for all types of nurses is expected to continue to rise. Your future salary will vary greatly depending upon your chosen field, your advanced degrees and certifications and your state.
If you want to fast-track your way to a better career in nursing, start researching the programs available, the tuition, and the prerequisites than can boost your salary and allow you to work in the field that you are most suited for.