If you’re ready to jumpstart your nursing career, then an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program might be for you.

Utilize these tips for accelerated nursing programs, and you’ll be more prepared to start your education journey.

How to Successfully Prepare for an Accelerated BSN Program

An accelerated BSN program allows students to fast-track their nursing education. 

The accelerated nursing program at Nebraska Methodist College (NMC) can be completed in 12 months, and is for those who already have a non-nursing associate or bachelor’s degree.

Year-long nursing programs are ideal for people who:

• Got an associate degree in healthcare, but realized nursing is their passion.
• Are recent college graduates who know they want to become a nurse.
• Have been working in a non-nursing career after receiving a college degree, and want to transition into a career as a nurse quickly.

NMC’s program benefits include:

• A cohort system that ensures camaraderie and support during the program.
• Tailored academic assistance.
• Access to state-of-the-art labs and comprehensive clinical experiences.
• Knowledgeable and supportive faculty.
• Students at NMC typically receive one of their top three choices for preceptorships.

“NMC graduates are different. We teach the meaning of care, and our graduates leave here more prepared to provide holistic, respectful care,” said Jillian Krumbach, director of undergraduate nursing. “The accelerated nursing program is a family. The students and faculty form unique bonds and move together through a rigorous 12 months. Students feel supported and truly cared for by faculty.”

Understanding Accelerated BSN Program Requirements

Before you apply to an accelerated BSN program, you’ll want to understand the eligibility criteria and prerequisites.

At NMC, the requirements for the ABSN program are:

• Completion of prerequisite courses prior to August enrollment (use NMC’s Prerequisite Guide under “Criteria” on the ABSN program webpage).
• Having earned an associate or bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.
• Success in previous math and science coursework.
• Ability to meet the technical standards of nursing practice.

If you have questions about prerequisite courses, your eligibility or the application process, you can contact the NMC admissions team at admissions@methodistcollege.edu.

Read more: 7 Tips for a Successful NursingCAS Application

Evaluating Your Readiness for an Accelerated Nursing Path

After you have an understanding of the eligibility requirements, you’ll want to consider whether you’re ready to take on the rigor of an accelerated program.

“Students who have completed an associate or bachelor's degree understand the commitment that goes into completing rigorous coursework. I think it’s important for students to be prepared for the time commitment that comes with an accelerated program,” Krumbach said. “This program is not only fast-paced, but includes challenging content and demanding clinical experiences. A student must be prepared to adjust their life around the program.”

At NMC, students are encouraged to focus solely on the program without having a job.

“It is not recommended that individuals work during this program. This program is very rigorous and really equates to a full-time job or more,” Krumbach said. “No day is the same. Clinical experiences make up multiple days of the week, and lectures, homework, studying and projects make up the rest.”

You might be ready for an accelerated program if you:

• Are able to dedicate one year to the program without working.
• Have good study habits.
• Have or can develop organizational skills.
• Can adjust your life around the limited flexibility of the program.
• Have a support system.

Strategies for Effective Study in Accelerated Nursing Programs

Having strategies for effective and efficient studying will help you have success in your nursing program.

Some accelerated nursing study strategies include:

• Set up a study space or find a preferred study space on campus.
• Take notes in a notebook or on your computer or iPad. 
• Ask questions during class or follow up with professors when you don’t understand a concept.
• Schedule time to study.

Utilizing Resources and Support Systems

During your accelerated BSN program preparation, you’ll want to make sure you have support systems available to you.

In addition to your personal support system, like family and friends, your college should have academic and mental health services. 

Academic support services help students have success in the classroom, and encourage personal and professional growth.

At NMC, student academic support services are:

• Academic coaching.
• Tutoring.
• Writing support.
• Supplemental instruction.
• Mentoring.
• Technology support.

Students also have access to free on-campus or virtual counseling services.

Balancing Life and Accelerated BSN Studies

Maintaining a balance between your studies and personal life will help support your emotional and mental health during your accelerated nursing program.

If you focus all of your attention on academics, you’ll most likely experience burnout. 

Tips for finding balance while you’re in an ABSN program include:

• Maintaining a support system by staying in touch with your family and friends.
• Scheduling time each week to spend with people close to you.
• Finding other students in your ABSN program to spend time with.
• Keeping boundaries around your study time.
• Asking for help when you need it.

Read more: Balancing Life, Work and an Accelerated BSN Program

Time Management Techniques for Nursing Students

Time management in an accelerated nursing program will help you find balance between your personal and academic life.

Time management for nursing students include:

• Making to-do lists.
• Prioritizing the most important tasks.
• Avoiding multitasking.
• Limiting distractions.
• Setting boundaries by saying no.
• Blocking out time on your calendar for specific tasks.
• Using structured time management like the Pomodoro Technique.
• Batching tasks.

“Organization is key in managing content and schedules in this program,” Krumbach said. “Building connections is another key in managing the coursework in the accelerated nursing program. Students need to form connections with other students. This helps the student in many ways, feeling understood, forming study groups and forming a community.”

Financial Planning for Your Accelerated Nursing Education

Having a financial plan during accelerated nursing school will help alleviate some of your stress.

Financial aid and scholarships will help you pay for your tuition. Once you’re accepted into the ABSN program, you can fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The results of your FAFSA will determine your eligibility for federal loans, scholarships and grants.

You can schedule an appointment with a financial aid advisor to get assistance with the financial aid process.

If you are struggling with finances during your ABSN program, NMC has resources to help students such as:

• NMC Caring Cupboard - The on-campus food pantry provides perishable and non-perishable food items, personal care items and household items to students in need.
• Methodist Hospital Foundation Student Crisis Fund - Students are eligible for up to $1,000 in assistance every school year for emergencies.

Gearing Up for Clinical Experiences in Accelerated BSN Programs

One of the most valuable experiences during your nursing education will be your clinicals.

Clinicals give students hands-on experiences and allow students to practice the skills they learn in the classroom.

Clinical rotations also give students an opportunity to learn from skilled nurses.

Many students discover where they want to work through their clinical experiences. 

Planning Your Career Path Post-Accelerated BSN

At NMC, students receive one-on-one coaching to help them find the right job after graduation.

Students get help with resume writing, learn what to expect during the interview process and get tips for answering interview questions.

Ninety-six percent of all NMC accelerated nursing graduates secure a job within six months after graduation.

While you can get a job as a nurse anywhere, NMC has a unique relationship with Methodist Health System giving students a direct pathway to clinical experiences, preceptorships, networking and potential job placement after graduation.

Read more: Transitioning to a Career in Nursing with an Accelerated BSN

Continuing Education and Specialization Opportunities

One of the benefits of becoming a nurse is that you have opportunities to further your education and develop specializations after getting your BSN.

You may decide that you want to become a care coordinator, nurse executive, nurse informaticist or nurse educator. You can get your master’s degree in nursing to take on a leadership role.

Once you have your BSN, you also have the opportunity to get your doctoral degree in nursing to become a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist.

If you don’t want to get your master’s or doctorate, you can take continuing education courses to develop specialized skills.

Embracing the Journey to Becoming a Nurse

Succeeding in an accelerated BSN program is possible with the right preparation.

If you know what to expect, have a support system, know your financial plan and have good study skills, you’ll be prepared to start your accelerated BSN program.

While an accelerated nursing program is a commitment, you’ll feel accomplished when you make it to graduation and be able to jump into a rewarding career as a nurse.

Ready to jumpstart your nursing career? Explore our Accelerated BSN program for more details and take the first step towards a rewarding future in nursing!