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.
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:
NMC’s program benefits include:
“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.”
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:
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
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:
Having strategies for effective and efficient studying will help you have success in your nursing program.
Some accelerated nursing study strategies include:
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:
Students also have access to free on-campus or virtual counseling services.
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:
Read more: Balancing Life, Work and an Accelerated BSN Program
Time management in an accelerated nursing program will help you find balance between your personal and academic life.
Time management for nursing students include:
“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.”
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:
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.
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
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.
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!