What Is an Accelerated Nursing Program?

People are called to the nursing profession at many different points in their lives. Some students know immediately after high school graduation that they want to pursue a career as a nurse, whereas others feel inspired later in life to pursue this path. If you have previously earned a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing major but feel called to the nursing profession, then you may want to consider an accelerated nursing program.

Understanding Accelerated Nursing Programs

So, what is an accelerated BSN? An Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program (ABSN) is an innovative degree program aimed at students who have previously earned a bachelor's degree in another field and who are interested in pursuing a career as a nurse. This program takes approximately 12 months to complete, allowing aspiring nurses to accelerate their pathway into the nursing profession and begin caring for patients as quickly as possible.

Who Is Eligible for an Accelerated Nursing Program?

The ABSN program is designed for students who have previously earned a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing major. They can expand upon their educational foundation and streamline their path forward in the nursing profession by choosing an accelerated BSN program.

Difference Between ABSN and BSN

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, or BSN degree, is a four-year degree program designed for individuals with a high school diploma interested in pursuing a career as a registered nurse. The BSN degree prepares students for specialized and leadership positions in nursing and gives them an opportunity to pursue graduate nursing degrees in the future.

The ABSN is very similar in scope to the BSN degree, except that students are not required to complete as many prerequisite courses, considering they have already earned a bachelor's degree in another field.

Benefits of Accelerated Nursing Programs

Accelerated nursing programs are an excellent option for those looking for a career change and passionate about caring for others. The benefits of the ABSN program include:

Faster Entry Into the Workforce

The accelerated BSN degree can be completed in about 12 months, which allows you to streamline your education and continue completing the requirements to become a registered nurse. By selecting the ABSN program, you will be able to gain faster entry into the workforce and begin enjoying your return on your investment as soon as possible.

Addressing the Growing Need for Nurses

The nursing shortage crisis is becoming dire, and there is a deep need for highly-skilled and qualified nurses at every level of healthcare. Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are expected to be about 194,500 job openings for registered nurses each year between 2023 and 2033, highlighting the growing need for nurses in communities around the country. The accelerated BSN program is designed to help reduce the impact of the nursing shortage crisis by allowing qualified professionals to gain faster entry into the workforce.

A Strong Foundation for Advanced Nursing Roles

Even if you are in the midst of a career change, you may still be looking at career advancement opportunities that exist within the field of nursing. The ABSN program provides students with a strong foundation in math, science, and clinical skills. This allows graduates to consider taking the next steps to pursue advanced practice registered nursing positions or nursing leadership opportunities.

Challenges of Accelerated Nursing Programs

In most cases, students pursuing a BSN degree are working professionals with a variety of personal responsibilities and professional obligations. As a result, they face unique challenges when working toward their nursing degree.

Some of the challenges associated with the accelerated BSN degree include:

Rigorous Academic and Clinical Demands

The ABSN program requires students to complete advanced nursing coursework in a short amount of time and complete clinical requirements to graduate. By being aware of the program requirements and preparing for your accelerated BSN program in advance, you can set yourself up for success throughout this rigorous program.

Financial Considerations

This nursing program requires a financial investment. Be aware of the tuition costs, but also consider the potential for higher earnings after earning your ABSN degree.

How to Choose the Right Accelerated Nursing Program

Choosing the right accelerated BSN program is essential, not only for your career as a nurse but also for your experience as a nursing student. These are the factors that you need to keep in mind when choosing an ABSN program:

Accreditation and Reputation

To pursue your licensure as a registered nurse, you will need to graduate from an accredited nursing program. In addition, you will want to choose a school with a reputation for offering a comprehensive, rigorous nursing program. The reputation of the school that you attend may impact job opportunities and other professional endeavors throughout your nursing career.

Program Format and Location

Consider your personal and professional responsibilities as you select an ABSN degree program. In all likelihood, you will have to decide between a traditional, on-campus program or an innovative online ABSN program. Online learning allows you to be flexible and agile as you complete the requirements for this degree, often giving you the freedom to learn in a time and manner that works best for you.

Steps to Enroll in an Accelerated Nursing Program

If you are interested in enrolling in an accelerated BSN program, then these are the steps that you will need to take:

Meet Prerequisites

The prerequisites for the ABSN program may vary from one college to another. Still, generally speaking, you will only be qualified if you have previously earned a bachelor's degree in another non-nursing field.

Prepare Application Materials

Once you have verified that you meet the prerequisites for the accelerated BSN program, you can begin preparing your application materials. Depending on the college's requirements, you may need to submit previous transcripts, proof of your bachelor's degree, or a personal statement.

Research Financial Aid Options

While the ABSN program will require a financial investment, you may have options for financial aid. At Nebraska Methodist College, we have scholarships, grants, loans, and other financial aid options available for our students, allowing them to get the support they need to invest in themselves and their future careers.

Career Opportunities After Completing an Accelerated Nursing Program

Once you have completed the ABSN program, you will find that you have a wide range of career opportunities in nursing available to you. The ABSN degree not only prepares you for a career as a registered nurse, but it also allows you to pursue specialized and leadership positions in nursing. More healthcare facilities are focused on hiring BSN-prepared nurses.

Entry-Level Nursing Roles

After earning your ABSN degree and passing your NCLEX-RN exam, you will be qualified for entry-level registered nursing positions in hospitals, physicians' offices, and other clinical settings. These entry-level positions will allow you to begin enhancing your nursing skills and developing a better understanding of the current healthcare landscape.

Pathways to Advanced Practice Nursing

The ABSN program also provides you with the foundation required to pursue advanced practice nursing. After earning your accelerated BSN degree, you can consider pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, which will prepare you for advanced practice nursing positions and leadership opportunities.

What Is an Accelerated BSN? Learn More at Nebraska Methodist College

Many people describe nursing as a calling, and if you feel called to this profession after previously earning a non-nursing degree, then you may want to consider the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program. At Nebraska Methodist College, we offer a 12-month ABSN program designed for students who have already earned a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing major who are interested in expediting their path into the nursing workforce. Request more information about our accelerated BSN degree program today.