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by sail81

I have applied to a traditional program and the accelerated program at UW-Oshkosh which is one year. I have heard that this program is very intense and some people actually wish they would have done a slower paced program to really absorb concepts. I already have a degree and really just want to get done. I would just like to know what other people would do in my case. I have the time...so should I be patient and do the traditional program? What would you do? Thanks for your help! I really appreciate it!

[sam027000]

Re: UW-O Accelerated or Traditional?

I am currently in a 13 month 2nd degree accelerated program and am amazed at what I have learned over the past 2 months. I will tell you though that at least five times a day I wonder what it would be like to be in a traditional program. I know most of my classmates do the same. It's not necessarily that we wished we had gone the traditonal route, it's just that we are so busy and so stressed that we always wonder about the greener grass you know.

I do feel like I am learning in the accelerated program, but feel like I could really absorb and apply tons more info if I had more time. This is the most stressed I have ever been in my entire life. With that said, I only have 11 more months to go!! In the end, I think it'll be worth the sacrifice.

I think you need to consider what is most important to you and how well you perform/learn/deal under stress.

Good Luck, I wish you the best!!

[Quickbeam]

Re: UW-O Accelerated or Traditional?

Sail81, I graduated from an accelerated BSN program that was 12 months. I was self supporting and needed to get credentialed ASAP. A few of my accelerated classmates did drop to a slower program but they all had other means of income. The opportunity cost to me of not working was my #1 concern.

Accelerated programs are wonderful for the person who just needs to get back to work in a new career. It is very fast and there is very little room for error. If you can commit to it 100% and can handle the pace and the pressure, it's a wonderful option. It's been 20 years for me and I don't regret the way I got my BSN.

[downesRN]

Re: UW-O Accelerated or Traditional?

I am in a traditional program, and there is so much information, that I am glad I am doing it slower. That said, the temptation for speed is great, and I applied to both types of programs.

Some days I wish I could just get to working, but at least everything is sinking in. I have time to read every word, I have time to revisit material, and I think feeling completely comfortable with the material now will help me later on. If I rush, I will most likely feel like the whole process was a blur, as opposed to a learning experience.

In the end, much of nursing is on the job training, so you will learn what you need to know to be successful no matter which direction you choose.

[downesRN]

Re: UW-O Accelerated or Traditional?

I guess I should add that my "traditional" program is five semesters long (2.5 years), since I already have a degree. In that way, it is not fast as a "true" accelerated program (12-18mo), but since the accelerated programs are all full for this year, and have admitted me for 2008, I will finish at the same time by doing the traditional program (maybe one semester later).