Accelerated BSN Programs

Accelerated BSN programs are an innovative approach to nursing education, available for individuals who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s or higher degree and who are interested in moving into the field of nursing. Approximately 205 of these type programs are currently available nationwide.

Direct-entry MSN programs in nursing are also available for people with a bachelor’s or higher degree in another profession, but this is the subject of another blog.

Accelerated BSN programs typically run 12 to 18 months, assuming all science and other prerequisites have been satisfied. These programs furnish the fastest route to a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Students take the same nursing courses and must undergo the same clinical hour requirements as traditional BSN programs, but the curriculum is much more compact, rigorous, and intellectually and physically demanding.

Admission standards for accelerated BSN programs are competitive with programs typically requiring at least a 3.0 GPA and a meticulous prescreening process.

Accelerated programs do require prerequisites. Applicants with a prior degree almost always meet the liberal arts and social sciences requirements. However, many students do not meet the natural or mathematical sciences requirements, including statistics, microbiology, anatomy, and physiology.

Accelerated BSN programs are a full time commitment: students should not work during the duration of the program. This requires keen financial planning and strategizing. Sufficient funding to cover school and living expenses must be acquired before starting these programs. Four years of full time nursing school are compressed into an average of 15 months, with a very challenging credit load and intense clinical experiences. This leaves no time for outside employment.

Typical second-degree students are older, seasoned, responsible, motivated, and hold high academic expectations. Some are recent college graduates who are looking for the quickest route to the BSN. Accelerated students tend to excel in classroom theory and are eager in the clinical arena to gain practical experiences. They bring to nursing rich life experiences, diverse perspectives, unique skills sets, and prior education. These students take accountability for their own learning, maintain high grade point averages, and almost always pass the NCLEX-RN on the first attempt.


References

Accelerated Programs: The Fast-Track to Careers in Nursing

List of Accelerated BSN programs

atomic woman how are you finding the FACT? What do you find challenging about the programm?

The programs I am applying to all want different coursework as well (aside from the A&P, micro, and chem) but like you said we have to do what we have to do to get where we want to go! Nutrition is a class I must take for some schools and not for others. Why the variance, I dunno, but oh well ... Good luck!!

Hello all,

I just graduated from Texas Tech's Accelerated BSN program AKA Second Degree BSN program on Aug. 7th. It was a 12 mo. (Aug-Aug.) program. It was very intense and I can't imagine trying to work. As a matter of fact, they ask you to sign a contract at the beginning of the program saying you will not work during the program.

I have already found a job working in Pediatrics at our local hospital and I am thrilled! I was hired the Wednesday after I graduated. My previous degree was in Biology. I was an elementary teacher for 5 years.

For those looking for an online program, this program was considered a "50-50" program. At least 50% (actually closer to 75%) of classwork and assignments were online. We attended clinicals at one of three local hospitals for 2 to 3 12hr. clinicals each week. Each person was assigned a BSN prepared preceptor that we worked with throughout our clinicals. About every third week, we would have proctored tests (Med-surg and all finals) at the Texas Tech office here in Odessa. This program is also offered in other areas of Texas, including: Austin/Hill Country, El Paso, Abilene, Lubbock, and Odessa/Midland (where I went!).

The program was very challenging, but absolutely doable. I finished with a 3.95 GPA. I would highly recommend this program. It seems as though the instructors in the program have every intention of helping you with whatever you need to prepare you for NCLEX. Let me know if you have any questions.

I don't see why not... many people work full time while going to graduate school (myself included). You may have to settle for a part-time schedule in graduate school. Many MSN programs are online; you would still need to find clinical placements and negotiate with your employer about having the days available for clinical practicum requirements for your NP.