12 Month ABSN Program vs 17 Month ABSN

[leroy221]

Does anyone know why some accelerated nursing programs are different months in total for school? I thought there was a minimum for school hours/courses and clinical hours in order to take the NCLEX? I'm in the process of picking between a 12 month ABSN program and 17 ABSN month. I did look at the semester course guide and it looks like some classes are not included. Other than spending an extra 5 months of money and time is the only benefit experience? Is there any reason I should pick the 17 month program over the 12 month program? Any advice or thoughts would be appreciated!

I can provide the course guide showing classes for both if it helps!

[renardeau, BSN, RN]

I did a 13-month ABSN and I did mediocre in it---my grades were not spectacular (nor were they horrible; but I've usually been one to do well in school). I really feel like I would've benefited from a program stretched over a longer length of time. I realize, as you say, that most programs have the same courses and clinical hours and that the only huge difference that is the time-changer is the length of break. Understand though that these breaks may be sanity-saving:

My situation is a bit unique in that I had a some family difficulties over the beginning of my 1st to the middle of my 3rd semester, a span of about 7 months. Such a short nursing program was not as forgiving of my difficulties (and the stress made a mess of my health---I had a constant cold and got pneumonia twice ...) Thankfully, my program worked with me to keep me going and moved one of my classes during my most difficult period over to the next semester. (My academic dean and advisor were saints.) Even still, at the time I was considering dropping down to the slightly longer BSN option that my school also offered. It just gives you a little more time to breathe, a little more time to process, plan, and prepare for the next steps.

That said, if you have a solid support system and trust in your ability to keep going, go for the shorter program, why not? Best of luck deciding.

[Camishy]

What is the program you did