Accelerated BSN Programs For Those Who Want To Move Into Nursing

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. Specialties Educators Article

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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!!

I have to say I am also puzzled by the variance in required pre-requisite courses for both ABSN and Direct Entry MSN programs. It is kind of frustrating how there is no uniformity across the boards on pre-reqs :banghead:. My priorities lie with finishing A&P 1&2, microbiology, and chemistry...but some of the schools I am looking at require MANY more courses. Good luck with your coursework as well!

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. :typing

I am applying to Texas Tech's Accelerated BSN program and hoping to start this January at the Austin location. I was curious if you know what the average GPA, experience, etc. students who are accepted to the program have? Also, is the NET test required? Thanks!

KathyRN2B

109 Posts

I start an accelerated BSN program on Monday, Oct. 1. I just picked up books yesterday.

We are strongly discouraged from working at all, even PT. 18mos, no breaks except for the couple of weeks between qtrs. I don't know if they allow externships the last couple of qtrs or not. Something I may ask at orientation Thurs.

Guess I'm a statistic in that I'm one of the older, non-traditional students.

I agree that it is best to finish any sciences in order. Some of the higher sciences may require Algebra and/or Chem first, but I found it best to tackle one science class along with any other pre-req's required. My school required all pre-req's to be completed prior to acceptance. Each school is different.

MaritesaRN

427 Posts

Specializes in psychiatric, UR analyst, fraud, DME,MedB.
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.

School is really expensive ---Private school for Bsn to Masters goes for about 40K to 80K . Now before doing this one needs to see where you are going w/ this? It is a lot of time and money? :confused:

MaritesaRN

427 Posts

Specializes in psychiatric, UR analyst, fraud, DME,MedB.
I have to say I am also puzzled by the variance in required pre-requisite courses for both ABSN and Direct Entry MSN programs. It is kind of frustrating how there is no uniformity across the boards on pre-reqs :banghead:. My priorities lie with finishing A&P 1&2, microbiology, and chemistry...but some of the schools I am looking at require MANY more courses. Good luck with your coursework as well!

:eek: I think the schools make more money this way and by making the courses standardized , they will not make any money......but yes , find one school that is accredited and cheaper ---that will be community college and state Universities.

AnonEmus

105 Posts

the 10 month program isn't a bsn. here are the two fastest programs i could find.

drexel ace bsn - 11 months

http://www.drexel.edu/cnhp/nursing/undergrad_bsn_ace_essentials.asp

"the ace program is 11 months in length, the shortest accelerated program in the country."

our lady of the lake asn - 10 months

http://catalog.ololcollege.acalog.com/preview_program.php?catoid=3&poid=96&bc=1

"the accelerated nursing program is an intense 10-month program designed to provide an avenue into the nursing profession for students who have earned a non-nursing baccalaureate degree."

anurseatlast

224 Posts

Specializes in maternal child, public/community health.

I went to a 14 month (Jan - March) accelerated program. We had short semesters (I think most were about 8 weeks) with a week off in between. Three things helped me: I tried to do some of the required reading during the break week (We always had non-nursing books to read for some class) I found a great study partner and I got a large laminated year calendar which I put on my bedroom wall. I color-coded all my tests and assignments with dry erase markers at the beginning of each semester. That let me see the big picture (weeks with 3 papers and 2 tests -YIKES!! and weeks with only a few assignments due). For me, that was helpful because I could plan my time better and not miss anything. It doesn't work for everyone. My study partner found it overwhelming.

Although the pace of an accelerated program is intense, I loved it! I cannot imagine doing nursing school for 4 years. I was amazed at how much I could learn in such a short time.

TXgirl912

24 Posts

Hi Austingirl...I saw your post about the Texas Tech program in Austin and i was wondering if you started in January? I am in Austin and looking into programs, so I'd love to hear your experience with that. Let me know, thanks!

RN2BENAUSTIN

74 Posts

I started Texas Tech's 12 month 2nd BSN program in January and I love it. Its very intense, just to give you an example of my week. We have a head to toe assessment practicum this Thursday, a proctored exam on Friday, I start my clinicals at Seton Main on Sunday and we have a mid term in Pharm next Wed and a final in Health Assessment next Friday. Also on Wed a new course opens so I will be starting module 1. In addition, this week we have a pharm case study and weekly module questions. We also do virtual clinical excursion and ATI readings and exams. Most of the time, you are on your own and at home, there are proctored exams at Brack - and we have clinical training there in the CEC. You start the program with a boot camp and learn so much! Since nursing is really more about applying clinical knowledge and critical thinking skills, the program is heavy on clinical hours. I think someone else on here gave the total clinical hours to be 1000+ by the end of the program. I would have to find that post, she completed the program and had added it all up. We start clinicals this week and we have to work 24 hours per week in med surg in addition to all the courses. You take 24 credit hours per semester for 3 consecutive semesters. But the nice thing is that the courses are all fast paced, 1-2 months so you are not taking all of them at once. The hard thing with that is that you are taking 2-3 tests most weeks (inc practicums). I love this program, its highly organized, its competitive to get into to, they do a great job of finding the right students for this type of program. I heard there was 135 applicants and 31 made it. So my peers are excellent students, which is awesome because we work alot as a group and everyone gives 100% and helps one another. I cant say enough positives, feel free to PM with any other questions. And good luck with your future endeavors, Tech's program is top notch-if you decide to go with them, you will not be sorry.

sauce19118

5 Posts

Hello nurses!!

Sooo glad that I stumbled upon this article. I have been accepted to Community College of Philadelphia's AS nursing program and I had applied to Jeff U's Assoc program as well. Last week I got an email that Jeff was not going to offer an Associates program in Philadelphia this year due to area hospitals hiring only nurses with BS degrees. After having a mini freak out I am considering doing an accelerated BS through Jeff so that I have a better chance of getting a job after graduation. I hate to delay starting a program- I have a year of prerequisites ahead of me and I am struggling with the same problems as other ABSN candidates- what to take so as not to screw myself when applying to multiple ABSN programs. Some want psych, some don't.

I have heard of hospitals switching over to all BS staff but this was that I have actually seen evidence of the switchover- Jeff not doing a program this year. I have heard from other nurses that Abington was switching over and from others that they have been saying that for a while and not to be worried about it.

Any advice from any nursing professors or administrators? Which is ideal- going for the accelerated BSN or going for an Associates, trying to find work and going back for my BSN either online or accelerated later on? Also, does it matter that my ASN is from community college? Should I shell out more money for a more prestigious degree or is it all the same?

Thanks for the advice!!

TXgirl912

24 Posts

Hi RN2BENAUSTIN, Thanks for the information! I am glad you are enjoying it. So you do most of the class work at home on your own and then have to report for exams and clinicals? Do you know what they look at when applying? Just wondering if there is anything I can do to help my chances. Also, where did you complete all your prereqs? I have been looking at the Austin Community College schedule, but wanted to see if you recommended anything else around here. What is your first degree in? Mine is finance, so I have a lot of science classes to take still. When did you find out that you got in? Thanks for the info!!

RN2BENAUSTIN

74 Posts

Txgirl912 - I took the pre reqs at ACC - my first degree is in Journalism - so I had to take Statistics and Chem on top of the other requirements. You will want your core sciences to be current anyway, and try to get a firm grasp on A&P as it will come back to haunt you :)

To get into the program they look at GPA, experience (inc volunteer) and if you are a good fit for the program. One pre req for Tech is to take a CNA class. And I took the course and never worked as a CNA but all of my peers that have the CNA experience are at an advantage. So I would recommend getting your CNA and working somewhere part time if possible until you get into the program.

And I remember interviewing Mid October and it took about a month to find out.