Accelerated Nursing Program???

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I recently applied to the Generic Nursing program at the university I attend. Well, they called me and said that since my GPA was good, the dean of the program wanted me to try the accelerated nursing program...with that, I'll have my BSN in 18 months. It's only offered to people that already have a bachelors degree, but they wanted me to "try" it and see how it goes. If it goes good for me and several other students they selected, they'll start giving that option to all students. Does anyone know the success rate of rns that graduated from the accelerated program? My BIGGEST concern is that it will go so quickly that I won't take in everything compared to if I did the generic program...Any thoughts? I appreciate any advice!!!! :nurse:

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Are you saying that you have no previous college experiance?

It could be a great opportunity for success and it could be setting you up for failure. I would suggest thatif you have any hesitancy or if the details are fuzzy, IN ANY WAY, that you have someone close to you and preferably with some experiance inlife goover the fine print with you.

Personally, I don't think I could have done the work that I have seen in traditional acclelerated programs without having had a previous 4 yrs to learn the study skills and gain the maturity needed. Thatis not to say that you can't do it, but it may be helpful to have another's input that knows you. Your parents, a family friend, a trusted teacher or your school guidance counselor.

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I just graduated in December from an accelerated nursing program that was 12 months. It also required a previous bachelors degree and other prerequs. It was good for me because I have a family and I needed to get done quickly to start making money. If I had my choice, I would do the traditional program because you have a longer time to take everything in. Either program works though. I know both traditional and accelerated program nurses who are good. It is really what you are willing to put into it, effort-wise, that matters. As an accelerated student, you need to seek out learning opportunities more because you have less time to learn what you need to. I am currently just finishing 12 weeks of training and getting ready to start the night shift. I feel ready to be on my own and am looking forward to it. Hope this helps!

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The only college experience I have is what I've done to meet the pre-reqs for the program. I spoke with an advisor and she said it can be done, but you have to be very, VERY dedicated. I'm still very concerned because although I may graduate sooner, it won't do me any good if I can't care for my patients...

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The only college experience I have is what I've done to meet the pre-reqs for the program. I spoke with an advisor and she said it can be done, but you have to be very, VERY dedicated. I'm still very concerned because although I may graduate sooner, it won't do me any good if I can't care for my patients...

18 months is a long time for an accelerated BSN program. They usually range from 12-14 months. Even with no college experience, I think it should be doable. You should at least try it, if it does not work out for you can always switch back to the regular 4 year BSN. Try and get some additional hospital experience while you are in the program by volunteering or by working as unit clerk, CNA, etc. Accelerated BSN programs have been around for a while and the nurses that have graduated have done fine with patient care:yeah:. As well, they have been accepted and thrived in critical care areas. Best of luck to you!

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Specializes in Government.

I graduated from an accelerated BSN program 22 years ago! No regrets. Like another poster, I chose it because I was self supporting and had to get back to working full time ASAP. If I had had more time/money, I might have opted for a slower route.

I got a first class nursing education. It was just compressed timewise.

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Specializes in Telemetry, Observation, Rehab, Med-Surg.

Accelerated programs are intense and require lots of hard work and determination. If you don't thrive on learning in a fast paced environment, I would suggest going the generic route. Professors have high expectations of their accelerated students and expect them to bring their A game to the plate. Good luck in whatever decision you make.

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Yikes...is the first word I can think of. I can't imagine having to learn everything at an even faster rate. It's REALLY difficult to try to process everything and connect the dots as it is, not to mention tiring and stressful at times. if you can really dedicate yourself to studying pretty much non stop for 18 months though, i'm sure it's doable. do you work? do you have children? :twocents: Personally, I'm glad I had the extra 6 months - I just don't think I could've learned it as well if it came at me any faster. Good luck with whatever you choose...and congrats...it's a good dilemma to have!

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