Accelerated Nursing Program at UW-O

[sail81]

Hi there!

Does anyone have any information or recommendations about this program? It runs one year long with the non-clinical portion all online. That freaks me out a bit--do you get to know other people in the program even if it's all online? Would you recommend it?

[Spryte]

Hi, I don't have any personal information about this program but I am also looking into it. I'd love to hear any other responses. Here are some links I found while doing a search both on this site and through Google. You might be able to find more with your own search but hope this helps, good luck!

Advice Needed on "accelerated nursing programs"

Nursing the shortage

Online courses more than just web surfing

UW Oshkosh strives to combat the national nursing shortage

[likatutata]

hey, i was also looking into it. a friend of mine who took online classes at another university said he felt overwhelmed by his clinicals being squished into only 3 weeks (i think uw-o's are 2 weeks) and that after clinicals he really recalled a lot because it was so intense, but he forgot some things quickly because there was no time for studying and retention during clinicals. BUT if you can handle things like that at such a fast pace, then maybe it's for you! good luck finding a school!!

[Nursing2Travel]

Hi! I am a graduate of the program, and it certainly has its pros and cons. But I'd do it again in a heartbeat -- the timeline is perfect, and the clinicals, I think, are the best you will get in any program around this area of Wisconsin. You essentially get 6 months of 1:1 precepted clinicals, on a full-time schedule, and I don't know of any other program around here that offers that. Also, your classmates are amazing. Because everyone is required to have at least a Bachelor's degree (and many have been educated to a higher level than that) your classmates are already highly educated, adult learners, and I think that takes your discussion and classwork to a higher level.

That said, the internet courses go fast, and you have to be willing to put in the work. On the other hand, because the program emphatically bars you from working during the program (if you're caught, you're out), I used my free time to travel.

I've been at my job as an RN on a med-surg unit a year now, and I have not noticed any difference between my knowledge and that of other new grads, (but I guess you'd have to ask my peers for unbiased opinions.) I have, however, been offered three promotions in that year (which I have not taken, because I feel I still have a lot to learn in the "trenches"), and numerous other leadership opportunities, so I think that speaks highly of my value as an employee, even with my internet-based, 1-year, accelerated degree.

My frustrations with the program seem to be the same kinds of frustrations I would have with any nursing program that exists around here -- a certain level of disorganization at the administrative level, and a difference in the way academics are run (compared to my previous degrees.) It is also quite expensive. Hope this helps!

[sail81]

Great to hear! Thank you for taking the time to clue me in! I plan on applying for May 07!!