Accelerated Nursing Programs & Post-Baccalaureate Nursing Program

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Apr 22, 2009

Sorry, but you will need to attend a university to obtain a BSN. The first 2 years are generally devoted to life science prerequisites, and the last 2 years are focused on clinical education. Since you are moving from an "A" to a "S", you need to complete all your pre-requisites before your application to a BSN program will be accepted. Admission is very competitive - very high GPA is the norm for applicants to nursing schoo.

You cannot obtain a BSN via an entirely online program - unless you are 'upgrading' from another nursing degree. If you think about this for a moment, you will realize why. Nusing education requires a very specific number of clinical hours in which students care for patients and learn clinical skills in a variety of settings. The locations are up to the school - where they have agreements.

Accelerated programs are generally limited to people who have a BS in another related field or nurses who are 'upgrading'. Please read the extensive number of posts on this forum about accelerated programs. Graduates appear to be very dissatisfied with the amount of clinical training that they receive. Many organizations (mine included) are very reluctant to hire graduates of accelerated programs. Accelerated programs cost a lot more than traditional ones & they are so compressed that students cannot work while they are enrolled.

Besides, the job situation for new grads is really in the dumper right now - but it will undoubtedly be better in 2-3 years.

PumpkinEater, MSN · May 1, 2009

I had a BA in literature from a 4 year university and decided to pursue nursing. Possibilities exist if you just want to get your RN or are interested in pursuing an advanced (e.g. NP) degree. My path involved 5 semesters of prerequisites at a local community college. After that I had the option of a) getting my A.D. at the community college (another 2 years) b) entering one of two 3 year direct-entry master's programs or c) going to an 18-month accelerated BSN program. I chose the direct-entry master's program. I've been working 2 years as a med-surg RN and will be going back to school in the fall to become an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.

As for potential employers doubting the readiness of accelerated program graduates, I would not let that dissuade you. Indeed, I found my classmates in the direct-entry program (12 months to get our RN!) as some of the most ambitious, intelligent and savvy folks I've met yet. Many had years of previous professional experience and graduate level educations.

That being said, the market for new grads is particularly cool at moment. But I'm sure the trend will have reversed itself yet again once you have those letters after your name.

Goingthere · May 5, 2009

Were in the same boat! You need to complete your Pre-reqs at a college, and apply to an accelerated program in your area. You won't have to sit through four more years of school, the Pre reqs will take atleast a year, the program should take you a year to 1.5years. Your looking at 2.5 years minimum. Just knock out the hard science courses to increase your chances of getting in. Good luck.

firstgeneration · Sep 22, 2010

I had a BA in literature from a 4 year university and decided to pursue nursing. Possibilities exist if you just want to get your RN or are interested in pursuing an advanced (e.g. NP) degree. My path involved 5 semesters of prerequisites at a local community college. After that I had the option of a) getting my A.D. at the community college (another 2 years) b) entering one of two 3 year direct-entry master's programs or c) going to an 18-month accelerated BSN program. I chose the direct-entry master's program. I've been working 2 years as a med-surg RN and will be going back to school in the fall to become an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
As for potential employers doubting the readiness of accelerated program graduates, I would not let that dissuade you. Indeed, I found my classmates in the direct-entry program (12 months to get our RN!) as some of the most ambitious, intelligent and savvy folks I've met yet. Many had years of previous professional experience and graduate level educations.
That being said, the market for new grads is particularly cool at moment. But I'm sure the trend will have reversed itself yet again once you have those letters after your name.

I would like to know which direct entry master's program if you don't mind.