Accelerated Program. Is it worth it?

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Aug 18, 2017

We have no clue what MCI means or where it is. If you could provide more information, we could provide more help. One important thing to look for is the school's 1st time NCLEX pass rate (the Board of Nursing should have these numbers on their website).

Strader612 · Aug 19, 2017

I'm sorry!! ECPI/Medical Career Institute.

ayuhime, BSN · Aug 20, 2017

I recently got accepted into the nursing program for this February at an accelerated school and this is the information that I can tell you. Many accelerated programs are very pricey and financial aid will not cover all the costs. The most that financial aid will cover is a little less than half. Which means, the rest will have to be out of pocket. You should also evaluate their course schedule. It should say somewhere on the website, what classes you are expected to take each semester, how many credits, and such. Without that information, it is difficult to say if working full time would be doable or not. I'm sure most nursing students or graduates would say no because it's called an accelerated track for a reason. Also, the fact that you are already hearing bad things about this school does not sound promising.

shibaowner, MSN, RN, NP · Aug 21, 2017

It will be difficult to work during an accelerated program. I did a 16 month ABSN and it was very difficult. Some students worked part time and it was really a struggle for them. You have to sit down and figure out how much student debt you will have after completing the program and decide if you can afford the loan payments on a new RN's salary. Good luck.

Strader612 · Aug 23, 2017

Thanks so much for that!! I figured from what I got from the admissions rep that I would either (like you said) do part-time or nothing at all. That really is my biggest concern!! I don't mind making the monetary investment but it's a really big sacrifice everywhere!! I think a little more than what I initially thought. ...Also, congrats on getting into the nursing program. Please keep me posted on how it goes!!

Rekt · Aug 28, 2017

I'm a couple of years younger but at our age we definitely have to do an ABSN or Entry Level Masters. Even if you did an ADN that would take 2 years and another 2 years from RN-BSN. Thats 4 years compared to 16-24 months for an ABSN/ELMSN so 2 more years of working and having a higher degree and higher pay.

Gangsteroids · Aug 30, 2017

If you're worried about the financial impact I wouldn't go with an accelerated program. It will be difficult to juggle family, work, and school unless you have family members that can take care of everything at home.

Also, I see Rekt mentioned ABSN/ELMSN. These require the applicant to have previously obtained a bachelor's degree. OP didn't mention anything about that so I will assume she is not looking at ABSN programs for that reason. Unfortunately some people must start with the traditional programs, and ADN is a starting point that is doable in many areas of the US. (Unless you live in an area that has a high number of BSN grads and therefore applicants, then your best bet will be to apply to BSN programs. If OP already has a bachelor's, then an ABSN is an option.

Also, looking at ECPI right now... their NCLEX pass rates are a little iffy. Not that that means it's a bad school, but it doesn't look great. On the other hand, $44k for an ADN is a little ridiculous, even if it is an 18 month program. In ideal conditions you can do your pre-reqs, apply to community colleges, and complete an ADN for a third of that in three years. Yes, it takes a bit longer but with ECPI's average of less than 90% of students passing NCLEX in 2016, are they really preparing students well enough to become nurses in 18 months? :nailbiting:

hooliebug, BSN, RN · Aug 31, 2017

Hi. I am an actual student (in my senior year, last semester) in an accelerated 18-month BSN program. I'm 30 with a fiance and 0 kids, and I have the added benefit of not having to work for us to survive, and... it's been difficult, but doable -- to be fair, I am a neurotic, type A perfectionist! There are people in my program in similar situations to yours and they've gotten along just fine, but they have great support systems to lean on.

During my initial interview to get into school, the instructor who interviewed me was very upfront about the level of commitment it required to succeed -- the people who took this warning with a grain of salt have failed out of the program. You have to be extremely driven and focused because there's a lot of ground to cover in a short amount of time, but your instructors will give you the tools to do well. You have to be prepared to make some sacrifices (missing family events, zero social life, your house looking like a train wreck, etc.).

My schedule has been varied. Summer semesters are frantic (with lots of class time and slightly fewer clinical rotations) while fall/spring semesters have a slow burn feel to them (slightly fewer hours spent in class, more time spent in clinical rotations). You typically have zero say over your schedule, and people who complain about it are basically told to suck it up and make it work. You typically have 2-3 days off during the week, usually weekends and 1 random week day.

My school made the admission process fairly easy, and their financial aid office made the money side of things equally simple. They were very upfront about everything I needed to know and do before huge deadlines snuck up on me.

Oh, and don't be put off by every bad review you read. A lot of students are young and maybe less acquainted with how the world works, so... when they don't get their way or have a slightly less than amazing experience, they get mouthy and bitter.

I hope any of this helped!

Strader612 · Aug 31, 2017

Yes, this helped a lot! Thank you!! What school do you attend? Also, did you start the program with an ADN?

Mr_Edwino · Aug 31, 2017

Hello, here is my response:

I am 40, have a family, work, and I am in an accelerated BSN program. Your only limitations are yourself. If you want something bad enough, you will do what it takes to succeed. Accelerated programs are not for everyone. If you are very motivated, then it can work for you.

Rekt · Aug 31, 2017

Hello, here is my response:
I am 40, have a family, work, and I am in an accelerated BSN program. Your only limitations are yourself. If you want something bad enough, you will do what it takes to succeed. Accelerated programs are not for everyone. If you are very motivated, then it can work for you.

Agreed, there are single mothers that are pregnant with children, whom go through these ABSN programs, hold a full time job and still succeed. Depends on how much you want it.