Accelerated vs. Traditional Program

babeinboots, MSN, NP, CNM · Jan 28, 2015

babeinboots, I'm really curious how that works. Do you do a couple semesters of generals, then start the accelerated program? Otherwise I'm not sure how you could do a full baccalaureate degree in just the 4 semesters. Or am I misunderstanding something? I know that the programs I looked at were all exclusively second-degree programs, but I was only looking at a few specific programs (in Maine and Minnesota).

I have my general ed complete already (I graduated from a CC last spring and then transferred into my BSN program this past fall). As for upper division electives, I competed some simultaneously with my pre-reqs and a couple when I was waiting to hear if I got accepted to the program and 1 while waiting for the program to begin. I do know that if you have any additional Gen ed classes or upper division electives to complete, you can do them simultaneously with the nursing courses (not recommended) or after nursing courses (also not recommended).

Our program is considered accelerated because the nursing program/portion only takes 22 months to complete. It takes that long to complete most AA programs after Gen ed and pre-reqs are done (at least out here) and many cal state BSN programs are 2 1/2 - 3 yrs long, not counting pre-reqs and Gen ed. Others universities were just ridiculously over priced. I'm really glad I found my school and grateful I got in.

I know many ABSN programs are only 12, 15, or 18 months after pre-reqs are completed; maybe those ones require previous bachelors degree?

88keys · Feb 26, 2015

I am a non-traditional student in a traditional BSN program, which will take me three years to complete since I already have a bachelor's degree in another field. Though there had been talk about adding an accelerated program for several years at my university, it didn't happen until the year after I started. The accelerated students will be finishing at the same time that I will. If I had it to do all over again (and if there had been an accelerated program starting the same year), I would have gone the accelerated route. First of all, the older I get, the more I realize how little time I will have to practice when I've completed my education. One year makes a big difference when you are looking at only having 12-13 working years left when you are finished with your program. I still have children at home, so I thought that going the longer route might give me more time with my family, but what I have found is that nursing school is like a gaseous substance ~ the work will take up all the available space in your schedule whether you go the traditional or the accelerated route. One thing that the traditional program has going for it is the opportunity for students to participate in externships during the summer. However, I don't know if those make you more competitive for jobs after graduation or not. I do know from talking to other students that the externship experience increases their confidence level in their last year of the BSN program. Frankly, it feels like we spend a lot of time "learning" things that most of us gain through life experience and I imagine this could be cut out of an accelerated program (whether it is or not, I don't know). I also imagine that they don't spend a lot of time warning the accelerated students not to wear sexy red underwear beneath their white uniforms. As for the difference in ages, the next oldest student in my group is the same age as my daughter. It's not a problem for me ~ I actually get along really well with all of my classmates, but I would not say that I am in their social circle, nor are they in mine. So it can feel a little lonely at times, but I do my best to just keep plugging away and staying positive. We have shared one course with the accelerated group so far, and I have to say that it was a little refreshing to have the older group in the class. So that's my experience ~ good luck in making your decision!

maj0079 · Feb 27, 2015

Interesting thread! I have a BS in Biology and had worked for a few years when I decided I hated bench work and i really was passionate about working with people. So I started looking into nursing programs. I lived in California at the time. I had called the local Universities with Nursing programs and every single one told me that because I have a BS already, I CANNOT be in their traditional program. So, I started looking into to Accelerated programs, but they were upwards of $45K!!! Then I looked into ADN programs and put myself on the waitlist.

Fast forward 4 years (family stuff happened) and I moved to Minnesota. After what happened in CA, I didn't even bother looking at 4 year Universities, I went straight to Community Colleges. I got into an LPN program because the local CC wanted me to be a CNA for 6+ months and they had a year waiting list, the LPN did not. Figured I could work in a clinic while working my way up. Then I saw a commercial for one of the area's 4 yr colleges stating they have an accelerated program. I called them up, met with the Director and bam, I got in.

Until we had a student fail out of our accelerated program, I had no clue you could get a 2nd Bachelors from a University! HOWEVER, that being said, I am SOOOO grateful I got into my program. It has been intense, but the LPN program I was going to go into graduates the same time I do! It has been intense and I am almost done!! I think I personally would have been bored out of my mind and not done as well in a traditional program!

Good luck!

flyawaybudgi · Dec 29, 2017

Chloe,

What type of summer jobs were you able to work? I'm only used to working full time and I'm unsure of how to find a well paying job just for the summer.

mts94 · Nov 21, 2018

I have heard the accelerated programs are obviously harder (more intensive/quicker pace) but I am in the same boat- this will be my second degree. I think it is easier to attain the pre-requisites on your own (you can take one or two a semester) and then apply for accelerated. Not sure how much time you'll have to work during the program though.