Accelerating

[Parrotletlover]

Hey all,

I am currently in my second year of nursing school. I have the opportunity to accelerate - my school offers both a BSN and an ABSN; I may be given the opportunity to skip ahead and join the ABSN students even though I don't already have a degree (I can skip ahead because I have quite a handful of transfer credits). All of my preqs are finished and should I choose to accelerate I would already have pharmacology and another required nursing course under my belt. I would only have next fall, next spring and next summer and then I'd graduate (as opposed to graduating in spring of 2013 - ten months later).

I had difficulty with chemistry and didn't quite make the grade cut-off (I took the course elsewhere and transfered it in). That means if I get a grade lower than a C or C+, I'm out of the program. Other than that, I've done exceptionally well this semester (so far, GPA 3.7 and a GPA in the lower 3's for the last few semesters). I know the program is intense but I think I want to do it. What have been your experience? Is it doable given my previous chemistry troubles? I would be taking about 16-18 credits for three semesters - this will be the most I've ever taken and I'm concerned I may get in over my head. However, I've done consistently well so far and the idea of graduating so much earlier is very appealing.

Please provide your insights and experiences. I still have a while to decide and want to make sure I make a good decision.

Thanks,

[pitaya]

Do it! I'm in one and I failed chem the first time I took it. A lot of times accelerated programs aren't structured terribly different than traditional programs. The main difference in my opinion, is that we don't get summer breaks, but graduating early is so worth it. Also, you don't forget stuff over the summer since your only focus is school! And I reaally don't think that already having a bachelor's degree has made me more prepared for nursing school. It's hard no matter what your background is!

[Parrotletlover]

Thanks for the reply! I appreciate it.

[anurseatlast]

Would you have to work while in the accelerated program? Do you have family or other obligations? How to you deal with time pressure? (None of these mean you should not do it but should be given strong consideration.) Accelerated programs are just like traditional programs except for one thing - they are accelerated. Going into it expecting it to be the same (except without breaks) is not realistic. In the program I did, we had much shorter semesters (I think most were 8 weeks but some were shorter.). You will have to do the same amount of work and learn the same amount of matter that you do in a semester of a traditional program.

I would suggest you talk to current accelerated students to get the scoop on what the program is like at your school. Talk to instructors and advisors to get their input. Then you will have more accurate information as you consider how well it will work for you.

Personally, I loved doing an accelerated program but not everyone feels that way. Some, in retrospect, would have chosen a traditional program if they had known what they were getting into. For me, the accelerated program worked for me but I will admit that it was stressful at times and I was tired most of the time. You have to make some sacrifices so that you can focus on school but in the end, I found it worthwhile. If you decide to do the accelerated program, you can find threads on here of things students have found helpful.

[TheSquire, DNP, APRN, NP]

One of the reasons acceleration works for students who already have a bachelors is that they already know how to handle advanced collegiate-level work. If you think you can handle it, great - but keep in mind the factors anurseatlast listed off.