Any tips/advice before starting an (associate) accelerated nursing program?

caliotter3 · May 1, 2015

This is the first I've heard of an accelerated ASN program. Please keep us up to date about how this turns out for you. And good luck!

NicuGal, MSN, RN · May 2, 2015

I've never heard of one either. I'd be interested to hear how they handle theory and clinical in that short time.

OrganizedChaos, LVN · May 2, 2015

I have no advice but good luck! That's an incredibly short time frame, let us know how it goes.

Tam3321 · May 2, 2015

Thanks for the support! I'll try and post updates during the semester. The program is for people who already have a bachelor degrees. From what I heard, students meet for lecture once a week from 8-5. Clinicals are twice a week from 6-6. I'll find out for sure next week during orientation. Also, I think there is a lot of work that is put online for students to do throughout the program. Baccalaureate to Associate DegreeNurse Accelerated Pathway

OrganizedChaos, LVN · May 2, 2015

If you already have a bachelor's why not go into a ABSN program? Or did you choose that program because it was so short?

Tam3321 · May 2, 2015

OrganizedChaos,

I was told not to work during an accelerated program so I wanted to find a program that was short and had a good pass rate on the NCLEX. The program that I'm going into meets both very well. The 2014 graduating class (217 total students) had a 89.40% NCLEX pass rate for first time takers. I do plan on going into a RN to BSN program once I become a RN. The programs that I found are a year for full time students. If all goes according to plan it'll take 2 to 3 years but I like being able to work as an RN while in the RN to BSN program.

NicuGal, MSN, RN · May 2, 2015

Personally, I would do the BSN program, you will have a better chance of being hired into a bigger hospital system out of school. I work with several gis who worked and did the accelerated program.

Be be interested to see what you think. It seems like such a short time to get everything in.

Tam3321 · May 2, 2015

I hear that BSN graduates are preferred, which makes sense. The program is broken up into 4 8-week semesters, with breaks in between. Honestly, I really want to get the NCLEX under my belt as soon as possible. Since I don't have any health care experience, it'd probably be best if I didn't work. My bachelor's degree is in Finance so it's completely unrelated.

I'm turning my two weeks in at work this Friday :) Feels like I've been waiting in line forever to get on this roller-coaster and my turn is almost up!

strive2Bbetter · May 2, 2015

I graduated from an accelerated nursing program. it was hard core and fast paced. I started out in the summer and tbh I cried almost every single day until that semester was over... when I look back, I was fine all along. you can do it. I do recommend getting into a bsn program as soon as you can. I'm still looking for a bsn program that would fit my schedule. but you will be fine.

Mavrick, BSN, RN · May 2, 2015

So now we're cranking out an RN with zero healthcare experience in under 10 months.

Tam3321 · May 2, 2015

Strive2Bbetter,

What about the first semester that made it so bad? Glad you made it through! I plan on applying to a BSN program once I pass the NCLEX. Was it difficult for you to find a job once you graduated?