Belmont University Accelerated Program Students and Graduates

watson420 · Apr 10, 2006

I started at Belmont in the accelerated program in Fall 2004. First, let me say that the Belmont program (in general--regardless of the "track") is incredible. I hear from doctors, nurses, hospotals all over the TN area that Belmont RN's are the best prepared of any program--including Vanderbilt's MSN grads. Re: the accelerated program. I started in it because I felt that I really wanted to finish ASAP. But I ended up moving to the "fast track"; in other words I did not take a full load over the summer. I did an externship in a local hospital, and it was the best experience of my life. My classmates who continued in the accelerated program did not have any problems, and they seem to be just as prepared as those who take the additional semester. If you are in a rush (e.g. have kids and need to get bills, mortgage paid), go ahead with the accelerated--there has been no difference in NCLEX pass rates, job placement, etc. Just be prepared to work like a dog in the summer session and not see anyone but your classmates for those 8 weeks. Also, to stay in the accelerated program you have to maintain a certain GPA for the first 2 semesters (a 3.0 I think?). If you are not in a huge rush, I recommend doing the fast track and workign as an extern. I feel so much better prepared and more comfortable starting as an RN in a couple of months. But that's just me. Belmont has an awesome program and their faculty are incredible. Plus, you will get the benefit of the new buildings for the nursing school.

Good luck!

lcbradley · Apr 10, 2006

I started at Belmont in the accelerated program in Fall 2004. First, let me say that the Belmont program (in general--regardless of the "track") is incredible. I hear from doctors, nurses, hospotals all over the TN area that Belmont RN's are the best prepared of any program--including Vanderbilt's MSN grads. Re: the accelerated program. I started in it because I felt that I really wanted to finish ASAP. But I ended up moving to the "fast track"; in other words I did not take a full load over the summer. I did an externship in a local hospital, and it was the best experience of my life. My classmates who continued in the accelerated program did not have any problems, and they seem to be just as prepared as those who take the additional semester. If you are in a rush (e.g. have kids and need to get bills, mortgage paid), go ahead with the accelerated--there has been no difference in NCLEX pass rates, job placement, etc. Just be prepared to work like a dog in the summer session and not see anyone but your classmates for those 8 weeks. Also, to stay in the accelerated program you have to maintain a certain GPA for the first 2 semesters (a 3.0 I think?). If you are not in a huge rush, I recommend doing the fast track and workign as an extern. I feel so much better prepared and more comfortable starting as an RN in a couple of months. But that's just me. Belmont has an awesome program and their faculty are incredible. Plus, you will get the benefit of the new buildings for the nursing school.
Good luck!

Wow! You know, I was accepted last summer to begin Fall 05, but because of pressures of separating from my husband, I declined the offer. I guess I really missed out. I think about that decision almost every day. I really wish I had. Just recently, I have contemplated whether or not to try again. I am currently in a 2 year program at a technical school in SC. It is a more economical approach. However, I think Belmont's program would have been well worth its cost, and I would have worried about paying it once I began my career as a nurse. I believe since I have one more year left, I will finish and then maybe think about an accelerated masters program after graduation. Thanks for the info.

watson420 · Apr 10, 2006

Well, there are certainly benefits (financial!) of doing the two year-technical school route. Many, if not most, hospitals have a program where they pay for your RN-to-BSN and even your master's if you work for them. Anyway, good luck wherever you end up. And sorry about the sparation...

lcbradley · Apr 12, 2006

Well, there are certainly benefits (financial!) of doing the two year-technical school route. Many, if not most, hospitals have a program where they pay for your RN-to-BSN and even your master's if you work for them. Anyway, good luck wherever you end up. And sorry about the sparation...

I also received a free scholarship from one of the local hospitals in exchange for a 16 month work commitment which I think is a great tradeoff. Well, my husband and I are not separated. I meant that we would have separated because he was not willing to leave his job. Thanks for the encouragement.