fast track RN degree?

jfpruitt · Nov 7, 2001

I have the exact same problem, please let me know if you receive any response. THANKS!

Enright · Nov 7, 2001

My situation in the 80's was similar to yours. I had a BS, went to night school and got all the pre-reqs, then...found out that nursing was a little rigid about adult education. Its almost 20 years later and I know there are more options. Still, I do not believe you'll be able to do this on-line. Nursing education is very hands on, labor intensive.

I went through an accelerated nursing program at Creighton University in Omaha. It was designed for people in our situation. In 12 months I had my BSN. Please understand how grueling this type of program can be. It is a full out commitment for you and your family. You will not be able to work during a program of this type. An accelerated program allows for "no stumbles"...no time off for a sick kid or any other life event. The parents in my program had world class spouses.

That being said, it was a tailor made program for me. I left full time employment and had to get back to wage earning as soon as possible. An accelerated program can allow you to have the briefest 'opportunity cost' for your adult career change. My clinical experiences were excellent and the widest in scope I've seen anywhere.

I'd advise you to check with the National League for Nursing...they have publications which outline all the non-traditional programs out there. That was how I found my program. At that time there were only 8 in the US but accelerated options have exploded nationwide. You may want to call your closest school of nursing and ask about accelerated programs.

Good luck to you. Send me a message if I can be of more detailed assist.

lyndapdx · Nov 8, 2001

Thanks Enright.

That's interesting, when I searched dogpile they only gave me 2 links to accelerated programs.

The one in NY was 22,600...ouch!!!

Do you have the website address for the Nat'l Nursing league that you mentioned?

I sent for info from Creighton.

MollyJ · Nov 9, 2001

http://www.nursingprofession.com

This link will take you to the NLN's web site for people seeking professions and will let you buy their publication. Much of their info is on-line but I don't know if you can selectively search for accelerated programs.

Enright, I'm glad to hear some one who went through Creighton's program write about it. With their rep, I'm sure they did it as a demanding, rigorous education.

wbradford · Nov 28, 2001

I am the Coordinator of the University of North Alabama, Flex-Track RN to BSN Online program. I believe you will find that our program can help you attain your BSN. Our program is completely online and is designed for students who require flexibility in order to attain the BSN. All course work is completed on line and clinical experiences are arranged by the student in their own locale.

Our tuition is very competitive and there are no non-resident fees for students enrolled in the online courses. Spring 2002 tuition is currently $106 per credit hour plus Distance Learning fees.

We are fully accredited by the National League for Nursing, and the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and are approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing.

We currerntly have 76 students enrolled, representing 11 states and 1 foreign country (Kuwait) and are now accepting applications for Spring 2002. For additional information, see our website at www2.una.edu/nursing

Good luck in your career!

Wanda Bradford, RN, MSN

Coordinator, Flex-Track RN to BSN Online

College of Nursing & Allied Health

University of North Alabama

(256)765-4931

pama · Nov 28, 2001

West Virginia University has an program designed for individuals who already have a BS degree. You may want to contact Dr. E. Jane Martin at the School of Nursing. Good luck!

Enright · Nov 28, 2001

here's the address for NLN publications:

http://nlnpress.jbpub.com

I got my BSN almost 15 years ago; in that time I've been aware of a lot of home grown accelerated programs throughout the US. Many sprang up in response to career change demand...others grew out of the realization that career change programs bring in big $$!

I'd still recommend calling around to the schools of nursing in your area and talking to some of the staff. They may know of some local programs. Hopefully you won't have to move half way across the country like I did!

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Nov 29, 2001

Links to many fast track programs found here:

http://www.google.com/search?q=nursing+fast+track+programs

Check out this article on fast track programs first from Minority Nurse.com:

On the Fast Track

Looking to jump-start your advanced education? A "fast-track" nursing degree program may be just the answer!

http://www.minoritynurse.com/features/undergraduate/04-18-01b.html

dmskoka · Jan 26, 2009

My situation in the 80's was similar to yours. I had a BS, went to night school and got all the pre-reqs, then...found out that nursing was a little rigid about adult education. Its almost 20 years later and I know there are more options. Still, I do not believe you'll be able to do this on-line. Nursing education is very hands on, labor intensive.
I went through an accelerated nursing program at Creighton University in Omaha. It was designed for people in our situation. In 12 months I had my BSN. Please understand how grueling this type of program can be. It is a full out commitment for you and your family. You will not be able to work during a program of this type. An accelerated program allows for "no stumbles"...no time off for a sick kid or any other life event. The parents in my program had world class spouses.
That being said, it was a tailor made program for me. I left full time employment and had to get back to wage earning as soon as possible. An accelerated program can allow you to have the briefest 'opportunity cost' for your adult career change. My clinical experiences were excellent and the widest in scope I've seen anywhere.
I'd advise you to check with the National League for Nursing...they have publications which outline all the non-traditional programs out there. That was how I found my program. At that time there were only 8 in the US but accelerated options have exploded nationwide. You may want to call your closest school of nursing and ask about accelerated programs.
Good luck to you. Send me a message if I can be of more detailed assist.

Ijust got accepted in Creightons accelerated bsn program for august 09. I have also been accepted at Mt. ST. Marys in Los Angeles. I live in the san fran Bay area so they are all far for me.. Can you tell me anyw more about Crieghton? Did you have great clinicals and labs. How were the instructors? etc.

Thanks any info would be appreciated.. also do you know what starting salaries are there?

Laur318, BSN, RN · Jan 26, 2009

thank you all for a very informative post.i give you all credit for being able to stick it out through these accelerated programs. i wish i could find the energy and dedication you all seem to have!!