Would you do an accelerated BSN?

LeesieBug · Feb 15, 2005

You might want to look into time spent in class and the pace of the program, if you haven't. If it really was just a regualr paced program that lasted 18 months, that would be great. Usually that is not the case, though. Our accelerated program runs 18 months, also, but is nowhere near the same as just doing the regular program with no breaks. They are IN CLASS/CLINICAL 40 hours a week.

Personally, having a family, I don't think I could handle the intensity of our accelerated program. I've talked to several students in it who confirm that the pace of the program is insane.

The most important thing, though, is for you to examine the programs, talk to people who are actually IN them, get a realistic idea of the time commitments involved, then decide what will work best for your personal situation.

Good luck with everything! :)

bmw804 · Feb 15, 2005

Just need your advice,comments, thoughts, etc.....
The university I am applying for has a traditional 6 semester BSN program. Takes 3 years. Nursing classes only, I am finishing up all my other graduation requirements this semester while I wait....
They are also starting an accelerated program this summer. Its 18 months long, no break. So its summer, fall, winter, spring, summer, fall. 1/2 the time, same classes just no break. Would this be crazy? Is it doable?
If I get accepted I am thinking yes but then again I have never taken nursing before.
A couple more things..The 18 month program is free in exchange for 2 years of service at whichever local hospital sponsers you. I have a husband and 2 kids, school age, they will be in second grade next year. Ok what do all you think??

I was wondering the same thing. I had originally applied to the accelerated program then later found out it was full for the fall semester, so I asked if I could change to the traditional program since it wasn't full. I was accepted into the traditional program 3 years. I believe the courses are the same but packed together. I have a family and i do need to work part time, so it would be impossible to take on such a heavy load. The associate program is two years, but I would still have to keep going for the BSN, so I figured I may as well get it done at once. I think once I start to work in the field as a nurse tech after the first semester I will begin to feel like a nurse, so it shouldn't really matter how long it takes. I am ready to get my feet wet and get away from this office setting.

twinmommy+2, ADN, BSN, MSN · Feb 15, 2005

I would absolutly do it! I have three kids and the breaks between the big semesters just kill me. It throws off the schedule I've become accustomed to so doing it like that would be perfect for me.

Where is this program?

Just need your advice,comments, thoughts, etc.....
The university I am applying for has a traditional 6 semester BSN program. Takes 3 years. Nursing classes only, I am finishing up all my other graduation requirements this semester while I wait....
They are also starting an accelerated program this summer. Its 18 months long, no break. So its summer, fall, winter, spring, summer, fall. 1/2 the time, same classes just no break. Would this be crazy? Is it doable?
If I get accepted I am thinking yes but then again I have never taken nursing before.
A couple more things..The 18 month program is free in exchange for 2 years of service at whichever local hospital sponsers you. I have a husband and 2 kids, school age, they will be in second grade next year. Ok what do all you think??

TLC RN · Feb 15, 2005

Search for Creighton and Drexel. They are 12 month programs that a few people have commented on. I am starting a 12 accelerated BSN program in May. It is also in its first year. With a first year program I am sure flexible has got to be your first name. I think you should research and talk to as many people as you can. I know I talked to a PJMommy who graduated from Creighton to get an idea of how a mom handled the program with a family.

I am a single mom with a son in K so I had to plan a ton to do this program. I enlisted about 5 babysitters so I can be where I need to be on any given day. I also was planning on working part time at the hospital during the weekends but have since decided not to. As I got into my first few nursing classes (only 8 credits) and have seen the workload I decided to make plans to quit my part time job to focus on myself, son & school. If I feel I can manage studying with work later on, I will pick up a job then.

I really think the key is to having good support and planning. I pretty much had prepared my family so much for this that they laugh at me when I talk to them now about the fact I have to quit my job. I just came to the realization that it would come to that and they are looking at me like "duh, didn't you realize you will be in school all the time?". If you can't be too flexible than I would look at a more traditional program. Especially if the program is new.

Feel free to ask me any questions you have or if you need help finding links to the threads. I have some PM's some of the members sent me about the programs they attended that talked about how much they study etc and spend doing school stuff that I could send if you want to look at that too.

They all said the something, it is one year of your life and you are done (or a year and a half). Most said the info was not hard but there was so much so fast that that is what made it difficult.

As it is coming closer to my start date, I am getting nervous and excited. I think I am as prepared as I can be with my family and son. I am excited for the challege.

youknowho · Feb 15, 2005

Well its always nice to hear what other have to say, sometimes you all say things I have not considered.

If I get in, I might just do it. I looked at the course load at it very similar to the regular program just no breaks. This program is in San Jose, CA and its new so there is no one around here to ask whether its good or not. I just have to wait for a letter from them now!

mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 15, 2005

I looked at doing an accelerated BSN because I already have 1 BS degree and was all for the program (which was intense, 40 hours a week in class or clinicals for 18 months straight) but the only thing that held me back was the cost......it would've been a lot and WAY more than I could've ever paid back.

I know lots of people who went through the program and say it was very well worth it....you just had to commit a VERY large portion of your life to it and I know several that moved to the campus and just went home on the weekends it was so intensive for them.

I say if you can manage to do and suck it up for 18 months....I would go for it!!!

Good luck and hopefully you get that letter soon!!!

PennyLane, RN · Feb 17, 2005

I did a 16 month program and I absolutely wouldn't have had it any other way. I had one month off over the summer. BS to BSN in 16 months--a beautiful thing!

grentea · Feb 17, 2005

I'm in an accelerated BSN program right now, and I have to say I've never been so stressed out, not that it's a bad thing. It's not so much that it's difficult subject matter as it is that it's a whole lot of things to learn in a rather short time frame....but I'm sure you figured that out. The students from my program are really well-respected and they land some awesome jobs. I have my gripes now and then, but I feel that I'm getting a very good education.