U of A accelerated bachelor program

[sourapril]

Anyone here is a graduate from the U of A accelerated bachelor program? How do you like the program? Was it easy for you to find a job after you graduate (assuming you didn't get the hospital to sponsor you)?

[BermudaGirl]

I graduated from the second degree program at the U of A. I was sponsored, so I had no problem finding a job. I think the program was exactly what it boasts: fast. I wouldn't say it was an outstanding program by any means. There was a lot of busy work and the professors left something to be desired at times (in a class full of nursing students who already have degrees this really shows). Most of what you learn comes with studying for the NCLEX and experience.

[sourapril]

I graduated from the second degree program at the U of A. I was sponsored, so I had no problem finding a job. I think the program was exactly what it boasts: fast. I wouldn't say it was an outstanding program by any means. There was a lot of busy work and the professors left something to be desired at times (in a class full of nursing students who already have degrees this really shows). Most of what you learn comes with studying for the NCLEX and experience.

BermudaGirl,

How do you describe your working experience with the hospital? Which one are you working at? Do they put new grads wherever they want whenever they want (aka the worst shifts)? How competitive was the application process? What kind of experience did you have prior to applying to the program? Do you recommend the program to others? Do you think it's worth it? Sorry I have many questions. Since nursing is going to be a career change for me I just want to make sure I know what I am getting myself into. Thank you!

[giardiafan]

I am a current UA accelerated student, and I can state unequivocally that this is nothing more than an average program.

I agree with the previous comment that the main advantage is the 14 month timeframe.

Otherwise, there is nothing special about Arizona's nursing program. The course content is focused on passing the NCLEX. The instructors are average...at best. The administration are not interest in student satisfaction. They want you to graduate and go to work for one of the local hospital sponsors.

There is a tremendous amount of busy work, including nonsensical term papers and clinical experience journals. This is one of the big differences between the ADN and the BSN. The BSN requires more writing assignments and research oriented essays/projects. But at the end of the day, the nursing instructors just write 'Great job!' on the top of the assignment and hand it back to you. Just one more hoop before you take your NCLEX.