VCU Accelerated Vs. Traditional

[Aspiring33]

Hello everyone!

I am planning on applying for VCU's nursing program. However, I was in Radford University's nursing program, but was dismissed for a grade of 78.88% and 79.99% in two of my courses. The passing score was 80% and if I earned an 80% in the class I scored a 79.99% I could have still continued with the program (but just repeated the "failed" course).

With this said, I changed majors and will be graduating with my bachelor's degree in information systems in May 2019. I could graduate December 2018 if I take 18 credits this Spring 2018 and December 2018 semesters. This would allow me to apply to VCU's traditional nursing program, which is 2.5 years compared to the accelerated program's 1.5 year program.

I will admit that I do have doubts about successfully completing the accelerated program. However, I am not sure if I should take 18 credits this spring and fall semester at my current college. I want to ensure that I keep up my high GPA of 3.8 since I am taking rigorous math courses. I also work part-time at a hospital and volunteer at a clinic and a hospital.

I would appreciate your advice and any information regarding either of VCU's nursing programs. I am worried about becoming easily overwhelmed and stressed/burned-out with the accelerated pathway. This was what happened during my second semester of nursing school at Radford. This was largely due to the fact that I spent too much time perfecting my patient care plans and became burned out when studying for exams.