What are the Florida acclerated programs actually like?

[anjunah]

Hello! I'm currently a senior at UF in the process of applying to a few accelerated programs around the state. As time goes by, I'm starting to get more and more curious about what these programs that I'm working so hard to get into are actually like. I'm hoping to gain acceptance into any program at all, but if I do happen to get into two or more, the time will come when I have to chose which program I'd like to be a part of - yet I know very little about any of them!

There are many threads on here that talk about the scores needed and comparing prereq GPAs, but does anyone have some first-hand experience or a friend who knows about the programs themselves? Do some prepare you with more practical knowledge than others? Are the professors unbearable at some schools? How is the workload? I'm very curious to know what I'm dealing with!

Thanks!

[NurseSN45696]

I'm in an accelerated program now and the workload is crazy. Many of the traditional students in the regular program say "I don't know how you do it"...I say "I have no idea", and I honestly don't, but it really is doable IF you apply yourself. Yea I might have to spend my nights studying instead of watching TV and I don't have as much time to do things I enjoy, but it's only a year and I want it. 99% of my free time is spent studying. It is such a fast paced (i.e. accelerated) program that I feel like I have to stay ahead. If I fall behind, it's over. There is an equal amount of lab time/clinicals + lecture time. I feel it's spaced pretty evenly. All of my professors have demonstrated a desire for my success and most of them are pretty good, some of them are amazing.. Any nursing program is going to have some disorganization so just be prepared that not everything is going to go as planned. It is not easy, in fact, it's the hardest thing I've ever done, but...I'm halfway through it so I'm just gonna keep trucking along.