When do you study if you're in an Accelerated Program?

Sammi15 · May 22, 2006

When do you have time to study if you are in an accelerated program? I know Banner has one through Gateway CC and Rio has one; and I hear now Phoenix College has one. But I can't figure out if you are in class everyday, when do you STUDY? Anyone taking an accelerated class that could help...

Mostly at night after classes and clinical. Weekend is also perfect time to catch up on reading and assignments.

cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN · May 22, 2006

I wasn't in an accelarated program, but my first semester was 5 days a week M-F, and I worked 12 hour shifts every weekend. You study after class, either in the library, at Barnes and Noble, or at home-every night.

yellowlablover · May 23, 2006

I don't know alot about the accelerated program but my understanding is that the 'accelerated' part is simply not having any breaks from school. Meaning that the 'normal' summer months off you are going to school and get about one week in between blocks. I believe you also get an extended vacation in December. Other than that, my understanding is that the curriculum is exactly the same and taught the same way , just with no breaks between blocks.

Can anyone verify my understanding?

DC

GrnHonu99, RN · May 23, 2006

When do you have time to study if you are in an accelerated program? I know Banner has one through Gateway CC and Rio has one; and I hear now Phoenix College has one. But I can't figure out if you are in class everyday, when do you STUDY? Anyone taking an accelerated class that could help...

im in an accelerated program and our first semester we were in class every day for atleast 8 hours. We had 9 classes plus i was finishing up two prereqs on the side. It was awful but I find that the more I have to do the more efficient i am with my time. I studied alllll weekend and for a few hours after class each day. YOu just have to be very very good at keeping up with everything. I made myself a calander and printed it out and kept it in my three ring binder so i knew everyday what was coming up, i also wrote down everything i would like to get accomplished that day and listed the most important things at top and id cross them off as id go, sometimes i wouldnt make it to the bottom of the list but those were the things usually that i thought id like to do if i had time....i made it but looking back i dont know how...now im just trying to survive critical care and the ATI:uhoh21:

Staric · May 24, 2006

Thanks everyone, I am trying to decide what to apply for, but I also have two small children... There is just SOO much to think about! Good Luck to you all!!!

NeedingInfo · May 29, 2006

The Rio accelerated program is online. The lessons and quizzes are online and you go into a testing center for mid terms and finals. Clinicals thus far for block 1 & 2 are Sat & Sun 12 hr shifts (gets ya ready for the real world) block 3 & 4 are either Fri-Sun or Sat-Mon depending on the hospitals sites. Currently Rio uses the VA & St Joe's but from what I've heard St Joe's isn't renewing their contract because they are working with Grand Canyon Univer. The course work is alot of reading. For example, assessment and pharm are 8 week courses and process goes the full 16 weeks. So for the first 8 weeks you just know you have to buckle down and push through it. Depends on your learning style.

MassagetoRN · Feb 24, 2008

I know this thread is old, but I am curious how you liked the accelerated programs, and what you thought over all about Rio. What were your schedules like?

missrisa77 · Feb 24, 2008

You study basically every chance you get. Schedules vary.....class is Monday and Tuesday, clinicals and/or lab is Wednesday and Thursday all day. For the 1st half of our block, class was 8 hrs Monday, and 2 hrs Tuesday, with 8hrs of lab/clinical on Wednesday and Thursday. After the holidays, it was 4 hrs class Monday and Tuesday. Fridays and the weekends are a great time to study, as well as after class on Mondays and Tuesdays. My program is accelerated, which means we don't get as many breaks..... 16 months vs. 24 months, and skills are taught faster. I'm glad I'm in the accelerated program instead of the traditional one.

Staric · Feb 24, 2008

HI- I posted that message back in May of 06- and now 08 and I can say for sure you study EVERY WAKING MOMENT... I ended up in an accl program. I made the decision to quit my fulltime job and my husband helps OUT with EVERYTHING!!!! My days not in school or hospital are spent studying or doing careplans, my nights are too.. Little time for family and friends, no time for cleaning and chores...but it is DOABLE with the right support systems... GOOD LUCK!!!

caliotter3 · Feb 24, 2008

I worked two or more jobs while in school and had a 1 1/2 hr commute each way to school, along with raising a teenage child alone. I studied when I could. ELK and missrisa give good advice. That is basically how I handled my studying. I kept track of what was due when, and prioritized my time accordingly. My applecart was overturned when my full time job laid me off and I could no longer pay my mortgage. School went out the window, but that was beyond my control. Otherwise, it can be done. One day, one test, one assignment, one careplan at a time. Never an idle waking moment.