Accelerated Second Degree Nursing Overview
Explore our Accelerated Second Degree Nursing B.S. See how you can redirect your career and make a difference.
You’ve studied hard and earned a degree, but are thinking about making a change in your career path.
The Accelerated Second Degree in Nursing is designed for students who already have a baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing field of study and will help you earn a Nursing degree quickly.
The Accelerated Second Degree in Nursing is a pre-licensure nursing program for college graduates who want to become registered nurses . Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure examination. All prerequisites must be completed before applications are reviewed for this program.
Pros Of Accelerated Nursing Programs
1. You Will Get Hands-on Training
Even though a lot of your time in nursing school will be as online didactic coursework, nursing programs give you the opportunity to put what you have learned to work in real life situations.
Clinicals: In an accelerated nursing program, you are often exposed to the day-to-day activities of a hospital or healthcare facility during clinicals, where you practice your nursing skills under the close watch of RNs and professional medical staff. Having the ability to see what you will be doing after you complete your nursing degree will help narrow down what type of nursing career you might want in the future, whether its as a labor and deliver nurse, nurse researcher or ICU nurse, among the many other options.
Simulation Labs: You will even receive this hands-on instruction if you choose to pursue an online accelerated BSN program. For example, the Northeaster University ABSN program in Boston includes hands-on experience in high-tech simulation labs and clinical placements around best-in-class healthcare facilities throughout Boston alongside of your immersive online classes.
2. You Will Have a Rewarding Career
3. There is a Demand for Nurses
Be Proactive Not Reactive
As an accelerated nursing student, your schedule and workload will seem insane. If you dont manage your time wisely, youll feel like youre drowning in tasks. So be sure to invest in a comprehensive planner.
While some consider it an old-school time management tool, youll find that a student planner that lets you plot out your to-dos on a daily, weekly and monthly basis will be worth its weight in gold. Essentially, its a good visual aid that helps you avoid the pitfalls of procrastination by bringing more structure and routine into your life.
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Your Nursing Future Is Worth It
Students, like Stephanie, choose the Accelerated BSN because they want access to a quality nursing education. Concordias Accelerated BSN provides students the opportunity to earn their bachelor of science in nursing degree in 16-months.
If youre ready to start your future as a registered nurse, reach out to our team of admissions counselors today.
What Gpa Do You Need To Get Into Nursing School
The GPA that you need for nursing school depends on the program you apply for. Quite honestly, most programs require you to have a 3.0 or higher, but there are some programs that are lower. If youre applying for a private school , they will have lower GPA requirements.
Even if these requirements are met, you could still possibly be wait-listed. A lot of nursing schools can only accept a certain amount of students .
You can read more about requirements and how to know what to expect here.
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Cons Of An Accelerated Nursing Programs
1. Earning Your ABSN Can Be Time Consuming
Like any other education program, nursing school and nursing programs take time and dedication. Nursing students often spend many hours in the classroom and clinicals learning valuable lessons to help them succeed after they earn their degree. When you decide to take the plunge and become a nurse, it will take up much of your free time.
Flexibility Helps: However, there are many programs that allow you to earn a BSN without returning to school for four years. Northeastern Universitys Accelerated BSN program allows you to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing in just 16 months. Since your classroom experience is online, you can maintain a flexible schedule. No matter how you decide to pursue your Bachelor of Science in Nursing, whether its through a traditional program or an accelerated 16-month program, you will have to put in plenty of hard work.
2. You Have to Make an Investment
Nursing programs can be costly due to the fast-paced nature of clinicals and coursework. Although accelerated nursing programs can be expensive, if you take into consideration the time you save, accelerated nursing programs are comparative to traditional nursing programs. Because not everyone is in a position to pay for an expensive nursing degree out of pocket, there are many options available for student financial aid assistance.
3. Accelerated Nursing School is Challenging
Is Nursing School Hard
Some students may find that nursing school is hard. However, the fact is that nursing school is rigorous because its meant to shape tomorrows health care professionals for a rewarding career in the field. Standards are high, and students will need to be prepared to work hard in order to succeed in earning their degree.
The required hard work for the Misericordia ABSN program is even more rigorous, with 36 months of classroom and hands-on learning compressed down to 16 months. Succeeding and becoming a nurse can be a challenge, but our admissions counselors are here to help you form a plan for success and stay on track to graduate from the program with your degree.
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Youve Always Performed Well In School
Youre organized and you know how to study and achieve a good grade on a test. Youve never had much trouble keeping up with the pace of school in the past. Whats more, you know how to manage your time, get enough sleep and keep yourself healthy so you dont burn out when you get crunched under a heavy workload.
These factors are all a good indication that you have what it takes to excel in an accelerated program. The accelerated BSN is just what it claims to be: accelerated. That means you can complete the program within a faster timeframe and taking more credits per quarter than the traditional full-time BSN student load.*
On top of the rigorous pace, the accelerated BSN does have admissions requirements. Applicants must score at least a 75 percent on the TEAS test to be eligible for admission. For tips and advice on how to exceed this requirement, check out our article: Dont Fear the TEAS Test: Expert Tips to Help You Pass on the First Try.
Good Luck Nursing School Is Worth It
Nursing school is hard. There is no doubt about it. Everyone will tell you how much it sucks. Especially those late night studies where you arent really sure if youre going to pass or fail. But, the important thing to remember is how rewarding it can be once you finish.
Not only will it be emotionally and physically rewarding when you know youre helping people heal and live better lives. But, it is also monetarily rewarding.
With nursing, not only do you start at an typically high starting salary. But you also have the potential to grow. You can go back to school and get your MSN or DNP or PHD. This potentially doubles or triples your salary! CRNAs are some of the highest paid masters degree recipients out there!
If you think that you will struggle, there are a lot of tips to help you get through nursing school! You will meet friends in your classes that will help you get through as well. In addition, talk to nurses who have gone through it or talk to the school prior. Ask if they think it is the right fit for you based on your prior education.
Just remember to stick with it, you got in for a reason, you can do it!
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Many Roads Same Destination
The good news about nursing education today is that an array of options exists to suit your learning style, career interests, financial and time constraints, and lifestyle. Youll find accelerated programs, online programs, and various program tracks that lead to different degrees in a variety of specialty areas.
The challenging news is that sorting out all the options and deciding which program is right for you is ever more confusing. Nursing experts say that potential students need to do more research, ask more questions, and know themselves much better than nursing students did in the past.
Because accelerated programs condense a great deal of information into an 18-month time frame , you need to be sure you can devote the time to the program and immerse yourself in the learning experience, Sherman says. You also need to be self-disciplined and have effective time-management skills, she adds.
Accelerated programs are generally those that require a full-time credit load that is beyond the number often assigned in the industry, says Robin Kirschner, EdD, DNP, RN, CNE, NEA-BC, CRA, Chamberlain College of Nursings Dean of MSN Specialty Tracks. For example, a full-time undergraduate student would be expected to complete 12 credits per semester in a traditional program in an accelerated program, the number of credits would likely be about 18 per semester.
What Is An Accelerated Bsn Program
An accelerated BSN is specifically designed for those who have already earned a Bachelors degree in another field and now want to become RNs.
Depending on the program structure and intensity, accelerated programs range from 12 months to 19 months, though some can be as long as 2 years. During these months, you will be taking nursing-specific courses, many of which may be condensed in order to accommodate the faster pace towards graduation.
It is important to know that the advertised length of the program does not include the time it may take to complete the prerequisite courses that are required in order to apply.
With the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting that the field of nursing has a 9% job growth outlook, a higher-than-average outlook for the next several years. Many individuals are turning to nursing as a second career choice, which makes accelerated programs even more popular.
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Be Mindful Of Everything
Self-awareness is vital to nursing school success. When sitting down to plan your study schedule or routine, dont forget to take your thoughts, feelings, preferences and energy levels into account. Are you a morning person? If so, you might find it beneficial to study at 7 a.m. as opposed to 7 p.m. Do you need food to function? Then you probably dont want to study or take an exam on an empty stomach.
The Advantages Of A Loyola Nursing Education
Overall, our accelerated nursing track is a way for you to complete a top-class nursing education in an accelerated timeframe. Once you graduate from our ABSN track and pass the NCLEX-RN exam, youll be able to practice nursing in a wide variety of settings from hospitals to nursing homes to school systems. More specifically, a bachelors degree in nursing from Loyola University Chicago prepares you to:
- Provide competent, compassionate care to diverse patient populations.
- Navigate the unique religious and cultural needs of patients.
- Incorporate ethics, values, and public policy into nursing practice.
- Collaborate with other health-care professionals to increase the quality of patient care.
So what about Loyola ABSN makes for a special student experience?
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How Much Does An Absn Degree Cost
The costs of the accelerated program vary on the basis of the number of credits required by the institution for graduation and tuition fees it levies. Remember that as a nursing student you will have additional costs in the form of medical equipment, uniform and licensure examinations cost in addition to tuition and living costs.
Financial aid for accelerated baccalaureate program enrollees is limited. This is why legislators, federal and state levels, are being persuaded to increase grants and scholarships for such programs.
Sample tuition and fees for ABSN program for academic calendar year 2018-2019:
- Duke University School of nursing charges $20,721 per semester and around $2,000 in various fees.
- Roseman University’s tuition is $54,800 and total fees reach up to $4,000
- Loyola University School of Nursing tuition is $54,100 and the total fee is less than $2,000
- Xavier University tuition is $53,550, which comes $850 per credit hour for their 63 credit ABSN program.
Does Nursing School Make Financial Sense
Before deciding to go to nursing school, you may wonder if nursing school is worth it financially. No matter where you go to nursing school, theres a good chance youll need a federal or private loan to finance your education.
Taking out student loans for nursing school is common for nursing students. Rest assured that it makes sense financially to invest in earning a BSN because youll be able to enter a well-paying career. The median annual salary for registered nurses in the U.S. is $75,330 as of May 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Furthermore, nurses with a bachelors degree have been shown to earn more compared to nurses with an associate degree, so it makes sense to go choose an accelerated BSN program.
Paying for nursing school tuition is a major commitment, so will it pay off in the long run? The answer is yes. Thankfully by making the investment in your education now, youll reap the benefits for decades in your career.
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What Is An Accelerated Nursing Program
Accelerated nursing programs are a fast-track method of earning a bachelors degree in nursing.
Typically, ABSN is designed for students with non-nursing bachelors degrees who wish to switch careers to nursing pretty fast.
While the program lasts for 16 months, students may require 25 months to complete the program if theyre expected to do science prerequisites.
Factors To Consider When Evaluating If An Absn Program Is Worth It
There are several factors to help you decide if an accelerated nursing program is worth it. ABSN programs allow their graduates to enter the nursing profession in a timely manner while also receiving a quality education and the support they need to succeed. These programs produce competent nurses, who can start working sooner, which also means getting paychecks sooner. However, it is important to evaluate individual programs to ensure youre getting the best quality of education possible.
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About The Accelerated Format
The curriculum requirements for students in USM’s accelerated BSN track are the same as those in the traditional undergraduate BSN programbut the content is delivered in an accelerated one-year format. You’ll take classes on campus, and your clinical experiences will be at surrounding health care facilities.
In the accelerated nursing path, you’ll take 56-59 credit hours of courses and 696 hours of clinical/laboratory experiencesall in just 12 months.
Courses are taught in terms that last either seven or eight weeks.
Students begin during USM’s Summer II term, and will graduate after completing the Summer I term the following year.
Enjoy More Independence And Leadership Opportunities
The BSN curriculum helps nurses make better decisions in their practice. Compared to ADN-prepared RNs or LPNs, nursing professionals with a BSN degree engage in more evidence-based practice and focus on leadership, community, and population health. As a result, BSN-prepared nurses may enjoy more leadership opportunities in the workplace compared to those with an associates or diploma degree.
For example, in an ABSN online program, students enroll in Complex Care for Adults, a course that provides students with the advanced knowledge required to care for patients with complex, multi-system alterations in health due to acute birth, disease, or trauma complications. In addition, students in the ABSN online program have the opportunity to apply these concepts and skills in clinical and simulation lab settings and build a resume that demonstrates their ability to work autonomously.
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How Long Does An Accelerated Bsn Take
Accelerated BSN programs take between 12 and 18 months of full-time study to complete.
The accelerated BSN allows students to compress four years of nursing education in a shorter period of time by allowing them to transfer credits for general education courses to prepare students for the National Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses. Accelerated BSN program combines bridge courses as well as core contents. The instruction is much more intense, with every student required to attend full-time, without breaks in between the sessions. Each student still receives the same number of clinical hours as those that study in traditional settings.
Online programs that offer accelerated second degree BSN program are not widely available. Those programs that do offer online programs still require students to spend large amounts of time on campus to fulfill clinical and practical requirements.
How To Apply For Nursing School
When youre looking to apply for nursing school you should know which schools you want to apply for and what their requirements are. Because each school is different, you need to know what their expectations are and how to cater for them.
Before even beginning to apply for nursing school, you need to have a plan in place outlining which nursing program you want to attend,which college you want to attend, and what your GPA and attributes are. As a result of having a strong plan in place, it can greatly increase your chances of being accepted to nursing school.
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