What Are Accelerated Nursing Programs, and Are They For You?

Today, nurses are in demand like never before and to answer that demand, many schools are offering what they call accelerated nursing programs. These programs are for those with non-nursing degrees to apply what they know to the field of nursing as quickly and easily as possible. These programs benefit the students as they can learn a career that's exciting and rewarding, and they also benefit those in the medical setting as well. These programs make it possible to fill those shortages in the nursing field as quickly as possible. So what are accelerated nursing programs, and are they for you?

For those who have a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing, accelerated nursing programs offer them the quickest route to becoming a Registered Nurse. Some confuse these two situations, thinking that if you have a bachelor's degree in a nursing field then you're automatically an RN, or that if you're an RN that means you've received a bachelor's degree. This just isn't the case. Accelerated nursing programs allow those who have bachelor's degrees in some fields to learn what they need in order to become an RN, and to pass the exam necessary at the end of their schooling to begin practicing.

How are accelerated nursing programs different than other programs? Because they're accelerated they move at a much faster pace and rarely have breaks in between courses. This means that the students involved must meet higher expectations; usually a 3.0 grade point average or better is required. Most students are older and more disciplined when it comes to study; this allows them to keep pace with accelerated nursing programs. They may also have higher expectations for themselves as well. Because they've already received a bachelor's degree they are usually more comfortable with the demands of an accelerated program.

So are accelerated nursing programs for you? Of course only you can decide. What are you academic expectations and goals? Are you seeking a master's degree in the field of nursing? Can you handle the workload and class schedule? What is your current schedule and personal circumstances? These all need to be considered when thinking of signing up for accelerated nursing programs. Although they are rewarding for any student, they're also very challenging and you need to be certain that you're actually up to that challenge in order to be successful!