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College of Nursing

What Is an Accelerated Nursing Program?

June 26, 2024
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Male nursing intern with stethoscope on light background.

Ready to earn your BSN but aren’t ready to commit to four years in school? If you already have a bachelor’s degree under your belt, then you might qualify for an accelerated BSN program that can be completed in as little as two years.

So, what exactly is an accelerated nursing program, how does an accelerated nursing program work, and is this type of program right for you?

How Does an Accelerated Nursing Program Work? 

First, it’s worth noting that the structure, requirements, and curriculum of an accelerated nursing program can vary from one school to the next. However, there is some general information all prospective students should have.

  • How long is an accelerated nursing program? – Typically, accelerated nursing programs are designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree from another field. Therefore, up to 60 existing credits may be transferred, allowing a number of students to complete the 62 remaining credit hours in 18-24 months.
  • Prerequisites and admission requirements – Students considering an accelerated BSN must meet admission requirements that include having a bachelor’s degree in another field. Likewise, students in an accelerated BSN will need to take 28 prerequisite courses in addition to 62 nursing-specific credits.
  • Curriculum overview – An accelerated BSN typically includes a combination of prerequisite courses and nursing credits, with courses in nursing fundamentals, global health, pharmacology, and more. Students may also take part in clinical experiences during their enrollment.

ABSN Cost, Accessibility, and Student Life

Interested in learning more about accelerated nursing programs in Michigan? There are a few things you may be wondering about, ranging from typical program costs to what it’s like being a student in one of these programs.

  • How much does an accelerated nursing program cost? – Schools offering accelerated nursing programs typically charge per credit hour. In some cases, specialty programs (such as an accelerated BSN) may come with a slightly higher cost per credit hour. At Baker College, the price per credit hour for a nursing BSN is $485, which means the annual tuition for 30 credit hours is $14,550. Compared to the average cost of a traditional nursing degree, an accelerated BSN can save you a fair amount of money.
  • Financial aid and scholarships – If you’re stressed about paying for college, it’s a good idea to explore financial aid and scholarship options that may be available to you. One of the best things you can do to qualify for federal aid, for example, is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). From there, you could be eligible for any number of government grants, scholarships, and other forms of assistance.
    As an independent, private, non-profit institution, Baker College is also able to offer several financial aid options to suit students’ needs. This includes generous scholarship opportunities (such as the Michigan Board of Nursing Scholarship), as well as state and federal grants to ease some of the burden of paying for school.
  • Student life – Most accelerated BSN programs are offered exclusively on campus, allowing students to fully immerse themselves in the experience. With this in mind, it’s important for prospective students to learn more about what life on a college campus is like before they commit.
    At Baker College, you’ll find an excellent student life experience that is about so much more than just taking classes toward your degree. From extracurricular and co-curricular activities (including clubs and campus organizations), you’ll really have the opportunity to explore your interests and become a part of this incredible community.

Are Accelerated Nursing Programs Worth It? The Pros and Cons

Still debating whether an accelerated nursing program is worth it for you? If you’re considering making the shift to a career in nursing and already have a bachelor’s degree from another field under your belt, it may be. However, before you apply, it’s a good idea to balance some of the potential pros and cons of enrolling in an accelerated nursing program.

Advantages of ABSN Programs

Consider some of the biggest advantages of enrolling in an accelerated nursing program:

  • Shorter duration – For starters, an accelerated BSN is designed to be completed in two years, as opposed to the four years it would usually take to complete a “traditional” BSN. This means that you can make your career change sooner while saving yourself a lot of the costs associated with completing a four-year program.
  • Career opportunities – Because you’ll be set up to finish your program sooner, this also means you’ll have the potential to enter the workforce faster. As a result, many graduates from an accelerated nursing program find that they have earlier career advancement opportunities.
  • Intensive learning experience – The accelerated format found in this type of program also means that learning is condensed, allowing students to quickly gain the skills and knowledge that they need to work in nursing. This can be particularly gratifying for mature students who are focused, self-motivated, and ready to dive deep into the nursing field.
  • Return on investment – Because students in an accelerated nursing program can graduate sooner and find jobs sooner, this also means they can begin earning money sooner. As a result, this could potentially improve the financial return on their educational investment. Meanwhile, because there is a strong demand and competitive pay in the nursing profession, this makes it possible for graduates to pay off any remaining student debt sooner.
  • Comprehensive clinical experience – An accelerated BSN program is designed with plenty of clinical education opportunities in different healthcare settings, which is crucial for building competence and experience in the field. With these experiences under their belts, students can gain a vast array of practical skills and knowledge that can help them later in their careers.

Challenges of ABSN Programs

Of course, being in an accelerated BSN program can come with some inherent challenges. Be sure to consider some of these potential obstacles as you consider whether this type of program may be right for you:

  • Rigorous coursework – How hard are accelerated nursing programs? There’s no denying that the pace of an accelerated BSN program can be intense. This accelerated learning environment requires significant time management skills and personal sacrifice.
  • Limited breaks – Due to the compressed nature of an accelerated BSN program, students also tend to have very little downtime between semesters and may find it challenging to balance personal life and academic life. This can be especially difficult for students who may have family responsibilities or other commitments.
    Can you work during accelerated nursing program? It is not recommended, as students have a lot on their plates as it is. However, some very committed and motivated students do continue working part-time jobs to help them pay their way through school.
  • High stress levels – Being in an accelerated nursing program means being part of a program that is fast-paced and comes with high stakes. Sometimes, this intensive format can lead to high stress levels for students, which also comes with the possibility of burnout. Students need to have plenty of coping mechanisms and stress management strategies in place to succeed.

How to Get into an Accelerated Nursing Program

One of the most common questions people have is “Are accelerated nursing programs hard to get into?” Ultimately, this will boil down to the admission requirements and program capacity of the school you’re considering. At Baker College, enrollment is limited, so you’ll need to make sure you meet all the admission requirements, including  already having a bachelor’s degree in another field with a GPA of 2.7 or higher. You’ll also need to complete an application and take certain prerequisite courses with a minimum GPA.

If you’re thinking about applying to an accelerated BSN, it’s a good idea to start your application early. This way, you’ll have plenty of time to gather any transcripts, letters of recommendation, or other documentation required. Submitting your application early may also increase your chances of being accepted into an accelerated program with limited spots available.

Apply to Baker College’s Accelerated BSN

Accelerated nursing programs can be a great way to take advantage of the educational experience you already have under your belt and apply it toward a new career opportunity in the exciting nursing field. While these programs can be intense and require a great deal of self-motivation, they can also save you a lot of time and money on your journey to becoming a nurse.

At Baker College, we’re proud to offer an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing that can be completed in as little as two years. This program is available exclusively at our Muskegon and Royal Oak campuses, offering the education and experiences students need to gain a better understanding of individual and community health needs.Learn more about the curriculum of this program or get in touch with an admissions advisor from Baker College today. If you’re ready to apply, you can start the online application process now!

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