What Is an Accelerated Nursing Program?

If you’re researching how to become a nurse, you’ll find that there are several pathways you can take to begin and advance in this career. If you’re looking for one of the fastest ways to become a nurse, or are already one and are considering an advanced degree, an accelerated program could be right for you. What is an accelerated nursing program? Read on to find out.

Nurses are in demand — you’ve probably heard that there’s a workforce shortage, and the need for nurses is expected to increase by 6% in the next decade. Accelerated BSN nursing programs train entry-level nurses faster, helping them enter the workforce in half the time (or less) of a traditional nursing program.

What Is an Accelerated Nursing Program Intended to Do for Students?

Accelerated nursing programs generally serve two types of students:

• Non-nurses who have an undergraduate degree in another discipline, who can apply their credits to a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree, with the goal of becoming an RN.
• Nurses who want to earn a master’s or advanced practice degree faster than the average track.

Accelerated nursing programs build upon students’ existing knowledge and skills while providing rigorous training in nursing theory, clinical practice, and healthcare concepts. These programs can be even more demanding than traditional nursing school, because they’re compressing the same classes and clinical rotations into a shorter time frame.

Accelerated Nursing Program Requirements

Be sure to look up programs in your area to understand what you’ll need for entry. In general, you can expect a typical accelerated nursing program application to require:

• Previous bachelor’s degree: Applicants to entry-level programs must hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field from an accredited institution. If you’re applying for a master’s degree, you’ll need to hold a BSN.
• Prerequisite courses: You may need to complete additional prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy, psychology, and more.
• Minimum GPA: Typically, a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher is expected.
• Letters of recommendation: You may need to submit letters of recommendation from previous academic instructors or employers.
• Resume or CV: Programs will likely want a document detailing your educational background and work experience.
• Personal statement: Many schools require an application essay outlining your motivations for becoming a nurse and your goals after nursing school.
• Interview: Some programs may require an interview as part of the admissions process.
• CPR certification: To be present for clinical practicums, you’ll need to take a cardiopulmonary resuscitation course.
• Additional requirements: Some programs also require background checks, drug screenings, and immunization records.

What to Know About Accelerated Nursing Programs Online

Some institutions offer partially remote accelerated programs, which may be a good option if you live far from the nearest nursing school. Keep in mind that an accelerated program will be challenging, and perhaps even more so if it’s online, and you’ll need to do your clinical rotations in person.

As you’re evaluating these programs, be sure they’re accredited by the AACN and have high NCLEX pass rates before applying.

Accelerated Nursing Programs: FAQs

What is an accelerated nursing program like?

Nursing school can be a challenging time for any student. It requires intense discipline to study for exams, prepare for clinicals, work around labs, and manage a busy lecture schedule. Accelerated programs turn up the heat even more, compressing the same information into a shorter schedule. Many students report feeling stressed during accelerated programs, especially during the first year. At the same time, it can be gratifying to know you’re on a fast track to your career.

If you’re wondering if you’re up for an accelerated program, it might be helpful to think seriously about your time constraints. Are you well-supported at home? Will you need to work during school? Thinking about your previous academic experiences could also help guide your decision.

How long is an accelerated nursing program?

It depends on the program and the degree you choose. Some accelerated BSN programs are as short as four semesters, or 11 to 18 months, on top of prerequisites. Accelerated masters-level programs typically take around three years to complete.

Are accelerated nursing programs hard to get into?

Nursing programs are competitive. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing reported that over 66,000 qualified students were turned away from nursing schools in 2022. Most accelerated programs are run within universities, alongside traditional nursing programs, and they have similar application requirements. To qualify, you’ll need to demonstrate a strong commitment to the program and the ability to succeed.

Are accelerated nursing programs worth it?

This depends on what your goals are. Here are some of the reasons an accelerated program might be worth it for you:

• Quick entry: Accelerated programs help individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to fast-track their entry into a nursing career.
• Career advancement: Graduates can pursue advanced career opportunities in nursing sooner, potentially leading to faster career and income growth.
• High demand: With a nursing shortage projected in many regions, graduates of accelerated programs are in high demand.
• Diverse student body: These programs tend to have more non-traditional students with diverse backgrounds.
• Strong career prospects: Employers report that graduates of accelerated programs are more mature and are quick studies.

Still, these programs aren’t for everyone. What is an accelerated nursing program going to demand of you? Here are some reasons an accelerated program might not be a good fit:

• Intensive pace: The fast pace of these programs can be challenging and requires significant time and effort to keep up with coursework.
• Limited flexibility: Due to the rigorous nature of the program, students have less time for extracurricular activities, work, or personal commitments.
• Stress: The demanding nature of accelerated programs can create a stressful learning environment, requiring students to cope with high levels of pressure and a heavy workload.
• Funding: Financial aid for accelerated programs may be more limited than in traditional nursing schools. At the same time, working a job may be more difficult with a demanding academic schedule.

How does an accelerated nursing program work?

Both accelerated and traditional nursing programs share curriculums and clinical requirements set by the AACN. The only difference is that accelerated programs compress these classes and practicum into a shorter timeframe.

While a nursing class might last a semester in a normal program, you might take the same class in a month in an accelerated program. In a typical nursing program, you’ll likely have an exam a week, while accelerated nursing students may take two to three exams a week.

How much does an accelerated nursing program cost?

It depends on where you attend school and the type of degree you pursue. Some experts report a cost range of $15,000 to $70,000 or more for an accelerated nursing degree. This is far from the cheapest option, but for many students, the shorter timeframe is worth the investment.

What Is an Accelerated Nursing Program Going to Do for You?

If you’re thinking about going back to nursing school, you might be looking for flexible jobs that can work around a busy schedule. IntelyCare can help you structure your work around your life. Sign up for nursing job notifications to find the right fit.