subject: Accelerated Nursing Programs Offer Great Benefits [print this page] While many nurses are in their first, and only, career, other nurses go to colleges for nursing after having a first career, making their experience in getting their RN license different from those who choose a traditional path. Accelerated nursing programs help people who already possess bachelor's degrees and master's degrees by offering a compressed course of study at colleges for nursing.
Accelerated Nursing Programs for the BSN/RN
There are currently over 200 nursing schools across the US that have accelerated nursing programs. The usual bachelor's degree program offers you the ability to earn the BSN, or bachelor of science in nursing. Usually these will involve students who have already received a degree in something other than nursing, and allows them to take the remaining nursing courses needed to sit for their registered nurse license exam.
Traditional accelerated nursing programs will last from 11-18 months, and allows you to graduate with a BSN. You are then eligible to take the RN licensing exam.
Accelerated Nursing Programs for the MSN/RN
MSN programs at colleges for nursing that offer accelerated nursing programs are typically three years in length, and at the end the graduate has earned a MSN degree and can sit for RN license exams. MSN programs often allow the graduate to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), a level of distinction that, in some states, allows the nurse to write prescriptions.
Traditional or Accelerated Program?? You Choose
The accelerated nursing program involves usually more than 40 hours per week. Its suggested that you don't try to work any type of job while you are in school.
This can be difficult for prospective nursing students who need income to survive during accelerated nursing programs, but the payoff is worth it. In some markets, newly-graduated nurses can command salaries of $65,000 per year or more.
Finding Colleges for Nursing and Faster Results
For most students, completing a traditional or part time nursing program where they are able to work as well as attend classes and clinicals is the best choice. There are many community colleges and vocational schools that allow you to get your nursing degree at a pace that impacts minimally on your personal life. But for those that want to get in and get out, accelerated nursing programs are a great alternative.
