Understand the Basics of an Accelerated Nursing Program: Nursing is a tough but one of the most rewarding professions. If you have a passion for helping people and a desire to serve, becoming a nurse will be worthwhile. So why not consider joining the healthcare industry and becoming an asset to nursing?
The Covid-19 pandemic saw how frontline healthcare workers, especially nurses, risked their lives to fight for humanity. While many experienced burnout and eventually resigned, it inspired many young adults to take up nursing again. Many professionals in relevant fields but with non-nursing degrees switched to nursing. If you’re looking to switch your career too, consider an accelerated nursing program.
What is an accelerated nursing program (ANP)
An accelerated nursing program (ANP) is specially designed to make your transition from a non-nursing background smooth and stress-free. The main difference between an ANP and other traditional nursing programs is that you don’t have to have a nursing background in the former. They welcome anyone with a non-nursing background to meet the minimum requirements set by a body governing the licensing of all healthcare personnel. ANP programs are designed in such a way as to enable students to learn all basic aspects of nursing in a shorter period while letting them graduate with their bachelor’s degree.
The tip to successfully starting a career in nursing is to know all your options. Choosing the best accelerated BSN program beforehand can be highly beneficial in the end. You can consider factors like reviews, duration, admission procedure, online or on-campus programs, fee structure, etc. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of this program to understand how it works.
Duration of the program
Accelerated nursing programs are short-term, intensive programs that cover the 4-year long curriculum in less than 24 months. It is an opportunity for students to complete their degree at a faster pace and get in the job market sooner.
The length of an accelerated nursing program varies from school to school. Some programs require you to complete one year of coursework, while others require two or three years’ worth of coursework. In some cases, students can complete their entire program in just nine months!
This is extremely beneficial for people who’ve completed some of their college credits. They would not have to go through the 4-year traditional bachelor’s degree to become an RN.
Since the duration is less and the coursework is pretty much the same as any BSN degree, you’ll have to work harder to maintain your GPA and stay on track. This requires a lot of motivation and commitment. Here are some tips for how to succeed in an accelerated nursing program:
- Figure out how many hours you can realistically commit to studying each week.
- Get used to managing your time wisely by prioritizing assignments and planning as much as possible so that you don’t fall behind in any coursework or clinical rotations.
- Make sure your professors are aware of any difficulties or challenges you’re experiencing so they can help keep you on track.
- MakeSure you’re ready mentally and physically.
- Make arrangements for your children if you are a parent and their caretaking responsibilities fall on you.
Full-time or Part-time Program
Many aspirants have liabilities. They have to work to provide for themselves or their families and don’t have time for a traditional degree program that takes four years or more. It is difficult to work and pursue a degree with such a rigorous program. However, some colleges offer evening classes as well as part-time degrees for accelerated nursing programs so students can continue working while going through school. Some schools offer part-time options while others require students to be full-time students. It may increase the duration of your program if you opt for part-time. But if your personal life allows this, you should look up colleges that have this option.
The majority of accelerated programs are offered on weekdays only, but some schools offer weekend classes as well. This gives students more flexibility with their schedules and allows them to work while attending school.
Online or on-campus program
The first thing to consider is whether you’d like to earn your degree online or on-campus. Some people prefer the flexibility of learning at home, while others want to meet new people and interact with their peers. The good news is colleges offer accelerated nursing programs through both mediums.
Both types of programs have their benefits and drawbacks, so make sure you read up on each option before deciding. If you’re already familiar with how well you learn in a classroom setting, then an on-campus program may be better suited for you. However, if you prefer flexibility over structure, then an online program may be the right for you.
Admission Criteria
Once you’ve decided what you want to do, you can choose the college you wish to attend. Every college has different admission criteria and procedures. But the basics are pretty much common.
The admission procedure for an accelerated program is more rigorous than it is for a traditional four-year program. The applicant must have obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent. Apart from that, the applicant must submit official transcripts from any college-level courses taken and prove that they’ve at least completed some college credits (every college has a different requirement for the number of credits for admission). Candidates must also provide a letter of recommendation from someone familiar with their academic ability, such as an employer or professor. A personal statement describing why you want to become a nurse and why you feel this particular program is right for you is also required.
Conclusion
Today, programs are designed to make professionals faster, and more efficient. With these types of programs, students can now achieve the same quality of education in less time than most traditional programs. Although the accelerated nursing program is still pretty new, it’s gaining more popularity as a faster option for students today. Each accelerated nursing program will vary somewhat in terms of its requirements and the technique they use to train its students.
So carefully consider your options, research, and pick a program tailored to your needs.
