Accelerated school can sound like an attractive option for nursing students. "Why spend years studying for a degree when you can complete a program in months and start working quickly?" right? Well, that can be the case for some students; however, the fast lane is not for everyone.

Before pursuing an accelerated program, you need to know what it takes to complete one. This article includes the main benefits and challenges of an accelerated nursing program. Read on to learn more about both sides of the coin.

What is an Accelerated Nursing Program?

An accelerated nursing program is a fast-track option to getting a nursing degree. Such programs enable students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in less time than the respective traditional programs. They allow non-nursing degree holders to transition into the nursing field. In addition, accelerated nursing programs also enable working nurses to advance their careers.

Accelerated Nursing Programs can be completed way quicker than standard programs as they are designed to build on previous learning experiences and do not include breaks between semesters or sessions. Also, these programs are often held online.

Is an Accelerated Nursing Program Hard?

So you're probably wondering, "how hard is accelerated nursing school?" To help you answer that, here are some aspects in which you may face challenges during your studies.

It is time-consuming

You have to be dedicated when deciding on pursuing nursing school, even more so through an accelerated program. In this case, graduating from an accelerated program can be quick; however, your daily schedule will be pretty challenging.

Having four years of studies compressed into several months will obviously take a lot of your time. As an accelerated program student, you will likely have no summer vacation or any type of break until you graduate. So it would be best if you consider this fact and make your plans accordingly before enrolling in such a program.

It can cost a lot of money

Accelerated nursing programs usually cost more than traditional ones. You have to quite literally "pay the price" for being able to graduate quicker than usual. In addition, due to the heavy loads of coursework, most students are not able to work while completing an accelerated program. This is usually considered an extra cost for attending an accelerated program.

It has heavy coursework

With a fast-track program comes fast-track intensity. Thus, one of the biggest challenges of accelerated nursing programs is the heavy coursework mainly created by the shorter time frame of the program. With much less time to learn everything than in the traditional way, choosing the accelerated path is not an option for the procrastinator among us. In this case, keeping pace with everything requires a lot of work and commitment from your side.

Benefits of an Accelerated Nursing Program

Despite the challenges, many advantages come with a degree from an accelerated program. Despite being " as quick as it gets," these programs will also provide direct experience and offer many job opportunities.

Receive hands-on experience

Even though most courses can be online, you will still have your chance to put your learning into practice. Accelerated nursing programs usually include hands-on experience via simulation labs. You can freely practice your skills in these high-tech labs without risking patients.

You can further practice those skills in real-life situations during clinical rotations. So, during clinical hours, you'll be exposed to daily activities in different healthcare facilities, helping in caring for patients while being supervised by registered nurses and other medical staff.

It is shorter in length

The obvious, as well as the main benefit of an accelerated program, is its short length. While a standard BSN is typically four years, graduating from an accelerated program can take less than a year.

With such an advantage to your side, you can start your nursing career in no time! Furthermore, you can motivate yourself and take comfort in the fact that as challenging as the program is—it will be over quickly.

It increases job opportunities

It is a general fact that the more education you have, the more you increase your job prospects. Since many nursing employers prefer degree holders candidates, earning a BSN or an MSN by pursuing an accelerated program will definitely lead to more job opportunities coming your way. For example, you can take on many specialized nursing roles such as Critical Care Nurse, Nurse-Midwife, and Nurse Manager with a BSN degree.

Along with job opportunities, the chances of earning higher wages increase too. Nurses with a BSN degree earn about $47,127 up to $97,000 annually. At the same time, those with an MSN degree can have an annual salary of $80,000 up to $197,611.

Key Takeaway

So, is an accelerated nursing program hard? Yes. But is it worth it? Again, yes. Graduating from such a program may take a lot of your time, effort, and energy but with the proper dedication and worth ethic, you can quickly take advantage of the many job opportunities that come with it.

How Hard Are Accelerated Nursing Programs?: Drawbacks and Benefits