What is an Accelerated BSN Program?: Programs, Benefits, and Career Prospect
If you are passionate about helping people in need and seek a career with high job security, flexibility, continuous learning and growth, very high earning potential, and overall personal fulfillment, a career in nursing is what you need.
As claimed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment rate of registered nurses is expected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, and on average, 194,500 new job openings are projected each year over the decade. Moreover, registered nurses earned a median annual salary of $75,330 in May 2020.
In this guide, we will answer questions such as: what is an accelerated nursing program, its types, and what it offers, so stay tuned!
What Is an Accelerated Nursing Program?
An accelerated nursing program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to earn their Accelerated Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) quicker than traditional college programs. Some of these programs allow working nurses to upgrade their education and thereby qualify for advanced employment quickly.
On the other hand, most accelerated nursing programs are designed for non-nurses who have a bachelor's degree in a field that is not correlated to nursing and want to switch occupations quickly.
Interested in pursuing a degree in California?
Fill out the form and get all the detailed information you need regarding your chosen program.
How does an accelerated nursing program work?
Accelerated programs typically fit a large amount of education into a short time frame. These programs can take place on campus, although they are frequently delivered via online courses. Accelerated programs, unlike traditional programs, group classes together in quarters or sections rather than semesters. Traditional programs have long breaks between semesters, whereas these programs run continuously. Students who are part of the accelerated online programs complete their clinical rotations in nearby medical facilities.
Suppose you are interested in this type of program. In that case, it is vital to consider if you can deal with the time limits and academic expectations of accelerated programs or not.
Types of Accelerated Nursing Degree Programs
Typically, there are three types of accelerated nursing degree programs. Most institutions provide only accelerated bachelor of science in nursing and accelerated master of science in nursing programs; however, some institutions offer the accelerated associate degree in the nursing program as well.
Accelerated Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Students who gain an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) obtain foundational knowledge and clinical skills in nursing. The majority of associate degrees are two years long and are not typically provided in an accelerated format. However, the accelerated path is available at a few universities. Some accelerated ADN programs can be completed in as little as a year.
An accelerated ADN program is an excellent option for post-secondary school-educated licensed practical nurses (LPNs), post-bachelor candidates with a non-nursing degree, or even as a way to earn your LPN or R.N. license at a fast pace.
Moreover, such ADN programs enable students to gain essential skills in the nursing field, enter a new nursing career, or continue to pursue advanced education, such as an RN-to-BSN program.
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
If you are wondering about the ABSN meaning, then we are here to tell you that ABSN stands for Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Accelerated BSN programs are exclusively designed for individuals who have already completed a non-nursing bachelor's-level education but wish to switch to a nursing career.
While an R.N. to BSN program is primarily oriented for already licensed nurses attending school to further their studies, an accelerated BSN program is designed for students who do not yet have a registered nursing (R.N.) license. Graduates of the ABSN program can become registered nurses after passing the NCLEX exam and fulfilling all other state licensure criteria.
For students entering without prior college experience, many accelerated BSN programs are completed in four years, though some can be completed in as few as 33 months. However, for students switching careers, entering an accelerated BSN program with a bachelor's degree in possession, a BSN can be earned in as few as 18 months.
Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a graduate degree designed for individuals who want to work as registered nurses in advanced practice settings. MSN programs come in a variety of formats, including accelerated and direct-entry programs.
Most accelerated MSN programs offer pathways to nursing for bachelor's or master's degree holders in a non-nursing field, as well as coursework that leads to gaining a license as a registered nurse in the first year of your studies in such programs.
An accelerated MSN degree program will help nurses switch careers and take on more advanced nursing roles as educators, health policy experts (HPE), clinical nurse leaders (CLN), and nurse administrators.
How Does An Accelerated BSN Work?
Accelerated BSN programs are created for people who already have a bachelor's degree in another area and want to switch to nursing. ABSN programs allow these students to complete their bachelor's degree in nursing without spending four more years in school.
The organization, course styles, and curriculum of each accelerated nursing program might vary. In general, however, accelerated BSN programs aim to bring non-nurses up to speed and ready to practice as clinicians in a short period. This process requires serious and full-time study.
ABSN curriculum
BSN degree programs typically cover advanced nursing theories, policies, and subjects, preparing students for expanded leadership responsibilities.
Students in an accelerated BSN program will learn both the fundamentals of nursing and the wellness spectrum and the additional information that comes with a Bachelor's in Nursing, such as pharmacology and nursing leadership.
You should expect extensive and challenging coursework in an accelerated nursing program. A combination of coursework, labs, and clinical experiences will be required in most ABSN programs. The practical component of the accelerated BSN program allows students to apply their abilities in a real-world context. An ABSN program may contain but is not limited to the following courses:
Anatomy
Physiology
Health Assessment, Education and Promotion
Microbiology
Pharmacology
Pathophysiology
Who Is the Ideal Candidate For an Accelerated BSN?
Accelerated BSN programs are designed for students who currently hold a registered nursing license and wish to complete their four-year degree in a shorter amount of time. However, those considering a career change to nursing may ask if an accelerated nursing program is the best option for them.
When evaluating whether or not this type of program is right for you, there are numerous crucial considerations to consider. Students that have good time management skills and thrive in a fast-paced learning environment may benefit from an accelerated program. Furthermore, accelerated nursing programs are an excellent alternative for individuals who wish to further their degree or transition into a nursing career in less time than a standard program requires. In addition, nurses who aspire to go into case management, teaching, or administration would benefit from an accelerated BSN program.
The benefits of an Accelerated BSN program
A long list of benefits comes with the completion of an accelerated BSN program. Students with an accelerated BSN degree can step into more advanced nursing roles and work in leadership positions.
Moreover, students who complete such programs have more job security, higher salaries, new work opportunities, the potential to advance, and better patient outcomes.
The demand for nursing roles is increasing; therefore, obtaining an accelerated BSN degree will give you more job security. As claimed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment rate of registered nurses is expected to grow faster than the average for other occupations. In addition, a significant number of job openings are projected each year over the decade.
ABSN programs will give you new job opportunities and higher salaries as well. We have listed below some of the highest-paid job positions for someone with an ABSN program completion:
Nursing Manager - $84,000
Nurse Case Manager - $69,000
Research Nurse - $70,700
Quality Specialist - $78,900
Nursing Informatic - $102,000.
In addition, you can feel confident that switching your career to nursing would benefit your patients. Accelerated BSN programs are meant to prepare students by providing a solid foundation in evidence-based clinical care, leadership training, and the value of community involvement. This, in consequence, leads to better patient outcomes.
Key Takeaway
An Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program will help you enter your nursing career for the first time or even take it to the next level. Individuals who earn an accelerated BSN degree can take on more advanced and administrative nursing roles. Moreover, an ABSN will ensure you a higher salary, job security, limitless job opportunities, better patient outcomes, and overall personal and professional fulfillment.