The evolving healthcare industry has an ever-growing need for skilled, compassionate, and educated nurses. Now’s the perfect time to pursue a nursing career punctuated by purpose and fulfillment. The demand for registered nurses continues to trend upward, with a projected 5% growth between 2024 and 2034, exceeding the national average for all other occupations.

For many, becoming a nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) seems distant, hindered by the traditional four-year model and therefore massive time commitment involved. However, it doesn’t have to take four years. Depending on your experiences so far, you may qualify for a faster BSN track.

If you already have an associate degree in Nursing (ADN) or a degree in another field, for example, pivoting to a BSN can be simple. Fast-track BSN programs build on the education and experience you already have, propelling you into your dream career. This guide will go over the particulars of fast-track BSN programs and how they can work for you.

What is a fast-track BSN program?

A fast-track BSN program is an intensive, accelerated program that allows you to earn a Bachelor’s in Nursing in a significantly shorter span than the traditional four-year timeline. Instead of another eight semesters, fast-track BSN programs condense your time in the classroom and culminate in a bachelor’s degree in as little as 16 months. You can have your BSN in hand and be working in your career of choice in less than two years.

The benefits of a fast-track BSN program

Fast-track BSNs maximize efficient learning

Designed to achieve the highest efficiency possible for your education, fast-track BSN programs provide in-depth nursing education that gives graduates the upper hand in the field. Through an advanced BSN curriculum, you’ll gain advanced skills and leadership training, better preparing you for impactful roles in modern healthcare.

In addition to an accelerated timeline, many of these programs use the cohort model of students who will be with you through the entirety of the program. Completing coursework and lab work together fosters an environment of shared learning in a tight-knit community. And even if your BSN courses are online, your peers can still become your study group, support system, and future professional network.

Most modern programs use a hybrid education model. This blend of online classes for textbook learning and in-person labs for hands-on skills adds invaluable flexibility to your education schedule.

Fast-track BSNs expand your career options

A fast-track BSN is a great way to expand your career options. With a BSN under your belt, you qualify for a wide range of roles in addition to being eligible for graduate education. Career opportunities can be found in hospitals (especially those with Magnet Recognition Program® status), home health services, long-term care facilities, schools, and private clinics.

Some examples of careers where a BSN degree is preferred include, but are not limited to:

• Clinical research nurse
• Informatics nurse
• Insurance nurse
• Military nurse
• Nurse educator
• Nurse leader
• Oncology nurse
• Pediatrics nurse
• Public health nurse
• Travel nurse

Three types of fast-track BSN programs

The term “fast-track” applies to a few program types, each designed for different types of students. See which best fits your educational background:

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs:

When we talk about accelerated nursing programs, the ABSN is usually what we’re referring to. ABSN programs are designed for people who already have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, but who wish to change careers and become a registered nurse. With general education requirements waived, the ABSN curriculum focuses solely on nursing coursework and hands-on skills, thereby accelerating the overall timeline required. At Goodwin University, the Accelerated BSN program can be completed in 16 months full-time.

RN-to-BSN Programs:

The RN-to-BSN program is designed as a bridge for licensed RNs who hold an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN or ADN). This program builds on your existing clinical experience and dives deeper into nursing theory, research, community health, and leadership, culminating in a BSN degree. At Goodwin University, the RN-to-BSN program can be completed part-time in just 12 months.

Fast-Paced Traditional BSN Programs:

These programs are for first-time students looking to become registered nurses. Designed to accelerate a traditional four-year degree program, these programs enable students to complete their BSN in closer to three years’ time. However, traditional BSN programs involve a blend of general education courses, career-focused nursing studies, as well as hands-on clinical rotations and laboratory experiences. As such, these programs are difficult to accelerate and are rarer to find as a true “fast-track.”

Explore fast-track BSN programs at Goodwin University

Key features of a fast-track BSN program

A fixed tuition model:

To assure students of the total cost, many nursing schools have fixed tuition models. These models provide the entire cost of your education upfront. No need to guess how much it will cost.

Ability to fast-track further education:

A BSN is the essential stepping stone for advanced graduate education. It’s your prerequisite to becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), or Nursing Director through master’s level programs.

Community with your cohort:

The cohort model is a deliberate feature that provides a built-in support system, fostering collaboration and peer learning.

Complete your BSN in as few as 12-16 months:

The most significant benefit of fast-track BSN programs is speed. Depending on the type of BSN program you pursue, this can be achieved through an intensive, year-round curriculum, a transfer of previous college credits, or a bridge program that enables you to pick up where you left off.

Expanded career options:

The BSN curriculum makes you eligible for the widest possible range of nursing roles immediately upon graduation.

How to choose a great accelerated BSN

Choosing the right program for you is a multi-faceted process. Take the time to investigate and talk with potential schools. This will help you hone in on your career goals.

Begin by chatting with an admissions counselor to help decide if a particular BSN program is right for you. An advisor will review your unofficial transcripts, go over requirements, and help you understand the program.

As you evaluate different programs, be sure to see what support they offer. You’re looking for a university with supportive faculty that will invest in your success as both a student and a future nurse. Programs with small classes, like those at Goodwin University, offer more one-on-one time with students.

Also, be sure to verify a program’s accreditation, too. The program must be accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) to be eligible for the NCLEX-RN examination.

Finally, verify that you meet the admissions requirements, which typically include a minimum GPA (often 3.0) and completion of the required science prerequisites. Your past education is a stepping stone to the career of your dreams. Learn more about fast-track BSN programs, and apply today to begin your journey.

Learn more about the Nursing programs at Goodwin University to see which program best fits your experience and goals.