{"id":8947,"date":"2021-06-28T09:31:49","date_gmt":"2021-06-28T13:31:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/?p=8947"},"modified":"2024-12-16T17:04:26","modified_gmt":"2024-12-16T22:04:26","slug":"how-accelerated-nursing-programs-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/how-accelerated-nursing-programs-work\/","title":{"rendered":"How Does an Accelerated Nursing Program Work?"},"content":{"rendered":"

There is no better time than the present to become a nurse. Job opportunities are abound, and the workforce is calling passionate nurses to step in. If you are interested in joining the workforce, you may consider an accelerated nursing program to get you there fast.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Nurses are among the most vital professionals today, and the demand is only growing. As of February 2021, registered nurses (RNs) were ranked among the top<\/strong> five<\/strong><\/a> in-demand professions globally. This is due to an aging baby boomer population and record-breaking number of patients now requiring medical care. Though nurses make up almost 60 percent of the healthcare workforce worldwide, facilities are scrambling to hire more nurses who can step in and help. By the year 2030, the World Health Organization predicts that 5.7 million<\/a> nursing jobs will be open or unfilled.<\/p>\n

If you are interested in becoming a nurse, the time is now to get started. The job opportunities for nurses are extensive, and the need for nurses will never go away. However, with so many career opportunities available, you may be wondering how you can get involved as fast as possible. Is an accelerated nursing program an option for you? How do accelerated nursing programs work, and how can you get into a career quickly, to help those in need?<\/p>\n

What is an Accelerated Nursing Program?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

An accelerated nursing program is a fast-track nursing degree option \u2013 designed to help students earn their Bachelor\u2019s in Nursing (BSN) or Master\u2019s in Nursing (MSN) quicker than the traditional, on-campus programs. Some of these programs enable already-working nurses to expand their education quickly, and therefore qualify for advanced roles. Most accelerated nursing programs, however, are designed for non-nurses who have a degree in another major, but wish to change careers to nursing<\/a> relatively fast.<\/p>\n

Typically, accelerated nursing programs are accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs<\/strong>. Accelerated BSN programs are designed for individuals who have a bachelor\u2019s degree in another field, and now wish to pursue a nursing degree. ABSN programs allow these students to earn their bachelor\u2019s degree in Nursing, without spending another four years in school to do so. On average, this accelerated nursing program takes between 12 to 24 months to complete. At Goodwin University, the ABSN program<\/a> can be completed in about 16 months full-time.<\/p>\n

ABSN programs are pre-licensure programs, meaning students do not yet have their license to practice as a registered nurse (RN). There are some flexible and accelerated nursing programs designed for licensed RNs, as well, to enhance their careers with a BSN or MSN degree. However, when most people say, \u201caccelerated nursing programs,\u201d they are referring to the ABSN degree route.<\/p>\n

How Does an Accelerated BSN Program Work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Every accelerated nursing program can differ in its structure, course formats, and curriculum. In general, however, accelerated BSN programs work to get non-nurses fully up-to-speed, and prepared to be clinicians, in a matter of two years\u2019 or less. With this comes intensive and full-time coursework.<\/p>\n

When students pursue an associate degree in Nursing, they learn the fundamentals of nursing practice and patient care. They gain experience through hands-on, on-the-job clinicals, combined with classroom learning and laboratory coursework. Traditionally, BSN degree programs will delve into advanced theories, policies, and topics in nursing, preparing students for expanded and\/or leadership roles. An accelerated BSN program is designed to provide students with both: the fundamentals of nursing and the wellness continuum, as well as<\/strong> the advanced knowledge that comes with a Bachelor\u2019s in Nursing, such as pharmacology and nursing leadership.<\/p>\n

As a result, accelerated BSN programs work on a full-time and continual schedule, so that aspiring nurses can finish their degree as fast as possible. Typically, it\u2019s not recommended for ABSN students to maintain a job while taking this program, due to the intensive study needed. At some nursing schools, however, there is flexibility<\/a> in the coursework. At Goodwin University, for example, students have the option to take ABSN classes in the days and\/or evenings. Clinical practicum is flexible, as well, and can be scheduled any day of the week. Additionally, the accelerated BSN courses<\/a> are offered in an on-campus\/online format, allowing students to gain in-person experience while enjoying the flexible of online learning when possible.<\/p>\n

In an accelerated nursing program, you can expect comprehensive and rigorous courses. Most ABSN programs will require a combination of classes, labs, and clinical experiences. The clinical portion of the accelerated nursing curriculum allows students to put their skills to practice in a real nursing setting. Courses in an accelerated nursing program may include, but are not limited to:<\/p>\n