Accelerated Nursing Programs: Is it Right For You?

Accelerated nursing programs offer a fast track option to obtain a nursing degree, and qualify as a registered nurse. Aimed at people who are already in possession of another bachelor’s degree, these courses can be completed in a year to a year and a half.

Students are screened beforehand (to ensure higher passing rates), and the admission standards are quite high. The course is intense, and requires both capability and commitment from the student, so those accepted are discouraged from having any job, since the time sacrificed would probably be detrimental to their studies. It is already a demanding course as it is, without the need for any interference.

Accelerated nursing programs can be completed in as little as a year, but only if you commit to the time and effort needed to complete the coursework involved. Lessons are extended, with little or no breaks in between. The information is offered at a much higher pace, and you have to keep up, or give up.

The rewards, however, lie in good job prospects. The shortage of qualified nurses in the U.S. (and most of the world, for that matter), is becoming problematic. For instance, the U.S. Labor department projects a requirement of one million nurses by the year 2012, opening up a huge amount of job possibilities.

Accelerated nursing programs can also be done as online courses. It has been completed in as little as ten months. While providing “freedom” from normal class schedules, this actually requires even more self discipline and commitment. It is easy for anyone studying from home to become distracted, and not stick to the required amount of study time needed for success.

Adding a nursing degree to your existing degree will definitely have its advantages. Keep in mind that the addition