Accelerated Nursing Programs: What are the Challenges and Benefits?

Nursing has historically been considered a difficult field to enter, but accelerated nursing degree programs may be changing that. While educational requirements vary by state, all sanctioned programs are designed to prepare nursing students to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Accredited instruction in nursing sciences can be found at training schools and traditional colleges. Increasingly, students are choosing to train in accelerated nursing programs. Choosing a program is a very personal decision for students and a great deal of pros and cons should be weighed before someone makes up their mind.

Accelerated or Not? Scheduling and Program Length

Your daily obligations and timeline to meet your personal goals are important factors when deciding which program fits your needs.

Accelerated programs offer the same courses as traditional schools. The difference is pacing. Instead of taking an entire semester to read, discuss, and review course materials, the same information is covered in a matter of weeks. If you are excited to get started, an accelerated learning program gets you there faster.

Parents, caregivers, and those with full-time jobs might find the time constraints of an accelerated program to be easier. These colleges and universities often offer day and night classes, so you can choose the time frame that works best for your daily life.

New high school graduates and young adults without family obligations might find traditional learning institutions provide the structure and guidance they need to achieve academic success. Everyone is different, however. Those with the ability to self-motivate may benefit from the self-directed nature of an accelerated program.

Do I Have what it Takes to Succeed in an Accelerated Nursing Program?

Not everyone is cut out for the pace of an accelerated program. Between time commitments in other areas of your life or a learning style that requires extra thought and careful contemplation, it’s important to consider your current needs and how they could impact your studies.

• Time: if your work, family obligations, and other responsibilities take up so much of your time you regularly feel exhausted at the end of the day, you will have to cut back in order to fit in your classes and homework.
• Dedication: crossing a stage to receive a diploma takes a great deal of hard work and dedication. If you aren’t sure if you want to become a nurse or don’t have a clear idea of what you want to do with your degree, it could be difficult to focus on your education.
• Self-Motivation: accelerated students need to start projects early, get readings done before class, and make sure they are one step ahead of their schedule. If you leave everything until the last minute and only work when you’re rushing to beat the clock, it’s a good bet accelerated classes aren’t for you.
• Passion: think about why you want to take an accelerated nursing course. If you’ve have no real interest in healing the sick it’s not likely you will earn your degree or enjoy work in this field.

Before making a decision to apply to an accelerated nursing school, be sure to discuss this with friends, family members, and anyone else who might be impacted. A support system is an important part of student success.

Are you ready to begin your journey towards a nursing degree? If you want to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Degree, consider ECPI University for your education. With an accelerated schedule, you could earn your degree in as little as 18 months. For more information contact a helpful admissions counselor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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