If you are considering a career in nursing, an accelerated nursing program may be the perfect fit for you. Accelerated nursing programs are designed to help you complete your degree quickly, allowing you to start working sooner.
With an accelerated degree program, you can earn your nursing degree in half the time of a traditional program. With so many benefits to completing an accelerated program, it’s easy to see why they are becoming increasingly popular.
From getting your degree faster to potential career advancement opportunities, an accelerated nursing program provides an incredible boost to jumpstart your career. Read on to learn more about how accelerated nursing programs can help you achieve your goal of becoming a nurse.
What is an accelerated degree program?
An accelerated degree program is a form of college or university education that allows students to complete their degree in less time than traditional programs. Instead of taking classes over several years, students in an accelerated program can earn their degrees within 12 to 18 months.
This accelerated approach to learning makes it possible for those who have been in the workforce for years to finish their nursing degrees quickly and begin their new career faster. For instance, Elmhurst University offers accelerated nursing programs that enable non-nurses to earn their nursing degrees in as little as 16 months. The curriculum efficiently provides a comprehensive foundation of knowledge and skills nurses require today. Their programs provide integrated support and simulated scenarios where you’ll build confidence and skills as you expand your knowledge.
Why an accelerated degree program is right for you
There are several reasons why an accelerated degree program might be a good fit for you, including the following:
Get your degree in a shorter amount of time
Accelerated nursing programs offer a condensed educational experience that allows you to obtain your degree quickly. This advantage can help you finish school faster while maintaining a high quality of education.
Accelerated nursing programs are typically only available on a full-time basis. Some schools also offer hybrid programs where you can take classes online and in a traditional classroom setting.
With an accelerated degree program, you will have the opportunity to gain your nursing credentials in a much shorter period.
Have a more focused nursing education.
Accelerated nursing programs are great for those who want to focus on their nursing education and move through the material quickly. Students can take more advanced classes and spend less time learning introductory topics.
This program also allows students to get involved in clinical rotations and other hands-on experiences sooner, which gives them a jumpstart on their careers. Many accelerated programs offer specializations, so you can focus on a particular area of nursing that interests you.
For example, if you want to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist, many programs have courses designed specifically for that field. This focused learning can help ensure you’re ready for what lies ahead once your schooling has finished.
With a shorter program duration comes fewer classes and less time spent in the classroom or studying online. This means you can participate in more discussion-based learning activities.
Get one-on-one attention from instructors.
When enrolling in an accelerated nursing program, you can expect to enjoy smaller class sizes. Classes are typically much smaller than traditional programs. This means you will have more opportunities for personal interactions with your instructors and individualized attention in the classroom. Your educators may have more time to provide additional guidance, answer questions and help you better understand the material. Many accelerated programs have experienced faculty members who specialize in teaching students with different backgrounds and experiences. So, you can benefit from more personalized instruction, one-on-one instructor feedback, and the ability to work closely with classmates. This benefit can ensure that you are fully prepared for clinical practice and help you develop the skills you need to become a successful nurse.
This helps ensure you learn everything necessary to pass your exams and be ready for nursing. Plus, it can be much easier to ask questions and get clarification when one-on-one attention is available.
Prepare for the NCLEX in a shorter amount of time.
In addition to getting your degree faster, an accelerated nursing program can help you prepare for the NCLEX in a shorter time. With accelerated coursework, you’ll be able to learn and study more efficiently.
As mentioned above, you’ll have access to smaller class sizes and one-on-one attention from instructors. This will allow you to focus on the topics most relevant to the NCLEX exam and ensure you thoroughly understand the material.
Additionally, you’ll be able to take advantage of clinical rotations and research projects that can provide valuable experience and knowledge. Clinical rotations allow you to get hands-on practice in the field and gain the skills necessary to pass the NCLEX.
Research projects can also help you develop your critical thinking skills and hone your problem-solving abilities, which will be invaluable during your career and while taking the exam.
Enjoy flexible scheduling options.
One of the main advantages of an online accelerated nursing program is its flexible scheduling options. An accelerated online program allows you to arrange much of your study time around your life’s commitments. However, some courses include live sessions at scheduled times.
With shorter courses and more frequent breaks, you can take classes at a pace that fits your lifestyle. The flexibility of an accelerated program also enables you to customize your education based on your individual needs.
You can choose to focus on specific areas of study. Due to the intense nature of an accelerated program, students are discouraged from working while pursuing their nursing degree.
Receive career placement assistance.
Accelerated nursing programs often provide students with career placement assistance tailored to their needs. Many schools have dedicated career services staff and resources devoted to helping students find employment in their field of study. Some schools also assist in arranging clinical placements.
These services may include job fairs, resume-building, interviewing workshops, job postings, and networking opportunities. Additionally, some schools have alum networks that connect current students with graduates.
This is an excellent way for students to gain insight into the current job market and connect with potential employers. With the right resources and support, accelerated nursing program graduates can find employment that best fits their professional goals and interests.
You can take advantage of online resources.
Accelerated nursing programs offer several online resources to help you achieve success in your degree. Through the use of online learning tools, you can receive access to course materials and lectures from anywhere in the world.
Additionally, many accelerated nursing programs offer online study groups, webinars, and interactive forums where you can connect with fellow students and faculty members.
These online resources allow for increased flexibility as you pursue your degree, allowing you to study at your own pace without attending classes on campus. These online resources also provide study materials for preparing for the NCLEX and other licensure exams.
As such, you can prepare for the most challenging parts of your nursing program without taking extra courses or paying for expensive tutoring services.
You can learn at a fast pace.
An accelerated nursing program is perfect for those who want to learn faster and enter the workforce. Unlike traditional nursing programs, an accelerated program allows students to move through the material quickly and benefit from faster learning.
You can also create a personalized study plan based on your goals and objectives, allowing you to stay motivated and succeed in your studies.
Seven tips for nailing your accelerated nursing degree
If you have already earned a non-nursing degree and are looking to transition into a career in nursing, an accelerated nursing degree program may be the best option. It is a great way to gain the skills and qualifications needed to become a nurse in a shorter time than a traditional program.
The program facilitates all that while giving you a competitive edge in nursing. The following tips will help you make the most of your accelerated nursing degree program.
Get organized
Taking an accelerated program can be challenging, so it’s essential to be organized to succeed. Start by listing the courses you must take and when they are due. Then note which textbooks and other materials you need for each class.
Setting up a filing system for your notes, quizzes, and exams will help you stay on top of everything you need to do. Creating a schedule outlining when to study and do homework would be best.
Carve out extra time in your schedule to review material if you struggle with certain concepts. Being organized in an accelerated program can help make the journey easier.
Create a schedule
Creating a study schedule is a great way to stay organized and ensure you are making progress. Start by listing all the topics and materials you must learn for each class.
Once you have that list, you can prioritize the items by importance and difficulty. Then, break down how much time you must dedicate to studying daily.
You can also use this time to plan out your study sessions. For example, if you have a complex topic, break it down into smaller sections and plan to study one area daily.
Finally, make sure your study schedule is realistic and achievable. Scheduling too much time for studying can be overwhelming, while planning too little can leave you unprepared for upcoming exams.
Get plenty of rest
Not getting enough sleep can seriously affect your physical and mental health, including increased stress, poor concentration, and lower overall immunity. To avoid this, try to stick to a regular sleep schedule.
To help prepare your mind and body for a good night’s sleep, avoid activities that can interfere with your sleep, such as consuming caffeine or alcohol late at night.
Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
Good nutrition is key to maintaining energy and staying focused while studying for your accelerated nursing degree. Eating a healthy and balanced diet will help to keep you alert and energized and give you the brainpower you need to make it through your studies.
Ensure your diet contains plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, essential for good health. Try to limit processed and sugary foods, which can be detrimental to your focus.
Ensure lean proteins are included in your meals for added energy and a healthier immune system. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Exercise regularly
Physical activity is essential for maintaining physical and mental health, especially during a challenging period such as an accelerated nursing degree program.
Studies have shown that regular exercise can help reduce stress, improve mood, and help you stay focused and productive. Exercise also helps to prevent burnout and keeps your body healthy.
Create an exercise plan that works with your study schedule to ensure you get enough exercise. As you get into the habit of exercising, you’ll find that staying motivated is easier and helps you study better!
Take breaks
It’s important to remember to take regular breaks when you’re studying for an accelerated nursing degree. Holidays are essential for physical and mental health and help you retain information more effectively.
Try setting a timer for 25-minute intervals throughout the day, and step away from your studies, take a walk, grab a snack, or listen to music. This action can help you clear your head and return to studying with a renewed focus.
It’s also important to remember that a break doesn’t have to last all day. It is vital to limit your break time so that it doesn’t become too long and disrupt your studying rhythm.
Manage your time wisely.
Time management is a crucial component of any successful academic career. Time management will become even more essential if you enroll in an accelerated nursing program.
The first step is creating a weekly plan. Before each week starts, write down a detailed schedule of when you plan to study and how long you’ll spend on each subject. This action will help you keep track of your progress and stay on top of your assignments.
Another important way to manage your time wisely is to set realistic goals. You may want to aim for completing one or two units per week, but if it’s not achievable, break it down into smaller chunks that are manageable for you.
Finally, make sure to take regular breaks. Becoming overwhelmed by the amount of work in an accelerated nursing program can be easy, so taking time off to recharge is essential.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re an experienced nurse pursuing an advanced degree or just starting in nursing, an accelerated nursing program is a great way to quickly and efficiently earn your degree. With smaller class sizes, more focused curricula, and the potential to pursue research projects, accelerated nursing programs provide a unique and rewarding educational experience.
Additionally, by taking advantage of accelerated coursework and clinical rotations, you can prepare for the NCLEX quickly and be eligible for scholarships and financial aid. With so many benefits, it’s no wonder that accelerated nursing programs are becoming more popular daily.
