Welcome to Accelerated-Nursing.net, your online guide to accelerated nursing degree programs. Here you will find rankings and reviews of the top online nursing schools with the best accelerated nursing degree programs, as well as useful information on nursing scholarship and financial aid, nursing careers, and more.

What is Accelerated Nursing?

The US Department of Labor projects the need for over a million new registered nurses by the year 2018. In response to this demand, many nursing schools now offer accelerated degree programs that can be completed more quickly than traditional programs. There are now 235 accelerated nursing programs in the United States alone, and the number of students enrolled in these programs continues to grow.

Accelerated Nursing Jobs

Graduates of accelerated nursing degree programs are generally qualified for the same positions as graduates of traditional programs. The majority of job opportunities are still in hospitals, but more and more nurses are finding work elsewhere. Today, 40 percent of nurses work in settings like private medical offices, nursing homes, schools, and public health agencies.

Accelerated Nursing Programs

Accelerated programs are available for every type of nursing degree. These include undergraduate degrees like the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). An ADN is the minimum requirement to become a registered nurse (RN). Students can participate in accelerated RN to BSN programs for a quick transition from the ADN to the bachelor’s degree. Some schools also offer accelerated versions of graduate nursing degrees like the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

Accelerated Nursing Students

While these accelerated programs are not for everyone, many nursing students find them to be extremely helpful. This is especially true of students who wish to get an early start on their professional careers. Working students may also benefit from the flexibility offered by accelerated programs. The ability to attend classes online and work at an individual pace makes it much easier to maintain a busy work schedule. Online classes are typically held to the same standards as onsite classes, and distance learning students are taught everything they need to know to secure a nursing license.

There are also some drawbacks to accelerated degree programs, and some students may find the shortened time frames to be stressful. A shortened program also leaves less time for externships and other practical learning experiences. Most accelerated programs are designed to build on previous experience. Students who do not already hold a degree or transferable credits may be ineligible for these programs.

Accelerated Nursing Scholarships and Financial Aid

Financial aid for accelerated nursing degree programs is typically limited. Hospitals are now offering tuition repayment to accelerated nursing students as a means of recruiting qualified staff members. Some hospitals are even offering full tuition scholarships in exchange for employment commitments. Federal and local legislatures are also working to provide more grants and scholarships for accelerated nursing students. This money would help to meet the growing demand for qualified nurses. It would also help students affected by the fluctuating economy to earn their degrees quickly.

By 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that there will be 800,000 unfilled positions for registered nurses. Graduates of nursing programs can take advantage of an extremely favorable climate for launching a successful career. For many students, accelerated nursing programs are a convenient way to speed up the process while maintaining control over their schedules.