Nursing programs across the nation are determining just what courses are needed for an accelerated nursing degree, for good reason. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects the need from more than 500,000 new and replacement nurses between now and the year 2022. With a changeover rate that high, something has to be done to supply the workforce with that many new and qualified individuals. Nursing programs and schools across the nation are responding by exploring and creative innovative new ways to produce competent nurses without compromising the quality and integrity of their nursing certification programs. One of the best new developments is the option considered the accelerated nursing degree.
Accelerated Nursing Degree
The accelerated nursing degree is a program designed for non-nursing graduates, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. The program is intended for individuals who have previously graduated with a bachelor’s degree in a related field. The program is the quickest route to licensure as a registered nurse for adults who have previously completed a bachelor’s or even graduate degree. Generally the program takes between 11 and 18 months to complete, including required prerequisites. Currently, these programs are available in 46 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Required Prerequisites
While the specific prerequisite course vary by program, most degree plans require some mix of the same basic courses. These prerequisite courses serve not only as a foundation for success in higher level learning courses but also for necessary foundation related to the field. Most programs require anywhere between 7 and 12 courses of the predetermined courses be completed prior to admission in the program. Likewise, many programs require a concentration of those courses be in fields of math and science. In any degree program, however, prerequisites that are considered important include college algebra, statistics, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, English, general psychology, developmental psychology, and general sociology. Many programs also require that science courses must be no more than 10 years old at the time of application, otherwise these courses will also have to be retaken.
Additional Requirements
Again, the specific requirements for admission vary by program. However, many programs do put additional stipulations on program admittance. Some of the most common additional requirements include general admittance into the college or university, a baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. institution, a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher, and a grade of C or better in all prerequisite and major requirements.
Benefits of an Accelerated Program
The accelerated nursing program option was initially designed to meet the growing need for nursing candidates in the work field. While this consideration was the primary focus of establishing this option, there are also a number of benefits to the individual seeking said degree as well. These programs can be completed in less than one to two years, making it easy to begin a new career in a short amount of time. Most programs are also relatively flexible to meet the needs of students with demanding schedules. Also, because the program accepts certain prerequisite courses, individuals are not required to begin a degree from the very beginning. In other words, previous work counts for something.
Related Resource: Chief Nursing Officer
The accelerated nursing program option is a great one for individuals seeking to make a career change. It is also beneficial to those who have previously completed a degree. Before committing to a program, consider the courses needed to get an accelerated nursing degree and make sure the program is a good fit for you.
