Accelerated BSN Programs Looking For Bright, Motivated Future Nurses!
Thousands of future RN’s (Registered Nurses) are opting to enroll in accelerated BSN programs in near record numbers. Once a student completes and obtains a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. He or she can become a registered nurse.
Brief History of Accelerated BSN Programs
The option to enroll in a accelerated program is not a new concept. In fact, these kinds of programs have been around since 1990. Back then there were approximately 31 accelerated BSN programs. Today there are more than 250!
So What Changed?
Why the increased interest? Unless more nurses are trained now. The projected demand for nurses within the next 5 – 6 years will exceed what is currently available by a half a million! So there is an urgent need for individuals to get the required education and experience now. By enrolling in an accelerated program, the health care industry can start the process of employing hundreds of thousands of well qualified nurses.
Where Are All Of These New Nursing Jobs Coming From?
By 2018 many nurses already employed will be advancing to other areas within the industry. Career advancement into management positions as well as those that may be leaving the nursing profession due to retirement. This will mean thousands of positions will become available.
Plus more nurses will be needed to care for more people. As the ratio of patients to nurses is expected to increase dramatically. Thanks to research and better drug treatments, people are living longer now than at any other time in history. This makes the need for more nurses vitally important.
What To Expect From Accelerated BSN Programs
If you have your associates degree in nursing and want to now get your BSN via an accelerated program, prepare yourself for very quick paced non stop course work. It will move much faster and you will need to grasp the information being taught quickly.
Many students mistakenly assume that ”accelerated” means ”short cuts”. Nothing could be further from the truth. You will take the same courses you would if you were enrolled in a regular four year BSN program. Plus you will complete the accelerated program in less than 18 months.
Admissions Process- Can Anyone Enroll In This Program?
This program is best suited to those students who work well under intense pressure and have the ability to absorb and retain complex subject matter in a short period of time.
The admissions process involves pre-screening students for accelerated BSN programs. This means each student has to go through an interview. Also a 3.0 GPA is also required. You can choose to attend part-time or full-time. The majority of students choose the latter.
General Course Work
Courses you can expect to take will include but are not limited to the following:
- Professional Nursing Practices
- Nursing for Special Needs
- Health assessment
- Nursing and health care management
- Patient Psychology
- Physiology
- Anatomy
- Pathology
- Biology
- Medical Ethics
- Research
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
Some programs may require courses in biology, physiology and anatomy for instance before you can enroll in some BSN programs. Be sure to ask if any prerequisites are required for the program you are considering.
Higher Degree Means More Money!
Statistically, those who have acquired their BSN degree earn more than those with only two year nursing degrees. Also because they have acquired more education and experience they will be in bigger demand.
The average salary a RN with a BSN degree is $68,000 per year according to the U.S. Department of Labor. As the demand for more qualified nurses continues to grow, those with advanced nursing degrees will be able to ask for higher salaries.
If This All Sounds Good To You… Start Looking For An Accelerated Program Now!
Keep in mind that just as the demand for nurses increases, so will the competition for both jobs and spots in accelerated nursing programs. If you really want to fast track your career in nursing, there’s no better time than right now to start looking for an accredited nursing program.
We’ve provided enough basic information to help get you started. So what are you waiting for?
You have the drive, the spirit, and the determination to expand your knowledge and your career. Check out several accelerated BSN programs before making your final decision.