This article offers facts on the accelerated nursing programs according to the American Association of Colleges.
It is noted that nursing schools across the U.S. tend to explore creative ways to increase their capacity to attain their projected student population. This can be realized through an innovative approach that is to offer accelerated nursing programs. These programs are made available at baccalaureate, bachelor, and master degree levels. They are formed based on the previous learning experiences of the students. They give individuals an opportunity with undergraduates in other programs that can be transitioned into nursing. Survey reveals that there are 231 accelerated baccalaureate degrees and 63 accelerated master’s degrees, which are made available at the nursing program schools throughout the country, in 2010.
The accelerated nursing programs in nursing in baccalaureate environment provide the fastest way for students to attain licensure for a registered nurse (RN) especially for adults who have already obtained a bachelor’s or graduate program in a non-nursing field. The baccalaureate degree programs can be completed from 11-18 months along with their prerequisites, while the master’s programs can be taken at approximately three years.
The admission standards for the accelerated programs are high in programs that require in-depth prescreening process and a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0. It can be noted that administrators focus on determining students who will excel in this setting. In fact, students admitted in these programs are urged not to have any job while studying due to the tough requirements for the completion of the whole course. They are intended for individuals who already have proven their ability in nursing at any senior university or college or school of nursing.
Typically, second-degree nursing students tend to be older, motivated, and with higher academic expectations than the nursing students at traditional entry-level. Meanwhile, students of accelerated nursing programs flourish in class and have a strong drive to obtain experiences in clinical nature. In the work environment, these students are regarded by employers to have strong clinical skills, more mature, and are considered quick in performing their jobs. Many of the graduates of these programs are encouraged to take roles positions as educators in the field of nursing to address the shortage of nurse faculty in the country.
The financial aid of the students of these degrees tends to be limited. However, several nursing practice settings collaborate with other school of nursing or organizations and provide tuition costs repayment to the graduates. This initiative serves as means of recruiting eligible or qualified nurses. Among the healthcare systems and institutions, which enter into partnership with nursing schools include University of Missouri Health Care, Tenet Healthcare, North Carolina Baptist Hospital, Carondelet Health Network, University of Massachusetts Health Care, and Duke University Health System. Similarly, state and federal legislators are encouraged to increase their grant and scholarship funding for these programs.
Generally, accelerated nursing programs are considered the best or ideal option for career transition drivers for labor force segments affected by the country’s economic fluctuations.