1 year accelerated bsn programs online

Last Updated on August 25, 2023

To take the stress off you and make it easier, the article below brings you the latest & best information on 1 year accelerated bsn programs online, accelerated nursing programs & accelerated bsn programs for non nurses.

You will also find related posts on distance accelerated bsn online, second degree nursing programs without prerequisites, list of second degree nursing programs, cheapest online accelerated bsn programs, online accelerated adn programs & online bsn programs without rn on infolearners.

Accelerated Nursing Degree | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

With the near-constant barrage of news stories touting the life-changing work of nurses, growing demand for nurses, and respectable pay BSN-educated nurses can earn — it is not surprising there is so much interest in the nursing profession right now. This has many highly motivated career changers wondering how they can become an RN in one year.

While some articles may give the impression it is possible to become an RN in a year, the claim is nonetheless misleading. We should know. As one of the few universities to offer a 12-month Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program for non-nurses, we can understand why prospective students might be confused.

This blog post will help to separate fact from fiction, so you have a better (and more realistic) understanding of the process and timeframe for becoming a registered nurse.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3A6jU274iU

Earning a BSN Degree is Not the Same as Becoming an RN

Chances are that when you hear someone talking about becoming an RN in just a year, what they are talking about is earning a BSN degree in one year, which is possible assuming you meet all of the prerequisite course requirements (more on that later). With Mercer University’s Accelerated BSN program in Atlanta, Georgia, you can graduate ready to sit for the NCLEX in as few as 12 months. However, notice that we said “ready to sit for the NCLEX.”

Unlike many fields, where you are free to start a job immediately following graduation (or in some cases, before you even finish school), graduating from a reputable, accredited nursing program is but one part of becoming an RN — albeit a significant part. In order to earn RN licensure, following graduation, you must register for (and subsequently pass) the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (or NCLEX-RN). Keep in mind that you will be given a test date within 30 days of scheduling your appointment; however, should you wish to have extra time to study, you may opt to take the test at a later date.

Depending on your state, you may be able to get your “unofficial” results within two business days of taking the NCLEX. However, be aware that it can take up to six weeks to receive your official results, which will also be sent directly to your state board of nursing. Only then will you receive licensure (assuming you passed).

So Can You Become an RN in One Year?

As you can see from doing the math, while it is accurate to say that you can earn a nursing degree in a year, achieving licensure can take an additional few months, making it inaccurate to say that you can become an RN in one year.

Still, when you consider that students in traditional, campus-based BSN programs spend up to four years in school prior to taking the NCLEX, or that even many accelerated nursing programs take at least 16 months, earning a BSN degree in as few as 12 months is quite impressive.

How Prerequisites Play into the Time it Takes to Earn a BSN Degree

Another issue that could impact the time it takes to become an RN is completing prerequisites. While traditional BSN programs include prerequisite coursework in their curriculums, Accelerated BSN programs do not include these courses, and for good reason.

ABSN programs allow students to earn their bachelor’s in nursing sooner because they leverage your previous education — in the case of Mercer ABSN, a previous non-nursing bachelor’s degree. However, because these prerequisites are foundational courses (for example, anatomy, statistics, pathophysiology) that many applicants already have, they are not built into the program curriculum.

As a general rule, applicants with a bachelor of science degree tend to fulfill more of the required coursework than do prospective students with a bachelor of arts degree. That is because many science degrees, such as biology, share the same foundational courses — nursing included.

Of course, there is one other consideration when it comes to prerequisites: when you earned your previous degree. Certain prerequisites courses play an especially important role in your understanding of nursing concepts. As a result, these courses must have been taken within the past five years in order to apply.

Do not worry if you have not taken all of the prerequisites or some are out of date, though. When you talk to a Mercer ABSN enrollment counselor, he or she can help you develop a plan for completing any outstanding prerequisites.

Best Online Accelerated BSN Programs – 2021

An accelerated Bachelor of Science degree in nursing is designed to help people who currently hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field to begin meeting the requirements to become an RN. This type of degree program prepares students to perform tasks that are related to patient care and education. Students in these programs also learn the material that they need to know to pass the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. The nursing industry is currently experiencing one of its biggest booms in history since the aging population has increased the demand for competent nurses. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the job outlook for nurses is increasing around 13 percent, which is a faster than average rate. Students can quickly work their way toward becoming a nurse through online accelerated BSN programs that help them finish their second degree and begin working in their chosen profession. You can find out everything you need to know about the Best Online Accelerated BSN Programs for 2021 if you continue reading.

RECOMMENDED ONLINE RN TO BSN PROGRAMS

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What Factors Were Considered for Ranking the Best Accelerated Online BSN Programs?

FactorWeightage
Academic Quality30%
Affordability25%
Editorial Team Rating25%
Online Education Presence20%
Click Here to View the Detailed Ranking Methodology

FOLLOWING ARE THE 10 BEST ONLINE ACCELERATED BSN PROGRAMS IN THE NATION FOR 2021

1) University of Texas – Arlington, TX

If you are exploring accelerated online BSN programs, you can check out the University of Texas’s blended ABSN program, wherein you complete the coursework online and undergo in-person clinical training at healthcare facilities located within the state of Texas. As this program is meant for students with a bachelor’s in a non-nursing field, your past education will be acknowledged, for which you will be provided a transfer option of up to 70 credits. These credits are basically the pre-requisite courses that are required to be completed before you start the nursing courses. In case these courses haven’t been completed earlier, you can take them online; however, you must do so before the start of the nursing coursework.

Students usually complete this program in 15 months and embark on a rewarding nursing career. Once enrolled, you will complete 14 nursing courses that comprise 51 credits. Additionally, there are two elective courses, out of which you are required to complete one based on your interest. The curriculum is well-rounded and systematically delivered in sequential order.Key Highlights

• The program offers a pay-by-the course tuition payment option. With this flexibility of paying per course, you can pay for your tuition by taking up a part-time job.
• The college is known for its impressive NCLEX-RN performance, and its first-time pass rates consistently exceed 90%.

2) Methodist College – Peoria, IL

Methodist College prepares nursing aspirants with rigorous training that combines online day classes with weekend face-to-face lectures and clinical experience sessions. These in-person sessions prove to be beneficial as you are given ample hands-on practice that will thoroughly hone your professional skills. You can choose to complete this ABSN degree either on a part-time or full-time basis. Full-timers will progress through the program as a cohort and complete it in five consecutive semesters. Whereas, as a part-time student, you will not be part of a cohort as you will be completing the coursework at your own pace.

To gain eligibility, you must have earned your non-nursing bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Offered in fall and spring, you must complete a 70-credit curriculum to earn your degree. The coursework starts with an introduction to nursing; after that, it takes you through evidence-based nursing education that prepares you for culturally relevant nursing practice. Upon completion of the coursework, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam.Key Highlights

• The program provides you with an internship opportunity in Peoria. This experience in a real-world clinical setting exposes you to valuable hands-on learning. You can also use this opportunity to build up your professional network.
• If you plan to work while pursuing this program, you must know that you are expected to spare at least 3 to 6 hours of study time each week, apart from your regular class schedule.

3) Kent State University – Kent, OH

If you feel nursing is your calling and you are keen on making a career shift, then Kent State University’s partially online ABSN degree can be considered. There are three schedules to choose from, day, evening, and weekend. Depending on your life schedule, you can enroll and complete this program in four to five semesters. As you are required to visit the campus for in-person classes and lab simulation exercises, it is advised that you stay closer to the college.

You are eligible for this program only if you have earned a minimum GPA of 2.75 in your bachelor’s and completed pre-requisite courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry. Additionally, a college-level course in algebra is also required.

The Bachelor of Science in nursing coursework, requiring completion of 59 credits, starts with nursing fundamentals and ends with a preparatory course for the NCLEX-RN exam. The program aims at developing critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and communication skills that prepare you for compassionate nursing practice.Key Highlights

• The college boasts of an average first time NCLEX-RN pass rate of more than 90%.
• Kent’s nursing graduates are highly regarded for being job-ready, and this is evident from the college’s impressive placement rate.

4) Emory University – Atlanta, GA

Emory University’s online second degree BSN is a recent addition to its already popular on-campus ABSN program. This distance learning program is meant for students residing in eligible states outside the Atlanta metro area. In just 54 weeks of study, you will be equipped with professional skills and knowledge that kick starts your nursing career. The program starts each year in September, January, and April. It is offered in a cohort format, where you complete one course at a time, along with your peers. You will typically take online classes every day, together with 30 other members.

To graduate, you must complete 47 credits in fast-paced coursework. To enhance critical thinking, the college facilitates an active learning environment that promotes a sense of inquiry by encouraging students to pose questions and raise issues related to nursing. You will spend the first five months taking foundation courses, followed by courses in health assessment, acute and chronic care, mental, maternal, pediatric, and adult nursing and community nursing.Key Highlights

• To ensure your success in this program, Emory makes you sign a pledge that you will not seek any part-time or full-time employment from the date of enrollment until your graduation.
• Although the program is primarily online, you are required to visit the campus for orientation, in the beginning, then later two sessions for lab simulation exercises that last for two weeks each and, one week for the capstone project, towards the end of the program.

25 Best Accelerated Nursing Programs Online [2021 BSN Guide]

5) Marian University-Indiana – Indianapolis, IN

Marian University is driven to help career changers succeed in their new career as a nurse. With a faith-based curriculum and convenience of online coursework that is well complemented by on-campus simulation experiences, you are prepared to serve patients with holistic nursing care. The on-site sessions are held twice a week at the college’s Indianapolis and Nashville campuses, so you must decide to enroll at the location most convenient to you.

The accelerated 16-month BSN curriculum spread over four semesters is designed to teach you job-ready skills. This is possible as you head straight into clinical rotations from the first semester itself. Throughout the coursework, you will gain deep insight into Marian values of holistic nursing care that treats the mind, body, and spirit. Please note you need to complete all the required prerequisite courses prior to applying for this program.Key Highlights

• With an emphasis on hands-on learning, your training includes 700 hours of clinical rotations at a variety of clinical settings. Depending on where you enroll, you will complete this experience at either St. Vincent or Saint Thomas Health.
• If you choose to complete the pre-requisite coursework online through Marian’s Adult Programs, you may be eligible to reserve a seat for yourself in this ABSN program.

6) Northeastern University – Boston, MA

If you are from a non-nursing background and find a calling in nursing, an ABSN program is what will get you started in this thriving field. Northwestern University’s accelerated program in BSN is a combination of online sessions, simulation learning, and clinical experiences. The program is rigorous in nature, and it is advised that you keep personal and professional commitments to the minimum during your course of study.

To graduate, you must earn 67 credits in a curriculum that teaches you to provide nursing care for a culturally and ethnically diverse population. You also master evidence-based nursing practice and the use of technology in healthcare. These 16 months of study that include clinical experiences in various nursing specialties such as pediatric, mental health, adult health, women’s health and community and public health, prepare you to work successfully in any kind of healthcare setting.Key Highlights

• Depending on where you enroll, you must be prepared to attend the simulation lab sessions at least once a week at either the Uptown Charlotte or Boston campus.
• This Online Accelerated BSN Program admits new cohorts in January, May, and September. You must apply at least two months before the program starts.

7) University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh, WI

Since it started offering the ABSN in 2003, the University of Wisconsin has helped almost 1100 students to shift their careers to nursing. The program is a well thought fast track option that prepares graduates with effective nursing skills and knowledge in the shortest possible time frame of just one year. Although primarily online, there are on-site requirements that you must adhere to. Precisely, the on-campus visits include a three-day weekend stay for an orientation before the start of the program, later on, you will spend two weeks to fulfill the simulation and clinical requirements, and towards the end, one week for the capstone project.

With the admission process being highly selective, you must ensure you have all the pre-requisites in place. The coursework starts with an introduction to professional nursing and progresses to teach you health assessment, evidence-based practice, legal and ethical care, mental health, adult, pediatric, maternal and community nursing, and nursing leadership and management. Upon completion of this program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN.Key Highlights

• To earn your degree within a year, you must complete one credit per week, which requires you to devote 8-12 hours every day.
• The attrition rate of the program being less than 1% tells that students find the teaching quite satisfactory.

8) Thomas Edison State University – Trenton, NJ

Thomas Edison State University’s partially online accelerated BSN program prepares you for a career in the ever-growing nursing field within a short span of twelve months. This program allows you to take classes through the web in an asynchronous manner. To be eligible for this program, you must have completed your previous degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Additionally, 33 credits in pre-requisite sciences and statistics courses with at least a grade of “B” must be completed to enhance your chances of admission.

The nursing coursework requires completing 60 credits, which include 25 credits for online didactic courses and 35 credits for in-person courses. The in-person sessions include five theoretical nursing courses, lab sessions, and clinical learning. Upon completion of this program, you will demonstrate enhanced clinical reasoning and interpersonal skills. The program also prepares you to use healthcare informatics to improve patient health outcomes.Key Highlights

• Three courses from this program can be transferred to the Master of Science of nursing program at TESU. In case you plan to advance your education, this seamless credit transfer can help save time and money with your MSN.
• If eligible, you can avail of a scholarship that is exclusively meant for ABSN students.

9) Roseman University of Health Sciences – Henderson, NV

Roseman University of Health Sciences caters to students seeking a second degree in nursing. The ABSN program is offered in a blended format and takes 18 months to complete. The online learning platform, through which most of the didactic courses are offered, allows you the convenience to log in at any time. The coursework is divided into 15 topics called blocks, wherein you focus on one block at a time. Depending on the topic, blocks may last anywhere from two to eight weeks.

If you have completed 54 credits of undergraduate coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.75, then you are eligible to take this program. Your coursework starts with an introduction to nursing and includes courses in health assessment, nursing pharmacology, nursing research, maternal and newborn nursing, mental health nursing, adult nursing, and nursing leadership.Key Highlights

• With the impetus on student’s success, the college assesses your coursework knowledge every two or three weeks. This systematic way of assessment will help you know the areas you have mastered and the ones you still need to work on.
• Former U.S. Armed Forces personnel enjoy special benefits such as military credit transfers, a dedicated faculty, and even earning course credits for some nursing courses by simply passing the tests.

10) University of Wyoming – Laramie, WY

The Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing, in partnership with the University of Wyoming Outreach School, offers an accelerated online nursing program for individuals holding a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field with a minimum GPA of 2.50. The curriculum is demanding, so you need to be highly motivated and follow a disciplined schedule to successfully complete this program. Although the majority of coursework is delivered online, during the beginning, you will be required to visit the campus for in-person classes. As part of the overall curriculum, you will also undergo several hours of clinical training at instructor approved healthcare settings located within the state of Wyoming.

This 58-credit hour program starts in May of each year and runs for 15 straight months, ending in August the following year. It covers core nursing subjects such as nursing care in acute and chronic illness, nursing care of populations, nursing leadership, healthcare informatics, evidence-based nursing, and pharmacology.Key Highlights

• Like most other online accelerated BSN programs, students applying must hold an active CNA or LPN license.
• The online coursework delivery of this program provides a great opportunity for students located in rural areas of Wyoming to become a registered nurse without having to re-locate to Laramie.

Other Best Online Healthcare Degree Programs

  • Accelerated BSN Programs
  • BSN to DNP Programs
  • DrPH Programs
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Programs
  • Masters In Gerontology Programs
  • Nurse Practitioner Programs
  • PhD in Nursing Programs
  • Physician Assistant Programs
  • RN to BSN Programs

Earn Your BSN Degree in as Few as 12 Months with Mercer ABSN

If you are considering switching careers to nursing and already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, Mercer University’s Accelerated BSN program could be your path to a life-changing career in nursing. To prepare you for this fast-paced and in-demand profession, our Atlanta-based second-degree nursing program features an academically rigorous blend of:

  • Online coursework designed to teach you the fundamentals of 21st-century nursing theory while affording you the flexibility to learn and study when and where it is convenient for you.
  • Hands-on skills and simulation labs set up to give you the skills, confidence, and clinical reasoning necessary to succeed in professional practice.
  • Clinical rotations specifically chosen to help familiarize you with a variety of healthcare settings and situations, all under the close supervision of an experienced clinical instructor.

Because you must pass the NCLEX-RN to practice as a registered nurse, Mercer ABSN features built-in test prep throughout the program. Every test you take during the program was written in the style of the NCLEX to help you prepare.

Ready to Make a Difference as a Mercer Nurse?

Give us a call at (844) 347-2108 today, or fill out the form to have an enrollment counselor contact you, to find out if Mercer ABSN is right for you.

Considering an Accelerated Nursing Program? Here’s What You Should Know

Higher institutions of learning are responding to the demands of society in the need for additional Registered Nurses (RNs) by offering accelerated degrees in nursing. These programs are designed for those who hold a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in areas other than nursing. Many schools offer an accelerated, or direct entry, program for a BA/BS to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN); fewer schools offer a BA/BS to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or BA/BS to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.

There has been a steady increase in the number of RNs with a bachelor’s degree over the past several years. One reason for this increase could be attributed to the fact that nurses with a bachelor’s degree report earning an average of $10,000 more per year than those nurses with a diploma or Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN). Additionally, many institutions are requiring their staff nurses to hold a minimum of a BSN even for direct patient care or charge nurse positions. In turn, these facilities are paying higher wages to attract and retain the bachelor’s-prepared nurse.

Accelerated nursing programs require a rigorous commitment to the program, which can run anywhere from 12 to 24 months, depending on the institution. Most schools offer traditional or hybrid tracks where courses are delivered on-campus with a few courses completed online. Those schools with traditional (weekday courses on the campus) tracks discourage their students from working during the accelerated program to foster an environment of less distractions and to aid in the overall success of completing the demanding coursework and clinical requirements.

Tuition for accelerated programs may vary from school to school. Public institutions, such as California State University, Fullerton, run close to $23,000 for tuition and fees. Private schools like Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, charge over $80,000 for their 15-month program. These tuitions and fees do not include other necessary items such as books, lab fees, uniforms, transportation to clinical sites, etc. Students must plan for several more thousand dollars to cover these additional items.

Prerequisites for accelerated programs also vary according to the school. For example, Samford University in Alabama requires those applying for the accelerated BSN program to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the past 10 years with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5. Additionally, the program requires the applicant to have completed a number of science courses including anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry. Most nursing programs also required students to complete the TEAS test and/or Critical Thinking tests prior to admission.

Coursework for the accelerated programs remains fairly stable as set forth by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the requirements for accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Courses may include:

  • Adult Health I, II, III
  • Pharmacology
  • Health Assessment and Promotion
  • Pathophysiology
  • Women’s Health Nursing
  • Child and Adolescent Health Nursing
  • Evidenced-Based Practice
  • Epidemiology for Population-Based Care
  • Inter-Professional Health Care Practices
  • Leadership in Nursing
  • Public Health Nursing
  • Psychiatric Nursing
  • Role Transition

In addition to the coursework, nursing students will also complete over 1,035 hours in clinical rotations through a variety of medical settings such as critical care, medical/surgical, emergency rooms, labor and delivery, pediatrics, psychiatry, and community health.

For those students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in another field, and now see the value that nursing has to offer, options such as accelerated nursing programs allow them to pursue that career at any stage in their life path. Accelerated nursing programs are an excellent way to complete a degree in nursing, in a short period of time, for a lifetime of reward and benefit.

Types of Accelerated Online BSN Programs

Because the terms “accelerated” and “fast-track” are rather general, it’s common to see several different types of accelerated online BSN programs available. Some of these programs are intended for those who are already practicing as registered nurses. Others are designed for those who want to become registered nurses, and still others are tailored for those who want to take the next step in their registered nursing career. Let’s take a look at the three most common types of online BSN programs offered in an accelerated format.

  • BSN second degree:
    This is by far the most popular type of accelerated online BSN program. Typical students are those with a bachelor’s degree who would like to change career tracks and move into nursing. The bulk of this guide will focus on this type of online BSN fast-track program.
  • BSN-MSN direct:
    The field of registered nursing doesn’t stop at the bachelor’s degree level. A master’s of science in nursing (MSN) degree can greatly expand what a registered nurse can do and lead to teaching, leadership, and advanced practice options. For those who are already registered nurses and want to earn their MSN as quickly as possible, the BSN to MSN direct pathway is a good choice.
  • RN-to-BSN bridge:
    Earning a bachelor’s degree can open up many more opportunities for practicing registered nurses looking for professional advancement. As a result, these bridge programs are specifically for students who already have their registered nursing license, but only have an associate degree or diploma and would like to earn a bachelor’s degree. To learn more about RN-to-BSN bridge programs, check out our RN-to-BSN page.

Should You Earn an Accelerated BSN Online?

Earning a degree in less time seems like a no-brainer, but there is a trade-off. Accelerated programs save time because they have much more demanding and rigorous curricula and learning schedules. While this can allow graduates to start working as a registered nurse sooner, it means there will be less time available during the program for students to take care of other personal or professional obligations. Before applying to an accelerated program, make sure it’s right for you.

  • An accelerated online BSN might be a great fit if…
    1. …you have a successful academic record: Because accelerated programs pose greater academic challenges than traditional programs, admissions committees look for applicants who can demonstrate past academic success. Students with an excellent GPA in their prior bachelor’s degree will usually feel at home in an accelerated program.
    2. …you want to work as a registered nurse as quickly as possible: For anyone looking for a new career as a registered nurse, there is no faster way to that professional goal than the BSN as a second degree accelerated option. In fact, graduates could be working as registered nurses as little as 18 months after beginning the program.
    3. …you have excellent time management and organizational skills: The biggest challenge of an accelerated program is being able to complete the coursework at a faster pace. This requires a special level of organizational skills that not every student will have. But for those who have strong focus, are goal-driven, and can multi-task effectively, the accelerated BSN online degree option is a great opportunity to learn as efficiently as possible.
  • An accelerated online BSN might be a poor fit if…

Key Details of the Fast-Track Online BSN

A BSN program for those who already have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing area of study is essentially a bachelor’s degree program with the first two years cut out. With general education credits out of the way, the remaining curriculum focuses on major-related courses.

What makes an online BSN program accelerated is the fact that these two years are condensed into 12 to 18-month time period. The program will begin with foundational courses about nursing practice and medicine, and clinicals will begin quickly, sometimes as early as the first semester. For an idea of what accelerated BSN nursing students can expect, check out the following timeline.

TermCourses# Credits
Semester 1Introduction to Profession Nursing, Nursing Practice I (including clinical), Diversity in Healthcare, Nursing Practice II (including clinical)15
Semester 2Pathophysiology I, Pathophysiology II, Adult Nursing Care I (including clinical), Pharmacology I, Pharmacology II, Nursing and Mental Health I (including clinical), Nursing and Mental Health II (including clinical)16
Semester 3Adult Nursing Care II (including clinical), Adult Nursing Care III (including clinical), Women’s Heath (including clinical), Pediatric Nursing (including clinical) Healthcare Research16
Semester 4Complex Adult Nursing Care I (including clinical), Complex Adult Nursing Care II (including clinical), Community Health I (including clinical), Community Health II (including clinical), Professional Nurse Leadership and Management16

How Does Earning a Fast-Track BSN Work Online?

The typical accelerated online BSN program for pre-licensure students (i.e. those without a nursing license or other healthcare experience) consists of both classroom and in-person elements. The in-person element primarily includes clinicals, also known as “practicums.” There may also be laboratory requirements in which students may need to complete certain classroom requirements on campus.

The classroom elements are almost always available 100% online. Students can complete these at their own pace to some extent, given the expediency in which classwork must be completed. But most programs were designed around the idea that students learn best as a group. To facilitate that group learning, many programs teach students as a cohort.

To allow for effective collaborative learning online, program administrators ensure students will have multiple opportunities to interact with each other and their professors. How this is done depends on the program, but begins with the use of learning management software. This software sets up the course materials for the students, such as lectures, electronic handouts, and assessments. Students can also expect the use of video conferencing software like Facetime or Skype, online chatrooms, and message boards.

The In-Person Clinicals

Because incoming students will have little to no nursing experience, they can expect to take the full gamut of clinicals. While it would be nice to earn a BSN 100% online, given the hands-on nature of the nursing field, extensive in-person training is necessary.

In most online programs, the coursework will be mostly or entirely online. Then there are in-person clinicals that students must complete before graduation. Some programs require completion of the clinicals at predetermined sites near the physical location of the school. Others will allow students to choose their own clinical locations close to them; in this case, students will have to obtain prior approval from program officials first.

For especially driven nursing students who make a great impression, it’s possible to turn clinical experiences into post-graduate employment opportunities. Nurse managers in charge of hiring tend to gravitate toward applicants they already know, such as those they meet through interactions during a clinical rotation.

In the vast majority of situations, students will learn a tremendous amount of information through their clinicals. However, this learning can sometimes be inhibited when nursing students are assigned bad preceptors. A bad preceptor can lead to missed learning opportunities through hands-on experience. In extreme cases, this can lead to the unauthorized practice of medicine or injured patients due to lack of appropriate supervision. If a nursing student believes he or she has a bad preceptor, they should follow the policy in place to deal with such a situation. Usually this consists of getting in touch with the professor of the course attached to the clinical or the preceptor’s instructor.

Can You Get into an Accelerated Online BSN?

Though there are many nursing programs out there happy to provide aspiring students with a chance to prove what they can do, the accelerated online BSN programs are a bit different. Given the program’s challenging nature, along with the fact that incoming students will have little to no background in nursing, admissions committees are extra careful in who they select. The highly competitive applications process requires that students find some way to stand out from the pack.

Keep in mind that admissions committees often look for students who will be the best bet to uphold the school and program’s reputations. When a student has to drop out, it’s a losing proposition for not just the student, but the school as well. For example, it can potentially affect accreditation, ranking, and standing in the professional community. This doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get into without a 4.0 GPA, but it does mean applicants need to be serious about the application process and do everything they can to present themselves in the best light possible. Here are some points that can help.

Undergraduate GPA

The best way for admissions officers to predict an applicant’s future success is to examine their prior academic history. The better this history is, the more confident a program will be in tendering an offer of acceptance. The single most important measure of academic success is the GPA. While there’s more to a good education than grades, it’s the simplest and most objective measure available during the application process.

How to stand out:
Unfortunately, by the time a nursing applicant is applying to nursing school, the prior GPA is already determined. However, applicants who are worried about their GPA can use their personal statement or interview as an opportunity to explain how the former GPA doesn’t accurately reflect their current academic ability. After all, the student has probably learned more and matured a bit since those courses were taken.

Prerequisite Courses

The field of nursing is based primarily on science and math. So before beginning their BSN nursing education, applicants must show they have a sound educational background in basic scientific and mathematical principles. This is why all accredited BSN nursing programs require the completion of similar prerequisites.

How to stand out:
Getting the best grades possible in these courses can really help students stand out, especially if their overall GPA in their first bachelor’s degree isn’t the best.

Applicant enthusiasm

Everyone likes to feel important, including admissions officials. So it’s no surprise that all else being equal, the more an applicant wants to attend a particular school or program, the more likely they will get accepted. While making it clear that a particular school is the applicant’s first choice won’t automatically get them in, it can be a deciding factor between two similar applications.

How to stand out:
Applicants can set up a school visit to or participate in an online webinar. Programs love showing off what they have to offer. It provides an opportunity for applicants to further express their enthusiasm for a particular school and adds a personal touch by attaching a face and personality to the application.

Letters of recommendation

Recommendations are not always required, but help the applicant by providing a slightly less biased account of the student’s abilities.

How to stand out:
Finding someone who can write a strong letter is important, but that’s just the start. To make sure the recommender’s letter is as good as it can be, ask them as early in the application cycle as possible. This provides ample time for them to think about how to best write the letter and avoids making the applicant look unprepared.

Personal statement

In many applications, this essay is the primary avenue for the applicant to stand out on a personal level. It also provides a potential opportunity to explain any potential issues, such as a low GPA.

How to stand out:
Applicants can use the personal statement as their chance to express things that go beyond filling out the typical application, such as why they want to enter the nursing field, why they chose to apply to a particular program, or what they learned from a past mistake that shows up on their admissions application. Individuals should make the most of this opportunity by taking their time writing the essay, including starting early and having other people read it and provide feedback.

How Much Does an Online Accelerated BSN Cost?

Earning an accelerated BSN degree online is a substantial financial investment. Compared to traditional accelerated BSN programs offered on campus, the cost of obtaining an online BSN degree at an accelerated rate is about the same. However, compared to traditional BSN programs that aren’t accelerated, online accelerated BSN degrees tend to be more expensive, at least in the short term. To give prospective nursing students an idea of what to expect in tuition, we’ve compiled the following short list of programs and their tuition rates.

Accelerated BS Nursing | Fairleigh Dickinson University

It’s important to keep in mind that the bottom line can be affected by a wide variety of factors, such as financial aid, scholarships, or fees.

1Xavier University, Accelerated BSN$41,580/year or $880/credit.
2Emory University, Distance Accelerated BSN$69,900/year or $1,487/credit.
3University of Rochester, Accelerated Bachelor’s Program for Non-Nurses$69,600/year or $1,420/credit.
4UMass Dartmouth, Second Degree Accelerated BS in Nursing$31,633/year or $679/credi

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