Is an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Worth it?
Overview of Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree Program
Have you ever considered going back for more nurse training? What advantages might a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) offer you and what could you accomplish with it, as far as your career is concerned?
As nursing duties continue to extend into specialized fields, requiring an ability to use advanced technology in equipment and devices, knowledge of rehabilitation therapies, public relations and administrative skills, a BSN has become the most desired degree program for securing a good position in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities and home health agencies. All nursing education requires knowledge of nursing, nutrition, anatomy, chemistry, physiology, as well as social and behavioral sciences. A BSN extends beyond the preliminary requirements to include communications, leadership, and advanced studies in the sciences.
A bachelor’s degree generally requires four years of study. An accelerated BSN allows students to accomplish their objectives in a shorter time frame, by combining bridge courses with their core study disciplines. Accelerated BSN programs require a lot of commitment to their study program. Although they receive the same credits as a traditional program, it is a full-time study curriculum, with no in-between breaks. It is an involved task, but a rewarding one for those who can last for the long-term.
Who takes Accelerated BSN Programs?
Typically, an accelerated BSN study program is offered to students who have already completed an initial degree program or those who want to acquire a second degree. The prerequisites are rigid. Applying students must have maintained at least a 3.0 grade point average and have gone through a screening process.
Students with a prior degree are generally not required to take the liberal arts disciplines of the degree program. Although, most undergraduates are skilled in the arts and social sciences portion of the program, they often cannot meet the requirements in the natural sciences, such as anatomy and microbiology. Students considering accelerated programs often take a few of the natural science requisites to jump start them in their intensive course studies.
How do Accelerated BSN Programs Benefit Me?
Accelerated programs often appeal to students who have completed their bachelor’s degree and would like a second degree program or an accelerated Masters. Often, they have financial obligations and limited time for acquiring the credentials. The accelerated classes involve as many clinical hours as a traditional program, but the hours are closer together, providing an intense, in depth experience.
There is a supportive network of health care facilities and agencies that support the diligence and determination of students who take accelerated programs, recognizing the outstanding merits of student dedication. There are some scholarships available and a number of institutions committed to the placement of students who have earned their bachelorette or better by taking accelerated programs.
While accelerated programs have been highly successful, there are a few drawbacks. Some students find the accelerated pace too exhaustive and fall back into more traditional studies. Age and level of experience can be challenging to the instructors. While most are young, some students have already worked professionally and must deal with the transition of returning to a school discipline.
