Accelerated Nursing Programs

Accelerated nursing programs are a great option for individuals with bachelor’s or master’s degrees interested in changing careers and entering the nursing field. These types of programs are available to individuals of any educational background as long as they have completed their degree. They are not exclusive to those with a degree in a healthcare related field.

The need for nurses has just about reached crisis leaves. If it hasn’t quite yet, it will in the very near future. By the year 2018, which is fewer than 10 years away, there will one million available jobs. This is an incredible figure. Unfortunately, the industry is not on pace to fill the upcoming vacancies. In order to get on pace, the Federal government, nursing schools and employers are looking for creative ways to attract and train people for the profession. Accelerated nursing programs are one way that they are attempting to do so.

Accelerated nursing programs make it easy for individuals to transition from one field to another. They are also the fastest way for a person that has already obtained either a bachelor’s or graduate degree in a major other than one on nursing, to become a RN. A person that enters an accelerated baccalaureate program can finish their degree in 11 to 18 months.

An accelerated master’s degree program typically takes about 3 years. There are obviously perks associated with obtaining a master’s degree in nursing, a higher salary and more prestige are two of the most notable ones.

Most states have accelerated nursing programs. As of now, 43 states do, in addition to Guam and the District of Columbia. There are currently more than 230 accelerated baccalaureate programs and more than 60 master’s level programs, with additional ones in the works

The internet is a great place to find accelerated nursing programs. Individuals will be able to easily locate and identify those in their immediate area. They will also be able to learn more those programs they are most interested in, i.e., the school’s pre-requisites, requirements, costs, etc., without having to leave the comfort of their own home.

Surprisingly, obtaining financial aid can sometimes be a challenge for accelerated nursing programs. The funding simply isn’t there. However, that may soon be changing. Because of the severe nursing shortage, some employers are making available tuition repayment programs to those who complete their degree. Health care systems and hospitals, desperate for nurses are doing the same.

Individuals with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a field other than healthcare, interested in becoming a nurse, should take a close look at accelerated nursing programs. They provide entry into the field in an expedited manner.