| Accelerated learning programs are increasingly gaining | | | | saved and the ability to begin a nursing career |
| in popularity. In recent years, a number of new | | | | without having to go through four years of studying. |
| programs within a wider range of professions have | | | | Disadvantages |
| become available to those looking to further their | | | | There is no doubt that an accelerated nursing school |
| education. Among these newer programs is the ability | | | | program is the ideal option for many students. |
| to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. While | | | | However, it is not the right choice for everyone. |
| the idea of obtaining a nursing degree quickly is very | | | | Before making a decision, it is important to consider |
| attractive, an accelerated program may not be for | | | | some potential drawbacks and decide if they apply |
| everyone. Below, some of the advantages and | | | | to your situation. |
| disadvantages associated with enrolling in an | | | | The shorter time frame for completing the |
| accelerated nursing school program are discussed. | | | | coursework can be grueling. Even when the program |
| Advantages | | | | includes flexible scheduling for attending lectures, |
| There are also options when it comes to class | | | | labwork, and taking exams, there is often very little |
| scheduling and settling on the right learning | | | | time left for anything else. For those who have to |
| environment. Students can select programs that | | | | work while earning the degree, a nursing program of |
| occur in a traditional classroom setting, take place | | | | this type can be physically and mentally demanding. In |
| online, or participate in a combination of the two. | | | | many cases, it would be better to pursue the degree |
| Students who need to work while pursuing a degree | | | | part time by taking classes a few nights each week |
| often find that the online learning works best for | | | | with some weekend course work. While this course |
| them. Many fully accredited schools offer online | | | | of action might take longer to complete the |
| studies in nursing, some without any minimum | | | | coursework and earn the degree, there is a much |
| requirement of hours spent on the actual campus. | | | | less chance of experiencing a burnout while you work |
| While some may wonder if an accelerated nursing | | | | toward your goal. |
| school program thoroughly covers all of the basics, | | | | Many accelerated nursing programs require that the |
| the coursework is just as demanding and | | | | candidate already hold a degree of some type. This |
| comprehensive as that associated with a traditional | | | | makes it much easier to focus on core courses |
| four-year program. In fact, high quality accelerated | | | | directly related to the subject matter. For this |
| nursing programs are specifically structured to meet | | | | reason, anyone who does not already hold a degree, |
| the standards imposed by most licensing | | | | or have at least basic credits that will transfer and |
| organizations. Students who successfully complete | | | | satisfy the general education requirements of the |
| accelerated studies are just as likely to secure a | | | | sponsor school, will not be eligible. Before making the |
| license with the same ease as a student who went | | | | decision to go with an accelerated nursing degree |
| through a four-year course of study. | | | | program, make sure you meet all the criteria required |
| For many students, cost is one of the biggest | | | | before you actually apply. Doing so will save you both |
| factors that come up when considering an | | | | time and money. |
| accelerated nursing school program. While some | | | | One other potential drawback to the accelerated |
| programs appear to be more expensive than the | | | | nursing school program is that there is not often time |
| traditional route, a closer look at the overall expense | | | | to work as a patient tech or devote to a full |
| usually reveals a different story. When the actual | | | | externship. While some feel that this is not a |
| cost between the accelerated program and a | | | | problem, others find that the time devoted to this |
| traditional four-year program are compared, there is | | | | type of on the job experience makes the transition |
| often very little difference and, sometimes, none at | | | | from the classroom to working world as a nurse a |
| all. What is different between the two are the time | | | | little easier. |