Choosing Your Path to Nursing School

On the Road to Nursing School

What if I told you that you could earn your BSN degree and start working as a nurse about a year later? This appeal, among others, is what attracts many hopeful nurses to join an accelerated nursing program, as opposed to a traditional one. However, some may be unaware of what exactly they must trade in their personal life to reap the rewards of this investment. By distinguishing between traditional and accelerated nursing programs, students can choose which program is more suitable for the type of student they are and what will fit their needs.

Traditional vs. Accelerated Programs

"Madonna’s ABSN vs Traditional BSN Programs" by Madonna University

Both traditional and accelerated programs lead to BSN degrees but differ in the length of time it takes, and consequently, how much work students do within that timeframe. Because each school has their own program requirements and curriculum, it’s important to research the nursing schools you’re interested in to identify their definition of a traditional or accelerated program.

A traditional program takes longer to complete and can range from a 3-4 years, including general education and nursing classes, that is offered to students majoring in pre-nursing. Meanwhile, an accelerated program has more restrictions and is faster paced. It may take 12-20 months to complete, typically with summer semesters, and may be more competitive due to limited enrollment each semester. In some schools, more online courses would be incorporated and may only be offered to those who have a degree in another subject. Again, these definitions differ for each school, but it’s important to note these differences to determine an optimal learning environment.

How This Affects Your Decision

An outline of my school's nursing program courses, credits, and clinical hours. Note: The program's considered traditional but follows a schedule more similar to an accelerated program.

When choosing a nursing program, consider the changes you need to make in your daily routine, especially for accelerated programs. Although it takes less time to complete, it requires more student involvement. By taking more credits and having shorter breaks in between semesters, students are easily overwhelmed by the increased workload.

As more time is devoted in reading, studying for exams, writing papers, and going to hospital clinicals, you may need to find ways to manage other priorities, such as working less hours or finding assistance in taking care of family. It is not uncommon for faculty members to even discourage students to work while in the program, as stated by the dean and chair of AACN Board of Directors in this article (Boivin). Financial expenses may also be a concern, especially for summer semesters, which may cost more. However, those in accelerated programs were found to be more prepared in critical thinking and test taking as they performed better in the HESI exit exam (taken near the end of nursing programs) than those in the traditional nursing program, demonstrated by this dissertation study (Livingston).

A contract I signed during my application process into the nursing program.

Because of this, nursing programs should consider providing both traditional and accelerated options for students. Students in traditional programs may want to experience less pressure as the courses are more spaced out, allowing more time to understand the content. Meanwhile, accelerated program students may be more ambitious and motivated to earn their degree faster.

Choosing Your Path

Despite these differences, both programs are still challenging. However, choosing the path you’ll take to nursing school is dependent on the type of nursing programs offered, knowing what kind of student you are, and what will fit your lifestyle to best accommodate your needs. Both programs are difficult but equally important in deciding your path in becoming a future nurse.

Sources:

Boivin, Janet. "Is an Accelerated Nursing Program Right for You?" American Nurse Today, 27 July 2017, www.americannursetoday.com/accelerated-nursing-program-right/. Accessed 11 Oct. 2019.

Livingston, Jerry L. A Nationwide Comparison of Academic Achievement between Accelerated and Traditional BSN Nursing Students. 2013. Capella University, PhD Dissertation. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Accessed 11 Oct. 2019.

Madonna University. "Madonna’s ABSN vs. Traditional BSN Programs." Digital image. Madonna ABSN, 7 Dec. 2017, absn.madonna.edu/blog/absn-vs-traditional-bsn-right/. Accessed 11 Oct. 2019.