How Long Is an Accelerated Nursing Program?

Nurses are one of the most integral parts of healthcare systems around the world, and nursing is among the top fields of study in higher education.

There are many different kinds of nursing programs and institutions from which to choose.

One popular style of nursing program is an accelerated nursing program, a program designed to be completed more quickly than a traditional one.

These programs come with many benefits.

But how long is an accelerated nursing program?

That depends on many factors.

The length of an accelerated nursing program will vary by institution, but in general, they will take between 12 and 24 months, or one to two years, to complete.

Many programs bill themselves as taking less than two years to finish.

In this article, we will explore how long accelerated nursing programs tend to take, as well as some of their benefits, and answer some other frequently asked questions.

How Long is an Accelerated Nursing Program?

The length of an accelerated nursing program depends on many factors.

Take for example the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Brenau University, which takes 16 months to complete.

In general, the average completion time for an accelerated nursing program will be between one to two years.

Factors to Consider

Here are some things to consider when calculating how long it will take to complete an accelerated nursing program.

Institution

Every college and university is different, so carefully consider your choices before enrolling anywhere.

Completion time for degrees is not always universal across institutions.

If one says their accelerated nursing program can be completed in one year, that does not necessarily mean every school's program can be.

If one year is the goal, pick a school where that is possible.

Program Requirements

Pay close attention to program requirements.

A program may advertise itself as able to be completed in one year, but there may be some pretty specific requirements to meet that time frame, ones that aren't always possible for everyone to fulfill.

Carefully review the requirements and make a decision based on which program's requirements are achievable.

Personal Ability

Personal ability is just as important to consider as anything else.

Just because something is possible does not mean it is a good idea for everyone, and some programs are too rigorous for most students.

If you push yourself so hard that you are completely burnt out, an accelerated program will not be worth it.

Ultimately, a more moderately-paced program may be the right choice for many prospective students.

What to Expect from an Accelerated Nursing Program

Here are some of the characteristics of accelerated nursing programs to expect.

Rigorous Curriculum

With accelerated programs, the curriculum will be even more challenging than a traditional program.

All the same, skills must be learned, and all the same course requirements fulfilled, but this will be done in half the time or less.

Going into an accelerated nursing program, students should expect a rigorous curriculum and an intense pace.

Labs

Labs are a key part of accelerated nursing programs.

This is where students will get to learn and practice with hands-on experience, getting their first chance to experience what they have learned in coursework firsthand.

Instructors will guide students through labs, and this will lead them into another important part of their degree: clinical rotations.

Clinical Rotations

Clinical rotations are similar to an internship; it's when nursing students will be able to use their skills in the real world.

Students will complete clinical rotations at healthcare facilities, working alongside nurses and doctors.

This is the true opportunity to utilize all that has been learned in coursework and labs.

Benefits of an Accelerated Nursing Program

Here are some of the benefits of completing an accelerated nursing program.

Finish Your Degree Faster

This is the most obvious benefit of an accelerated nursing program. It's much faster than a traditional program.

Whereas bachelor's programs usually take four years or more, an accelerated nursing program can be completed in one to two years.

More Focused

This is one of the benefits of working at a much faster pace.

Students working with more demanding schedules will be more focused. Rather than spreading the work across four years, it will be one to two years of intense concentration.

Career Advancement

This is not exclusive to an accelerated program but is an overall benefit of achieving a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

This accomplishment will lead to new job opportunities, potential promotions, and higher salaries.

It is becoming more common for entry-level nursing positions to require applicants to have a bachelor's degree.

An accelerated nursing program is a great way to get there quickly.

Better Health Outcomes

Improved health outcomes are another benefit that is not exclusive to accelerated nursing programs but is integral to bachelor's degrees in nursing.

With additional education, training, and experience, nurses will be able to provide even better care for their patients.

Ultimately, this is the most important aspect of nursing and what draws most to the field to begin with.

What is the Shortest Nursing Program?

The lowest rank of the nurse is a CN or a certified nursing assistant.

This position requires a certification, completion of an exam, and state licensure. This can usually be completed in fairly short weeks-long programs.

What is the Difference Between Nursing and Nursing Accelerated?

The difference between a typical nursing degree and an accelerated nursing program is that the accelerated program will require a much faster pace.

Typically, an accelerated program will take about half the time or less of a traditional nursing program.

How Fast Can I Complete Nursing School?

This depends on the type of nursing program enrolled in, as there are many different types.

For a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, which typically takes four years, the fastest way to complete it is through an accelerated nursing program.

An accelerated nursing program typically takes between one to two years.

What Degree is Needed to Be an RN?

Licensure requirements for registered nurses vary depending on the state.

It is becoming increasingly common for a bachelor's degree in nursing to be required for licensure.

If you are interested in becoming an RN, inquire about licensure requirements with the Department of Health in the state you wish to practice.

Find an Accelerated Nursing Program Today

Now that you know more about how long an accelerated nursing program takes to complete, as well as some of its benefits, find the right one for you today!