There has never been a greater need for nurses than now. As the pandemic continues to drag on, the demand for skilled nurses continues to grow. Additionally, as the Baby Boomer generation ages, employment for nurses will increase. In fact, the RN workforce is expected to grow by 9 percent from 2020 to 2030. Those interested in helping fill the nursing shortage may find themselves eager to begin their career as soon as possible. Perhaps that is why you are here. You are considering an accelerated nursing degree.
Accelerated nursing programs are designed for aspiring nurses who are looking to make a career change and enter the nursing field. These individuals have a bachelor’s degree in another, non-nursing major, but are looking to get involved in patient care and get into the workforce fast. Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs enable them to do so quickly, without sacrificing a quality education.
Of course, not all accelerated nursing schools or programs are the same. So, how do you choose the right one for you? Here are some key factors to consider when choosing an accelerated nursing school program.
Accreditation
No matter what accelerated nursing program you choose, it must be accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The accreditation status of your nursing program can impact your eligibility to sit for licensing exams and apply for future jobs.
Accreditation guarantees that the education you receive will meet a collection of criteria and standards set forth by the panel of experts that make up the accrediting body. These criteria are put into place to make sure that students are provided with the resources, teachers, curriculum, and field-experience they need to be successful upon graduation.
Financial Aid Options
Whether you’re a first-time college student or you’re pursuing a new career, it’s important to look for a program that offers its students financial aid options as well as advice. At University of Bridgeport, the Office of Student Financial Services views paying for college as a partnership. Prospective students are guided through the financial aid process and provided with the information they need to fund their education through scholarships, loans, and grants.
Degree Options
Every nursing student’s path to a career is different. Some nursing students begin their careers immediately after completing their Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN) degree. Others are drawn to the field after first embarking upon a different career path, through an accelerated nursing program. Some nursing students even decide that they want to pursue graduate study, making it important that your future nursing school offers a variety of degree paths and options to choose from. At University of Bridgeport, students have the option to choose from the following degree paths:
Comprehensive Coursework
The best accelerated nursing school will prepare students for professional life, as well as career advancement. The best way to ensure that you’re ready for the specialized job of nursing is to make sure that your future nursing program provides its students with the curriculum and training you’ll need to provide a high standard of care. Classes should include coursework in Health Maintenance, Research, Nutrition, Pharmacology, and Assessment. Additionally, students who pursue the accelerated BSN should be prepared for eventually filling management positions. As such, their degree should provide training in Leadership and Management.
Clinical Experience
One of the key ways in which a nursing program can prepare its graduates for professional life is by providing them with adequate clinical training and experience in the field. Make sure whichever accelerated nursing school program you select provides its students with the kind of networking possibilities and clinical experience you’ll need to enter the career prepared. University of Bridgeport’s School of Nursing has a strong clinical outreach program, for example. Students can receive clinical training at a variety of sites, including local hospitals such as Bridgeport Hospital. Clinical hours at University of Bridgeport can also include training in the laboratory as well as simulation experiences.
NCLEX-RN Exam Preparation
All states require that nurses earn their licensure by passing the NCLEX-RN examination. It’s important, then, that prospective nurses pursue their studies at a program that has a reputation for providing adequate preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam. An easy way to learn whether or not your school has a good track record for exam preparation is to consult your prospective school’s examination pass rate. University of Bridgeport has been approved by the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing and graduates of the accelerated BSN program are prepared and eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
An accelerated nursing school is ideal for students who are looking to make a career change, sooner rather than later. After a mere 15 months, students can take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and begin exploring professional options. However, expediency is not the most important requirement when considering an accelerated nursing program. Instead, when exploring your options for school you should consider whether your prospective programs will support you, prepare you, and position you for success. With those factors in mind, you can set yourself up for success.
Interested in nursing school in CT? Learn more about how University of Bridgeport’s School of Nursing can help you pursue your career in nursing!