What to Consider About an Accelerated BSN Program

Seeking a career change? Consider the fast track to a rewarding career in nursing. Whether it’s for the reward of patient care, the variety and trajectory of job opportunities, or the stability of a high-demand field — we’ll help you discover if our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is right for you. Read on for ten things to consider when choosing a career change to the field of nursing.

1. What is an Accelerated BSN nursing program?

An accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is one of the fastest pathways to becoming a registered nurse. You can apply for the program with any non-nursing bachelor’s degree. As a student, you will enjoy the flexibility of online lecture courses blended with hands-on experience with the latest medical technology, including high-fidelity robotic patient mannequins, life-like synthetic cadavers, and realistic clinical environments. This rigorous, accelerated program is designed to prepare students to sit for the NCLEX in as little as 20 months.

Learn more about the leadership opportunities, job security, and earning potential of an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing in our article on the Top 4 Benefits of an Accelerated BSN Degree.

2. Is an aBSN program the same as a BSN program?

While traditional BSN programs require four years to complete, our rigorous accelerated BSN program is designed to prepare you to sit for the NCLEX in as little as 20 months. That means you’ll be prepared for the RN licensure exam and ready to start your career months ahead of students taking the traditional BSN route.

An Accelerated BSN requires more speed and academic rigor than a traditional 4-year BSN program — and timing is everything. According to the AACN’s 2019 Annual Report, almost half of employers now require new nurses to have a BSN degree, while 88% strongly prefer it. Our accelerated BSN program provides you with the solid foundation you need to quickly enter this lifesaving field.

3. How long is an accelerated BSN program?

The length of our aBSN program allows you to graduate with your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, earn your RN licensure, and begin practicing in as little as 20 months. Our program requires a total of 120 credit hours, which includes 60 hours of transfer credits from your previous baccalaureate degree and 60 credit hours of core coursework. Our commitment to helping our students succeed prepares them as quickly and efficiently as possible.

4. Are there prerequisites for an accelerated BSN program?

There are no prerequisite academic courses required to enter our Accelerated BSN program. Applicants must have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Beyond that, an aBSN is for any Bachelor’s graduate ready to unlock their potential and excel in the field of nursing. Any medical-related classes you will need to graduate are built into your aBSN curriculum.

Learn more about our admissions requirements.

5. Can I get a BSN without having an RN?

Yes. You are not required to have an RN degree prior to applying for our aBSN program.

6. Is the aBSN Program Online?

Our aBSN program features a blended learning environment which combines online lectures with in-person labs, simulations, and clinicals. We have designed this program to prioritize flexibility, so not only is our online learning platform engaging, it allows you to graduate quickly while balancing your academic pursuits with your lifestyle.

The hybrid experience allows you to train on the latest advancements in medicine and technology, so that you have the most diverse, modern experience available in caring for patients, families, and communities.

Because our virtual classroom, library, and education resources are just one click away, our aBSN program is available to students in a wide range of locales. Learn more about our blended learning opportunities in our article on the Top 5 Benefits of a BSN Degree.

7. What is the cost of an aBSN program?

The cost of an accelerated BSN program can vary by institution. At Ameritech, our current aBSN cost is $49,800 based on 60 program credit hours. The academic rigor of our accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is a quality investment in a better life which is why we are committed to making our program both accessible and affordable. Financial aid is available for our aBSN program, so eligible students can achieve their nursing goals without breaking the bank.

To see a full breakdown of program costs and explore a variety of financial aid options, please visit our Financial Aid page. Our staff will help you decide if an aBSN is right for your future.

8. How much does a BSN make an hour?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics cites that the average BSN salary is $77,460 per year, or $37.24 an hour. The same report found that the highest paid nurses in the industry can earn over $100,000 annually. Consistently, they also found that nurses with a BSN had more opportunities for financial and career advancement.

9. How does an accelerated nursing program work?

An accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing is exactly what it sounds like — a BSN degree acquired at a faster pace. Our aBSN program splits curriculum between online synchronous and asynchronous lectures and in-person labs, simulations, and clinicals. This allows you to pursue your BSN degree at a faster pace and with a more flexible schedule.

Students will attend 14 courses to acquire foundational nursing knowledge and training in addition to principles of holistic nursing care. As you work your way through lectures, labs, and simulations, our rigorous program will prepare you for taking the NCLEX through the development of critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills. Ultimately, an aBSN degree can be achieved in as little as 5 semesters which enables graduates to enter the field much sooner than a traditional 4-year program.

10. What can I do with a BSN degree?

With a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree, you are qualified to work as a nurse in a wide variety of roles. Depending on your interest, jobs can range from clinical care and surgical services like Labor & Delivery and ICU positions, to roles in private care like Hospice or Home Health care. As a registered nurse (RN) with a BSN degree, you can even find work in Telehealth, Medical Research, Legal Consultancy, and Travel Nursing. Learn more about nursing specialties in our post on Highest Paying Nursing Specialties.

Want to know more about the specifics? Check out our article Why Choose Our aBSN Program for more information.

Learn how Joyce can help you reach your career goals! For more information about our aBSN program or to seek financial assistance, call (801) 890-4704.