Nurses have always filled a vital role in the healthcare industry, but this has been especially true in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. As hospitals face nationwide nurse shortages due to pandemic-related burnout, the demand for qualified nurses grows increasingly urgent. While this is putting a strain on healthcare facilities, staff, and patients, there is a silver lining for nurses and nursing students. Nursing is one of the fastest-growing careers, and there are plenty of job openings. Advancing your nursing degree through an accelerated program is a smart move for professionals who are seeking a good salary, excellent job stability, and a lifetime of helping people regain health. 

Nursing is a fulfilling career that empowers you to provide care for those in need, but the credentials needed to work in this field are no easy feat. Simply put, completing a nursing education takes time. Registered nurses who want to take the next step in their career—but don’t want to spend four whole years in school before they can hit the ground running—should consider choosing an accelerated program.  

Accelerated Nursing Program 

An accelerated nursing program is a fast-track nursing degree option that allows students to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) more quickly than they could in a traditional program. Accelerated nursing programs are typically designed to help already-working registered nurses to expand their education and reach new career goals. If you’re an aspiring nurse who has yet to earn your RN, it’s less likely that you’ll find an accelerated BSN or MSN program that will equip you with all the knowledge and experience you need, due to the clinical requirements. 

The average duration of an accelerated BSN program lands somewhere between 12 and 24 months. A regular BSN, by contrast, usually takes four years for a student to complete. 

What to Expect from an Accelerated Nursing Program 

Not all accelerated nursing programs are created equal. Some factors to consider when comparing programs are class structure, curriculum, and education format. One thing that should be true across all accelerated programs is the shared objective to help current nurses advance their education and earn a BSN or MSN. 

But what’s the difference between a BSN and an accelerated BSN? A good, accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program should have a curriculum very similar to that of a traditional BSN. The main difference is that accelerated BSNs allow nurses to use their current experience, prior education, and RN license to move more quickly through the coursework and cater their academic experience to their schedule. Instead of spending every day in class to earn a bachelor’s degree, students in accelerated programs can take classes and complete schoolwork from home. Best of all, there’s no pressure on students to quit their day job while advancing their education. 

Some essential courses you can find in a comprehensive accelerated BSN program include:  

• Anatomy and Physiology 
• Microbiology 
• Pharmacology 
• Pathophysiology 
• Health Assessment 
• The Wellness Continuum 

Who Can Apply for an Accelerated Nursing Program?  

Accelerated nursing programs are ideal for:

• Students who switch to nursing after completing some college coursework in another field.
• Individuals who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and are looking to change careers.
• People who are not already nurses but are drawn to the profession for its rewarding career opportunities.

Applicants typically need to meet specific prerequisites, which may include courses in biology, chemistry, and psychology. Each program has its own admission criteria, so it's essential to check the requirements of the schools you are interested in.

Reasons to Enroll in an Accelerated Nursing Program 

Enrolling in an accelerated nursing program is a strategic decision for many individuals who are looking to quickly transition into a career in healthcare. Here are several compelling reasons why many consider this path:

• Career changer appeal: For those looking to switch careers, these programs provide a fast-paced, effective way to transition into nursing by leveraging previous educational and professional experience.
• Cost-effective education: The shorter duration of an accelerated program means less time in school and potentially lower overall educational costs, making it a financially savvy choice.
• Supportive learning environment: Accelerated programs often foster a close-knit community due to the intensity and unique nature of the coursework, providing strong peer support and networking opportunities.
• Immediate clinical exposure: Students benefit from early and frequent hands-on clinical experience, crucial for developing the skills and confidence necessary to succeed as a nurse.
• Enhanced career advancement: With the foundational knowledge and skills gained from an accelerated program, graduates are well prepared to pursue advanced nursing roles or specialties sooner in their careers. 

Benefits of an Accelerated Nursing Program 

Choosing an accelerated nursing program comes with numerous advantages, making it an appealing option for aspiring nurses. Here are some key benefits:

• Expedited graduation: Accelerated programs allow students to complete their nursing education in a shorter time frame compared to traditional programs, enabling them to enter the workforce sooner.
• Comprehensive curriculum: Despite the shortened duration, these programs provide a comprehensive education, covering essential nursing skills and knowledge needed for effective practice.
• Intensive learning experience: With a focus on hands-on learning and immersive coursework, students gain practical experience and are well prepared for real-world nursing challenges.
• Diverse peer network: Students in these programs often come from varied professional backgrounds, enriching the learning experience with diverse perspectives and insights.
• High demand for graduates: Graduates of accelerated nursing programs are highly sought-after in the healthcare job market, providing excellent employment opportunities immediately upon graduation.

Different BSN and MSN Degree Programs 

There are a variety of nursing programs to choose from at WGU. Depending on where you are in your career, one will be just right for you.  

RN to BSN: This nursing bachelor's degree is made for current RNs who are ready to advance their education and ability to influence patient outcomes and community health. A BSN will enhance your résumé and increase your job opportunities while supporting your hospital’s ability to reach magnet status. The accelerated, online format of this degree is perfect for registered nurses who have an ADN or nursing diploma and need a program that allows them to keep their existing work schedule. 

Nursing Education (RN to MSN or BSN to MSN): This BSN-to-MSN program empowers you to take your knowledge and experience of working as a nurse to sharpen specific skills and dive deeper into your passion for caring. As a nursing educator, you will help create and implement lifesaving strategies for nurses across the country to use. This online nursing education program also includes clinical practice experiences that support the student in demonstrating advanced nursing practice competence and curriculum development. This online MSN degree program is built for busy nurses who are ready to take their careers to the next level without putting their current schedules on the back burner. 

Nursing leadership and management (RN to MSN or BSN to MSN): As a motivated registered nurse (RN), you might feel like you can make a difference in healthcare by taking on a leadership role. This degree program was designed to embolden nurses to tackle managerial challenges and realize their professional future as a leader. In this program, passionate nurses grow into effective transformational leaders in healthcare. Consider this MSN degree for all the essential knowledge and skills to make it happen. The online, competency-based model is specifically tailored to working nurses who want to earn their advanced education without giving up their work schedule. Nurses are empowered to move through the coursework at their own pace so they can be as successful as possible.  

Nursing informatics (RN to MSN or BSN to MSN): Improvements in healthcare and patient outcomes are driven by data. Nursing informatics helps organizations leverage data to make smart, patient-centric decisions. This MSN degree combines nursing science with data management, analysis, and communication, leading to optimal healthcare conditions. By earning this nursing informatics degree, you'll gain the skills you need to provide insights and influence procedures that will save lives and improve care quality.  

Family nurse practitioner (BSN to MSN): Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are registered nurses with specialized educational and clinical training in family practice. This degree will prepare you to evaluate patients, diagnose them, write prescriptions, and bring a comprehensive element to family healthcare. In this program, nurse practitioners will receive the classroom education and clinical training they need to take their career to the next level. 

Why Choose WGU? 

The healthcare industry needs talented, qualified nurses now more than ever. Use your prior experience and education to improve the quality of care and gain access to new career opportunities. At WGU, you can earn your BSN or MSN degree on your time without sacrificing your work or home life. With around-the-clock access to our online coursework, a degree from WGU can cater to any type of schedule.  

WGU students also work with an individual Program Mentor who supports them in best managing the demanding work-life balance of the healthcare field. These mentors will help you remain on track, provide encouragement, and make sure you stay motivated. 

If you’re interested in advancing your career in healthcare, you don’t have to wait with an accelerated program. Get started right away by checking out the nursing degrees at WGU!