About Accelerated BSN Programs

Accelerated bachelor's of nursing (BSN) programs allow students to get their BSN in less than four years. If you are interested in an accelerated BSN program, you may be curious about the prerequisites, the length and cost of a program and the career prospects for a nurse with a BSN.

Prerequisites

Accelerated BSN programs are generally targeted towards students who have a bachelor's degree in another discipline or students who have an associate degree in nursing. Both types of students are able to complete a BSN in less time than normal because they have completed most or all of the general education requirements for a bachelor's degree. This allows them to take only the nursing classes. Nurses with an ADN may need to take a few upper level general education classes. However, these nurses may be able to test out of some of the introductory nursing classes because they already have their RN.

Length and Cost of the Program

Most accelerated BSN programs last from 16 months to two years. The length of the program varies depending on what nursing school you choose to attend. Most accelerated BSN programs are very intense, so schools recommend students do not work while in the program. Universities charge the same tuition per credit-hour for a BSN as they do for their other programs. However, BSN students have extra expenses such as scrubs, background checks, transportation to clinicals and nursing equipment.

Career Prospects

Graduates of an accelerated BSN program are eligible to sit for the RN licensing exam if they do not already have their RN. They can then work in a hospital or other medical setting as an RN. Nurses who have their BSN are also eligible for nursing administrative and management positions.