How to Apply for an Accelerated Nursing Program

An accelerated nursing program is an option for students with a degree in another field. It allows students to finish their nursing degree within 12 months. Students will need a good academic record to enter the program. These programs are incentives for students with bachelor's degrees and let in very few students.

• Apply to schools that offer accelerated nursing programs. A comprehensive list of schools with the program can be found by doing an Internet search on websites like BestNursingDegree.com. Students will need to get admitted to school before applying for the nursing program. Applicants without a bachelor's degree will have to complete a three-year accelerated program. The first two years will be spent taking general courses that will meet the requirement of the college’s degree program.


• Take prerequisite courses not taken during your first undergraduate program. If you did not take the prerequisite courses for the nursing school when getting your first undergraduate degree, then you will need to take those courses before applying for the accelerated program. Required courses to enter the program are organic chemistry, microbiology, communications, human anatomy and psychology. The requirements will vary depending on the school. Taking the courses also shows the admissions committee that you are serious about the program and ready to move to the next level.


• Submit required paperwork for the admissions process. Paperwork involves official transcripts from all schools attended before the current school. Another requirement may include a letter of recommendation from an employer or faculty member. If you are a new student, then you will be reviewed basic on current academic progress. After getting approved for the program, the nursing school will determine which of the prerequisites courses will count towards the program requirements. The next step is taking the remaining courses to complete the nursing program.