Why choose an accelerated nursing program? No worries, We will answer all this and more in this post.
If you want to take on a new challenge or earn a second degree, an ABSN program will be a good fit. The Accelerated Nursing program is also suitable for individuals looking to fast-track their nursing careers.
Read on to discover why ABSN is a good choice.
Why Choose an Accelerated Nursing Program?
Are you making a career change?
Perhaps you’re torn between various nursing programs. You’re probably considering many factors in your program selection, from job security to professional development.
Are you much acquainted with the accelerated nursing program? Or maybe you have little or no knowledge of it? Guess you’re wondering: why is an accelerated nursing program better?
If you’re new to the program, here’s a definition of an ABSN degree.
What is an accelerated nursing program?
Accelerated BSN nursing programs are designed for people who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, looking to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
To be eligible to pursue the degree, you must have specific transfer credits from your previous study. ABSN programs are usually completed within 16 months.
Why ABSN is important
While ADN programs are reasonable, there is an increasing demand for nurses with ABSN degrees in hospitals and other healthcare organizations.
This fact follows an online survey conducted in 2020 by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). ABSN nurses possess research skills, critical thinking abilities, and leadership skills.
Thus, a growing preference for nurses with accelerated nursing programs. Little wonder only nurses with ABSN degrees are eligible for promotion at The Department of Veteran Affairs in the United States.
Below is why an accelerated nursing program is a better option.
Employment opportunities
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that nurses will be in much demand from 2020 to 2029. For decades, there’s been a call to increase the number of BSN nurses.
Many healthcare organizations like hospitals, nursing homes, community-based clinics, and ambulatory care centers need registered nurses.
While an ABSN degree may not be required to practice in your state, you should know that most employers seek to hire nurses with ABSN degrees.
To offer quality care and leadership skills, many organizations like the US Army, US Air Force, and US Navy enforce ABSN degrees as required to serve as a military nurse.
If you want a competitive edge in getting a job, boosting your career opportunities, and advancing your career, you should consider an ABSN program.
Increased earning potential
Registered nurses are handsomely paid in the United States, although this depends on the number of hours worked and the job location.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of a registered nurse is $75,330 per year and $36.22 per hour. Compared to ADN nurses, ABSN nurses earn more.
According to NurseJournal, ABSN nurses earn about $15,000 more than ADN nurses. Nurses having additional education or specialization can reach higher.
Fast advancement level
Nurses with ABSN degrees can obtain additional educational qualifications hence supporting career growth. Students can aspire to an MSN. This degree enables you to take up leadership or clinical positions.
You can work as a nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist, licensed midwife, etc. Most nurse practitioners specialize in family, primary, and mental health care.
If you choose to work in a non-clinical setting, administration, informatics, policymaking, and education are fields to seek employment.
Harness your skills and experience.
Anyone with a flair for healthcare or caring for others can opt for a second degree in nursing. It would be best if you didn’t necessarily specialize in STEM fields.
According to a study, only 35% of second-career nurses studied a STEM course. The remaining 65% are individuals with previous degrees and experience in business, social sciences, and administration.
Furthermore, the study shows that accelerated nursing students chose to change their careers due to the experience and skills they’ve gathered in their previous work and life.
Many believe they can harness these skills in the nursing field.
Better patient outcomes
ABSN nurses are pretty experienced and have better patient outcomes. This experience is due to their broad community knowledge and evidence-based clinical care. They also possess leadership skills.
Many studies show low hospital mortality rates with ABSN nurses caring for patients. ABSN nurses seem more efficient and knowledgeable than ADN nurses, from quality care to safety and implementation.
Depending on the institution, you can complete your accelerated nursing program within 16 – 20 months. In under two years, you can garner all the skills and education required to excel in your nursing career.
Once you’ve completed the program, you must take the NCLEX-RN exam to be a licensed RN.
How to choose the right accelerated nursing program
Now you know why you should select an accelerated nursing program, how can you make the right choice?
From admission requirements to cost and quality, there are many factors you might want to consider in choosing a reputable ABSN program.
Accreditation: Ensure the nursing program you choose is accredited by Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Admission requirements: Admission requirements differ from one school to another. To be eligible for an ABSN program, your cumulative GPA, prerequisites, and exam entrance scores are required.
Ensure you meet the admission requirements.
Tuition fees: Another factor to consider in choosing the right nursing program is tuition fees. Tuition fees vary depending on the agenda. Knowing the cost of each program will help you make informed decisions.
NCLEX-RN pass rates: Every nursing student must pass NCLEX to be certified. Without NCLEX, you can’t practice. Consider the NCLEX pass rates of the program in your decision-making.
Conclusion
Guess we’ve been able to answer your question: why is an accelerated nursing program better? While we’ve stated the reasons for choosing an ABSN program, the decision is yours.
Ensure you choose the right program for you.
