Understanding Accelerated Second-Degree Nursing Programs Online

Perhaps, when you were a kid, you wanted to become a doctor or nurse. Admit it or not, many children would like to be in the healthcare industry when they grow up. But for sure, you understand now that being a doctor and nurse requires years of studying and practice. There are specific steps that you need to take for you to follow this career path. Not only that, but you need to submit requirements and pass rigorous exams to become a doctor or nurse. If you want to pursue a career in the healthcare industry, you may consider taking accelerated second-degree nursing programs online.

What Are Accelerated Nursing Programs?

Probably, some of you might have already earned a bachelor’s degree. But there could be instances when you want to make a shift in your career path. For example, some of you might want to be in the healthcare industry. Technically speaking, you need to study again for a few years to pursue a nursing degree. The only problem is that most people who have a bachelor’s degree do not like the idea of going back to university. Since the nursing degree is an in-demand degree, accelerated nursing programs were developed.

An accelerated nursing degree is designed for those bachelor’s degree holders who want to become nurses. If you are one of them, know that you don’t have to spend four more years to acquire the said degree. Since it is accelerated, you can pursue this profession in 11 to 18 months of full-time study. It is faster compared to a traditional set-up wherein you need to take another degree. It is ideal for those who want to work as soon as they graduate. Many universities across the United States offer accelerated nursing programs. You can also find these degrees online.

Top U.S. Universities That Offer Accelerated Nursing Degrees

Since accelerated nursing degrees are faster to acquire, for sure most of you are interested in these programs. But the main question is, where can you take these degrees? As mentioned earlier, a lot of universities in the U.S. offer accelerated nursing programs. Here are some of the prestigious universities where you can acquire them:

1. Chatham University

If you are looking for a top-notch academic institution, go for Chatham University. It was founded as a women’s college in 1869. Now, the university is accepting knowledge seekers and has over 2,000 students on the campus. Although this university is known for liberal arts and sciences, they have received applicants who want to take BSN programs. 

For students interested in taking accelerated nursing programs at Chatham University, you may transfer up to 90 credit hours towards the BSN’s 120 required credits. You need to study general psychology, medical terminology, and media literacy. Besides, you also need to complete 140 supervised clinical hours at an approved healthcare facility near you. If you are a transfer student, you have to take at least 30 credit hours at Chatham. It includes 26 credits in the RN-to-BSN core curriculum. 

2. Gwynedd Mercy University

Gwynedd Mercy University is situated 30 minutes from Philadelphia. The campus takes pride in its 314-acre site. It offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs. You have several options to choose from if you want to finish a degree in college. In the case that you want to earn a degree in nursing, you may pursue it at Gwynedd Mercy University. You will undoubtedly obtain your diploma and academic transcript in BSN in 16 months as a full-time student.

When considering Gwynedd Mercy University, it is essential to know that you need to take some prerequisite courses before you gain an admission from the academic institution. Worry not because you can take the said programs online. Try to finish the prerequisite courses as soon as possible so that you can make your degree earlier. One of the best things about the university is the accreditation it received from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. That means you can get a high-quality nursing degree from Gwynedd Mercy University.

3. Indiana State University

For students who are looking for more degree options, you may want to consider Indiana State University. It was established in 1870 that takes care of 13,000 university members. The academic institution offers 100 undergraduate and 75 graduate programs that are provided in the university’s Terre Haute campus. They also provide more than 70 online programs to cater to those who cannot study on a physical campus. Indiana State University offers an on-campus accelerated BSN program. So if you want to engage in the medical profession, consider ISU.

4. Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University is one of the oldest universities in the U.S. This academic institution offers more than a hundred fields of study. Among the educational programs that you may take in TESU is an accelerated BSN. You need to complete 60 credits if you are already a bachelor’s degree holder. Thomas Edison State University gives you the option of pursuing a nursing degree in just one year of full-time online study.

5. University of Wisconsin – OshKosh

The University of Wisconsin was founded in 1871, making it one of the country’s oldest academic institutions. It serves more than 13,000 students who take a degree from the 200 undergraduate programs and 15 graduate programs. It also offers online degrees, such as the accelerated nursing degree. If you are in an extensive study, you can complete the application in just a year. The University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh takes pride in its regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Its nursing programs hold accreditation from the Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education.

Being in the healthcare industry is truly an honor because it allows you to serve the community. You are not only helping your family by providing a competitive income, but you are also taking care of the patients. Now that there’s still a pandemic, there’s a call for this profession. Besides, whether there is COVID-19 or none, nurses are always in demand across every country. It is because health matters to everyone. So if you want to pursue a good career that guarantees a high income, try obtaining accelerated second-degree nursing programs online. With this profession, you can be a great asset not only to the hospital you are working with but also to the community you belong to.