There are several factors to consider in getting a quality education in an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. You need a reputable institution that will equip you for success and impress potential employers. In addition, you need to know everything you can prior to enrolling in an accelerated BSN program.
Things to Look for in a School
The first qualification to look for in a school is its accreditation. An accredited school has demonstrated it meets standards of academic excellence. For instance, the accelerated online BSN offered by The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Most employers look for recognized and respected accreditation in a potential employee’s education. Not completing your accelerated nursing program from an accredited institution could hinder your ability to find employment. In addition, federal financial aid is only available to students attending accredited institutions, as explained in the U.S. Department of Education’s overview of accreditation.
Finally, consider the faculty’s level of education and experience. What are their academic and professional backgrounds? Are they equipped to provide the best education to students in their BSN program?
Obtaining a Quality Education in an Accelerated Format vs a Typical BSN
An accelerated BSN program gives you the opportunity to complete the program more quickly than a typical, on-campus program. In turn, in an accelerated nursing program, you will carry a substantial workload at a faster pace. For instance, students must have completed 70 credit hours of collegiate coursework prior to starting UTA’s accelerated online BSN. Students must also complete a host of prerequisite courses. If all these requirements have been met, students can complete UTA’s accelerated BSN program in as few as 15 months.
Semesters for this program, however, do not necessarily look like typical semesters. Courses can last from 5-14 weeks, which gives you a chance to complete coursework in a much shorter time period. In order to succeed, remember that you are not taking a shortcut in terms of workload, but only in terms of time. It is important to be prepared for the amount of work associated with this type of program.
In order to succeed in an accelerated BSN program, you need to be highly organized and self-motivated. The nature of online learning also requires self-discipline, especially for students who are working full time. If you are interested in applying, think about how you will schedule your time, what location you will set aside to complete your coursework and how you will manage other responsibilities while completing the program. Develop a system of accountability.
In the right school and with the right attitude and commitment, you will have everything you need to succeed in an accelerated nursing program. Graduating with a BSN will make it more than worth the effort.
Learn more about The University of Texas at Arlington’s BSN online program.
