An accelerated nursing degree can provide a faster path into nursing for people who already have a college degree or substantial college coursework. These programs are designed to build on previous education rather than requiring students to repeat general education courses they have already completed.
For many career changers, an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) can be completed in roughly 11 to 18 months, including prerequisites, although program length varies by school.
Accelerated degree programs are intensive. Students typically complete nursing coursework and clinical training on a condensed schedule, so the shorter timeline does not mean fewer nursing requirements.
If you’re considering a career change into nursing, understanding how these programs work, who qualifies, how much they cost, and what happens after graduation can help you determine whether an accelerated nursing degree is the right path.
What Is an Accelerated Nursing Degree?
An accelerated nursing degree is a nursing program designed to help students with previous college education complete their nursing education in less time than a traditional program.
The term most often refers to an accelerated BSN (ABSN) or second-degree BSN program. These programs are particularly common among people who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another subject and want to become registered nurses.
For example, someone who earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology might decide several years later that they want to become a nurse. Rather than completing another four-year undergraduate degree from the beginning, that student could apply to an accelerated BSN program after completing the school’s required prerequisites.
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) describes accelerated programs as pathways that build on previous learning and allow people with degrees in other disciplines to transition into nursing.
An accelerated nursing program may include:
- Nursing theory and classroom instruction
- Anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and other prerequisites
- Nursing skills and laboratory experiences
- Pharmacology and pathophysiology
- Supervised clinical rotations
- Patient assessment and care
- NCLEX-RN preparation
The goal is generally to prepare students for initial RN licensure, rather than to provide an abbreviated version of the clinical education required of nurses.
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How Do Accelerated Nursing Programs Work?
Accelerated nursing programs work by building on education a student has already completed.
A traditional bachelor’s degree may require students to complete general education courses alongside their major requirements. Someone entering an accelerated BSN program may already have completed many of those general education requirements through a previous bachelor’s degree.
The nursing school can therefore focus the program on nursing-specific education and required prerequisites.
For example, imagine a student named Sarah who earned a bachelor’s degree in communications. Several years after graduating, she decides she wants to become a registered nurse.
Sarah may need to complete prerequisite courses such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and statistics. Once she meets the school’s admission requirements, she can enter an accelerated BSN program and concentrate on nursing courses and clinical education.
The program may run continuously through multiple terms, with little or no extended break between sessions. AACN notes that accelerated baccalaureate programs are typically full-time and intensive, with students completing the same clinical hours as students in traditional entry-level nursing programs.
That distinction is important: accelerated does not mean reduced nursing education. The curriculum is compressed into a shorter period.
Types of Accelerated Nursing Degrees and Programs
“Accelerated nursing degree” can describe several different educational pathways. While these programs can all provide a faster route into nursing, they do not all lead to the same degree or career options.
The right pathway depends largely on your existing education, whether you are already a registered nurse (RN), and what you want to do in your nursing career.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
An accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) is generally designed for people who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to become registered nurses.
These programs provide the nursing coursework and clinical education needed to prepare for the NCLEX-RN, the national licensing examination for registered nurses. After completing an approved program, meeting state requirements, and passing the NCLEX-RN, graduates can pursue RN licensure.
What an ABSN prepares you for:
- RN licensure: Graduates can apply for RN licensure after completing the program and meeting their state’s requirements.
- Entry-level registered nursing careers: An ABSN can prepare graduates to work as RNs in settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation facilities, long-term care, home health, and other healthcare environments.
- Future nursing education: A BSN can also provide a foundation for graduate nursing programs, including MSN and DNP programs, depending on the student’s career goals and the requirements of the graduate program.
In short: An ABSN is primarily a pathway for people who are not yet nurses to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing and become eligible for RN licensure.
Accelerated baccalaureate programs are among the quickest routes to RN licensure for adults who already have a bachelor’s or graduate degree in another discipline.
Accelerated ADN Programs
Some schools offer accelerated or fast-track Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs for students who already have college credits or have completed some general education requirements.
These programs differ from accelerated BSN programs because they lead to an associate degree in nursing rather than a bachelor’s degree. However, an ADN can still provide the education needed to pursue RN licensure.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that registered nurses can enter the profession through a bachelor’s degree, associate degree, or diploma program, provided they meet their state’s licensing requirements.
What an accelerated ADN prepares you for:
- RN licensure: Graduates can pursue RN licensure after completing an approved program and passing the NCLEX-RN.
- Entry-level registered nursing careers: Licensed RNs with an ADN can work in many of the same healthcare settings as other RNs, including hospitals, clinics, nursing facilities, and home healthcare.
- Further nursing education: An ADN can serve as the starting point for an RN-to-BSN program, allowing licensed RNs to earn a bachelor’s degree later. Some RNs may then pursue graduate nursing education.
In short: An accelerated ADN is primarily a pathway to RN licensure and entry-level registered nursing practice, with the option to continue your education through an RN-to-BSN or other nursing program.
An ADN may be worth considering if your immediate goal is to become an RN and you do not already have a bachelor’s degree. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, however, an ABSN may provide a more direct route to earning a BSN and entering the nursing profession.
Entry-Level or Direct-Entry MSN Programs
Some schools offer entry-level MSN or direct-entry MSN programs for students who have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing.
AACN describes these as accelerated pathways that combine the education needed for initial nursing preparation with graduate-level nursing education. Program structures and lengths vary, with some taking approximately 15–36 months.
Unlike an ABSN, the student earns a master’s degree in nursing rather than a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
What an entry-level MSN prepares you for:
- Initial RN licensure: Entry-level MSN programs typically include the nursing education required for students to pursue initial RN licensure and take the NCLEX-RN.
- Registered nursing practice: Graduates can pursue RN positions after obtaining the required state license.
- Advanced nursing education: Because students earn a master’s degree, these programs may also provide a foundation for certain advanced nursing, leadership, education, or other graduate-level roles, depending on the specific program.
- Potential advanced practice nursing: Some entry-level MSN programs are designed around a specific advanced practice nursing role. In those cases, graduates may be eligible to pursue the additional certification and licensure required for that role. This is not true of every entry-level MSN, so students should carefully review the program’s intended outcome.
In short: An entry-level MSN can provide a pathway for someone with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to become an RN while earning a master’s degree, and some programs also prepare students for a specific advanced nursing role.
Because entry-level MSN programs vary considerably, prospective students should look closely at what the specific degree prepares graduates to do. A general entry-level MSN is not automatically the same as a nurse practitioner program or another advanced practice pathway.
How These Pathways Differ
The biggest difference between these programs is where they can take you professionally:
| Pathway | Degree Earned | Primary Outcome | What It Can Lead To |
| Accelerated BSN | Bachelor’s degree in nursing | Eligibility for RN licensure | RN careers; future graduate nursing education |
| Accelerated ADN | Associate degree in nursing | Eligibility for RN licensure | RN careers; RN-to-BSN and further nursing education |
| Entry-Level MSN | Master’s degree in nursing | Eligibility for RN licensure and, depending on the program, additional graduate-level preparation | RN careers; potentially advanced nursing, leadership, education, or other roles based on program specialization |
One important distinction: earning a nursing degree does not by itself make you an RN. Graduates must complete an approved program, satisfy their state’s requirements, and pass the NCLEX-RN to obtain RN licensure. Requirements can vary by state, so prospective students should check with their state’s board of nursing before choosing a program.
If your goal is simply to become an RN as quickly as possible, an accelerated BSN or ADN may make sense depending on your previous education. If you already have a bachelor’s degree and want to combine initial nursing preparation with graduate-level education, an entry-level MSN may be worth considering.
How Long Does an Accelerated Nursing Degree Take?
Accelerated nursing programs are shorter than traditional nursing programs, but there is no single program length that applies to every school.
AACN reports that accelerated entry-level baccalaureate programs generally take 11 to 18 months, including prerequisites.
Some programs may take longer depending on prerequisites, clinical scheduling, curriculum structure, and whether students attend full time.
| Program | Typical Student | Approximate Length | Primary Outcome |
| Traditional BSN | Student beginning a bachelor’s degree | About 4 years | Preparation for RN licensure |
| Accelerated BSN | Bachelor’s degree holder/career changer | About 11–18 months at many programs | Preparation for RN licensure |
| ADN | Student pursuing associate-level nursing education | Varies | Preparation for RN licensure |
| RN-to-BSN | Licensed RN with an ADN or diploma | Often 1–2 years | BSN |
| Entry-level MSN | Bachelor’s degree holder without a nursing degree | About 15–36 months | Initial RN licensure plus graduate education |
These are general ranges rather than guarantees. Always check the individual school’s published curriculum and program schedule.
Why Can an Accelerated Program Be So Much Faster?
The biggest difference is what the student has already completed.
A student entering a traditional BSN immediately after high school may need to complete general education requirements along with nursing prerequisites and nursing courses.
A student entering an accelerated BSN may already have completed:
- English composition
- College mathematics
- Social sciences
- Humanities
- General education electives
- Some science prerequisites
The accelerated program can then concentrate more heavily on nursing education.
Who Can Enroll in an Accelerated Nursing Program?
Accelerated nursing programs are particularly suited to people who already have a college education and want to transition into a nursing career.
Common applicants include:
- People with bachelor’s degrees in non-nursing fields
- Career changers
- Adults returning to school
- Healthcare workers who want to become RNs
- Students who have completed substantial college coursework
- Professionals looking for a new career in healthcare
Your previous major does not necessarily need to be related to healthcare.
A person with degrees in business, psychology, communications, biology, education, or another field may be eligible if they meet the program’s specific admission and prerequisite requirements.
Career Changers
Career changers are one of the clearest audiences for accelerated nursing programs.
Consider someone who earned a bachelor’s degree in business and worked in marketing for several years. After deciding that they want a patient-facing healthcare career, they could complete any missing prerequisites and apply to an accelerated BSN.
Another person might already work in healthcare as a medical assistant or patient care technician. An accelerated nursing program could provide a pathway to RN licensure and a broader scope of practice.
The previous degree does not disappear. Instead, the student uses it as the foundation for entering a new professional field.
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Accelerated Nursing Degree Requirements
Admission requirements vary considerably by school, but prospective students should expect several common categories.
Previous College Education
Many accelerated BSN programs require applicants to have already earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Other programs may accept students who have completed a substantial amount of college coursework without a bachelor’s degree.
Do not assume that having a bachelor’s degree automatically makes you eligible. Schools often evaluate your transcript to determine whether you have completed the required prerequisites.
Prerequisite Courses
Science prerequisites are common.
Depending on the school, prerequisites may include:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Microbiology
- Chemistry
- Statistics
- Nutrition
- Psychology
- Developmental psychology
The required courses, minimum grades, and acceptable age of credits can differ from one program to another.
For example, one nursing school might accept an anatomy course completed several years ago, while another could require a more recent course.
Tip: Before enrolling in prerequisite courses at another college, check with your target nursing programs to make sure the courses will transfer and satisfy their requirements.
Affordable Options for Prerequisite Courses
If you are missing several prerequisite courses, completing them can add substantially to the cost of an accelerated nursing program. Instead of automatically taking every prerequisite through the nursing school itself, you may be able to complete some courses through lower-cost alternatives.
One option is to take prerequisite courses through an accredited college or university, including a community college. Community colleges can be less expensive than four-year institutions, particularly for students paying in-state tuition.
There are also online education companies that offer individual courses or subscription-based coursework. For example, services such as Sophia Learning and StraighterLine offer college-level courses that may be less expensive than taking individual courses at a traditional college.
These options can be worth exploring if you need to complete several prerequisites before applying to an accelerated nursing program. For example, a prospective ABSN student who is missing anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and statistics could potentially save money by completing some of those requirements through a lower-cost provider rather than paying the full tuition rate at a four-year university.
However, do not assume that an accelerated nursing program will accept credits from every alternative provider. Nursing schools establish their own prerequisite and transfer-credit policies. Some may accept courses from Sophia Learning, StraighterLine, or similar providers, while others may only accept credits from accredited colleges or universities. Some schools may also accept certain courses but not others.
Before enrolling in any prerequisite course, contact each accelerated nursing program you are considering and confirm:
- Whether the school accepts coursework from the provider
- Whether the course satisfies the specific prerequisite you need
- Whether the credits will count toward the program’s admission requirements
- Whether there are minimum grade requirements
- Whether science courses must include a laboratory component
- Whether prerequisite courses must have been completed within a certain number of years
- Whether the school requires courses to be completed at an accredited college or university
A lower-cost course is only a good value if the nursing programs you’re applying to will accept it. If you are considering multiple ABSN programs, check the prerequisite policies for all of them before choosing where to take your courses. In some cases, paying more for a course at an accredited college or university may be worthwhile if it gives you greater flexibility when applying to nursing programs.
GPA Requirements
Accelerated nursing programs can be selective.
AACN reports that accelerated programs typically have high admission standards and that many require at least a 3.0 GPA, although individual schools may establish different minimums and may consider prerequisite or science GPAs separately.
Meeting the minimum GPA does not necessarily guarantee admission.
Entrance Exams
Some nursing schools require an entrance exam, such as the:
- TEAS
- HESI
Others may not require an entrance exam.
Check the admissions page for each program before applying.
Background Checks and Health Requirements
Because nursing students work with patients during clinical education, schools and clinical partners may require documentation such as:
- Immunization records
- Physical examination
- CPR or BLS certification
- Criminal background check
- Drug screening
- Health insurance
- Proof of other clinical requirements
The specific requirements can vary by school and clinical site.
Clinical Eligibility
A student may meet a university’s academic admission requirements but still need to satisfy additional requirements before beginning clinical rotations.
This is one reason prospective students should look beyond tuition and program length when comparing schools.
Can You Get an Accelerated Nursing Degree Without a Bachelor’s Degree?
Sometimes, but not necessarily through an accelerated BSN.
Many ABSN programs specifically require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in another field. Others may accept applicants who have completed a certain amount of college coursework.
If you do not have a bachelor’s degree, consider comparing:
- Traditional BSN programs
- ADN programs
- Community college nursing programs
- Nursing programs that accept substantial transfer credit
- Other accelerated entry-level options
The best choice depends on how many college credits you already have and your long-term education goals.
For example, someone with 90 transferable college credits but no bachelor’s degree may have different options from someone who has completed only a few college courses.
Can You Earn an Accelerated Nursing Degree Online?
Some accelerated nursing programs offer online or hybrid coursework, but you generally cannot complete the entire nursing education process online.
Nursing requires hands-on skills training and supervised clinical experience. The BLS notes that nursing education programs include supervised clinical experience.
A hybrid accelerated BSN might therefore include:
Online:
- Lectures
- Reading
- Assignments
- Exams
- Some discussions
In person:
- Nursing skills labs
- Simulation
- Clinical rotations
Clinical requirements can also create an important location issue.
If you live several hours from the school’s campus, ask whether the university arranges clinical placements near you or requires students to travel to designated facilities.
For students considering online or hybrid nursing programs, state authorization and licensure eligibility also deserve careful attention. NCSBN explains that nursing licensure requirements vary by state and provides state-specific guidance for prospective nurses.
The U.S. Department of Education’s professional licensure regulations also require covered programs to determine whether their curriculum meets applicable state educational requirements for professional licensure.
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What Does an Accelerated Nursing Program Curriculum Include?
Although curricula vary, accelerated nursing programs generally cover the major areas of nursing education needed for entry-level practice.
Nursing Foundations
Early coursework may introduce:
- Nursing fundamentals
- Patient assessment
- Nursing theory
- Pharmacology
- Pathophysiology
- Health assessment
Adult and Medical-Surgical Nursing
Students typically learn how to care for patients experiencing a wide range of acute and chronic conditions.
Topics can include:
- Cardiovascular conditions
- Respiratory disorders
- Diabetes
- Neurological conditions
- Infection
- Postoperative care
- Acute illness
Specialty Areas
Students may also study:
- Maternal and newborn nursing
- Pediatric nursing
- Mental health nursing
- Community health
- Geriatric nursing
Clinical Education
Clinical rotations give students an opportunity to apply what they learn in the classroom while working with patients under appropriate supervision.
A student may rotate through different healthcare settings and patient populations rather than spending the entire program in one department.
AACN specifically notes that accelerated baccalaureate students receive the same number of clinical hours as students in traditional entry-level nursing programs.
NCLEX-RN Preparation
Completing an accelerated BSN does not automatically make someone a registered nurse.
After completing an approved nursing program, graduates must meet their state’s licensure requirements and pass the NCLEX-RN.
NCSBN explains that boards of nursing determine licensure requirements and that the NCLEX is the national licensure examination used by U.S. nursing regulatory jurisdictions.
How Much Does an Accelerated Nursing Degree Cost?
The cost of an accelerated nursing degree varies substantially by school.
Rather than looking only at the advertised tuition rate, calculate the estimated total cost of attendance.
Potential expenses include:
- Tuition
- University fees
- Books and course materials
- Nursing uniforms
- Clinical supplies
- Equipment
- Background checks
- Drug screening
- Immunizations and health requirements
- Transportation
- Housing
- Childcare
- Lost income while attending school
The last item can be easy to overlook.
Because accelerated programs are intensive, working full time while enrolled may be difficult. AACN specifically says students in accelerated programs are encouraged not to work because of the rigor of the curriculum.
That does not mean every student must stop working, but it is something to consider when building a realistic budget.
Public vs. Private Programs
Tuition can differ significantly between public and private universities. Residency may also affect the price at public institutions.
When comparing programs, look at the total estimated program cost, not just the per-credit tuition rate.
Financial Aid for Accelerated Nursing Students
Potential sources of funding include:
- Federal student aid
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Employer tuition assistance
- Hospital tuition-repayment programs
- Payment plans
- Private loans
The FAFSA is the starting point for determining eligibility for federal student aid and is also used by many states and schools when determining financial aid eligibility.
AACN also notes that financial aid can be limited for students in accelerated entry-level nursing programs and that some healthcare employers partner with schools or offer tuition repayment arrangements.
Accelerated Nursing Degree vs. Traditional BSN
The main difference is the student population and pace, rather than the fundamental purpose of the nursing education.
| Accelerated BSN | Traditional BSN | |
| Typical student | Bachelor’s degree holder or career changer | Traditional undergraduate student |
| Program pace | Condensed and intensive | Spread over a longer period |
| General education | Often completed before entry | Usually included within the bachelor’s program |
| Nursing education | Concentrated | Spread across multiple years |
| Clinical training | Required | Required |
| RN licensure pathway | Yes | Yes |
A student who already has a bachelor’s degree may not want to spend another four years completing a traditional BSN nursing program.
For that student, an accelerated BSN may offer a more direct route.
Someone coming directly from high school, however, would generally have different options.
Accelerated BSN vs. ADN: Which Is Better?
Neither is automatically better. The appropriate choice depends on your circumstances.
An ADN may appeal to someone who wants a potentially lower-cost route into RN education and does not already have a bachelor’s degree.
An accelerated BSN may make more sense for someone who already has a bachelor’s degree and wants to earn a BSN while transitioning into nursing.
Both pathways can lead to RN licensure if the graduate meets the applicable state requirements.
The BLS recognizes both bachelor’s and associate degree programs as common educational paths into registered nursing.
Consider an example:
Alex has a bachelor’s degree in sociology. He wants to become an RN but does not want to complete another four-year undergraduate degree. An accelerated BSN could allow him to build on his previous education.
Maria has completed one year of college but does not have a bachelor’s degree. An ADN or traditional BSN may be more appropriate depending on her credits, finances, and long-term plans.
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Benefits of an Accelerated Nursing Degree
There are many benefits to earning an accelerated degree in nursing, from shorter program length to transitioning into a new career.
Complete Nursing Education in a Shorter Time
For students who already have a bachelor’s degree, an accelerated BSN can reduce the amount of time needed to complete another undergraduate degree.
AACN reports that accelerated baccalaureate programs generally take 11–18 months, including prerequisites.
Transition Into a New Career
Accelerated degree programs are specifically designed to help people with previous degrees enter nursing.
That makes them particularly relevant to career changers who have decided that nursing better fits their long-term interests.
Build on Previous College Education
You do not necessarily have to repeat every course you completed during your first bachelor’s degree.
Instead, the program can focus on the prerequisites and nursing education you still need.
Earn a BSN
An accelerated BSN results in a bachelor’s degree in nursing, which can provide a foundation for future nursing education.
The BLS also notes that some nurses later pursue master’s or doctoral education to move into advanced practice, education, research, or other roles.
Enter a Large Healthcare Profession
Registered nursing is a large occupation. The BLS reports approximately 3.39 million RN jobs in 2024 and projects 5% employment growth from 2024 through 2034, with about 189,100 openings per year on average.
Those figures describe the RN profession as a whole; they do not guarantee employment for graduates of any particular nursing program.
Challenges of Accelerated Nursing Programs
The shorter timeline comes with tradeoffs.
Intensive Workload
You are learning a large amount of nursing material in a relatively short period.
Students may have multiple demanding courses while also preparing for skills labs and clinical rotations.
Limited Flexibility
Many accelerated programs are designed around full-time enrollment.
That can make them difficult to combine with a full-time job or significant family responsibilities.
Clinical Scheduling
Clinical rotations may take place at specific times and locations. Students may need to accommodate early mornings, weekends, or other schedules depending on the clinical site.
Financial Pressure
Tuition is only part of the financial picture. If the program makes it difficult to maintain your normal work schedule, lost income can substantially increase the overall cost of changing careers.
Competitive Admissions
Accelerated programs can have selective admission processes.
A student who meets the minimum GPA may still be competing with other qualified applicants for a limited number of seats.
Physical and Emotional Demands
Nursing students are preparing for work that involves direct patient care, long periods of standing and walking, exposure to illness, and emotionally difficult situations.
The BLS notes that RNs may spend significant time standing, bending, stretching, and moving patients, while hospital nurses often work shifts that can include nights, weekends, and holidays.
Understanding these realities before enrolling can help you determine whether nursing is actually a good career fit – not simply whether you can complete the degree quickly.
Is an Accelerated Nursing Degree Right for You?
An accelerated nursing degree may be a good fit if you:
- Already have a bachelor’s degree or substantial college coursework
- Want to transition into nursing
- Can commit significant time to school
- Are comfortable with an intensive academic schedule
- Have completed or can complete the required prerequisites
- Are prepared to participate in hands-on clinical education
- Want to pursue RN licensure through a bachelor’s-level nursing program
You may want to consider another pathway if you:
- Need to maintain a full-time job throughout school
- Have not completed many college prerequisites
- Want the lowest-cost route to RN licensure
- Need a part-time program
- Do not yet have a bachelor’s degree
- Want more time to adjust to college-level science and nursing coursework
The important question is not simply “How quickly can I become a nurse?”
It is “Which nursing pathway fits my previous education, finances, schedule, and long-term career goals?”
How to Choose an Accelerated Nursing Program
Once you decide that an accelerated program makes sense, compare schools carefully.
Accreditation
Look for information about the program’s accreditation and approval status.
Two organizations prospective nursing students may encounter are the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Accreditation is not the same thing as state approval for nursing licensure, so check both.
State Board Approval and Licensure Eligibility
This is particularly important if you are considering an online or hybrid program.
NCSBN explains that nursing programs and boards of nursing operate within state-specific regulatory requirements and provides state-by-state licensure guidance.
Before enrolling, determine:
- Where the program is approved.
- Whether it meets the educational requirements for the state where you intend to become licensed.
- Whether its clinical requirements can be completed where you live.
- Whether you will be eligible to apply for the NCLEX-RN after graduation.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
Look at the program’s recent NCLEX-RN outcomes where available.
A strong pass rate does not guarantee that an individual student will pass the exam, but it can provide useful information when comparing programs.
Program Length
Compare the actual curriculum and calendar; not just the marketing language.
A program advertised as “12 months” may have prerequisites that need to be completed separately.
Total Cost
Ask for the estimated total cost, including fees, books, equipment, clinical expenses, and other required costs.
Clinical Requirements
Find out:
- Where clinicals take place
- Whether the school arranges placements
- How far students may have to travel
- How many clinical hours are required
- Whether clinical schedules are assigned
- Whether weekend or evening clinicals are available
Admission Requirements
Compare:
- Minimum GPA
- Prerequisite courses
- Science GPA
- Entrance exams
- Application deadlines
- Recommendation requirements
- Personal statements
- Interviews
Student Support
Also consider academic advising, tutoring, faculty accessibility, career services, NCLEX preparation, and other student support.
How to Apply to an Accelerated Nursing Program
The application process generally looks like this:
1. Identify programs that match your education.
Start with schools that accept your previous degree and completed coursework.
2. Review prerequisites.
Create a list of courses you have completed and identify what remains.
3. Verify transferability.
Confirm with each school that your previous coursework satisfies its requirements.
4. Complete missing prerequisites.
You may be able to complete prerequisites at a community college or another accredited institution, depending on the nursing school’s policies.
5. Prepare for required entrance exams.
If the school requires the TEAS, HESI, or another exam, determine the minimum score and testing deadline.
6. Gather application materials.
These may include transcripts, recommendations, essays, test scores, and other documents.
7. Apply before the deadline.
Accelerated programs may have specific admission cycles and limited cohorts.
8. Complete additional requirements.
After admission, you may need to complete health screenings, background checks, drug screening, CPR/BLS certification, and other clinical requirements.
9. Compare your options.
If you receive multiple offers, compare total cost, schedule, clinical placement, program outcomes, and licensure eligibility rather than choosing based solely on program length.
What Can You Do After an Accelerated Nursing Degree?
An accelerated BSN can prepare you to pursue RN licensure.
After graduating from an approved program and meeting state requirements, you can apply to take the NCLEX-RN. NCSBN explains that candidates must meet the requirements established by the nursing regulatory body in the jurisdiction where they seek licensure.
After becoming an RN, possible work settings include:
- Hospitals
- Outpatient clinics
- Physician offices
- Home healthcare
- Rehabilitation facilities
- Nursing and residential care facilities
- Schools
- Public health organizations
Hospitals employed the largest share of RNs in 2024, followed by ambulatory healthcare services and nursing and residential care facilities.
Your first nursing position may also help you identify an area of specialization. For example, an RN might begin working in a hospital’s medical-surgical unit before later moving into emergency nursing, pediatrics, oncology, critical care, or another specialty.
Continuing Your Nursing Education
An accelerated BSN can also be the beginning rather than the end of your nursing education.
Depending on your goals, you could later pursue:
- RN-to-MSN programs
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Nurse practitioner programs
- Nurse educator programs
- Nursing leadership programs
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Other graduate nursing programs
Some advanced nursing roles require graduate-level education and additional licensure or certification.
FAQs About Accelerated Nursing Degrees
How fast can you get a nursing degree?
Many accelerated BSN programs take approximately 11–18 months, including prerequisites, according to AACN. Some programs take longer, so check the individual school’s curriculum and admission requirements.
Is an accelerated nursing degree difficult?
Accelerated nursing programs can be demanding because students complete nursing coursework and clinical education on a condensed schedule. AACN describes the programs as intensive and notes that students are generally encouraged not to work while completing the program.
Can I work while completing an accelerated nursing program?
It may be possible, but working full time can be difficult. Consider the program’s class schedule, clinical requirements, commute, study time, and your personal responsibilities before deciding how much you can realistically work.
Is an accelerated BSN the same as a regular BSN?
Both result in a bachelor’s degree in nursing, but they are designed for different students. A traditional BSN is generally structured for students completing a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the beginning, while an accelerated BSN is designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree or significant prior college education.
Do accelerated nursing programs require prerequisites?
Usually. Common prerequisites can include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, statistics, nutrition, and psychology. Requirements vary by school.
Can I become an RN through an accelerated BSN?
Yes, an accelerated BSN can be an entry-level pathway to RN licensure. After completing an approved program, you must meet your state’s requirements and pass the NCLEX-RN before practicing as an RN.
Find an Accelerated Nursing Degree Program
An accelerated nursing degree can offer a practical pathway for adults and career changers who already have college experience and want to enter nursing.
The best program is not necessarily the one with the shortest advertised completion time. Look at the entire picture: admission requirements, prerequisites, accreditation, state approval, clinical placements, NCLEX preparation, total cost, schedule, and your long-term nursing goals.
If you are ready to compare options, use our online nursing degree finder to explore nursing programs that may fit your educational background and career goals.