Accelerated Nursing Degrees

[nursejosie21]

Hi There,
I was wondering if anyone could let me know how difficult it is to get into Accelerated Nursing programs. I just recently decided I wanted to go into Nursing and I will be graduating with an undergraduate degree in Bio. I will probably end up with about a 3.4 G.P.A..
Also, ultimately, I would like to be an N.P. I was told the best way to do this is to get an BSN seperately and then apply to N.P. programs, however, I've heard that there are programs that students can apply to where you can do this in a more direct way. If anyone could help me I would really appreciate it!

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[flighterdoc]

Hi There,
I was wondering if anyone could let me know how difficult it is to get into Accelerated Nursing programs. I just recently decided I wanted to go into Nursing and I will be graduating with an undergraduate degree in Bio. I will probably end up with about a 3.4 G.P.A..
Also, ultimately, I would like to be an N.P. I was told the best way to do this is to get an BSN seperately and then apply to N.P. programs, however, I've heard that there are programs that students can apply to where you can do this in a more direct way. If anyone could help me I would really appreciate it!

There are quite a few direct masters nursing programs, do a google search for them. Some require you to pick a specialty (like NP) prior to entering.

 

[nathansackett@e]

there are tons of masters entry program. i am in one at UCSF. they are competitive, but they are catering to people like you! strong applications are ones with a comittment to the underserved,volunteerism, stron GRE and good letters of rec. UCSF is a bit harder than some to get into, but once you are in, you are taken care of.
But there a many many programs like this. Check out pass rates of the NCLEX, jobs of grads and ask to talk with faculty to see how the programs are set up.

 

[CEB27]

I applied to two programs back east and did not get in. However my gpa was a bit low 2.8. I went a different route, I am getting my RN at a community college in a 2year program. Basically it adds a year if I continue on to get my masters. I was undecided between medical school and nursing. Being in the 2yr. also gave me a chance to really know what I getting into and if I still wanted a masters in nursing. Cost is also considerably cheaper for the 2yr program.

 

[nathansackett@e]

I applied to two programs back east and did not get in. However my gpa was a bit low 2.8. I went a different route, I am getting my RN at a community college in a 2year program. Basically it adds a year if I continue on to get my masters. I was undecided between medical school and nursing. Being in the 2yr. also gave me a chance to really know what I getting into and if I still wanted a masters in nursing. Cost is also considerably cheaper for the 2yr program.

if i were to do it over again, i would have done the 2 year thing at a community college. the accelerated programs are so damn expensive!! i am way in the hole, and now that i am thinking of going to med school i have figure how in the hell i am going to remove some of this debt.
that said, i don't know that as an older student if i could have taken classes with 18 year olds (no offense to our younger SDNers), but i know myself and i become frustrated when i am not stimulated by people who have lived a little. just me though.

 

[nursejosie21]

I am looking into the Direct Entry MSN programs which do sound like a good idea. I haven't taken the GREs so I guess I'll have to do that. Does anyone know exactly how competative they are? Most of them are on either the east or west coast as well, nothing in the middle! I am originally from Colorado and I don't know if I want to be away for 3 years!

 

[CEB27]

I am a Colorado native too. I ended up on the east coast, only for a few years and not necessarily due to nursing. Eventally I would like to get back to Colorado. You might want to check out UCCS in Colorado Springs and CSU -Pueblo.

 

[nursejosie21]

The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs did have an accelerated BSN program, which might work. I'm kind of at that point where I need to start making money pretty quickly so being a nurse within 12 months is tempting. On the other hand, I don't know if I would want to go back to school once I started working as an RN.
Did you go to nursing school back east? If so, would you recommend it? I'm kind of lost when it comes to trying to choose a school in an area where I'm completely unfamilier.

 

[flighterdoc]

The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs did have an accelerated BSN program, which might work. I'm kind of at that point where I need to start making money pretty quickly so being a nurse within 12 months is tempting. On the other hand, I don't know if I would want to go back to school once I started working as an RN.
Did you go to nursing school back east? If so, would you recommend it? I'm kind of lost when it comes to trying to choose a school in an area where I'm completely unfamilier.

If you have a bachellors degree, don't waste time getting another one - go into one of the accelerated MSN programs that can get you to your goal of NP or CRNA.

And there are schools all over - east, west, midwest, south. Do a google search for them.

Here are some that I bookmarked - you'll have to clean them up, but I'm sure there are more:

http://www.nursing.uiowa.edu/academprog/profmasters/" ADD_DATE="1065323867" LAST_VISIT="1066013907" LAST_CHARSET="ISO-8859-1" ID="rdf:#$j4ZNm2">The University of Iowa College of Nursing</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://www.samuelmerritt.edu/default.cfm" ADD_DATE="1066015120" LAST_VISIT="1066148979" LAST_CHARSET="UTF-8" ID="rdf:#$k4ZNm2">Samuel Merritt College</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://www.sfsu.edu/~bulletin/current/programs/nursing.htm#3453" ADD_DATE="1066014983" LAST_VISIT="1066150180" LAST_CHARSET="ISO-8859-1" ID="rdf:#$l4ZNm2">SFSU Bulletin 2003/04--Nursing</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://nurseweb.ucsf.edu/www/arease.htm" ADD_DATE="1066015293" LAST_VISIT="1066015332" ICON="http://nurseweb.ucsf.edu/favicon.ico" LAST_CHARSET="ISO-8859-1" ID="rdf:#$m4ZNm2">Masters Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN) / UCSF School of Nursing / nurseweb.ucsf.edu</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://www.sandiego.edu/nursing/faq3.html" ADD_DATE="1066015695" LAST_CHARSET="ISO-8859-1" ID="rdf:#$n4ZNm2">USD School of Nursing and Health Science - FAQ for Masters Entry Program</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://www.usfca.edu/nursing/news.html" ADD_DATE="1066015989" LAST_VISIT="1086888088" LAST_CHARSET="ISO-8859-1" ID="rdf:#$o4ZNm2">The School of Nursing: This Just In...</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://snhs.georgetown.edu/academics/graduate/directentryadv.html" ADD_DATE="1066016115" LAST_CHARSET="ISO-8859-1" ID="rdf:#$p4ZNm2">Direct Entry to Advanced Practice</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://marketplace.psychcorp.com/PsychCorp/Images/pdf/milleranalogies/MATCIB2002_03.pdf" ADD_DATE="1066016362" LAST_CHARSET="UTF-8" ID="rdf:#$q4ZNm2">MATCIB2002_03.pdf (application/pdf Object)</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://marketplace.psychcorp.com/PsychCorp.com/Cultures/en-US/dotCom/milleranalogies.com.htm" ADD_DATE="1066016429" LAST_CHARSET="UTF-8" ID="rdf:#$r4ZNm2">The Psychological Corporation - Welcome to MillerAnalogies.com</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://www.mghihp.edu/Academics/nursing2.html#1" ADD_DATE="1066016748" LAST_CHARSET="windows-1252" ID="rdf:#$s4ZNm2">nursing2</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/SON/academics/Accelerated/acceleratedMS.htm" ADD_DATE="1065328814" LAST_VISIT="1086883566" LAST_CHARSET="ISO-8859-1" ID="rdf:#$i4ZNm2">Accelerated Masters, SON</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://www.bouve.neu.edu/Graduate/Nursing/den.html" ADD_DATE="1066016817" LAST_VISIT="1086888096" LAST_CHARSET="ISO-8859-1" ID="rdf:#$t4ZNm2">Direct Entry Master's Degree Program</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://regisnet.regiscollege.edu/nursing/pro_generic.htm" ADD_DATE="1066017160" LAST_CHARSET="ISO-8859-1" ID="rdf:#$u4ZNm2">Nursing at Regis College</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://www.simmons.edu/shs/academics/nursing/degrees/direct_entry.shtml" ADD_DATE="1066017294" LAST_CHARSET="ISO-8859-1" ID="rdf:#$v4ZNm2">Direct Entry Program in Advanced Nursing Practice</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/son/Accelerated/AMPNN.cfm" ADD_DATE="1066017730" LAST_VISIT="1086883391" LAST_CHARSET="ISO-8859-1" ID="rdf:#$w4ZNm2">AMPNN</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://www.nursing.uc.edu/Graduate/Accelerated/AccFAQ.htm#financailaidopp" ADD_DATE="1066017983" LAST_CHARSET="ISO-8859-1" ID="rdf:#$x4ZNm2">Accelerated Program</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://www.nursing.ouhsc.edu/msn_non_nurses.asp" ADD_DATE="1066018346" LAST_CHARSET="ISO-8859-1" ID="rdf:#$y4ZNm2">OUHSC College of Nursing &gt;&gt; Academic Programs &gt; Master of Science Degree with a Major in Nursing for Non-Nurses</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://www.nurse.ca.gov/futurern.html" ADD_DATE="1066018503" LAST_CHARSET="ISO-8859-1" ID="rdf:#$z4ZNm2">For Future Nurses</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://www.ohsu.edu/son-academic/ms-gradentry.shtml" ADD_DATE="1066018628" LAST_CHARSET="ISO-8859-1" ID="rdf:#$A4ZNm2">Graduate Entry Program</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://www.jefferson.edu/jchp/nursing/accel.cfm" ADD_DATE="1066018744" LAST_CHARSET="ISO-8859-1" ID="rdf:#$B4ZNm2">Jefferson College of Health Professions - Nursing</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/nursing/msn/prespec.html" ADD_DATE="1066019002" LAST_CHARSET="ISO-8859-1" ID="rdf:#$C4ZNm2">Vanderbilt University School of Nursing</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://www.nursing.vcu.edu/prospective/tradms.html#ah2" ADD_DATE="1066019249" LAST_CHARSET="ISO-8859-1" ID="rdf:#$D4ZNm2">School of Nursing - About the School</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://www.plu.edu/~nurs/programs/elminfo.html" ADD_DATE="1066019352" LAST_CHARSET="ISO-8859-1" ID="rdf:#$E4ZNm2">Entry Level Masters Program - PLU School of Nursing</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://www.seattleu.edu/nurs/msn.htm#APNI" ADD_DATE="1066019536" LAST_VISIT="1086888112" LAST_CHARSET="ISO-8859-1" ID="rdf:#$F4ZNm2">School of Nursing - MSN Program</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://www.marquette.edu/nursing/masters.html" ADD_DATE="1066019973" LAST_CHARSET="ISO-8859-1" ID="rdf:#$G4ZNm2">College of Nursing: Master of Science - Marquette University</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://www.sfsu.edu/~bulletin/current/programs/nursing.htm#3453" ADD_DATE="1066150099" LAST_VISIT="1066150180" LAST_CHARSET="ISO-8859-1" ID="rdf:#$H4ZNm2">SFSU Bulletin 2003/04--Nursing</A>
</DL><p>
<DT><H3 ADD_DATE="1066013730" LAST_MODIFIED="1066017017" ID="rdf:#$I4ZNm2">Accelerated BSN</H3>
<DL><p>
<DT><A HREF="http://www.usm.maine.edu/conhp/accel-ba.html" ADD_DATE="1065322775" LAST_VISIT="1065760187" LAST_CHARSET="ISO-8859-1" ID="rdf:#$J4ZNm2">Accelerated BS in Nursing</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://www.slu.edu/colleges/NR/bsn_accel_req_info.html" ADD_DATE="1065328578" LAST_VISIT="1066013346" ICON="http://www.slu.edu/favicon.ico" LAST_CHARSET="ISO-8859-1" ID="rdf:#$K4ZNm2">School of Nursing | SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://www.nau.edu/hp/dept/nurse/undergrad/acceleratedBSN/admissions-step.html" ADD_DATE="1065327728" LAST_VISIT="1069789178" LAST_CHARSET="ISO-8859-1" ID="rdf:#$L4ZNm2">Nursing: Accelerated BSN</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://www.waynesburg.edu/academic.htm" ADD_DATE="1065327125" LAST_VISIT="1066013803" LAST_CHARSET="ISO-8859-1" ID="rdf:#$M4ZNm2">Waynesburg College: Academic Programs</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://www.valpo.edu/nursing/accelerated.html" ADD_DATE="1065324302" LAST_VISIT="1066013867" LAST_CHARSET="ISO-8859-1" ID="rdf:#$N4ZNm2">Valparaiso University: College of Nursing: Accelerated Programs</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://cnhp.drexel.edu/UgradProgs/Nursing/" ADD_DATE="1065323509" LAST_VISIT="1066013921" LAST_CHARSET="ISO-8859-1" ID="rdf:#$O4ZNm2">Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://www.nursing.upenn.edu/admissions/accelerated/" ADD_DATE="1065324822" LAST_VISIT="1066013941" ICON="http://www.nursing.upenn.edu/favicon.ico" LAST_CHARSET="ISO-8859-1" ID="rdf:#$P4ZNm2">Penn Nursing: Admissions Undergrad</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://www.msmc.la.edu/nursing/bs/accbsn/admit.htm" ADD_DATE="1065325396" LAST_VISIT="1065325392" LAST_CHARSET="ISO-8859-1" ID="rdf:#$Q4ZNm2">AccBSN Admissions Policy</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://www.nau.edu/hp/dept/nurse/admissions/BSNAccel.pdf" ADD_DATE="1065327578" LAST_VISIT="1066105088" LAST_CHARSET="UTF-8" ID="rdf:#$R4ZNm2">http://www.nau.edu/hp/dept/nurse/admissions/BSNAccel.pdf</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://nursing.creighton.edu/programs/anc/anc_information.htm" ADD_DATE="1065326900" LAST_VISIT="1066014338" LAST_CHARSET="ISO-8859-1" ID="rdf:#$S4ZNm2">Creighton University School of Nursing: Undergraduate Programs</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://nursing.buffalo.edu/academics/abs.shtml" ADD_DATE="1065325105" LAST_VISIT="1066014465" ICON="http://nursing.buffalo.edu/favicon.ico" LAST_CHARSET="ISO-8859-1" ID="rdf:#$T4ZNm2">UB School of Nursing -Accelerated Bachelor of Science</A>
<DT><A HREF="http://www.regis.edu/regis.asp?sctn=apg&p1=ua&p2=nr&p3=acc" ADD_DATE="1066017008" LAST_VISIT="1

 

[fab4fan]

Personally, I would not go to an NP who had not worked for some time as an RN. I wouldn't have any confidence in his/her abilities.

 

[missRN2be]

I would take an NP (accelerated MSN) that worked for a bit as an RN before practicing as an NP, over a new PA-C (C = certificate) any day.

Personally, I would not go to an NP who had not worked for some time as an RN. I wouldn't have any confidence in his/her abilities.

 

[CEB27]

The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs did have an accelerated BSN program, which might work. I'm kind of at that point where I need to start making money pretty quickly so being a nurse within 12 months is tempting. On the other hand, I don't know if I would want to go back to school once I started working as an RN.
Did you go to nursing school back east? If so, would you recommend it? I'm kind of lost when it comes to trying to choose a school in an area where I'm completely unfamilier.

I applied to two accelerated programs in Boston: MGH and BC. Neither accepted me. MGH is a great deal as far as money goes, I think 650 per credit hour. BC is highly competetive and loves old school nursing theory. I also looked at Northeastern's program in Boston, not impressed at all. So I went the other route and am in a 2yr program at a community college in Boston. I am having a difficult time going from a private 4yr down to a community college, it is a big change. However, classes are 135 a credit hour. All of my college science classes transferred so I am only doing nursing classes. In the end I will have spent a little over 5k for an RN. Not bad. I wanted to be in Boston for personal reasons, also Boston has some of the owrld's greatest hospitals. I graduated in May and will probably work for a yr or so then go back for my master's. Pick a place you would like to live then explore the schools in that area. That is my best advice for you.

 

[flighterdoc]

I would take an NP (accelerated MSN) that worked for a bit as an RN before practicing as an NP, over a new PA-C (C = certificate) any day.

It all depends on the person - for example, a PA-C who spent 10 years as an independent duty medic in the military would have a LOT more experience than a new NP who spent a year as an RN.

 

[fab4fan]

It all depends on the person - for example, a PA-C who spent 10 years as an independent duty medic in the military would have a LOT more experience than a new NP who spent a year as an RN.

I think there ought to be some requirement that a PA/NP have some hands on medical exp...something...anything.

 

[MSHARO]

My wife decided to go back and get an BSN degree and she applied to the accelerated program at Indiana University. She was stunned to find out that at first that she did not get accepted. When she called and asked them why, she was told that the GPA cutoff for the 20 students they accepted was a 3.83!!!! My wife, who had a 3.75 undergrad GPA for her BA in exercise physiology and health promotion as well as 3.85 when she got her MBA, didn't meet this cutoff. Luckily they came to their senses, as this is a higher GPA average than the med school has! They ended up taking 10 more and the lowest GPA was prob. around a 3.65 or so. Now she has about 5 months left until she's done. So they can be VERY competitive. It was less competitive at the private schools around here, but VERY expensive.

 

[flighterdoc]

I think there ought to be some requirement that a PA/NP have some hands on medical exp...something...anything.

In both examples, they have hands-on experience: 10 years as an independent duty medic (a step below a PA in skill and responsibility) and a freshly pinned nurse with a years experience anywhere.

Who would you rather have treating you?

 

[pmpndaflip]

http://www.allnursingschools.com/featured/accelmsn.php



Go to the site..surf it up cuz it hooks you up with the info and ish that is relevant...oh but some programs are not listed on there i.e. UCSF etc but hey you can still see other schools listed for info.

 

[nursejosie21]

I had heard that accelerated BSNs were really competative but I can't believe a 3.8 was the cutoff GPA, that's rediculous! I think I might have a better chance at the direct entry MSN, which might be better anyway. I've also heard the waiting lists were really long for some of the accelerated program. Does anyone know if it's the same way for direct entry MSNs?

 

[flighterdoc]

I had heard that accelerated BSNs were really competative but I can't believe a 3.8 was the cutoff GPA, that's rediculous! I think I might have a better chance at the direct entry MSN, which might be better anyway. I've also heard the waiting lists were really long for some of the accelerated program. Does anyone know if it's the same way for direct entry MSNs?

No, its not. That was a state school, with a small program. There are others available.

 

[nursingschool]

Hey there,

Yes the MSN entry programs are competitive and expensive. I have been accepted at a Provate school here. I am starting in Fall 2004. But I have almost 4.0 in my BS and 3.7 in M.S. I did not take GRE again since they accepted my old GRE scores. It took me a year to finish all the science pre-reqs. MY previous degrees are in IT field. I would be spending about 45k for 3 years. My goal is to become a NP and it will take 3 years. but I have a feeling that I can pay off all the loans in couple of years. So, it's worth it.
Try applying private schools and see what happens.

Good Luck

 

[fab4fan]

MY previous degrees are in IT field. I would be spending about 45k for 3 years. My goal is to become a NP and it will take 3 years.

This is a perfect example of what I was talking about. I find it frightening that someone can become a mid-level practitioner without any medical experience. "Drive-thru" degree programs are playing fast and loose with patients.

 

[nursejosie21]

I think I would have to agree and disagree with what you are saying. Although I do think that being both an educated and an experienced nurse is the best option, it should all be situationally dependant. I can't speak for the person previously in the IT field, but I am a biology student who was fomally pre-med. I have alot of clinical hours working and shadowing doctors within the health services field. I feel that I am more than qualified to start becoming a nurse mostly because I am very eager to learn how to be a good nurse. I don't think you can generally make assumptions that just because someone did a previous career or had a bachelor's degree in another field they're not qualified to begin a nursing program.

 

[nursingschool]

I did not say that I would practice as a NP right away. I would like to get lot of experience before I go that route. I have learned to think logically because of IT, and I also strongly believe that experience is very important. I will not be playing with people's life. And I believe that because of my educational background I will be able to learn nursing theories very well. "I want to be a Nurse". Since it is my wish, I think I will perform my duties better than someone who chose this field, because they did not have an option. Also, I chose graduate program, because it will be little challenging for me than doing a ADN degree.
Everyone has different capacity and abilities. I know that I will be a good Nurse and also good NP.

 

[flighterdoc]

This is a perfect example of what I was talking about. I find it frightening that someone can become a mid-level practitioner without any medical experience. "Drive-thru" degree programs are playing fast and loose with patients.

Oh, please. You can't think that a nurse with a years experience doing something like working in a physicians office has any particular advantage? What about a nurse working for the Red Cross blood program? A public health nurse giving immunizations?

And, you can't say that a former military medic (independent duty or not) doesn't have more, valuable experience than such a nurse?

 

[fab4fan]

Oh, please. You can't think that a nurse with a years experience doing something like working in a physicians office has any particular advantage? What about a nurse working for the Red Cross blood program? A public health nurse giving immunizations?

And, you can't say that a former military medic (independent duty or not) doesn't have more, valuable experience than such a nurse?

I am not even remotely talking about a medic. I don't know why you keep bringing this up. I am talking about people getting into accelerated programs who have undergrad degrees in completely unrelated areas.

I also don't know why you feel the need to diminish nurses in your posts. You may not see it, but there's a condescending tone to your comments. And you're comparing apples to oranges...of course a nurse in a doctor's office won't have the same experience as an independent medic. Of course someone with ten years of experience will have more skills than someone with one year.

 

[flighterdoc]

I am not even remotely talking about a medic. I don't know why you keep bringing this up. I am talking about people getting into accelerated programs who have undergrad degrees in completely unrelated areas.

I also don't know why you feel the need to diminish nurses in your posts. You may not see it, but there's a condescending tone to your comments. And you're comparing apples to oranges...of course a nurse in a doctor's office won't have the same experience as an independent medic. Of course someone with ten years of experience will have more skills than someone with one year.

You made a blanket statement (a nurse with any 1 years experience) is more qualified to be an NP/PA than anyone who isn't a nurse with that years experience. BTW, how condescending do you think that is? I attempted to set some boundaries on your hypothesis, and by doing so, showed that it's somewhat irrational (that is to say, it obviously doesn't make complete sense, not trying to be rude).

Glad to see that you agree that your hypothesis is null.

 

[katnapper]

Wow. Hadn't heard that you could apply for a MS in Nursing. Are you earning your bachelor's degree in nursing first?

I am currently in an accelerated program which takes 20 months to complete. There are many new programs which are condensed to 12 months. That seems incredibly intense, and I can't see myself learning a whole new discipline in a matter of one year. The course that I am in, many people are taking master's classes as well, but beware! Many nursing schools' master programs are not interchangable. If you take core master's classes at University X, University Y will most likely not take them. The other things to consider is the type of NP you could be at a certain school is dictated by interest levels. There is not always a pediatric nurse practioner program each year every year at every school, so if you want to get more specific, definitely look at what is offered. You may finish your bachelor's somewhere and decide it is time to move on, in which case any master's classes you took would have been a waste of time and money.

Most people I have talked with have mentioned that it is much better to get some experience on the floor after graduating with your degree before moving into a master's program. I noticed that many of the core classes you take ask you to reflect on your previous clinical experience, so if you have no previous clinical experience then how are you going to take anything away from that class?

Some people going into nursing also have a problem with "just being a floor nurse". I feel like you need to think about that as your motivation for going into an NP program. You have to have respect for others in your profession, even if you are functioning in a different role.

I think I ranted. Yikes! Well, I hope this helps and encourages you to explore your questions and goals a bit more.

 

[JustaPA]

I think there ought to be some requirement that a PA/NP have some hands on medical exp...something...anything.

I can't agree with you more. Unfortunately money is the big problem. Schools are being asked to deliver more providers so they come up with ways to make openings available.