Are There Accelerated Nursing Programs?
Nursing Colleges Search
When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.
In today’s fast-paced world, finding a shorter and more efficient path to pursue a dream career can be very appealing. For aspiring nurses, an accelerated nursing program offers an excellent opportunity to fast-track the journey to becoming a registered nurse (RN) or earning a more advanced nursing degree, such as a master’s of science in nursing (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree.
These accelerated programs are specifically designed for motivated individuals who already hold at least a bachelor’s degree in a different field or have completed an associate of science in nursing (ASN). By condensing the curriculum and focusing on intensive coursework, accelerated nursing programs allow students to earn their degrees in a significantly shorter time than traditional nursing programs. Accelerated programs provide a unique path for nurses looking to further their education or those looking to switch careers to nursing.
Depending on the program, earning a degree can take as little as 12 to 24 months. Students acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and clinical experience to become registered nurses or nurse practitioners. These programs feature rigorous academic coursework and hands-on clinical training. Many accelerated programs highly recommend that students refrain from working while completing their degree due to the demands of the curriculum. Courses will cover essential topics such as anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, and obstetrics.
Upon completing an accelerated nursing program, graduates can sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination or the respective nurse practitioner certification for their particular population. Accelerated nursing programs are offered nationwide in various formats, including nights and weekends, online, hybrid, and traditional day classes.
Below we will cover each type of accelerated nursing program based on the level of education a candidate has previously completed.
Programs For RNs With an Associate’s Degree
The minimum level of education to become an RN is an ADN. This degree is typically completed in two years of school work. The two accelerated degree options for ADN-prepared RNs are a BSN or MSN.
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
For RNs with an ADN, an accelerated BSN is a good option for career advancement, as many employers now require a BSN. A BSN will enhance clinical and critical thinking skills and open doors to advanced practice nursing roles. A BSN offers increased job opportunities and higher earning potential. These programs are often referred to as RN-to-BSN.
Typical Program Length
As little as 12 months
Admissions Requirements
Applicants to RN-to-BSN programs must have already earned an ADN degree and hold an unencumbered nursing license in the state where they will be completing their program. Some programs, particularly online ones, will require that applicants be currently employed to complete clinical hours at their place of employment. Prerequisite coursework, which may be part of the ADN, in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, sociology, and psychology is often required.
Program Example
The State University of New York at Brockport offers a nursing RN-to-BSN fast-track (BSN) program that only requires students to complete between 30 and 36 credits of coursework. It is offered online with in-person clinical experiences. Students can complete their clinicals in their home communities or participate in an international experience in Costa Rica or Peru.
Accelerated Master’s of Science in Nursing
There are very few true RN-to-MSN programs. Most accelerated options for ADN-holding RNs are RN-to-BSN-to-MSN. These tiered programs, called bridge programs, offer ADN-prepared nurses the additional support they need to complete an MSN. These MSN degree options often will be non-clinical and include nursing education or nurse leadership.
Typical Program Length
18 months
Admissions Requirements
The admission requirements for an RN-to-MSN program include already having completed an ADN degree and holding an unencumbered nursing license in the state where the student will be studying. Due to the rigor of these programs, a high GPA may be required.
Program Example
The RN-to-MSN program at Franklin University is a 16-month program with a 12-week bridge addition for non-BSN applicants. Because of the bridge option, RNs can complete a clinical MSN in adult-gerontology, family practice, or psychiatry. Non-clinical options include nurse leadership and a generalist track.
Programs For RNs With a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
Nurses who have already earned their BSN can complete accelerated programs that can help move them into leadership roles or become nurse practitioners. The two options are accelerated master’s of science in nursing or doctor of nursing practice.
Accelerated Master’s of Science in Nursing
The logical next education step from a BSN is an MSN. There are many options to choose from, including clinical and nonclinical tracks. An MSN can lead to a leadership role, or it can be the education necessary to become an NP.
Typical Program Length
16 months to two years
Admissions Requirements
Depending on the program, an accelerated MSN may require a BSN or ask for a bachelor’s degree in any field. Typically, a 3.0 GPA or higher is required, along with prerequisite coursework. As this is a master’s program, a personal essay or statement of purpose is often requested, along with letters of recommendation.
Program Example
The master’s of science in nursing at the University of Toledo is open to any bachelor’s degree holder as long as they have the prerequisite coursework. Depending on previous experience, this program can be completed in as little as 16 months of full-time online study. Clinical options include family practice and psychiatry, while nonclinical ones include leadership and education.
Accelerated Doctor of Nursing Practice
A doctor of nursing practice degree is becoming the standard for nurse practitioners. While a DNP does take longer than an MSN, it typically has higher earning prospects and is sought after by employers.
Typical Program Length
Two years
Admissions Requirements
Applicants to accelerated DNP programs must have at least a BSN. They also must show academic rigor and have a 3.0 GPA or higher. A statement of purpose and letters of recommendation are required. Candidates must also hold an unencumbered nursing license in the state where they will be completing their program.
Program Example
Concordia University Wisconsin School of Nursing offers an accelerated bachelor’s to doctor of nursing practice program. This degree offers two tracks in family nurse practice or adult-gerontology. Students must complete 70 credits and 1008 practicum hours to earn this degree. While all the coursework can be completed online, there are in-person components such as clinicals and campus visits.
Programs For Those With Non-Nursing Bachelor’s
Professionals with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field can complete an accelerated BSN or MSN program. While BSN programs are almost always clinical, MSN programs may be clinical or nonclinical, depending on the program.
Accelerated Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing
Typical Program Length
One year
Admissions Requirements
Applicants to accelerated BSN programs who do not have a degree in nursing should pay special attention to the admission requirements. In addition to having a bachelor’s degree, applicants must complete extensive prerequisite coursework in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and chemistry. Applicants must also often submit a statement of purpose and letters of recommendation. Because of the level of rigor in these programs, candidates should demonstrate aptitude for intensive studies.
Program Example
The one-year accelerated BSN at Wilkes University is a rigorous online program with in-person clinicals. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and start nursing careers. In addition to hands-on skills, students will learn interpersonal communication, administrative skills, and critical thinking. This program has a holistic approach to care and trains students to put patients first.
Accelerated Master’s of Science in Nursing
Accelerated MSNs for non-nursing professionals are often called direct-entry MSN programs. These degrees are designed to get students up to speed quickly and gain the skills necessary to excel in this field.
Many of these programs have a non-clinical emphasis, but several prepare students to work as direct care providers. The clinical-based programs are generally RN programs rather than ones that prepare graduates to become NPs. This is a popular option for applicants with a bachelor’s degree rather than earning a second bachelor’s with a BSN.
Typical Program Length
18 months or more
Admissions Requirements
Applicants to a direct entry MSN must have completed a bachelor’s degree in a nonnursing field. Often, students who have nursing degrees are excluded from these programs. Applicants must also complete pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, and microbiology prerequisite coursework. Other requirements include letters of recommendation, goal statements, resumes, official transcripts, and statements of purpose.
Program Example
Elmhurst University has a master’s entry nursing practice for those seeking a second career. Applicants to this program come from many different fields, but they have one thing in common: the desire to become a nurse. Through this program, students will learn the necessary skills and knowledge to pass both the NCLEX-RN exam and the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) certification. This is a full-time on-campus program with daytime classes and clinicals in the evenings and on weekends.
Programs For Those With Non-Nursing Master’s
It is not uncommon for students to complete a master’s degree and then change careers to become a nurse. Non-nursing master’s degree holders have the same accelerated degree options as those with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees.
Accelerated Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing
While it may seem like a step backward to complete an accelerated BSN, this is truly the quickest option for master’s degree holders to become RNs.
Typical Program Length
12 months
Admissions Requirements
Candidates considering accelerated BSN programs without a nursing degree should review the admission requirements carefully. Apart from holding non-nursing bachelor’s and master’s degree, applicants must complete rigorous prerequisite coursework in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and chemistry. Additionally, they may need to submit a statement of purpose and letters of recommendation.
Program Example
The second-degree accelerated bachelor’s of science in nursing (ABSN) at Marymount University offers 100 percent of the coursework online. For the past five years, 90 percent of graduates of this program have passed their NCLEX-RN exam. In addition to completing 17 classes, students must have at least 640 hours of clinical experience.
Accelerated Master’s of Science in Nursing
For students who have already completed a master’s degree, obtaining a second master’s in nursing can make a lot of sense. These are also called direct entry MSN programs and are designed for people looking to start a second career. There are both clinical and nonclinical options.
Typical Program Length
18 months
Admissions Requirements
Admission requirements for a direct entry MSN program typically include a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution, a minimum GPA requirement, prerequisite coursework, official academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
Program Example
The accelerated direct-entry MSN at the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing prepares students to become licensed RNs in just five semesters. Graduates are prepared to join interdisciplinary healthcare teams and deliver safe, high-quality patient care. Students will have access to diverse clinical experiences, simulated patient care, technology-enhanced learning, and small class sizes.
Kimmy Gustafson
WriterThanks to her experience writing in healthcare, Kimmy Gustafson has delivered in-depth articles on timely topics for NursingColleges.com since 2022. Her aim is to assist both students and professionals in navigating the intricate process of selecting a nursing program and understanding the ever-evolving realm of nursing education.
Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.