Pros and Cons of Accelerated Nursing Programs

Beginning your journey to become a nurse can be an exciting, yet nerve-wracking, time. There are many questions and considerations that go into choosing a nursing school in Massachusetts as you weigh the pros and cons of accelerated nursing programs. You may have a vision of what your time at accelerated nursing school will be like. Will you be taking classes you find interesting? Will you find your niche? Will you have a social life outside of nursing school?

These are all questions we are sure every potential nursing student and current student has asked themselves once or twice. Your Accelerated BSN nursing program will be a challenge, but a rewarding one. Just like with every challenge, there are pros and cons of accelerated nursing programs. One nurse’s pro may be another nurse’s con. Let’s take a look at some pros and cons you should consider when you are looking for the best ABSN online program.

Pros of Accelerated Nursing Programs

1. You Will Get Hands-on Training

Even though a lot of your time in nursing school will be as online didactic coursework, nursing programs give you the opportunity to put what you have learned to work in real life situations.

Clinicals: In an accelerated nursing program, you are often exposed to the day-to-day activities of a hospital or healthcare facility during clinicals, where you practice your nursing skills under the close watch of RNs and professional medical staff. Having the ability to see what you will be doing after you complete your nursing degree will help narrow down what type of nursing career you might want in the future, whether it’s as a labor and deliver nurse, nurse researcher or ICU nurse, among the many other options.

Simulation Labs: You will even receive this hands-on instruction if you choose to pursue an online accelerated BSN program. For example, the Northeaster University ABSN program in Boston includes hands-on experience in high-tech simulation labs and clinical placements around best-in-class healthcare facilities throughout Boston alongside of your immersive online classes.

2. You Will Have a Rewarding Career

One reason why you are in a nursing program, or thinking about entering a Boston college nursing program, may be because you like to help people. Who doesn't? Few career choices give you the rewarding satisfaction of changing lives every day. You will have the gratification of knowing that every tough moment you face in nursing school will be paid back as a more rewarding experience in the nursing field.

3. There is a Demand for Nurses

Many students start a program hoping that they will land a job out of college with ease. Luckily, the rising demand for registered nurses isn't going away any time soon. After all the hard work you put in in school, you will earn your degree and know there are an abundance of job opportunities with good salaries and benefits. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7 percent growth in employment for registered nurses from 2019 to 2029, higher than the average for all occupations. With nursing employment on a rise, you will never have to worry that getting your nursing degree was a mistake.

Cons of an Accelerated Nursing Programs

1. Earning Your ABSN Can Be Time Consuming

Like any other education program, nursing school and nursing programs take time and dedication. Nursing students often spend many hours in the classroom and clinicals learning valuable lessons to help them succeed after they earn their degree. When you decide to take the plunge and become a nurse, it will take up much of your free time.

Flexibility Helps: However, there are many programs that allow you to earn a BSN without returning to school for four years. Northeastern University’s Accelerated BSN program allows you to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing in just 16 months. Since your classroom experience is online, you can maintain a flexible schedule. No matter how you decide to pursue your Bachelor of Science in Nursing, whether it’s through a traditional program or an accelerated 16-month program, you will have to put in plenty of hard work.

2. You Have to Make an Investment

Nursing programs can be costly due to the fast-paced nature of clinicals and coursework. Although accelerated nursing programs can be expensive, if you take into consideration the time you save, accelerated nursing programs are comparative to traditional nursing programs. Because not everyone is in a position to pay for an expensive nursing degree out of pocket, there are many options available for student financial aid assistance.

There’s a big ROI: Even though your initial education may be costly, you will find that earning your BSN offers a good return on investment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a registered nurse in the U.S. is $75,330.

3. Accelerated Nursing School is Challenging

One thing is consistent when you hear about nursing school; it is hard. Nursing school isn’t meant to be a walk in the park. It is supposed to bring out the best in students and prepare them for a mentally- and physically-challenging career. Professors expect a great deal from their students and often push them to do their very best.

Your professors help you succeed: However, you will find that your professors at Northeastern University want you to succeed. The online learning platform allows you to chat instantly with your professors, as well as set up appointments and participate in class-related debates. Also, belonging to a cohort will provide a built-in support system that you may not find in other nursing programs. You will start and end your education with the same cohort, so you will be taking the same classes, clinicals and simulation labs as your fellow nursing students.

Nursing school is a tough ride, but if you work hard and apply yourself, your dream can become a reality.

Do you have more questions about the pros and cons of accelerated nursing programs? Get in touch with an admissions advisor today and take your first step towards earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.