How Non-Nursing Majors Can Prepare for Accelerated Nursing Education

Overview of Accelerated Nursing Programs (ANP)

Key Takeaways:

• Accelerated nursing programs allow non-nursing majors to earn a nursing degree in 12-24 months, focusing solely on nursing courses without general education requirements.
• Applicants typically need a bachelor’s degree and must meet prerequisites in science subjects like anatomy, physiology, and chemistry.
• Clinical rotations in various healthcare settings are an essential part of the program, helping students apply practical nursing skills under supervision.
• These programs require a full-time commitment, making it difficult to work while studying, and financial planning is crucial to cover tuition, fees, and other costs.

Do you want to earn  $86,070 in average annual income? Does a high demand for your skills sound good? Do you want to enjoy personal fulfillment from helping people? If you answered yes, consider accelerated nursing programs for non-nursing majors.

The best ANPS offers candidates a fast-track pathway to enter the nursing profession. Instead of the traditional four-year program, you can earn a nursing degree in half the time or less. But you must meet certain prerequisites, such as a bachelor’s degree. Also, being a student nurse isn’t easy because of the condensed, fast-paced curriculum.

But if you feel like nursing is a profession you’re drawn to, go ahead. Plus, becoming a registered nurse makes practical sense, too. Registered nurses earn high salaries, are in high demand, and enjoy a rewarding career.

Related:

• Best Study Resources for Accelerated Nursing Students
• Preparing for Your First Clinical Rotation in an Accelerated Nursing Program
• Effective Study Techniques for Accelerated Nursing Students
• Financial Planning Tips for Accelerated Nursing Students
• NCLEX-RN Exam Practice Questions for Accelerated Nursing Students

What Is an Accelerated Nursing Program?

The best accelerated nursing programs for non-nursing majors have the following primary characteristics:

• Allow candidates to earn a nursing degree in 12-24 months, depending on the program

If you’re in a traditional program, it’s four years of study. The shortened time-to-completion is because there are no general education courses.

• Admit candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field

Your bachelor’s degree must be from an accredited college and with a minimum GPA.

• Build upon candidates’ previous academic knowledge and clinical experience

You must have a strong STEM background because of nursing’s STEM focus. Completion of prerequisite courses is also common. Prior clinical experiences, such as volunteering in healthcare settings, are an admission advantage.

• Offer intensive and rigorous curriculum

There’s more focus on nursing courses and laboratory sessions. Nursing courses include anatomy, physiology, and nursing fundamentals.

• Enable candidates to gain and apply practical skills in healthcare settings

These are possible through clinical rotations in various specialties. Candidates work under the supervision of healthcare professionals.  

• Demand full-time commitment to stay on track

There’s no room for even part-time employment because of the fast-paced program of study. Be sure to consider lost income and other opportunity costs.

• Enable candidates to make the transition to a nursing career in a shorter period

If everything goes according to plan, you’ll be a registered nurse in two years or less.

Indeed, becoming a student nurse demands careful consideration because of its admission-to-graduation challenges.

Why Non-Nursing Majors Are Choosing Nursing

Here are the oft-cited reasons among non-nursing majors making the transition to nursing.

• Flexibility for career changers

Individuals interested in nursing find ANPs the quickest way to enter it.

• High demand and job security

According to the latest BLS data, the projected growth rate for registered nurses is 6% (2023-2033). More than 194,500 openings, on average, are projected every year. There’s an increasing demand for registered nurses because of the growing population. An aging population with chronic health issues also boosts the job demand.

Indeed, the increasing demand means job security and stability for nurses.

• Opportunities for meaningful work and personal fulfillment

Helping others, making a positive impact on their lives, and changing your community.

• Competitive salaries and career advancement

Registered nurses can earn as much as $132,680+ every year. Nurses earn competitive salaries across all sectors, too.

Career advancement opportunities abound, too. Nurses can advance to specialized roles, such as nurse practitioners, with advanced education.

Eligibility Requirements for Accelerated Nursing Programs

Getting into the best ANP is a challenge because of the selective admission process. Here’s what you can do to prepare for accelerated nursing school.

Bachelor’s Degree Requirement

Check that your bachelor’s degree is from an accredited college. Then, ask the ANPs you’re interested in about their minimum cumulative GPA criterion (e.g., at least 3.0). 

ANPs consider a diverse range of non-nursing degrees, from business to public health. However, if you have a STEM degree, you may not be required to complete prerequisites. Biology, psychology, chemistry, and health sciences are notable examples.

Applicants with a non-STEM degree are considered for admission, nonetheless. However, completion of prerequisite courses is usually a must before admission.

Prerequisite Courses

The most common prerequisites for accelerated nursing programs are:

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Microbiology
• Chemistry
• Human Nutrition
• Statistics
• Psychology

When choosing and completing prerequisites, keep these tips in mind.

• Check with the ANP for course transferability. Ask about articulation agreements, too. 
• Consider online courses for flexibility and convenience.
• Check with your community college for transferable prerequisite courses.

Preparing Academically for Accelerated Nursing School

Preparation is key to your success in accelerated nursing school.

Take Science Prerequisites Early

Nursing is a STEM-heavy profession. You must then have a strong foundation in science and math to understand the following:

• Function of the human body
• Disease mechanisms and their treatments
• Medications and their impact and dosage

If you aren’t as well-versed in these areas despite your STEM degree, refresh your knowledge. But if these all sound Greek to you, complete the prerequisites ASAP.

Here are useful resources for either refreshing or familiarizing yourself with the prerequisites.

• Online learning platforms are free, self-paced, and easy to access. Check out Khan Academy, Coursera, and edX.
• Consider courses and apps in medical terminology. LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, and Quizlet are excellent examples.
• Study prep books, such as CliffsNotes Biology, for quick yet broad reviews. 

Study Time Management

Brush up on your time management skills, too. As a student nurse, you must balance between intensive coursework and clinical rotations. Be sure you’re ready for the physical and mental demands by adopting healthy lifestyle habits. Set a strict study schedule, too, so you can stay on track.

Gaining Healthcare Experience Before Nursing School

There’s no need for prior healthcare experience for nursing school admission. But it can be your competitive advantage, so it’s recommended.

Volunteer or Work in a Healthcare Setting

Getting early exposure to clinical experience in nursing programs boosts your application. Volunteering or working in healthcare settings is recommended.

Your hands-on experience will show your strong commitment to nursing. Plus, you’re already familiar with clinical rotations. Your competencies will boost your success during your nursing school’s clinicals.

Shadow Nurses

A nursing career for non-nursing majors may sound nice with its monetary benefits. But it isn’t for everybody.

You should consider shadowing a nurse. This way, you’ll understand their actual daily responsibilities. With this experience, you can decide if nursing is the right career for you.

Building Soft Skills for Nursing Success

Go beyond meeting the accelerated nursing degree requirements, too. Soft skills are as important as hard skills in nursing success.

Communication Skills

Effective communication between healthcare professionals leads to better patient care. Plus, your active listening and effective speaking skills improve your patient interactions.

Empathy and Patience

Nursing is a rewarding career, but its physical and emotional toll is overwhelming. Empathy and patience, nonetheless, are crucial for nursing success.

Acknowledging your feelings and other people’s feelings is a must. Being present in the moment helps, too.

Teamwork and Collaboration

Nurses work with other nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals daily. Teamwork and collaboration are part of the job. Engaging in group activities and resolving conflicts promptly are useful.

Financial Planning for Accelerated Nursing Programs

Earning a nursing degree is expensive. You can prepare for it through effective financial planning.

Cost of Accelerated Nursing Programs

The average cost ranges between $40,000 and $70,000 for two-year programs.

Besides tuition and fees, be sure to budget for:

• Books and supplies
• Technology requirements (e.g., laptop with Internet connection) 
• Room and board
• Residency and clinical fees and other associated costs
• Uniforms and medical equipment
• Incidental expenses

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Check out scholarships, grants, and employer tuition assistance programs. This type of financial aid for accelerated nursing programs will decrease your out-of-pocket costs.

• NWD Program
• AACN Scholarships
• NBNA Scholarship Program

Saving and Budgeting

No nursing school preparation tips are complete without saving and budgeting. Save money and create a budget to decrease the need for student loans.

Choosing the Right Accelerated Nursing Program

Consider these characteristics when choosing from several accelerated nursing programs for non-nursing majors.

Accreditation

Only consider ANPs with accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Programmatic accreditation is essential because it’s an assurance of:

• Excellent academic quality
• Eligibility for federal and state financial aid
• Eligibility for state licensing requirements

Program Length and Location

Think about the duration and location of the ANPs you’re interested in. Shorter programs mean lower costs but faster-paced programs of study.

Clinical Rotations and Hands-On Experience

Ask about the duration, learning outcomes, and expectations of the clinical rotations. Every ANP has unique clinical experiences. So, determine if these are aligned with your goals.

Conclusion

The best ANPs are excellent for transitioning to nursing from another career. If necessary, complete the prerequisite courses or refresh your STEM knowledge.

Plan before applying to accelerated nursing school. Gain relevant clinical experience. Create a realistic budget and explore your financial aid options. Most importantly, be confident in your career change.