Entry Requirements for Accelerated Nursing Programs

Key Takeaways

Accelerated nursing programs fast-track career changers into nursing careers. You need a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field.
Prerequisites often include courses in anatomy, microbiology, and statistics.
Proper application includes obtaining transcripts and securing strong recommendations.
Preparing through refresher courses and careful planning enhances success.

Entering an accelerated nursing program is a great way for individuals seeking to make a career change to get the education they need to work in this field. As a nurse, it’s possible to impact the lives of countless people in a positive manner while earning a good living at the same time. If you already have an education in a different field and want to get into nursing, learning the accelerated nursing requirements for non-nurses is a good first step.

As you might imagine, there are some specific prerequisites for accelerated nursing programs that you will need to meet before you can be admitted. On this page, we will take a look at those general requirements so you can know what to expect. Of course, the specific requirements that you face will vary from one program to the next, so always investigate this point closely before applying.

Related:

What are Accelerated Nursing Programs? Why Are They So Important?

Even if you aren’t familiar with accelerated nursing programs just yet, the name gives away exactly what they are all about – this is a fast track for qualified individuals to become nurses. There are entry requirements for non-nursing graduates that we will get to in a moment, but the program itself is worth a bit of discussion.

A standard, traditional nursing program will take the average student four years to complete. For someone coming right out of high school and going into a nursing program, this lines up nicely with most other undergraduate studies at the Bachelor’s level. Students can start on the nursing track as a freshman and leave school for years later with a BSN and will be ready to enter the workforce.

But not everyone knows that they want to be a nurse right from the start. Transitioning to nursing from another field is quite common, and it’s a great way to move from a career that might not be a great fit into something that is highly rewarding and always challenging. If you have been pondering a switch to nursing, one of the many accelerated programs that are available is certainly a good option.

Common Academic Prerequisites

One of the keys to making an accelerated nursing program work for you is having the necessary academic prerequisites in place to get in. As a starting point, the accelerated BSN eligibility criteria are going to demand that you hold a Bachelor’s degree in a non-related field from previous studies. It doesn’t particularly matter if you have just completed this degree recently or if it’s been years since you were in school, but you’ll have to have this in place.

Additionally, there are likely to be some coursework requirements that you will need to meet to be prepared for this type of program. Those can include having some courses in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and statistics. The specific requirements that you need to meet will depend on the program you are applying to and the rules that it has in place, so it’s good to do your homework early and figure out if you are going to qualify.

The educational requirements for accelerated nursing aren’t there to get in your way, but rather they are in place to make sure the people who do get into the program are properly equipped to succeed. Any type of nursing education is a difficult process, and it’s only harder when it is condensed into a shortened timeline. By making sure the past coursework for non-nurse BSN candidates lines up with what they are going to be studying in the program, it’s more likely that the students will be able to thrive and reach graduation successfully.

Putting Together a Complete Application

Following non-nursing degree pathways to nursing program pathways doesn’t have to be complicated, but you will need to complete a proper application to gain entry into a school and start on your new educational track. The application process is sometimes overlooked, and people who are otherwise qualified might struggle to get in.

First, you’ll want to have all of your transcripts available from previous educational pursuits, like when you obtained your Bachelor’s degree. Getting transcripts can take longer than you expect, so don’t put this task off until the last minute. Start as soon as possible tracking down everything you will need and have it all ready to go.

Another part of the application process that can take a while is finding people who are available to give you letters of recommendation. Many schools place a strong emphasis on having good letters from meaningful people in your life, such as former professors or current professional colleagues. It’s okay, and even expected, if these references do not come from people in the healthcare realm. You just want to produce letters that are going to speak to your character and your ability to thrive in such a demanding program.

Getting Ready for an Accelerated Nursing Program

Once you have dealt with the qualifications for accelerated nursing programs and you are accepted and ready to get started, you’ll want to make sure you are as prepared as can be for what is ahead.

If at all possible, consider signing up for refresher courses before your actual nursing program begins. Even if you have taken some fundamental science courses in the past, and those are represented on your transcripts, it might have been a long time ago. That knowledge isn’t going to be near the front of your mind at the moment, so bring it back by doing some work in advance of your nursing courses getting started.

It may also be helpful to lay the groundwork for your studies by planning out your schedule in advance. You might not know just yet exactly how much time you will need for studying, but you can take a guess and chart out a schedule just to see how things are going to look. Make it a point to build in some time for yourself with personal hobbies or activities that you enjoy to relieve stress and maintain your well-being. This is an intense program and even short periods of distraction can do you a world of good.

Paying for Your Schooling to Become a Nurse

If going into an accelerated nursing program puts you under significant financial stress, it’s only going to be more difficult to make it through your studies successfully. Ideally, you’ll be able to get the financial side of this process in order right from the start, so you can have a clear mind and focus on the job at hand. This means doing some detailed budgeting based on tuition costs and other financial obligations that you have in your life at the moment.

Of course, bringing down the tuition cost that you have to pay out of pocket will go a long way toward reducing your stress. One way to do that is to take some time to apply for grants and scholarships that you may be eligible to receive. Many students are surprised to find just how many opportunities there are for financial aid, but you need to be proactive about going out and finding that support. With financial aid on your side, you’ll be able to bring the tuition cost down and make this experience more comfortable.

Closing Thoughts

If you have spent some years pursuing another career before deciding to become a nurse, you probably don’t want to go through a full four-year program to get the education you need. Accelerated nursing prep for non-nurses is the perfect fast-track solution as long as you can meet the requirements for entry to one of these programs. Review the information above, along with any other resources you find from the various programs you are considering, and determine your next steps to start turning this dream into a reality.

Requirements for Non-Nursing Graduates in Accelerated Nursing Programs