Best Accelerated Nursing Programs

ASO Staff Writers
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Updated on September 20, 2023
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Schools offer accelerated nursing programs at various levels. These programs allow enrollees to quickly earn nursing degrees. Accelerated nursing programs condense course content into eight weeks and offer courses throughout the year.

Learners with degrees in non-nursing fields often apply to these programs. They can transfer their general education requirements, allowing them to finish a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) faster by focusing on nursing courses only. Online students complete coursework from anywhere and fulfill clinical components at approved local facilities.

This guide outlines accelerated nursing programs, including admission requirements and common courses.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Accelerated Nursing Programs

question-mark-circleHow Long Does It Take To Get an Accelerated Nursing Degree?

Graduation timelines vary by degree type and learners’ prior credits. Accelerated associate degree in nursing (ADN) programs take 12-16 months to complete. Accelerated BSN programs require 11-18 months to finish. Students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees can complete an accelerated master of science in nursing (MSN) program in 36 months.

question-mark-circleHow Can I Get My BSN Without an RN?

BSN candidates do not usually hold registered nurse (RN) diplomas or licenses. Students can use the BSN to meet education requirements for RN licensure. Many accelerated BSN programs serve learners from non-nursing backgrounds who want to enter the healthcare field.

question-mark-circleDoes a BSN Make More Than an RN?

RNs with BSNs often earn more than RNs with ADNs. According to PayScale salary data from November 2021, BSN graduates average $87,000 annually. ADN graduates earn an average annual salary of $72,000.

question-mark-circleCan You Get an MSN in One Year?

Accelerated MSN programs usually enroll students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees. Therefore, earning this advanced nursing degree takes time. Learners with nursing degrees can explore intensive, one-year MSN programs.

question-mark-circleWhat Are the Prerequisites for Accelerated Nursing Programs?

Prerequisites vary by program. Applicants pursuing an accelerated ADN-to-BSN degree need a transferable ADN. Accelerated BSN and MSN programs often accept applicants with transferable bachelor’s degrees in non-nursing fields. Nursing students complete prerequisite courses in microbiology, chemistry, and statistics. Some programs require courses in nutrition and anatomy.

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The Accelerated BSN

Aspiring nurses with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees often enroll in accelerated BSN programs. Learners with relevant associate degrees can complete accelerated BSN programs in 1-2 years. Enrollees gain skills and knowledge they can apply in many healthcare careers. Graduates can use a BSN to qualify for RN licensure examination.

Accelerated BSN Admission Requirements

Admission requirements vary by school. Applicants usually need a minimum 2.5-3.0 GPA and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. BSN degree-seekers complete prerequisite courses in nutrition and chemistry. Other prerequisites include psychology and microbiology.

Applicants submit official transcripts, personal statements, and recommendation letters. Many programs waive standardized test scores for applicants with strong GPAs.

Accelerated nursing programs usually run up to six eight-week terms annually. Larger schools may admit new students every term. Some cohort-based programs admit students 1-2 times annually. Application deadlines vary by program. Students should check their prospective schools’ admissions pages for more information.

Accelerated BSN Sample Coursework

Accelerated BSN programs require at least 60 credits of core and elective coursework. Learners build skills in patient assessment and care management. Many nursing programs also teach enrollees how to work with different populations, such as older adults and nursing mothers.

BSN curriculum usually aligns with the specific education and experience requirements students need for RN licensure. Practicums allow enrollees to apply their learning in supervised, real-world clinical settings.

See below for common courses in accelerated BSN programs.

  • minusFoundations of Nursing

    This core course covers proven healthcare assessment and treatment. Learners study clinical and scientific nursing concepts and processes. Students learn how to communicate effectively and use nursing technologies. The course may include a practicum.
  • minusNursing Women and Families

    This course focuses on nursing care principles and practices for childbearing women and their children. Enrollees learn how to assist patients with childbirth, breastfeeding, and infant care. Students explore health promotion and education for parents and young children.
  • minusMental and Behavioral Health Nursing

    Students learn how to use biological, psychological, and sociological insights to care for those with mental and behavioral health challenges. The course covers addiction and personality disorders. Enrollees learn mental health assessment and treatment-planning fundamentals.
  • minusNursing Research and Statistics

    This course covers statistical measurements and hypothesis testing. Enrollees learn how to evaluate research studies and use research evidence in decision-making. Coursework covers how nursing research and data analysis informs nursing practice.
  • minusProfessional Nursing

    Common in both undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, this core course explores nursing ethics and social justice issues that influence health disparities. Some course versions focus on nursing research and professional development. Learners may discuss safety and risk management concepts.

The Accelerated MSN

Traditional MSN programs follow BSN programs. Accelerated MSN programs condense BSN and MSN curricula into a four-year, dual-degree program. Also known as direct-entry nursing programs, accelerated MSN programs accept candidates with transferable credits from non-nursing degrees.

Accelerated MSN Admission Requirements

Admission requirements and application timelines vary by program. Some schools serve practicing nurses through accelerated ADN-to-BSN-to-MSN programs or accelerated RN-to-BSN-to-MSN programs. Nurses enroll in these programs to get specializations or to advance their careers.

Some accelerated BSN-to-MSN programs accept applicants with non-nursing degrees. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA and prior bachelor’s degrees from regionally accredited schools. Accelerated MSN programs may require prerequisite coursework in topics such as statistics and microbiology. Many schools also require prior nutrition, pharmacology, and pathophysiology coursework.

Not all programs require GRE scores. Some nursing schools require that applicants pass the standardized Test of Essential Academic Skills. Applicants submit recommendation letters, personal statements, and official transcripts. Cohort-based programs may offer 1-2 start times annually.

Accelerated MSN Sample Coursework

Many accelerated MSN programs require 60 credits across five semesters. Learners complete core courses in nursing leadership and tested nursing practices. Enrollees learn skills for providing patient-centered care to various populations, including adults with complex health concerns. Enrollees can often specialize in areas such as nursing education or family nursing.

See below for common courses in accelerated MSN programs.

  • minusFoundations of Nursing Education

    This core course covers key nursing theories and ethical principles. The curriculum focuses on patient safety, advocacy, and nursing research. The course prepares enrollees to pass the Certified Nurse Educator Exam.
  • minusAcute and Complex Care

    Learners study how to care for patients with severe health crises or many health conditions. Coursework prepares medical professionals to assist patients facing the end of life. Enrollees study assessments and interventions for complex, unstable health conditions. The course includes a clinical component.
  • minusHealthcare Policy

    Students explore how healthcare policy gets developed and implemented. Enrollees study current policies and how they impact patients and nursing practices. The course familiarizes learners with historical and political factors that shape healthcare policy.
  • minusNursing Informatics

    This course integrates nursing and information science. Students learn how to use various patient care technologies. They also analyze the benefits and cost effectiveness of these technologies. Coursework teaches nursing informatics’ uses in nursing education and research. Enrollees examine the legal and ethical standards for using various health and information technologies.
  • minusNursing Leadership and Management

    This course builds key administrative knowledge and skills. Students learn how to train and oversee nursing personnel and operations. Coursework focuses on primary nursing management roles such as staffing and scheduling. Enrollees learn how to organize, direct, and delegate nursing activities.

The Accelerated BSN to Ph.D.

Accelerated BSN-to-Ph.D. programs provide a fast track for ambitious BSN graduates. This research-focused, terminal degree qualifies graduates to teach college-level nursing courses or work as nursing research scientists. Graduates can also work as administrators or open private practices. Some Ph.D. graduates conduct research that influences nursing policy and practice.

Students pursuing an accelerated BSN-to-Ph.D. degree do not complete a master’s degree. BSN-to-Ph.D. programs take 3-6 years to complete. Learners complete advanced coursework, including dissertation research and writing.

Core coursework includes several research courses. Students also learn nursing ethics and data management. Most programs include healthcare informatics and policy courses. Some Ph.D. programs allow enrollees to choose between administrative, education, or nursing science tracks.

The Best Accelerated Nursing Programs

#1 Best Accelerated Nursing Programs

Linfield University

  • Location-markerPortland, OR
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$43,560
  • Out-of-state$43,560
  • Retention Rate0%
  • Acceptance Rate0%
  • Students Enrolled337
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment9%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Accelerated Nursing Programs

Northeastern University

  • Location-markerBoston, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$52,420
  • Out-of-state$52,420
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$24,793
  • Out-of-state$24,793
  • Retention Rate99%
  • Acceptance Rate18%
  • Students Enrolled22,207
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment10%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Accelerated Nursing Programs

University of Rochester

  • Location-markerRochester, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$55,040
  • Out-of-state$55,040
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$51,705
  • Out-of-state$51,705
  • Retention Rate94%
  • Acceptance Rate30%
  • Students Enrolled12,233
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment7%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Accelerated Nursing Programs

Sacred Heart University

  • Location-markerFairfield, CT
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$42,800
  • Out-of-state$42,800
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$30,427
  • Out-of-state$30,427
  • Retention Rate83%
  • Acceptance Rate64%
  • Students Enrolled9,156
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment34%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Accelerated Nursing Programs

Quinnipiac University

  • Location-markerHamden, CT
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$46,790
  • Out-of-state$46,790
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$18,990
  • Out-of-state$18,990
  • Retention Rate84%
  • Acceptance Rate70%
  • Students Enrolled9,708
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment22%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Best Accelerated Nursing Programs

Laboure College

  • Location-markerMilton, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$35,538
  • Out-of-state$35,538
  • Retention Rate0%
  • Acceptance Rate21%
  • Students Enrolled988
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment21%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Best Accelerated Nursing Programs

The Catholic University of America

  • Location-markerWashington, DC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$46,950
  • Out-of-state$46,950
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$48,000
  • Out-of-state$48,000
  • Retention Rate88%
  • Acceptance Rate85%
  • Students Enrolled5,771
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment13%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Best Accelerated Nursing Programs

New England Institute of Technology

  • Location-markerEast Greenwich, RI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$29,100
  • Out-of-state$29,100
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$13,320
  • Out-of-state$13,320
  • Retention Rate0%
  • Acceptance Rate63%
  • Students Enrolled2,516
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment30%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 Best Accelerated Nursing Programs

Loyola University Chicago

  • Location-markerChicago, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$44,105
  • Out-of-state$44,105
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$18,594
  • Out-of-state$18,594
  • Retention Rate85%
  • Acceptance Rate67%
  • Students Enrolled17,159
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment15%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 Best Accelerated Nursing Programs

Endicott College

  • Location-markerBeverly, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$33,304
  • Out-of-state$33,304
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$12,555
  • Out-of-state$12,555
  • Retention Rate86%
  • Acceptance Rate69%
  • Students Enrolled4,741
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment41%
  • AccreditationYes
#11 Best Accelerated Nursing Programs

Drexel University

  • Location-markerPhiladelphia, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$52,146
  • Out-of-state$52,146
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$35,181
  • Out-of-state$35,181
  • Retention Rate89%
  • Acceptance Rate75%
  • Students Enrolled24,205
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment38%
  • AccreditationYes
#12 Best Accelerated Nursing Programs

University of Portland

  • Location-markerPortland, OR
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$47,478
  • Out-of-state$47,478
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$23,868
  • Out-of-state$23,868
  • Retention Rate90%
  • Acceptance Rate77%
  • Students Enrolled4,254
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment1%
  • AccreditationYes
#13 Best Accelerated Nursing Programs

Pace University

  • Location-markerNew York, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$44,714
  • Out-of-state$44,714
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$31,320
  • Out-of-state$31,320
  • Retention Rate78%
  • Acceptance Rate79%
  • Students Enrolled13,395
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment43%
  • AccreditationYes
#14 Best Accelerated Nursing Programs

Pennsylvania State University

  • Location-markerUniversity Park, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$17,416
  • Out-of-state$34,480
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$21,960
  • Out-of-state$37,694
  • Retention Rate88%
  • Acceptance Rate76%
  • Students Enrolled91,427
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment50%
  • AccreditationYes
#15 Best Accelerated Nursing Programs

Salve Regina University

  • Location-markerNewport, RI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$40,750
  • Out-of-state$40,750
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$10,890
  • Out-of-state$10,890
  • Retention Rate85%
  • Acceptance Rate74%
  • Students Enrolled2,771
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment22%
  • AccreditationYes
#16 Best Accelerated Nursing Programs

The University of Virginia's College at Wise

  • Location-markerWise, VA
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,527
  • Out-of-state$23,262
  • Retention Rate67%
  • Acceptance Rate59%
  • Students Enrolled1,978
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment41%
  • AccreditationYes
#17 Best Accelerated Nursing Programs

Michigan State University

  • Location-markerEast Lansing, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$15,555
  • Out-of-state$40,384
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$18,858
  • Out-of-state$37,056
  • Retention Rate91%
  • Acceptance Rate71%
  • Students Enrolled49,809
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment26%
  • AccreditationYes
#18 Best Accelerated Nursing Programs

Belmont University

  • Location-markerNashville, TN
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$34,000
  • Out-of-state$34,000
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$22,680
  • Out-of-state$22,680
  • Retention Rate83%
  • Acceptance Rate84%
  • Students Enrolled8,440
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment20%
  • AccreditationYes
#19 Best Accelerated Nursing Programs

Widener University

  • Location-markerChester, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$46,378
  • Out-of-state$46,378
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$23,830
  • Out-of-state$23,830
  • Retention Rate82%
  • Acceptance Rate72%
  • Students Enrolled6,496
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment37%
  • AccreditationYes
#20 Best Accelerated Nursing Programs

Adelphi University

  • Location-markerGarden City, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$38,470
  • Out-of-state$38,470
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$41,920
  • Out-of-state$41,920
  • Retention Rate79%
  • Acceptance Rate74%
  • Students Enrolled7,991
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment21%
  • AccreditationYes