Accelerated nursing programs

What is an accelerated nursing program?

Accelerated nursing programs are designed to provide students with the opportunity to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) quicker than traditional on-campus college programs. Many of these programs are designed for people who already have undergraduate degrees in other disciplines but wish to transition into a nursing career.

Accelerated programs can be held on campus, but can also be delivered through online courses. Compared with traditional programs, accelerated programs typically run with no breaks between course sessions, condensing coursework into a shorter, more continuous schedule; the specific term structure (semesters, quarters or other formats) varies by school, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Students who are enrolled in online programs typically complete their clinical rotations in person, though placement is not guaranteed to be near the student; each program sets its own approved clinical sites and placement policy, so prospective students should confirm this directly with the program.

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 340 accelerated entry-level baccalaureate nursing programs and 104 entry-level master's programs were available across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico as of 2025.

Is an accelerated nursing program the best choice for me?

Individuals who are considering a career shift to nursing might wonder if an accelerated nursing program is the right choice for them. There are several important factors to consider when deciding whether this type of program is best for you.

Accelerated programs condense a large amount of education into a short time frame. A fast-track nursing program generally takes 11 to 18 months for a bachelor's degree and 15 to 36 months for a master's degree, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. For someone who is interested in this type of program, it is important to consider whether or not you can handle the time constraints and academic demands of accelerated courses.

Students with strong time management skills who thrive in a fast-paced learning environment may find an accelerated program better suits their needs. Additionally, accelerated programs can be a good option for students who are looking to advance their education or shift into a nursing career, but want to do so at a faster pace.

It is important to weigh the pros and cons of an accelerated program and carefully consider if this type of program will fit your needs.

Types of accelerated nursing degree programs

Each program will have different coursework and prerequisites for students who wish to apply. It's important to understand what each program entails and what its prerequisites are for prospective students.

Accelerated associate degree in nursing (ADN)

An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) allows students to gain core knowledge and clinical skills in the field of nursing. Associate Degree in Nursing programs are traditionally around two years in length and are not always offered in an accelerated structure. However, there are some universities that offer this pathway, condensing the program into a shorter completion timeline than the traditional format; check with individual programs for their specific length and availability.

An accelerated ADN program may be an option for post-secondary school educated LPNs or post-bachelor's non-nursing candidates seeking to obtain RN licensure in an accelerated format. These ADN programs may enable students to build foundational nursing skills, enter a nursing career or continue to pursue an advanced education, like an RN-to-BSN program.

Graduating from an ADN program may give students the eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN, the national licensing exam whose eligibility requirements are set by the nursing regulatory body in each licensing jurisdiction, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Passing this exam is one step toward becoming licensed as a registered nurse; final licensure also requires approval from that jurisdiction's board of nursing.

Possible careers with an ADN

Earning an Associate Degree in Nursing can lead to a range of entry-level registered nursing roles across different care settings. Examples may include:

  • Registered nurse
  • Physician's office nurse
  • Nursing care facility nurse
  • Labor and delivery nurse
  • Rehabilitation nurse

Earning your ADN allows you the freedom and flexibility to choose from many registered nurse career paths and find one that aligns with your interests.

Admission requirements

The admission requirements for ADN programs vary by college. Some admissions processes may require interviews, essays or related work in healthcare. ADN program admission requirements may include items such as:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Transcripts from previous colleges or universities
  • Developmental or prerequisite coursework, which can include subjects such as algebra and other math courses
  • Minimum GPA
  • CPR certification
  • High school chemistry and biology
  • Standardized test scores
  • A personal essay

Exact requirements, and which of these apply, vary by school; check with your preferred program for its specific admissions criteria.

Programs

Most traditional ADN programs are two years in length; accelerated ADN options, where offered, are generally shorter, though exact timelines vary by school. Finding the best ADN program for you may appear to be challenging given the numerous options you have. Coursework commonly associated with ADN programs may include topics such as human anatomy, foundations for nursing practice, clinical experiences and nursing pathophysiology; exact course requirements vary by school.

Keep in mind what your career goals are and consider where your degree will allow you to practice. This accelerated pathway is not offered by every associate-degree nursing program; check with your preferred program for accreditation and more information.

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is an undergraduate degree for students seeking to become an RN or for those who already hold an ADN or RN licensure but want to continue their education. RN status is a nursing license granted by a state board of nursing, not itself a degree, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

Generally, BSN programs are offered for any prospective students who can meet admission requirements. However, accelerated BSN programs are designed for and generally only open to individuals who have already earned a bachelor's degree, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. If you already hold RN licensure, you may consider an accelerated RN-to-BSN program.

Completion of a BSN program allows graduates to pursue an advanced degree, such as an MSN, or enter into nursing leadership positions.

Possible Careers with a BSN

People who have earned a BSN and hold RN licensure may pursue leadership roles that involve supervising other nurses, though not all BSN-prepared nurses work in supervisory positions. Those who have earned their BSN have access to a variety of career options, which may include:

These are only some possible roles for BSN graduates. Earning a BSN can also open up opportunities for further education, such as MSN programs.

Admission requirements

Admissions requirements for a BSN program will vary from school to school. Accelerated BSN programs typically accept students who have already completed a bachelor's or graduate degree in a non-nursing discipline, and admission standards are generally high, with many programs requiring a minimum GPA around 3.0 and a thorough prescreening process, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Other admissions requirements for accelerated BSN programs may include items such as:

  • Minimum GPA
  • Completion of science prerequisite courses
  • Personal interview
  • Prior healthcare-related certification or licensure, such as CNA certification or LPN licensure
  • CPR certification
  • Statement of purpose
  • Resume
  • Recommendations

Which of these apply, and their exact thresholds, vary by school; check with your preferred program for its specific admissions criteria.

Programs

BSN program structure and curriculum vary by school. However, every program will involve classroom coursework and hands-on clinical practice; accelerated programs provide the same number of clinical hours as traditional entry-level nursing programs, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Some common coursework may include nursing research and evidence-based practice, health assessments, nursing systems and ethics, nursing leadership and clinical experience. When comparing programs, it's also worth checking a school's NCLEX-RN pass rate, since passing the NCLEX-RN is required to practice as a registered nurse.

The best option for you will depend on your previous education, career goals and personal preferences. For prospective students who have completed a non-nursing undergraduate degree program but wish to begin a nursing career, an accelerated BSN program may be a good option.

Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a graduate degree that can prepare nurses for advanced practice registered nurse careers, depending on the program track. Accelerated or direct-entry MSN programs are typically designed to prepare non-nursing degree holders for entry-level registered nurse practice; pursuing an advanced-practice role afterward generally requires further graduate-level coursework, national certification in a specific population focus, and state licensure board authorization, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

Titles of accelerated MSN programs vary, but most programs offer the following, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing:

  • A pathway to nursing for non-nursing bachelor's or master's degree holders
  • Coursework that may lead to licensure as an RN in the first year of your program

An accelerated MSN degree may help nurses change careers and take on nursing roles as educators, clinical nurse leaders (CNL), health policy specialists and nurse administrators, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Possible careers with an MSN

Earning an MSN can lead to many new career opportunities, though the specific roles a graduate can pursue depend on the program track, additional certification and state licensure board authorization. Some nurses who complete an MSN in an advanced-practice track go on to provide advanced patient care in a number of settings after completing the required certification and licensure steps. Other nurses with master's degrees work in education, administration or health policy, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Examples of careers that might be available to graduates who complete the additional required preparation include:

Admission requirements

Accelerated or direct-entry MSN programs typically have requirements such as:

  • Bachelor's or master's degree in a non-nursing field
  • Minimum GPA requirement
  • Standardized graduate test scores
  • Recommendations
  • Prerequisite coursework
  • Goal statement

Each university has different requirements depending on the state it is located in for licensure reasons or for accreditation purposes. Be sure to check with your preferred university for more information.

Is an accelerated nursing program worth it?

If you are a prospective student interested in earning a nursing degree, you may be considering an accelerated program and wondering if it is worth it. This is a challenging question to answer, and one that you should give plenty of thought.

Before making a decision, carefully consider the program's curriculum, and what benefits and opportunities an accelerated program will provide you upon completion. It is important to understand your goals and how the program will align with them.

Curriculum

Accelerated nursing programs, just like traditional programs, include general education classes, nursing theory and hands-on clinical experience. For online programs, clinical rotations are still completed in person at facilities approved by the program; students should verify a program's specific placement policy, since locations are not guaranteed to be near the student.

Coursework commonly associated with nursing programs may include topics such as:

  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Statistics or related mathematics
  • Pharmacology
  • Health assessment
  • Nursing theory
  • Nursing research
  • Nursing ethics

The exact curriculum varies by school and program level; while course requirements differ, accelerated nursing programs may often include demanding levels of coursework throughout their duration.

Opportunities

Students who graduate from an accelerated program can qualify for a variety of nursing roles. Depending on the level of education they receive, students may pursue a career as a registered nurse or work in leadership positions; pursuing an advanced practice registered nurse role typically requires further graduate-level preparation, national certification and state licensure board authorization beyond an entry-level degree.

Alongside career advancement opportunities, earning an accelerated degree can open paths for continued nursing education. For students who graduate with their BSN, this could include providing the foundation for an advanced degree, such as an MSN.

Benefits of an accelerated program

Accelerated nursing programs offer a number of benefits to students, which might include:

  • Helping shift career goals toward nursing.
  • Completing your education in a shorter time frame.
  • Being sought after by employers who value the skills and education these graduates bring to the workplace, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
  • Not requiring previous health care experience for many program tracks, though requirements vary by school.

Additionally, for some students, the benefit of a nursing career is the ability to grow in a rewarding field they are passionate about.

FAQ

Tuition costs for accelerated nursing programs can vary considerably depending on the type of degree and the university. Visit our page on financial assistance to see resources that may help pay for your nursing degree.

Information last updated: October 2026