How to Become an RN Fast in 5 Steps
To become an RN fast, it’s important to find a quality nursing program that has an accelerated timeline. Whether you want to become an RN in one year or 16 months, it’s important to identify and meet and requirements, including completing prerequisites courses. You’ll also need to pass the NCLEX.
If you’re changing careers to become a nurse or have previous education you want to leverage toward a career in nursing, chances are you don’t want to spend four more years earning another degree. If you value a high-quality education and want to become an RN fast, our program may be right for you. At Madonna University we offer a fast-track nursing degree program that doesn’t compromise quality for an accelerated schedule.
Whether your goal is to become a nurse in one year or 16 months, it’s essential to keep in mind that completing an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program like ours at Madonna University is only the start. Completing prerequisite courses, sitting for and passing the National Council Licensure Exam(NCLEX-RN), and getting licensed as an RN are all steps towards becoming a nurse, making the overall schedule longer than 16 months.
An average timeline for our ABSN students to become nurses can be anywhere from 16 months to 2 years. Madonna’s accelerated nursing program will help you become the best nurse you can be, as you train on our fast-tracked schedule.
We have a supportive admission team that will walk you through each step of enrolling in our dynamic ABSN program.
Below, we’ll review the steps you need to take to become an RN fast through the Madonna ABSN program.
1. Start the Admission Process
Your nursing journey begins as soon as you complete the form on our website. That lets our admission team know you’re ready to discuss your academic qualifications and nursing career goals so we can determine if you’re a good fit for our program.
We will connect you with an admission officer who will serve as your main point of contact throughout the entire admission process. During this call, you’ll have the chance to have your questions answered and learn more information about the program’s admission requirements.
Next, you’ll work together to make an academic plan that will guide you through the program. Once your admission officer determines your eligibility for our ABSN program, they will help you meet your goals for a target start date. Your admission officer will also ensure you’ve either met the prerequisite course requirements or have a plan to do so.
2. Complete Your Prerequisite Courses
Your admission officer will help you register for all the prerequisite courses you need. They’ll continue to check in intermittently to help you stay focused and on track to pass the classes with the minimum grade requirement of C or higher.
Prerequisite courses provide a solid understanding of communication, mathematics, and scientific theories needed to put your best foot forward in your ABSN coursework. You will not be able to start your nursing education until these requirements are met. Think of prerequisites as the foundation on which you are building your nursing education.
Did you know that you can take your prerequisite courses directly through Madonna’s intuitive e-learning platform? This can help streamline the process and give you a leg up because you’ll be familiar with the platform when you advance to your ABSN courses!
3. Complete The 16-Month ABSN Curriculum
Successful students in the Madonna ABSN program are dedicated, committed, and manage their time well. To get the most out of the ABSN program and become a confident nurse, you will need to schedule time to study and stick to your plan.
Because our program runs on an accelerated timeline, you will be learning a lot of information in a short amount of time. It’s critical that you make the program your first priority and are prepared to miss out on social events in favor of learning. Your time will primarily be split between studying for online courses and attending skills and simulation labs or clinical placements.
Online Courses
You’ll complete your foundational nursing coursework using our intuitive online platform. Although your nursing classes will be online, you’ll still have full access to your instructors via email and online chat. Our online curriculum is interactive and includes engaging modules and video content. It also allows you to connect with your cohort through discussion boards.
Skills Labs
While enrolled in the accelerated BSN program, you’ll attend skills labs at our ABSN site near Detroit that will challenge you to put what you’ve learned in class into action. These labs emulate the hospital setting and feature the high-tech medical equipment and supplies you’d expect to find in a healthcare setting.
Simulation Labs
Simulation labs test your skills in realistic patient care scenarios. They push you to hone your critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. The lab environment provides a supportive environment where you have the space to try out your skills and learn from your mistakes without fear of harming a human patient.
Interested in learning more about simulation labs and why they're important? Read on to see what labs are like.
Clinical Rotations
Next, you’ll be able to level up your skills and practice them in a real-world environment. During clinicals, you’ll work with our healthcare partners in a variety of areas:
- Adult health
- Community health
- Mental health
- Obstetrics
- Pediatrics
Under the guidance of an instructor, through these clinical rotations you’ll get a feel for working in a real hospital or facility with actual patients. You’ll learn what specialties interest you while working alongside healthcare professionals. This portion of the program is the closest you’ll come to professional nursing; for the next step, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX and get your license before being eligible for employment.
4. Take and Pass the NCLEX
Every student who graduates from nursing school must sit for and pass the NCLEX to earn an RN license, so that will be your next step on your journey to become an RN fast.
Our ABSN program prepares you to sit confidently for the exam. The NCLEX is a comprehensive test that evaluates prospective nurses’ skills, problem-solving abilities, and bedside manner.
5. Get Started
During our 16-month ABSN program, you will complete 53 credit hours spread over four full-time semesters.
Our program offers start dates in January, May, and September — giving you ample time to meet requirements and start on your path toward a rewarding career helping people.
Does Madonna University’s ABSN program sound like a fit for you? Start on your future today! Contact a Madonna ABSN admission team member today to find out more.