Is an Accelerated Nursing Program Right for You?

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Is an accelerated nursing program right for you? Becoming an RN is not easy, and it provides multiple benefits as well as many challenges. Madonna University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is here to make your goal of becoming a nurse possible.

ABSN students sitting in class

Are you interested in becoming a nurse? Do you already have college experience? The complex and ever-changing healthcare industry is in dire need of registered nurses (RNs) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Madonna University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program can fast-track your path toward a nursing career by helping you earn your degree in as little as 16 months.

Even with its challenging curriculum and intense time commitment, our nursing students find the journey worthwhile. So, let’s get into answering the question, “Is an accelerated nursing program right for you?”

What Is an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing?

Nursing is a career in high demand, and it’s expected to continue growing in the future. Employers don’t just hire any nurses; they are interested in those with a BSN. While traditional nursing programs take four years to complete, an accelerated path helps eligible students earn a degree in much less time. ABSN programs consist of online coursework, nursing labs and clinical rotations, giving you the opportunity to acquire the experience necessary to jump right into the field as an RN.

What Are the Benefits of an ABSN Program?

two Madonna ABSN students working with sim manikin

There are countless reasons to choose an accelerated nursing program, the least of which is the amount of time you’ll save. Here are some of the other benefits of taking the ABSN route:

  • You can leverage your prior college experience to earn a BSN.
  • Prospective employers value ABSN graduates because of their commitment to an intense program and their achievement by completing it.
  • You’ll have a comprehensive knowledge of nursing theory and how to put it into practice.
  • Nursing labs help you understand a hospital environment and learn in a risk-free zone.
  • You’ll acquire hands-on experience through clinical rotations under the supervision of seasoned instructors.
  • You’ll connect with a cohort of like-minded students who can learn from each other.
  • Instructors and staff are available to instruct and help with the learning process.

What Are the Challenges of an ABSN Program?

While ABSN programs offer numerous benefits, it’s important to recognize the challenges as well. A few of the ways an accelerated program will test you include:

  • Accelerated programs require an intense time commitment.
  • You’ll need to get through the curriculum more quickly than in a traditional nursing program.
  • You’ll need perseverance, organization, and time-management skills to complete everything on time.
  • ABSN students need to meet high academic standards to ensure they’re ready for a clinical career and the NCLEX.

A Look Inside Madonna’s ABSN Program

Madonna nursing student working with stethoscope on sim manikin

How does Madonna’s ABSN program work? It builds up your non-nursing bachelor’s degree or existing college credits (a minimum of 60), making it possible for you to fast-track your degree and become an RN sooner. For example, if you’ve already earned a biology degree, you may have your general education prerequisite credits fulfilled, and you can use them toward a nursing degree.

Is an accelerated nursing program right for you? Madonna University can help you achieve your goal. No bachelor’s degree? No problem — your previous college experience will determine the number of prerequisite courses you will have to take. But before you calculate the number of prerequisite courses you will need, you must first meet the admission requirements.

Are Accelerated Nursing Programs Worth It?

Yes! An ABSN does not only set you apart when applying for jobs, but it can also open doors if you ever consider expanding your career. An ABSN prepares you for the workplace through online coursework, simulation labs and clinical rotations, all under the guidance of experienced academic staff. Madonna University’s hybrid ABSN program sets you up for success.

ABSN student standing by whiteboard

Wondering whether to choose an accelerated or traditional nursing program? Here’s the difference between an ABSN and a traditional BSN.

Why Should You Become a Nurse in Detroit?

If you’re passionate about changing careers to become a registered nurse, then why not pursue your dream in a city known for its superior healthcare community?

Detroit Has a Vibrant Healthcare Sector

While Detroit is known as Motown, Hockey Town, and Motor City, it is also home to many of the top medical centers in the country because of their cutting-edge research and development. In fact, the University of Michigan Health-Ann Arbor Hospital has been locally, regionally, and nationally ranked in the Best Hospitals by the U.S. News and World Report.

According to the Detroit Regional Chamber, healthcare is metro Detroit’s largest industry, employing more than 359,000 workers in 2018. The area has become a hot spot for innovators, investors, and entrepreneurs looking to take the healthcare industry by storm. These individuals are flocking to metro Detroit to cultivate new, marketable products that help meet medical challenges around the world.

Much of this can contribute to the region’s top healthcare facilities, including Ascension Michigan, which is one of the healthcare facilities where Madonna ABSN students gain clinical experience. Clinicals play a key role in the ABSN curriculum, granting students the opportunity to network with fellow staff members, registered nurses, doctors, and potentially nurse recruiters.

Economy and Nurse Demand in Detroit

Overall, Detroit affords a lot of opportunity for those who want to pursue a nursing career. Why? Because more than half of the healthcare-related businesses in Michigan are based in Detroit. According to the Detroit Regional Chamber, more than 13,000 healthcare-related businesses and approximately 366,351 jobs reside in the Detroit region, positioning the healthcare industry to have an overall economic impact of $36 billion annually. In other words, the demand for qualified registered nurses in Detroit is high.

Madonna nursing student smiling with arms crossed

Begin Your Nursing Journey with Madonna’s ABSN Program!

So, what are you waiting for? If you are thinking if an accelerated nursing program is right for you, now is the perfect time to begin at Madonna University in metro Detroit. Contact our admission team today to learn how you can get started.