What is an Accelerated Nursing Program?
An accelerated nursing program (ABSN) is a fast track educational option for individuals who have the academic foundation to begin their nursing education with a reduced course load and often no general education courses. Instead of being enrolled in traditional courses (such as English 101 and other electives), students in ABSN programs follow a carefully designed curriculum that focuses heavily on biological sciences and professional nursing topics. After students complete the required hours of class and clinical exposure, they earn a regular degree instead of an associate’s degree.
- It is a fast track educational option for individuals who have the academic foundation to begin their nursing education with a reduced course load and often no general education courses
- Instead of being enrolled in traditional courses such as English 101 and other electives students in ABSN programs follow a carefully designed curriculum that focuses heavily on biological sciences and professional nursing topics
- After students complete the required hours of class and clinical exposure they earn a regular degree instead of an associates degree
Who is an Accelerated Nursing Program For?
- Individuals who have the academic foundation to begin their nursing education with a reduced course load and often no general education courses
2.Individuals who are interested in online accelerated nursing programs
3.Individuals who want to learn about start dates transferring credits availability of financial aid and more by contacting the universities below
Online Nursing Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Entrance Requirements for a Arkansas Accelerated Nursing Program
- Bachelor’s degree: You need to have your bachelor’s degree to be eligible for accelerated nursing programs, but it can be in any subject!
- GPA: You do not need to take a test for eligibility but most schools will require that you have a minimum GPA of 3.0. These can vary by school so check before applying!
- Complete pre-requisites: While your bachelor’s degree can be in anything, you may need to complete certain courses before you can apply to an accelerated nursing program. Usually these will be science courses such as biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and more.
- Letters of recommendation: Like any application you need letters of recommendation. Make sure to reach out ahead of time to the people you want to write your letters so that you are not scrambling at the last minute.
- Submit applications: You should look over the applications in advance so you know how much time you will need to complete them. In addition to demographics and basic questions, you may have essays to write. You will also need to collect past transcripts, submit and updated resume, and possibly additional paperwork.
- Interview: Most schools will not require an interview but it always helps to check!
How Long Does it Take to Complete an Accelerated Nursing Program in Arkansas?
This all depends on the school of course so take some time to shop around. In general you will be able to earn your BSN through an accelerated nursing program in 18 months or less. Some of these programs will be non-stop year round, while others may factor in a break. You will complete not only course work but also required hands on clinical experiences during this time so that you can master your new nursing skills.
What Prerequisite Science Courses Will I Need for an ABSN Program in Arkansas
First applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an approved university. The typical list of prerequisites for admission to the Accelerated BS in Nursing program usually include the following:
- BIOL 211/212: Human Anatomy and Lab (2/1)
- BIOL 215/L: Introductory Microbiology and Lab (2/2)
- BIOL 281/282: Human Physiology and Lab (3/1)
- CHEM 103/L: Introductory Chemistry I and Lab (3/1)
- MATH 140: Introductory Statistics (4)
What Will I Study in My Arkansas Accelerated Nursing Program?
Curricula will vary a little but they are all designed to prepare you to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Most schools will have course lists available online of what you will take during your program. In general you can expect to take courses similar to the following curriculum as offered by a typical five semester program where summers are required.
Fall
- Health Assessment
- Health Assessment Lab
- Concepts of Professional Nursing
- Integrated Pathophysiology/Pharmacology
- Foundations of Nursing Practice
- Foundations of Nursing Practice Lab
Spring
- Evidence Based Practice Nursing
- Cultural Diversity in Health & Illness
- Mental Health Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing Lab
- Management of Medical-Surgical Adult & Older Adult Clients
- Management of the Medical-Surgical Adult & Older Adult Clients Lab
Summer
- Reproductive Health Nursing
- Reproductive Health Nursing Lab
- Child Health Nursing
- Child Health Nursing Lab
Fall
- Population Health Nursing
- Population Health Nursing Clinical
- Management of the Adult with Complex Health Alterations
- Management of the Adult with Complex Health Alterations Lab
Spring
- Leadership/Management in Professional Nursing
- Leadership/Management in Professional Nursing Lab
- Nursing Capstone
- Nursing Capstone Clinical
What Are the Clinical Requirements for an ABSN in Arkansas
The number of supervised clinical hours you will be required to complete will depend on the state you live in. In general however, most states require between 500 to 800 clinical hours for you to earn your BSN and sit for the NCLEX RN exam. Check with the Arkansas Board of Nursing to see the latest requirements. Clinical hours are experiences where you are paired with an experienced nurse (called your preceptor) and get to practice your clinical skills on real patients. Having someone to supervise you as you master these skills helps you be prepared to be a safe new nurse when you become licensed.
Learn More About ABSN and MSN Accelerated Nursing Programs:
4 Steps To Register for the NCLEX
Be sure to talk to your school about the requirements for signing up for the NCLEX. They can help you with timing and steps. The process can take some time, so don’t wait until the last minute. Here are some important steps you need to take to register for the big day:
- Check out your state’s Board of Nursing (BON) website to sign up so that you are eligible to take the NCLEX. The NCBSN website has information you need on your state’s BON.
- Your NCLEX eligibility requirements can be found through your BON.
- After this you should register for the test through Pearson VUE. Don’t forget to find your program code when doing this! If you’re not sure where to find it, contact your school.
- The last step is to use our NCLEX tips and practice exams to study!
List of Accelerated BSN Nursing Programs in Arkansas
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List of Accelerated MSN Nursing Programs in Arkansas
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FAQs for Arkansas Accelerated Nursing Schools
Students are expected to not work during their year of nursing study and clinicals so that they can devote all their time fully towards exam preparation and gaining experience in nursing with a goal of taking the NCLEX-RN, which is required to become a registered nurse.
The typical duration for an Accelerated BSN program is 11 to 18 months, depending on the prerequisites. An accelerated master’s degree in nursing will generally take about three years.
Yes. These are generally call LPN to RN or RN to BSN programs and are designed for nurses who already nurses but want to earn an advanced degree.
Since ABSNs are only 11-18 months long, ABSN students often struggle with staying ahead of their coursework as well as keeping up with clinical rotations . The need to balance academics while working towards practical experience can place great strain on ABSN students who want to excel academically but also maintain a high standard during clinical rotations. Therefore it is often advised for ABSN students not to work while attending school.
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