What is an Accelerated Nursing Program?
If you’ve already earned a baccalaureate degree in another field, accelerated nursing programs give you credit for your existing degree and prepare you for a fast-paced, high-paying nursing career in as little as one year.
Introduction to Accelerated Nursing Programs In Connecticut?
An accelerated BSN program is designed to help you earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and enter the nursing workforce quickly and with less expense. You will receive credits toward academic requirements needed for your nursing degree. These programs are accelerated, and you’ll likely complete your nursing program in as little as one year.
Programs differ widely by institution, but most accelerated BSN programs require at least two years of college level classes to enter. Many schools offer a curriculum that integrates general education and nursing courses resulting in an associate degree for students who have completed their prerequisites. Upon completion of the first degree, accepted applicants will then be admitted into the accelerated BSN program where they can gain up to 60 credits toward their bachelor’s degree. The remaining 120 credits needed for the RN license must be earned at a traditional university or Connecticut State University (CSU) campus before you can register with the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nurses
Whether you choose the accelerated BSN option to become an RN or the direct entry master’s program to work as an NP,you’ll earn your Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN)degree and enter into this top paying profession with less expense than traditional undergraduate degrees require by graduating at least two years sooner.
Why Should I Complete an Accelerated Nursing Program In Connecticut?
You will receive credits toward coursework required by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BSN) or direct entry master’s program which can allow you to enter the workforce faster with less expense.
An accelerated BSN program is designed to help you complete your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and enter the nursing workforce quickly with less expense. You will receive credits toward completion for the time and tuition spent earning a 4 year BSN. When you finish the program, rather than being stuck giving bed baths or taking notes in design classes, you’ll be out practicing what it means to be an RN!
Standard BSNs often take two to three years to complete, as students focus on their foundational courses the majority of the time. The accelerated nursing degree program allows you to focus only on your nursing courses while receiving credit for prior education and experience, shortening your time in school considerably—most programs are completed in 18 months or less.
In an accelerated BSN program, you will still have the same number of clinical hours as someone going in the standard way, but your classes will be shortened.
Entrance Requirements for a Connecticut Accelerated Nursing Program
Typically, the only entrance requirement for an accelerated nursing program is that you have already earned a bachelor’s degree in another field. The accelerated bsn program option allows students to enter with 60 credits of core nursing courses completed-this will allow them to be registered RNs and enter the workforce immediately.
When applying, you must complete a pre-requisite course list to prepare you for your accelerated nursing program and eventually become an RN. Many programs are accelerated, meaning that it is possible to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BSN) in as little as one year.
List of 5 Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs in Connecticut
University of Saint Joseph
- 1678 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford, CT - 06117
- 860-232-4571
- Program Name: Accelerated Second Degree (ASD), Nursing
The Accelerated Second Degree (ASD) in nursing at University of Saint Joseph is for students who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree in another discipline. Students in the ASD program are awarded a Bachelor of Science degree upon completion of Nursing academic requirements.
Graduates of the ASD program will then be eligible to take the National Council licensing examination for licensure as a Registered Nurse (NCLEX).
The ASD program is a very intense and fast- paced curriculum. Â In order to succeed, students must be self-directed be learners who can manage time effectively and efficiently.
Students complete all Nursing courses over 15 months (two summers and one full academic year – May through August). Nurse students also have the opportunity to study in USJ’s state-of-the-art facilities alongside highly qualified Nursing faculty.
Southern Connecticut State University
- 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT - 06515-1355
- 203-392-5200
- Program Name: Accelerated Career Entry (ACE) Program
The Accelerated Career Entry (ACE) at Southern Connecticut State University is a fast track, one-year, intensive course of study that allows qualified individuals to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and enter the nursing profession with a significant reduction in time and tuition.
- The nursing curriculum can be completed in just 12 months (excluding nursing prerequisites).
- Originally modeled after the nationally accredited SCSU traditional nursing program, the ACE program offers accelerated BSN coursework for those who already have a college degree.
- Adult learners seek stimulating classrooms with high-quality teaching for the economically-minded.
- Small class size and affordable tuition.
SCSU does not have a limit of how many college credits you can transfer. You can also take courses at another school to satisfy the prerequisites.
https://inside.southernct.edu/nursing/undergraduate-programs/ace
University of Connecticut-Storrs Campus
- 352 Mansfield Road, Storrs, CT - 06269
- 860-486-2000
- Program Name: One-year Accelerated Degree Program
The Certificate Entry into Nursing (CEIN) Program is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. Upon the successful completion of the one-year CEIN/BS program, the student is awarded their baccalaureate degree and can test to become an RN.
UConn CEIN is a full-time accelerated BSN program for students already possessing a bachelor’s degree. This fast-paced 12 month certificate program offered at four UConn campuses – Avery Point, Stamford, Storrs and Waterbury – includes on-site opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the state’s flagship & research intensive university
Fairfield University
- 1073 N Benson Rd, Fairfield, CT - 06824-5195
- 203-254-4000
- Program Name: Accelerated Second Degree Nursing
Fairfield University is an private, Connecticut based institution that offers an accelerated bachelor’s degree program in nursing. This accredited program is accelerated, designed to help you earn your BSN degree and enter the nursing workforce more quickly than traditional undergraduate degrees.
There are two ways to apply for this program:
1. You can transfer from another college with a bachelors degree in another field, and start the nursing program with 60 or more credits already complete (Contact [email protected])
2. Enter CSU Connecticut as an undergrad student for 2 years and then switch over to the accelerated BS-Nursing track (This option will require you to have completed all prerequisites).
The Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies offers a shorter nursing program that only takes about 15 months to complete. You will need to complete all the required pre-requisites before you can get into this program. The school offers financial aid for students who qualify, so it is less expensive for them. The school also provides career counseling and advice for students transitioning into nursing.
https://www.fairfield.edu/undergraduate/academics/schools-and-colleges/egan-school-of-nursing-and-health-studies/departments/second-degree-nursing/
Quinnipiac University
- Mt Carmel Ave, Hamden, CT - 06518
- 203-582-8200
- Program Name: Accelerated BSN
Quinnipiac University offers a nursing program that is CCNE accredited. The program is designed to be completed on the accelerated track, allowing you to earn your BSN in just one year of coursework
The accelerated BSN program at Quinnipiac University requires only a bachelor’s degree or 60 undergraduate credits as an upper-level transfer student, which can often be earned concurrent with the nursing classes. Students must still take a standardized entrance exam and pass it in order to graduate from this CCNE accredited program
Students complete more than 300 hours of practicum experience and develop a strong theoretical foundation in all health care settings. There are several areas of concentration available, including adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner and pediatric
- January Start, Hybrid Option: The January start hybrid program blends lab and clinical experience with online learning, perfect for adult learners with limited weekday availability.
- August Start, On-Campus Program:Â The on-campus program begins in August with a more traditional schedule to provide course delivery and clinical experiences.
How Long Does it Take to Complete an Accelerated Nursing Program in Connecticut?
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 Will I Study in My Connecticut 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 offered by Southern Connecticut State University:
Summer Session C – Begin Program
- NUR 350 (2cr.): Therapeutic Nutrition
- NUR 351 (2cr.): Evidence-Based Practice
Fall
- NUR 340 (3cr): Theoretical Foundations of Professional Nursing
- NUR 341 (3cr.): Health Assessment
- NUR 342 (3cr.): Evidence Based Nursing Interventions
- NUR 343 (3cr.): Integrated Pathophysiology/Pharmacology I
- NUR 344 (2cr.): Gerontological Nursing
Winter Sessions
- Nursing Electives (1cr/course): Two required
Spring
- NUR 352 (5cr.): Adult Health Nursing
- NUR 353 (3cr.): Integrated Pathophysiology/Pharmacology II
- NUR 354 (3cr.): Mental Health Nursing
- NUR 430 (3cr.): The Childbearing Family
- NUR 431 (3cr.): The Childrearing Family
Summer A
- NUR 432 (5cr.): Adult Response to Complex Stressors
- NUR 442 (3cr.): Community Health Nursing
Summer B – Complete Program
- NUR 443 (5cr.): Nursing Capstone
- NUR 444 (3cr): Leadership, Management and Health Care Issues in Nursing
Guide to ABSN and MSN Accelerated Nursing Programs
What Are the Clinical Requirements for an ABSN in Connecticut
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 about 1,500 clinical hours for you to earn your BSN and sit for the NCLEX RN exam. 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.
The number of supervised clinical hours you will be required to complete in Connecticut, according to the Connecticut State Board of Nursing is 1,500 clinical hours in order to earn your BSN and sit for the NCLEX RN exam. 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.
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 Connecticut
| University | Offered as | City/State |
|---|---|---|
| University of Saint Joseph | Campus, Hybrid, Online | West Hartford, CT |
| Southern Connecticut State University | Campus | New Haven, CT |
| University of Connecticut-Storrs Campus | Campus, Hybrid | Storrs, CT |
| Fairfield University | Campus, Hybrid | Fairfield, CT |
| Quinnipiac University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Hamden, CT |
