Nursing school is challenging and requires a high level of dedication and commitment. It will help you manage your time wisely between online coursework, labs, and clinical rotations.
An accelerated nursing degree can give you the skills and credentials you need to succeed in your new career in healthcare. Here are some tips for navigating the demands of an online ABSN program.
Coursework
As a student in an accelerated nursing program like some online ABSN programs, you will be required to quickly learn and retain a considerable amount of complex information. This requires a high level of focus and the ability to work independently. Many students only work during nursing school and devote some time to studying.
The coursework for an accelerated BSN program at La Salle University combines online courses, in-person labs, and clinical rotations. These components will allow you to experience the urgency and nuance of real-world healthcare environments that may be difficult to convey in the classroom.
In addition, your accelerated nursing program will prepare you for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), a requirement to become a registered nurse. You will be provided ample opportunities to practice answering NCLEX-style questions throughout your program to help ensure you are prepared for test day.
Time Commitment
The nursing curriculum is intense and demands a lot of time. Most RN to BSN students complete their degree in 16 months, meaning you’ll juggle coursework, clinical rotations, and study time every weekday, plus nights and weekends. You must have a job that works around this schedule to work full-time while in school.
Depending on your previous undergraduate degree, there may be several nursing-related prerequisite courses that you need to take. Community colleges and universities usually offer these, and some schools will offer them as part of their online accelerated nursing programs.
You can skip these prerequisites if you have a bachelor’s degree in another subject. However, you will still need to make sure you have all official transcripts sent in and that your nursing program application is submitted by the deadline. A robust application is critical to getting into an accelerated nursing program.
Clinicals
Online nursing school requires a full-time commitment and can be challenging, but it’s also rewarding. You’ll study a wide range of complex topics and must manage your time carefully to stay on track to graduate on time.
Typically, you’ll complete a minimum of 600 hours of clinicals through an online ABSN program. While you’ll learn a lot of theory through your online courses, these hands-on clinics will allow you to translate that theory into real-life practice and build your nursing skill set.
If you have a bachelor’s degree from another field, an online accelerated nursing program can help you become a registered nurse (RN) in 16 months. A traditional BSN online pre-licensure program follows a rigorous curriculum that prepares students to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) successfully. Learn more about this program and how to achieve your career goals faster.
Internships
Many accelerated nursing programs include internships, typically at a local healthcare facility. The internship provides hands-on clinical experience with a seasoned nurse mentor and helps students practice theory. Usually, students are matched with a site based on their career aspirations and interests. Placement services help students find a location and coordinate the internship.
Accelerated nursing programs are intensive and require significant time to complete, so most ABSN candidates can only work part-time during their program. However, an online ABSN program can provide the flexible education and clinical training you need to begin your new career if you have a strong background in a non-nursing field and the drive to change.
UIndy’s hybrid online ABSN program features cutting-edge virtual learning tools. Still, it requires in-person labs and clinical rotations, so you must be able to manage both online course materials and in-person meetings. UIndy’s program also includes comprehensive test preparation for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
