Why do we have Accelerated Nursing Programs
Researchers are projecting the need for more than a million new and replacement nurses within the next decade. Because of this, a new approach to nursing education is rapidly gaining popularity. They are called the accelerated nursing programs for non-nursing graduates.
These programs require previous college level training and provide a way for individuals with undergraduate degrees in non-nursing fields to transition into nursing. The accelerated baccalaureate programs are the quickest route for adults who have already completed a bachelor’s or graduate degree in a non-nursing discipline.
These programs are not for the faint hearted as they are designed to be very short and intensive (usually less than 2 years). They also cost quite a bit so you want to look at your finances before you make such a committment.
The accelerated training helps to inject more registered nurses into the health care system and this has be praised by some as a very good move. But skeptics are quick to add that accelerated programs provide very little hospital based experience and wonder about the quality of the nurses that are trained.
Such feelings continue to exist inspite of considerable efforts by nursing colleges to ensure that their training programs meet the requirements for accreditation. I think it is time for hospitals to spend more time enlightening the public about these programs before misconceptions are spread too wide.