The quest to know about accelerated nursing programs for international students is currently on the increase from prospective students globally.
You are among the fortunate ones to have come across this article. Wait patiently as we unveil the essentials you ought to know.
Choosing to study nursing will give you unlimited opportunities in the career path. Accelerated nursing programs are popular in the United States of America and Canada.
As an international student nurse, you will train in acute care hospitals, hospice care centers, and outreach clinics.
Studying in the US, you will have the opportunity to learn from experts and be surrounded by students and professionals from various cultural, ethnic, religious, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds.
There are a wide variety of nursing courses in the different educational institutions across all the states in the US, providing students with the opportunity to choose the place and path that’s right for them.
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Overview of accelerated nursing programs for international students
An accelerated nursing program is a fast-track nursing degree option designed to help students earn their Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN) or Master’s in Nursing (MSN) quicker than the traditional, on-campus programs.
ABSN programs are pre-licensure programs, meaning students do not yet have their license to practice as registered nurses (RN).
Some of these programs enable already-working nurses to expand their education quickly and therefore qualify for advanced roles.
Most accelerated nursing programs, however, are designed for non-nurses who have a degree in another major but wish to change careers to nursing relatively fast.
What is ABSN? ABSN is an accelerated BSN program designed for individuals who have a bachelor’s degree in another field, and now wish to pursue a nursing degree.
ABSN programs allow these students to earn their bachelor’s degree in Nursing, without spending another four years in school to do so.
The average time it takes to complete an accelerated nursing program is between 1 to 2 years depending on the institution.
There are some flexible and accelerated nursing programs designed for licensed RNs, as well, to enhance their careers with a BSN or MSN degree. However, accelerated nursing programs are pointed to the ABSN degree route.
How Does an Accelerated BSN Program Work?
Below are the things you ought to know about accelerated nursing programs for international students. Every accelerated nursing program can differ in its structure, course formats, and curriculum.
When students pursue an associate degree in Nursing, they learn the fundamentals of nursing practice and patient care.
They gain experience through hands-on, on-the-job clinical, combined with classroom learning and laboratory coursework.
An accelerated BSN program is designed to provide students with both: the fundamentals of nursing and the wellness continuum, as well as the advanced knowledge that comes with a Bachelor’s in Nursing.
As a result, accelerated BSN programs work on a full-time and continual schedule so that aspiring nurses can finish their degrees as fast as possible.
Typically, it’s not recommended for ABSN students to maintain a job while taking this program, due to the intensive study needed.
Clinical practicum is flexible, as well, and can be scheduled any day of the week. Additionally, the accelerated BSN courses are offered in an on-campus/online format, allowing students to gain in-person experience while enjoying the flexibility of online learning when possible.
In an accelerated nursing program, you can expect comprehensive and rigorous courses. Most ABSN programs will require a combination of classes, labs, and clinical experiences.
Upon completion of an accelerated nursing program, you can walk away with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This will make you eligible to pursue your license as a registered nurse. Licensure must be earned through the NCLEX-RN board examination.
The course structure of accelerated nursing programs for international students
- Fundamentals of Nursing Practice
- Health Assessment
- Introductory Pharmacology
- Pathophysiology for Nursing Students
- Nursing of Young Families
- Adult Nursing: Transitions in Health
- Partnerships with Clients and Families Living with Chronic Illness
- Issues in Nursing and Health Care
- Nursing Research Methods
- Health Teaching
- Nursing of the Childbearing Family
- Developing Partnerships with Clients in the Community
- Leadership for Health Professionals in a Primary Health Care Context
- Integrated Clinical Experience I
- Integrated Clinical Experience II
- Nursing and Population Health
- Conceptual Models and Nursing Theories
It is essential to note that the above-listed course outline may vary from school to school.
Route of application of accelerated nursing programs for international students
These programs are open to applicants from outside the US and Canada. The specific admission criteria and documentation requirements for international applicants vary from school to school depending on their mode of operation.
It is equally important to note that there are accelerated nursing programs for international students online.
We recommend you visit the institution of choice and get first-hand information on the necessary requirements for your application.
These programs are competitively driven and are fast-paced but many international students enjoy this type of learning environment.
These programs are often referred to as second-degree programs and are generally geared towards students who have received a prior degree.
Are there Online accelerated nursing Programs?
There are different institutions that offer students the ability to complete their accelerated program courses entirely online as stated earlier.
The clinical hours, however, will need to be completed in person at a healthcare facility. Many students find online programs more convenient than traditional campus learning.
It is essential to note that an online accelerated program will still be intensive and demanding. You might be able to do your coursework at late hours or on the weekends, but you will still be committing to a heavy workload.
Difference between accelerated and Bridge Programs
Both accelerated nursing programs and bridge programs offer paths to nursing degrees, but they are very different. The programs save students time and money by allowing them to earn their degrees more quickly than they would be pursuing traditional pathways.
Accelerated programs are designed for students who have a bachelor’s degree in another area. It allows them to take nursing courses at a fast pace and earn their BSN quickly. They aren’t meant for people with prior nursing experience.
In contrast, bridge programs are designed for current nurses. They build on the knowledge nurses already have to help them attain higher-level nursing degrees.
For example, a licensed practical nurse (LPN) can use a bridge program to earn their BSN without needing to spend four years in school.
Similarly, an RN who has earned an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) can pursue their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with an RN-to-MSN bridge program.
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Chibueze Uchegbu is a certified medical physiologist with a great passion for healthy living.
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