Nursing is often thought of as a prestigious program that requires several years of schooling. However, with the advent of fast-tracked online nursing programs, this is no longer the case. Nowadays, even those with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees can obtain their nursing degrees online in a fraction of the time. The two most common programs that enable this are Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (A.B.S.N) and Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing (A.M.S.N).

Accelerated B.S.N Programs in 2024
This program is ideal for those who do not come from a nursing background but aspire to pursue a career in the medical field.

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum GPA requirements
• Coursework in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry
• Official transcripts from all previous schools
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement or essay highlighting one’s career goals
• Admission test scores (Test of Essential Academic Skills – TEAS)

In the US, there are no age restrictions for becoming a nurse. This opens up a host of possibilities for people in their 40s, 50s, or even seniors to explore new careers. With a simple 12-month online registered nursing program, anyone can become a registered nurse, including seniors.

Course details
Typically, A.B.S.N courses provide a mix of coursework and clinical hours that teach students how to apply their learning to real-life situations. Online A.B.S.N degrees offer the same teachings, but the only difference is that they are conducted online. However, students still need to present in person to complete the clinical component of the coursework.

Cost and duration
An ABSN degree (online or offline) takes anywhere between one year and 18 months to complete. The cost of coursework largely depends upon one’s institute. In most cases, one can expect this to be between $40,000 and $100,000 for tuition, course fees, and other expenses approximately.

The cost of an online A.B.S.N degree depends on the number of credits chosen, the institute, and other factors. Students can easily expect to pay $10,000 in tuition fees and other expenses for the duration of their course.

After passing the A.B.S.N course, students must pass the NCLEX-RN test to receive their nursing license and be allowed to practice in their state.

Accelerated M.S.N Programs in 2024
Just like A.B.S.N programs, accelerated Master’s programs also have certain requirements, such as:

• A bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution
• Minimum GPA requirements
• Current, unrestricted RN license
• Coursework in statistics and research methods
• Official transcripts from all previous schools
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement or essay highlighting one’s career goals
• Admission tests (like the Graduate Record Exam – GRE)

While coursework may depend on one’s institution and personal preferences, these programs offer training in topics such as advanced nursing practice, healthcare policy, leadership, research methods, and more, preparing students to take on senior roles that often come with more responsibilities and a higher pay scale.

Cost and duration
A.M.S.N courses can take 1-2 years (12 to 24 months) to complete, depending on the chosen program and previous coursework. The cost of tuition and related fees for this program comes up to around $40,000 to $100,000.

Associate’s Degree in Nursing

An Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) is another entryway into the medical industry. This program is an undergraduate degree that covers essential coursework and clinical training to prepare students for a future career in nursing. Most of these programs take around two years (24 months), but some institutions offer degrees as short as 18 months as well. Similar to the A.B.S.N degree, after an ADN, students are expected to clear the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed nurses.

To secure admission into an ADN program, students have to meet the following requirements:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Coursework in chemistry and biology in high school, along with final grades
• SAT scores
• A personal essay
• HESI exam results

Many schools also offer an Associate’s Degree in Nursing online. This could be a great option for students who are interested in a certain program but live out of state or for those who want to work full-time while studying at their own pace. These online ADN programs can cost anywhere between $8000 and $35,400 for tuition and program fees.

After completing an ADN degree and receiving licensure, students are considered qualified to take on roles such as a registered nurse, outpatient/personal care nurse, physician’s office nurse, nursing care facility nurse, public health nurse, labor and delivery nurse, and rehabilitation nurse, depending on one’s credentials.

With an increase in the aging population, there is a growing demand for qualified healthcare professionals. According to the National Institute on Aging, over 85% of adults above the age of 65 have at least one or more chronic health conditions, needing regular care and treatment. This highlights the need for more healthcare workers. Additionally, as the older generation leaves the workforce, there is an urgent need for younger people to step up and take their position. This generational shift is even more apparent in nursing, with around half of all RNs being over the age of 50. By taking up accelerated courses in nursing, students can fill up these roles, ensuring that the sick and elderly continue to receive professional care at the hands of well-trained nurses.