There are staff shortages across the healthcare industry, including in nursing, which inevitably has an impact on the efficiency and quality of healthcare. While the pandemic has increased interest in nursing and other healthcare professions, there can be no quick fix. Healthcare professions are highly skilled roles and it takes time to train the next cohort. However, it is possible to speed up the process, which has a number of advantages both for the healthcare profession and the individuals looking to start their careers.
What is an accelerated course?
Put simply, an accelerated course allows participants to qualify far quicker than they otherwise could. In nursing, for example, there are several routes to becoming a registered nurse, but a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing(BSN) is a popular option to become a registered nurse (RN) as it opens up the most opportunities compared to other routes into nursing.
Usually, gaining a BSN is a time-consuming option, but an accelerated BSN (ABSN) speeds up the process, with the possibility of completing the studies in as little as one year. This means that time from the onset of training to when the nurses can enter the workforce and start to makeup the staff shortfall is greatly reduced.
Who is suitable for an accelerated course?
An ABSN, like any other accelerated healthcare qualification, is a challenging option. Students with no prior college or work experience will need to be highly motivated and driven to succeed, and these courses will attract students who are determined to become nurses and are willing to put in the necessary work.
The ABSN is also suitable for those who already have a Bachelor’s degree but who wish to move into nursing. As they already have college experience, they can shorten the time to completion, but for this cohort, there is alsoplenty of challenging but fulfilling work ahead.
Where to study?
Many universities and colleges across the country offer ABSNs, and it is well worth enquiring at establishments close to you to find out if this is an option. However, for those with no viable nearby options or who are unable to attend in-person lessons, online courses also allow you to become qualified.
In many ways, an ABSN and other accelerated courses lend themselves well to online study. Online students have to be self-disciplined and motivated, providing the ideal qualities for accelerated learning. They also facilitate learning at the individual’s own pace, allowing them to access course materials more frequently to increase the pace of their learning.
ABSNs also provide practical clinical experience and these can also be met by an online course. A feature of the online accelerated BSN programs at Wilkes University is the Clinical Placement Services, which help you find accessible placement sites that meets the rigorous standards expected by the university and the healthcare industry – ideal for providing the country with the skilled practitioners it needs.
Although they are demandingcourses, accelerated degrees benefit both the industry and the students as they bring qualification forward, allowing the new cohort of nurses to quickly get to work.