What is an Accelerated Nursing Program?

Nurses work with doctors and other health care specialists to ensure that patients are given good care and have what they need to be comfortable. Giving prescribed medicines, using medical equipment and monitoring of a patient's vital signs are some of the basic duties of a nurse.

Typically, nurses have very flexible schedules, but this often comes with the inconvenience of working at different times of day, often for long hours. Most nurses are employed by private or public hospitals and many become specialized in more than one area of expertise.

Pros and Cons of Nursing Degrees

An Accelerated Nursing Program has a number of pros and cons which must be considered prior to enrollment. First and foremost, you should try and see which type of nursing degree program will best suit your interests and career aspirations. For example, paraprofessional nursing levels such as a certified nursing assistant or licensed practical nurse require less education than a Master of Science in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

In a paraprofessional program, less education is required, so it is often a good place to test whether or not nursing is the right career for you. For those who are interested in pursuing additional education beyond the para-professional, an RN Program (Registered Nurse) might be a good choice.

Accelerated Nursing Program Salaries

The average nursing salary depends primarily on your education level and any certifications or licenses you have obtained. Nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and licensed practical nurses have differing salary rates.

A nurse practitioner has an average yearly salary of about $75K, while a registered nurse has an average annual salary of about $55k, although many RNs make up to $70k per year. The average yearly salary for Licensed Practical Nurses is around $35,000, but a number of nurses in this field make around $39,000.

Not Sure if an Accelerated Nursing Program is Right for You?

The majority of colleges offer some type of accelerated nursing program. If you are interested in becoming a nurse, you will want to weigh the benefits and cost of the level of education that is required for each position.

For instance, you can become an LPN in less time than it takes to become a Nurse Practitioner. However, a Nurse Practitioner can expect to earn about $35k more per year, which for many people is a worthy investment of a few more years of colleges.

Typical Accelerated Nursing Program Degrees:

Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)

Licensed Vocational Nurse

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Registered Nurse (RN)

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Masters in Nursing (MSN)

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Accelerated Nursing Program Summary

Although nursing degrees vary widely by state and university, an Accelerated Nursing Program typically offers students a way to earn their degree at a faster pace and on a more flexible schedule. With the added convenience an accelerated nursing program offers, it is easy to see why so many students opt to trade-in their commute for their home computer! Are you ready to find out more about a career in Nursing?

View a complete listing of Accelerated Nursing Program Colleges now.

Joy Miller, is an educational writer for Accelerated Nursing Program, a resource written by students, for students. Find information about RN to BSN Online programs or RN to MSN Online programs now.