School Finder

Best Accelerated BSN Programs for Recent Graduates

Are you a recent college graduate who wants to enter the in-demand nursing field quickly? If you are, you must consider the best accelerated BSN programs for recent graduates. You’re not alone in your desire either – many of your peers are thinking the same.

These accelerated BSN programs are ideal because you can:

  • Earn admission even with your non-nursing bachelor’s degree;
  • Earn a nursing degree in 12-24 months, and
  • Be qualified to take the registered nurse exam (NCLEX-RN)

So, if you’re interested in the best accelerated BSN programs for recent graduates, read on. We’ll also cover their admission requirements, costs, and career prospects.

Related:

What Is an Accelerated BSN Program?

Let’s define the top second-degree BSN programs for career changers through these features.

First, accelerated BSN programs cater to individuals with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees. Popular non-nursing degrees include health sciences, social work, healthcare administration, and education.

Second, accelerated BSN programs usually have a time-to-completion of 12-24 months. There are also one-year programs available. The fast-paced curriculum demands effective time management and study habits.

Otherwise, there’s a high risk of falling behind and, worse, dropping out. In the United States, the national dropout rate for nursing programs is 20%. Most students leave during their first semester.

Third, accelerated BSN programs have an intensive curriculum delivered at a fast pace. The usual components include classroom instruction, lab work, and clinical rotations. Every component is in a condensed format, meaning faster completion.

Students don’t take general education courses anymore. Instead, their courses focus on required prerequisites, nursing courses, and clinical training. Common nursing course titles include:

  • Pathophysiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Medical-Surgical Nursing
  • Maternal and Newborn Nursing
  • Psychiatric Nursing

During your clinical training, you’ll gain practical experience in real-world healthcare settings. Your clinical training usually consists of the following:

  • Simulation lab sessions
  • Rotations in various specialties
  • Direct patient care

You must complete a specific number of hours in clinical training to be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. Every state board of nursing has its specific requirements, so check first.

Accelerated BSN programs are ideal for recent graduates because these:

  • Provide students with a fast-track route toward a nursing license (i.e., no need to repeat gen-ed courses)
  • Meet the high demand for nurses

Registered nurses have competitive salaries and good job security. Think of these benefits every time you feel like quitting.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Accelerated BSN Program

Choosing from the best accelerated BSN programs for recent graduates is a no-brainer. Each one is an excellent choice. Your choice will boil down to your unique needs, interests, and goals.

Accreditation

Always check for the colleges’ regional accreditation. Then, ensure that there’s programmatic accreditation by either the:

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

Accreditation matters because it’s:

  • Recognized by the healthcare industry and its employers
  • Assurance of high academic standards, including clinical training
  • Required for NCLEX-RN eligibility 

Program format: on-campus, hybrid, or online

Consider these points in hybrid vs. online vs. on-campus accelerated BSN program comparisons.

  • On-campus programs offer the traditional classroom learning experience and hands-on learning.
  • Hybrid programs combine online courses with in-person clinical requirements.
  • Fully online programs feature 100% online classes. You’ll complete in-person local clinical rotations.

Choose based on your needs for flexibility and convenience and your learning style.

Clinical rotations and hands-on experience

When considering fast-track nursing programs for college graduates, ask these questions:

  • Does the school partner with hospitals and clinics for clinical placements?
  • How many clinical hours are required? (Typically 500-800 hours).
  • Does the program offer state-of-the-art simulation labs?

The number of hours you spend in clinical training must meet your state’s standards.

NCLEX-RN pass rates

High NCLEX-RN pass rates over many years indicate strong program quality. Look for programs with at least 90% first-time pass rates.

Admission requirements

Most programs accept students from all academic backgrounds. But you may have to complete prerequisite courses, such as:

  • Human anatomy and physiology
  • Microbiology
  • Statistics
  • Nutrition

Other admission requirements for accelerated BSN programs include:

  • Minimum GPA, usually 3.0 GPA or higher. Some programs accept lower GPAs with strong healthcare work experience. 
  • Letters of recommendation and personal statement. You can highlight your motivation and readiness for nursing.
  • Satisfactory scores on standardized tests, but others have waived them. TEAS, GRE, or HESI A2 are common.

Be mindful of the application process and deadlines, too.

Cost and financial aid

The average tuition and fees range from $30,000 to $80,000, depending on format and location. Check for financial aid options, including:

  • Federal FAFSA loans and grants
  • Nursing scholarships (e.g., Nurse Corps Scholarship Program)
  • Employer tuition reimbursement programs
  • Loan forgiveness for nurses through Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Be as careful in your choice as possible. You’ll spend significant time, effort, and money to earn a BSN degree.

Best Accelerated BSN Programs for Recent Graduates

Johns Hopkins University – Accelerated BSN

  • Location: Baltimore, MD
  • Program Length: 13 months
  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 95%

JHU offers the best one-year BSN programs for non-nursing majors or its equivalent. The MSN Entry into Nursing program welcomes students with non-nursing degrees. Candidates gain practical skills during clinical placements at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

The program has a strong focus on leadership and research. JHU’s School of Nursing is among the country’s best nursing schools.

University of Pennsylvania – Second Degree BSN

  • Location: Philadelphia, PA
  • Program Length: 15 months
  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 93%

UPenn also offers among the best second-degree nursing programs in the US. Note that the Second Degree BSN program was scrapped. In its place is the Master of Professional Nursing (MPN) program.

Candidates tackle rigorous coursework with cutting-edge simulation labs. The in-person program allows access to top hospital networks. There’s a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice.

Duke University – Accelerated BSN

  • Location: Durham, NC
  • Program Length: 16 months
  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 96%

Duke’s program features a high NCLEX pass rate that BSN programs can achieve. It is a full-time, campus-based program with a 58-credit curriculum. Nursing students receive personalized career services that kickstart their future success.

The curriculum focuses on nursing subjects, such as nursing care and pathophysiology. Candidates develop their practical nursing skills via hands-on clinical training. The Duke University Health System is their training ground.

University of Washington – Accelerated BSN

  • Location: Seattle, WA
  • Program Length: 12-18 months
  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 94%

UW’s accelerated BSN program offers affordable in-state tuition rates ($4,325/quarter). Non-resident students pay $14,403/quarter in tuition. Financial aid is available.

The program has a strong focus on community health and nursing leadership. This full-time program demands a solid foundation in prerequisite coursework. Candidates tackle a rigorous curriculum, clinical simulations, and supervised field experiences.

University of Michigan – Accelerated Second Degree BSN

  • Location: Ann Arbor, MI
  • Program Length: 16 months
  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 95%

Umich also offers among the most affordable accelerated BSN programs for new grads. Candidates pay about $3,600/semester in tuition. Financial aid for nursing students is available.

Here, students prepare for specialized nursing fields. Along with its high pass rate, UMich also takes pride in its high job placement rates.

Job Prospects and Career Outlook After an Accelerated BSN

Excellent job prospects, high income, and job security. The best accelerated BSN programs for recent graduates are popular for these reasons.

Let’s start with the job prospects after an accelerated BSN program. The projected occupational growth for registered nurses is 6% (BLS, 2023-2033). This “faster than average growth for all occupations” projection translates to about 194,500/year.

The increased demand for registered nurses is due to the aging population. Their services are necessary to care for patients with chronic health issues. The growing population also means increased demand for healthcare professionals.

Then, there’s the $86,070/year in median wages for registered nurses (BLS, May 2023). The highest earners take in over $132,680/year. Specialized nurses in OR, ER, and ICU settings earn between $90,000  and $110,000/year, on average.

Being a registered nurse also means choosing from diverse nursing titles, including:

  • Hospital registered nurse with unit specializations (e.g., pediatrics, surgery, or ob-gyne)
  • Public health nurse who works in community health settings
  • Nurse educator who educates and trains aspiring and practicing nurses
  • Case manager who coordinates patient care and advocates for patients’ interests

You can also consider earning advanced degrees and specialized certifications for career growth. Examples include an MSN or DNP degree to become an APRN.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choose an accredited accelerated BSN program with:

  • High NCLEX-RN pass rates and strong clinical partnerships
  • Reasonable tuition and fees combined with financial aid options
  • Short time-to-completion (i.e., 12-24 months)
  • Strong student support services include career services and job placement support

We cannot overemphasize the importance of financial aid in making tuition more affordable. This way, you can enjoy a high return on investment. You’ll also love nursing as a rewarding, if challenging, career with a high demand.