This content was produced in partnership with Archer Education.

Starting a nursing profession is a life-changing journey full of opportunities. This profession enables people to make a difference in the lives of others. Accelerated BSN programs are available for students who want to become registered nurses. These programs provide a fast-track path to becoming a registered nurse (RN).

Going for Texas accelerated BSN programs is a crucial step toward a nursing career. Such options provide students with various options for furthering their passions.

This article will help students make a well-informed choice to become competent and compassionate nurses.

Assess Your Goals and Priorities

Before a student starts searching for a program, they should assess their goals and priorities. Different nursing programs offer various benefits to different kinds of students. To determine their goals, they can consider the following questions:

1) How long will the program take?

When looking at programs, their schedule and goals will be important considerations. Accelerated BSN programs offer less time than regular BSN programs. If a student wants to enter the field as soon as possible, this should be taken into account.

2) Is your chosen specialization offered on campus?

It's also a significant consideration because it'll assist students in narrowing their alternatives. But, if they have yet to decide on a specialty, they must enroll in a school offering diverse options.

3) What’s the classroom structure like?

A program's classroom structures can have a significant impact on students. So, investigating the average number of students per class in the programs under consideration is advisable.

Accreditation Matters

The accreditation process assures that the results align with legal standards of nursing. It ensures that the program meets the standard and you'll be eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam. Suppose the institution does not have an accreditation. With that, you may be unable to receive financial aid or make it hard to find employment.

Like how the UMC is accredited, it can be granted to nursing schools or specific nurse training programs. Check whether your degree program is accredited by any organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), and other organizations.

Research Program Rankings

Students can look into program rankings and reviews through websites that provide these data, like U.S. News & World Report. While rankings shouldn't be a deciding factor, they can offer valuable insights into program quality and reputation.

Consider Financial Aid and Scholarships

Know the cost of tuition and fees for each program and explore financial aid options. Starting college is difficult, but with adequate help, students can succeed. Many schools offer financial aid to students. External scholarships for nursing students can reduce the financial burden.

Most nursing students need more funds for their education. There are a few factors that influence the costs of the program:

  • The type of nursing degree
  • The duration and required credits of the program
  • Other miscellaneous fees

Many organizations offer financial assistance for students, as nursing is a growing field.

Look into NCLEX Passing Rates

A strong exam result leads to overall success in classes. So, students have a variety of last-minute study tricks to help them ace their tests, but do they work in the NCLEX? NCLEX-RN pass rates in schools were made available online. It’ll give students an insight into the school's success in preparing students for their careers in nursing.

The NCLEX pass rate reveals much about a nursing school's program. High pass rates state a program's effectiveness in preparing students for the licensure exam.

Visit Your Prospective Campus if Possible

It can be beneficial to visit a student's prospective campus. A campus visit can give an impression of the learning environment and atmosphere. It allows them to see if the campus receives enough funding for the program. It's also an excellent opportunity to meet the faculty and staff. They can also ask about campus life, clinical experiences, and other topics.

Conclusion

Finding the best accelerated BSN program requires careful research and consideration of your goals, priorities, and resources. Evaluating the factors above can help students make an informed decision that sets them on a successful nursing career. Remember, the best program for one person may not be for another, so choose one that aligns best with your needs.

More From Lonestar 99-5 FM