Herzing Accelerated BSN: Fast-Track Your Nursing Career Path
An Accelerated BSN program at Herzing University offers a rapid pathway for career-changers with non-nursing bachelor's degrees to become registered nurses. These intensive programs compress traditional nursing education into a streamlined curriculum designed for motivated students seeking efficient career transitions.
What Is an Accelerated BSN Program?
Herzing's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program provides a concentrated educational pathway specifically designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. Unlike traditional four-year nursing programs, these accelerated options typically take 12-20 months to complete, depending on prerequisites and program structure.
The curriculum covers the same essential nursing knowledge and clinical skills as traditional programs but in a compressed timeframe. Students engage in rigorous coursework combining nursing theory, laboratory practice, and supervised clinical experiences in various healthcare settings. This intensive approach requires full-time commitment, with students typically attending classes year-round without traditional semester breaks.
How Herzing's Accelerated BSN Works
The accelerated format at Herzing works by building upon your existing academic foundation. Your previous bachelor's degree satisfies many general education requirements, allowing the curriculum to focus primarily on nursing-specific courses. The program typically begins with fundamental nursing concepts and skills before progressing to more specialized areas like pediatric, mental health, and critical care nursing.
Students complete between 50-60 nursing-specific credit hours alongside approximately 700-800 clinical practice hours. The clinical components provide hands-on experience in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings under professional supervision. This immersive approach helps students rapidly develop clinical judgment and practical skills necessary for nursing practice.
Herzing's program structure often includes simulation labs with high-fidelity mannequins that allow students to practice complex procedures and emergency responses in a controlled environment before working with actual patients. This combination of intensive classroom learning and practical application creates a comprehensive educational experience designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN licensing examination.
Provider Comparison: Accelerated BSN Options
When considering accelerated nursing programs, several institutions offer comparable options with distinct advantages:
| Provider | Program Length | Format | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herzing University | 16 months | On-campus/hybrid | Multiple campus locations, flexible start dates |
| Chamberlain University | 13 months | On-campus | Large clinical network, three start dates annually |
| University of Phoenix | 12 months | Hybrid | Significant online component, concentrated clinicals |
Curriculum Differences: While all programs cover essential nursing content, Herzing emphasizes hands-on clinical experience with over 700 practice hours. Chamberlain offers a slightly shorter timeframe but with more intensive weekly schedules. University of Phoenix provides more online learning components balanced with concentrated clinical blocks.
When evaluating these programs, consider factors beyond duration alone. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing recommends examining NCLEX pass rates, clinical placement quality, faculty credentials, and post-graduation employment rates. Each institution offers unique advantages depending on your learning style, schedule flexibility needs, and geographic preferences.
Benefits and Challenges of Accelerated Nursing Programs
Key Benefits:
- Faster entry into nursing profession (16 months vs. traditional 4 years)
- Potential for higher starting salaries compared to ADN graduates
- Comprehensive preparation for the NCLEX-RN examination
- Eligibility for the same nursing positions as traditional BSN graduates
- Foundation for advanced nursing degrees (MSN, DNP)
Herzing graduates often cite the accelerated timeline as the primary advantage, allowing career-changers to minimize income disruption while transitioning to nursing. The program's intensity also creates a cohort experience where students develop strong professional networks that continue beyond graduation.
Common Challenges:
- Rigorous academic schedule requiring full-time commitment
- Limited ability to work during the program
- Condensed timeframe for absorbing complex medical concepts
- Higher per-semester costs compared to traditional programs
- Prerequisite requirements that may extend total completion time
The intensive nature of accelerated programs requires exceptional time management skills and strong academic aptitude. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, accelerated students must be prepared for a demanding educational experience that requires significant personal sacrifice during the program duration.
Cost and Financial Considerations
Financing an accelerated BSN represents a significant investment, with total program costs at Herzing University typically ranging between $40,000-$60,000 depending on campus location and prerequisite requirements. This figure includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, uniforms, and required technology.
While the upfront cost may seem substantial, it's important to consider the compressed timeframe—you'll be earning nursing income sooner than with traditional programs. Many students leverage a combination of financial resources:
- Federal student loans (both subsidized and unsubsidized)
- Nursing-specific scholarships through organizations like the National Student Nurses Association
- Employer tuition assistance programs (particularly for those working in healthcare)
- Private education loans
- Herzing-specific scholarship opportunities
Some healthcare facilities offer loan forgiveness or tuition reimbursement in exchange for work commitments after graduation. These arrangements can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses while securing employment after program completion. When calculating return on investment, consider that BSN-prepared nurses typically earn $5,000-$10,000 more annually than associate-degree nurses, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Conclusion
Herzing's Accelerated BSN program offers a viable pathway for career-changers seeking efficient entry into the nursing profession. While the intensive format demands significant commitment, the compressed timeline provides tangible advantages in today's healthcare environment where BSN-prepared nurses are increasingly preferred by employers. Before enrolling, prospective students should carefully evaluate their personal circumstances, learning style, and financial resources to ensure they're prepared for the program's demands.
For those with the necessary academic foundation and dedication, accelerated nursing programs represent an efficient route to professional nursing practice. As the healthcare landscape continues evolving, these programs help address critical nursing shortages while providing graduates with versatile credentials applicable across diverse healthcare settings.
Citations
- https://www.herzing.edu/
- https://www.chamberlain.edu/
- https://www.phoenix.edu/
- https://www.aacnnursing.org/
- https://www.ncsbn.org/
- https://www.nsna.org/
- https://www.bls.gov/
This content was written by AI and reviewed by a human for quality and compliance.