Feed: Accelerated Degree Programs - AggScore: 50.1

College Saving Tips: eBooks vs. Textbooks

Often, college-bound kids don’t fully understand that the cost of college includes much more than just tuition. One place they suffer some serious sticker-shock is when they see their first textbook price tags.

But how much could a few books cost?

Hundreds if not thousands of dollars a semester. Seriously. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, textbook prices continue to increase at a rate that is double that of inflation. Kids (if they’re paying) and their parents are getting hit after already being bombarded by so many other escalating costs of college.

Depending on your major, a single book can easily cost a couple of hundred dollars and you’ll probably need several books for each class. Multiple those numbers and it’s easy to see –cha-ching, cha-ching- just how quickly the cost of buying books can make you broke.

However, there are several ways to save money on textbooks. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a sympathetic professor or two who will be willing to provide online content in lieu of those expensive and burdensome traditional texts. Then again, relying on your professors (who might be tied as authors to those old and expensive texts) may not be the most assuredly cost-effective way to go.

While the very best way to save money on books is to use that very old fashioned method of borrowing from the library, that route is unlikely to be practical. You’ll need the book for the whole semester and even if your college library stocks text books as a matter of routine (many do not), they probably won’t have many copies.

The next best way to save some serious dough is to use the many powers of the Internet.

Starting with E-Books.

E-Books are not only cheaper than traditional textbooks, on the whole; some publishers allow you to buy single chapters, rather than whole books. You can save exponentially when you’re buying only a fraction of a book at a fraction of its traditional cost.

One way students have found to save on traditional books is to rent them, instead of buying them. This is great idea. After all, you may not actually find those college textbooks all that riveting after you’ve passed the course.

So if renting a traditional text book is cheaper than buying one, then renting an online book must be even cheaper. You’ve got that right. Not all books or sites allow the practice, but when they do, you’ll save money by taking advantage of the offerings.

The Internet can save you book money in other ways, as well. By virtue of its limitless potential for price shopping, the Internet gives you easy access to the opportunity for big savings. With only a book’s ISBN number and a quick search on comparison-shop sites BestBookBuys.com, SwoopThat.com and Book.ly, you can find most any text book and its best price. And using traditional sites like Amazon, EBay and Barnes & Noble will also give you the power of best-price knowledge to help you save.

Examining The Lies We’ve Been Told about Accelerated Degrees

People looking for higher degrees are quick to acknowledge that college costs a fortune. And the higher the degree, the more exponentially costly it is.

It’s odd, then, that some really bright college-bound scholars aren’t more willing to explore one surefire way to lower the cost of their education: accelerated degrees.

One reason for the reluctance may be that Accelerated Degrees remain the victim of some old-school thinking. High-brow higher-degree holders are doing nothing to dispel a lot of misinformation. However, a common sense look at some myths and misconceptions could convince you where truth and lie lay and have you soon onto the fast track for a fast degree.

#1 Savings isn’t significant
Considering the cost of attendance at a private college, it’s easy to see that shaving off even a single semester can save you big money. Make it a full year and you double your savings. Some Bachelor-to-PhD programs reduce your time in school by a full two years. When you note that it’s not unusual for annual tuition and fees at private school to top out over $40,000, you’re talking some serious dough.

#2 Degree work is measured by the quantity of hours spent
The same people who believe quantity trumps quality are probably still corresponding solely by snail mail. Or maybe even Pony Express. The truth is everything happens more quickly today. If you expect to compete in a 21st world, using its resources and technology, the more quickly you get out there, the more competitive you’ll be in the marketplace.

#3 Degree options are limited
Decades ago, when the idea of Accelerated Degree programs was in its infancy, there were limited options of study. Today, the numbers have done a 180 degree turn; it’s harder to find areas of study for which you won’t find an accelerated option. Whether you’re looking for a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate degree; whether your field is Business or Psychology, there’s likely a speed-up version of the diploma you want. There are Bachelor’s programs you can complete in three years; programs that combine Bachelor and Master’s degrees which you complete in five years, and programs that take you from Bachelor’s all the way to Doctorate in seven years.

#4 Content is a watered-down version of traditional degrees
Even the most prestigious universities on the globe now teach in ways once considered non-traditional. Just as online classes can be as effective as classroom instruction, Accelerated Degrees can also offer academically challenging coursework that is comparable to study offered in extended format.

#5 Programs are prohibitively exclusive
While some of the most acclaimed Accelerated Degree programs are indeed very selective, there are so many programs available today, there’s likely one that fits your individual strengths and needs. High school students are told early-on that there’s a college for just about everyone. Nearly the same can be said for Accelerated Degree programs. Do the research to find a match and you could soon be on the fast track road to your highest learning potential.

An infographic from Visual.ly looks into the state of digital education. We have seen the emergence of Digital Education. Due to the lesser cost compared to instructor-led education, and the enhanced personalized learning for students, digital education is gaining momentum fast. Several major universities are already offering online degree programs to meet the demand for elearning. Soon, the classroom isn’t just going to be limited to the confines of the four walls of the university.

Browse more infographics.

Accelerated Christian Education

Searching for an Accelerated Christian Education?

Choosing a college can be a frightening task for students and their parents alike. For those students with a strong faith and belief system, the transition from high school to college can be a difficult one. That is why more and more students are leaning towards earning a Christian based education. We know that there are many accelerated programs to choose from, but are there accelerated Christian education programs as well?

Liberty University

Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS-COC) to award degrees at associate, baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist and doctoral levels.

Liberty University gives you access to your education 24/7 wherever you are in the world. It is affordable to your budget with tuition rates among the lowest in the country. It is deeply rooted to its Christian values taking careful consideration of the ethical standards many employers look for today.

Liberty University Programs:

• Associate’s in Religion
• Bachelor’s in Religion
• Doctor of Ministry
• Master’s in Christian Leadership Studies
• Master’s in Discipleship Ministries
• Master’s in Evangelism and Church Planting
• Master’s in Marketplace Chaplaincy
• Master’s in Pastoral Counseling
• MDV – Chaplaincy 72 HRS
• Doctor of Ministry

Read more or get a program guide from Liberty University.

Accelerated Christian Education

Accelerated Christian Education Options

Thankfully, there are accelerated programs offered by some Christian colleges and universities. These can be traditional disciplines like psychology, communications, business, or engineering. They can also be Bible or theology related degree programs as well, such as Biblical studies or Christian counseling, just to name a few.

How are the Programs Accelerated?

Similar to non faith based programs, there are a few ways that the programs are accelerated. A common misconception is that these programs are missing key elements or are easier than their traditional counterparts. This is not the case, however. The most common way that these programs are accelerated are by not following a traditional academic calendar. The old standard was either four quarter or three semesters a year including the summer sessions. Accelerated programs offer 6-8 week classes with no break in between. This allows students to take more classes per year and thus completing their degree faster. In some instances, programs take half the time as their traditional counterparts.

What to Look for

The primary characteristic to look for in an accelerated Christian university program is accreditation. Unfortunately, many smaller Bible colleges operate without official accreditation. Depending on your ultimate career goal, this may not be an option. In order to be commonly accepted in the workplace, a program should have regional accreditation, which is the highest level of accreditation an institution and a program can receive.

The Fastest Way Possible to Get an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree

On your mark, get set…get a degree!

Whether you’re just out of high school and in a hurry to get a jump into the real world, or in the midst of a career change that demands a Bachelor’s degree, there are some proven methods to speed up your educational process.

Top on the list of the quickest ways to a degree is via an Accelerated Bachelor’s degree. And the best way to fast-track that fast degree is to start where you are right now.

Tests that test you out
Even before you’ve been accepted into a college, you can shorten your time in college classrooms by testing out of some courses. Scoring well in exams like the CLEP, DSST and ECE is a good way to get early college credit. These are examinations designed to see how far along you are in areas of achievement and to give you credit for what you already know.

College content before college
Colleges are reluctant to share all the ways you can accelerate your degree and lessen the time and money you spend on their campuses. However, it benefits you and your wallet to get a jump-start and earn classroom credit before you step onto any campus.

The Advance Placement courses offered at high schools across the country can put you ahead of the game before you take your first college class. Take as many AP courses as you can handle in high school, then score well on the AP exams. Cha-ching! College credit and college savings.

Dual credit courses
Some high schools and colleges support double-up options that allow you to work to fulfill high school graduation requirements at the same time you’re racking up college credits. You simply take an extra course or two at an area school, usually a community college, and receive credit for both high school and college.

Online education
There are so many college credit courses available online today, you can easily eliminate a full year of college work before you even enroll at the college of your dreams. By taking full advantage of what’s out there online, you’ll not only save time and money, you’ll also be more quickly immersed in the courses of your major, and eventually the career for which you are aiming.

Caveat
There are so many good reasons to accelerate a bachelor’s degree that it’s hard to believe so few people take advantage of the possibility. The number one reason college students don’t take the fastest route to a degree is that they are simply unaware of it as an option. However, it’s also important to understand that every college has its own criteria about what it will and will not accept on the way to an accelerated degree.  You absolutely can accelerate your Bachelor’s degree, but you’ve got to do a bit of homework before you step onto the fast track path. Check out the requirements for your specific degree and college –and get there the fastest way possible.

This infographic from Rasmusen College shows a steady growth in enrollment remains in the Education, Training and Library Occupations field is expected from year 2010 to 2020. But the expected growth in the Nursing and the Computer and Mathematical Occupations are worth noting at 26% and 22%, respectively from 2010 to 2020. The significant rise in the Nursing occupation, as a result of the growing demand for nurses, makes students more motivated to accelerate their bachelor’s degrees.

What are Accelerated Degree Programs

Searching for Accelerated Degree Programs?

Getting an undergraduate degree can be a lengthy process for many with the standard being 4-year degrees with 120 hours average required.  Fortunately, accelerated degree programs make getting an undergraduate degree more convenient than ever!

Florida Tech University

Florida Tech University is regionally accredited, the highest level of accreditation possible in the United States.

A pioneer in the fields of space and technology, Florida Tech has trained many NASA scientists, astronauts and distinguished members of the U.S. military. With innovations in the fields of business, engineering, the sciences, aviation and psychology; internationally recognized faculty; a commitment to student excellence; and 50,000 alumni who carry on the Florida Tech tradition through remarkable accomplishments – it’s no wonder Florida Tech is ranked a Tier 1 Best National University by U.S. News & World Report.

Florida Tech University offers some of their online classes in an accelerated 8-week format.

Online Associate’s Degrees

• Accounting
• Business Administration
• Criminal Justice
• Healthcare Management
• Liberal Arts
• Marketing
• Computer Information Systems

Online Bachelor’s Degrees

• Accounting
• Criminal Justice
• Computer Information Systems
• Business Administration – Accounting
• Business Administration – Computer Information Systems
• Business Administration – Healthcare Management
• Business Administration – Management
• Business Administration – Marketing
• Applied Psychology
• Applied Psychology – Child Advocacy
• Applied Psychology – Clinical Psychology
• Applied Psychology – Forensic Psychology
• Applied Psychology – Organizational Psychology

Online Master’s Degrees

• Information Technology
• Master of Business Administration
• MBA – Accounting
• MBA – Accounting and Finance
• MBA – Finance
• MBA – Healthcare Management
• MBA – Information Technology Management
• MBA – Internet Marketing
• MBA – Management
• MBA – Marketing
• MBA – Project Management

Read more or get a program guide from Florida Tech University.

What are Accelerated Degree Programs

Accelerated degree programs are those that offer a traditional degree at a nontraditional pace allowing students to get a 4-year degree in less time.  These programs can either provide an initial bachelor degree, or even a double degree in another major based on the foundation of an original bachelor degree.

Why consider accelerated degree programs?

Rather than taking four years to complete a degree, wasting important time between semesters and on holidays, a student can instead have their degree much more quickly through accelerated programs.

Accelerated degree programs accelerate starts of careers, too.

Because accelerated degree programs often allow students to graduate early, they are also able to start in their chosen field more quickly, allowing them to build experience and pay grade much more quickly than traditional degrees allow.

Accelerated degree programs are particularly useful for working professionals.

For the working professional, accelerated degree programs allow achievement of a degree without going back to school in a traditional way or full time, particularly if offered online.  Flexible schedule allows even the busiest student to attend courses and further their educations and careers.

Many respected universities are offering accelerated degree programs.

With many of the top universities now offering accelerated degree programs, the student will not be sacrificing quality.

Accelerated Bachelor Programs

Searching for Accelerated Bachelor Programs?

Today’s is a fast-paced world consisting of a highly competitive job market with only limited job openings each year.  More students than ever are turning to accelerated bachelor degree programs in order to more rapidly get their degree, get into their chosen work fields as quickly as possible, and achieve faster establishment in their industry.

Liberty University

Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS-COC) to award degrees at associate, baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist and doctoral levels.

Liberty University gives you access to your education 24/7 wherever you are in the world. It is affordable to your budget with tuition rates among the lowest in the country. It is deeply rooted to its Christian values taking careful consideration of the ethical standards many employers look for today.

Liberty University offers the following bachelor programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Accounting
• Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
• Bachelor of Science in Business Management Information Systems
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
• Bachelor of Science in Education (Non-Licensure)
• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education – Interdisciplinary Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
• Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology
• Bachelor of Science in Religion

Read more or get a program guide from Liberty University.

Accelerated Bachelor Programs

Accelerated bachelor programs; traditional degrees on a fast-track schedule.

Accelerated bachelor degree programs are those that offer a bachelor degree in a given field within several months rather than 4 or more years.  These accelerated degrees are made possible by altered scheduling, credit modifications, and heavier course loads.

Accelerated bachelor programs enable their graduates to leap ahead of others.

With an accelerated bachelor degree program, students are able to get their bachelor degree earlier than their peers and progress straight into their career more quickly.  These programs can also reduce wasteful time off in between semesters and during breaks.

Bachelor degrees lead to an endless choice of strong careers.

Bachelor degrees are a well-respected degree that can lead into a myriad of different career paths such as medicine, accounting, business, information technology, criminal justice, and more.  Degreed employees can expect higher wages, better job offers, and often get to skip past entry level jobs that are relegated to non-degree holders instead.

Bachelor degrees also lead to higher education possibilities.

With an accelerated bachelor degree, the graduate can then go onto graduate courses if they so wish; this enables them to get started on a more focused mastery of their given career.  Some bachelor degrees may even lead to a good foundation for a second, accelerated bachelor degree in a different major.

Accelerated programs make degrees possible faster than ever, and bachelor degrees in themselves provide a world of opportunities for their bearers.  With this much ease and this little time spent, why wait any longer before getting that bachelor degree?

Accelerated IT Degree

Searching for an Accelerated IT Degree?

Information Technology (IT) is a fast-paced industry offering with an ever- increasing demand for degreed workers.  In order to more quickly get into this fascinating career, students should consider an accelerated Information Technology/Computer Science degree to get that their foot is in the door faster than that of their peers.

Capella University

Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).

Capella proffers an education system aimed at advancing the academic status of working adults to enhance their careers, their social standing and to make their lives better.

As a Capella student, campus-based or online, you will receive peerless support from the academe. You will become part of a community of esteemed professionals who are generous in sharing their knowledge about their respective fields. What’s more, you can finish your degree in 10 weeks.

• Bachelor’s in General Information Technology
• Bachelor’s in Information Technology Project Management
• Bachelor’s in Management and Leadership
• Bachelor’s in Network Technology
• Bachelor’s in Project Management
• Bachelor’s in Software Architecture
• PhD in Information Technology Mgmt

Read more or get a program guide from Capella University.

Accelerated IT Degree

What types of accelerated degrees are available for IT and Computer Science?

Two main degrees which can be found in accelerated versions for information technology are a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems or in Computer Information Systems.  These degrees help students quickly gain the knowledge and skills needed for success in the IT field.

Why consider a degree in Computer Science?

The world is increasingly turning to computers to manage information, for commerce, and for communication.  Careers in computer science are increasingly in demand with niches just about anywhere at any level for people with degrees.

IT degrees result in careers with impressive wages.

Degrees will always afford their bearers greater wage and job opportunities and the IT field is certainly no exception.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics figures from 2008, computer and information system manager wages mean salary was $112,210 with many salaries ranging between $88,240 and $141,890.

CIS and MIS degrees; one industry provides two great options.

CIS degrees usually are more oriented towards the computer science major who wants a job doing programming and other more technical work; alternately, MIS degrees aim more towards management.  For example, a CIS graduate might work primarily with computers, their programs, and hardware while an MIS graduate works more with systems, system management and analysis, and network administration.

Why choose accelerated IT degree programs?

Accelerated programs allow the student to complete what would otherwise be a 4-year degree in much less time; this rapid completion of a degree allows the student to step directly into the real world of computers and start building their actual career.

Whether focusing on MIS or CIS in computer science, accelerated IT degree programs will propel the graduate into an exciting career that will always offer stability with great wages and opportunities.

Accelerated Online Degree Programs – Accredited

Searching for Accelerated Online Degree Programs – Accredited?

When choosing an online degree program, some students prefer an accelerated program to accomplish their degree more quickly.  Accelerated or traditional, students considering potential online schools should always verify that the school is properly accredited; accreditation of an accelerated school can make a huge difference in whether or not the online degree is respected.

Walden University

Walden University is regionally accredited, the highest level of accreditation possible.

Accelerated degree programs: Walden University offers 8-week online classes. Since traditional semesters are usually 16 weeks long, you can see the benefit of enrolling in an 8-week class: you earn your college credits MUCH faster.

Walden University offers accredited online Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees online.

Over 50 online degrees in over 200 areas of concentration are available in fields such as:

• Business / Accounting / Finance (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate)
• Management / Leadership (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate)
• Political Science (Bachelor’s)
• Health Studies / Health Care Management (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate)
• Psychology / Forensic Psychology / Clinical Psychology (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate)
• Communications (Bachelor’s)
• Child Development / Child Studies (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate)
• Computer Information Systems / Information Technology (Bachelor’s, Master’s)
• Criminal Justice / Homeland Security / Public Policy (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate)
• Education / Teaching (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate)

Read more or get a program guide from Walden University.

Accelerated Online Degree Programs – Accredited

What are accredited accelerated online degree programs?

Accredited accelerated degree programs are programs that offer a degree more rapidly than traditional programs, over several months rather than several years; schools offering these should have received accreditation to ensure their quality and transferability.  These programs can be offered online to even further accelerate the degree process as degrees can be earned at the convenience of the student’s schedule.

What types of accreditation are there?

The two main types of accreditation are national and regional.  Regional accreditation is usually for non-profit public and private educational institutions.  National Accreditation generally covers for-profit educational institutions throughout the country including technical, career, or vocational programs.

Regional accreditation – the six regional accreditors

Regional accreditation is divided into six regions of the U.S., each having its own accreditation association as follows:

The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools covers Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Puerto Rico.
The New England Association of Colleges and Schools covers Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools covers Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, New Mexico, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
The Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges covers Alaska, Idaho, Utah, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools covers Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges covers schools in the western region of the U.S.

Enjoying the rapidity and convenience of an accelerated online degree program really is dependent upon accreditation to ensure that the degree for which one worked so hard is accepted by future employers and institutions as well as respected as well it should be.  Without accreditation, the degree one earns might have been in vain.

Accelerated Bachelors Programs

Searching for Accelerated Bachelors Programs?

Bachelor degrees allow students to choose from a nearly endless variety of great careers or even to go further into graduate and postgraduate degree work.  Accelerated bachelor degree programs allow the student to achieve his or her degree in record time; this fast-track to a degree allows the student to jump into their chosen field in very quickly and more rapidly become established in the work place itself.

Walden University

Walden University is regionally accredited, the highest level of accreditation possible.

Accelerated degree programs: Walden University offers 8-week online classes. Since traditional semesters are usually 16 weeks long, you can see the benefit of enrolling in an 8-week class: you earn your college credits MUCH faster.

Walden University offers accredited online Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees online.

Over 50 online degrees in over 200 areas of concentration are available in fields such as:

• Business / Accounting / Finance (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate)
• Management / Leadership (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate)
• Political Science (Bachelor’s)
• Health Studies / Health Care Management (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate)
• Psychology / Forensic Psychology / Clinical Psychology (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate)
• Communications (Bachelor’s)
• Child Development / Child Studies (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate)
• Computer Information Systems / Information Technology (Bachelor’s, Master’s)
• Criminal Justice / Homeland Security / Public Policy (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate)
• Education / Teaching (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate)

Read more or get a program guide from Walden University.

Accelerated Bachelors Programs

What are accelerated Bachelor Degrees?

A traditional Bachelor degree takes approximately 120 semester hours to complete over a 4-year period; some require more hours depending on the course of study.  Accelerated degrees allow students to accumulate more semester hours over vastly shorter periods of time.

Why consider an accelerated Bachelor Degree?
Bachelor degrees themselves are a recognized full undergraduate degree that will be respected by employers and educational institutions so there is already an inherent value to them.  However, an accelerated bachelor degree offers all of this in a shorter time period, allowing a student to enjoy their chosen career much sooner than someone attending traditional classes – sometimes within several months rather than many years.

How do accelerated degrees work?

To accelerate a degree, course loads are heavier, more information is given in a shorter period of time, and the student must be quick on the uptake; however, sometimes credits are given by testing.  Additionally, some programs even will allow students to get credits for work or life experience – a definite bonus for those who want their degree sooner.

What types of careers do accelerated Bachelor degrees bring?
Any career that a traditional bachelor degree allows, an accelerated degree can possibly also provide – only with much less time invested.  Furthermore, graduates with an existing bachelor degree can more easily switch careers or acquire a different bachelor degree through these programs.

For either a rapid switchover to a new career, or a fast-track to the career of one’s dreams, accelerated bachelor degree programs make a much anticipated career available as quickly as possible!

Accelerated Nursing

Searching for Accelerated Nursing Programs?

Nursing professionals are in top demand as there is a shortage in this type of personnel.  The need for nursing personnel continues to grow, making an accelerated degree program for nursing a great opportunity for those interested to get into this field and established today.

Kaplan University

Kaplan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Kaplan University is one of the leading institutions offering accredited online degrees for both full-time and working students. If you are thinking of advancing in your career, enroll at Kaplan University and experience education at its best:

• Forensic Nursing Certificate
• Master’s in Nursing
• Master’s in Nursing – Nurse Administrator
• Master’s in Nursing – Nurse Educator
• Master’s in Nursing – Nurse Informatics
• Nurse Administrator Certificate
• Nurse Educator Certificate
• RN to Bachelor’s in Nursing
• RN to MSN in Nursing

Read more or get a program guide from Kaplan University (eLearners).

Accelerated Nursing

What is an accelerated nursing degree program?

Accelerated degree programs are those that are designed to be finished relatively quickly allowing for more rapid award of a degree.  Accelerated nursing programs allow students to get their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in a fraction of the time of traditional programs.

Why consider an accelerated nursing degree program?

An accelerated nursing program can be a fast track for Registered Nurses (RNs) to get their BSN without having to go back to school full time and while still working in their profession.  For those who have a bachelor in any field, an accelerated nursing program means that they, too, can get a BSN in a much shorter time, allowing them to enter the medical industry quickly and start getting on-the-job experience.  Some programs even allow credit for nursing work experience.

How does having a BSN affect pay grades?

Having a Bachelor degree enables degreed nurses to rise to a higher pay grade than those without.  In 2008, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists the lower Registered Nurse salaries as being under $44,000, while the median to top salaries jump considerably to between $51,640 and $76,570 for median and over $92,240 for the top 10 percent.

Is nursing a sought-after profession?

Nursing will always be a stable career, but currently there is a nursing shortage that will only increase as nurses retire.  Estimates are that the need for nurses will only continue to grow exponentially, making this the perfect time to establish oneself in the industry.

There is a higher demand than ever for nurses and both established nurses as well as those who wish to be a nurse can both benefit from an accelerated nursing program to get their BSN now for instant access to better job and wage opportunities.