Accelerated BSN Programs at New York Nursing Schools
Earning an Accelerated BSN (or ABSN) could help you meet the healthcare needs of New York’s growing population. In an accelerated BSN program, you use your non-nursing educational background to move quickly through required nursing courses. Program lengths vary, so it’s recommended that you consider several schools during your search. Get started now by contacting local New York programs on our list of accelerated BSN programs, or use our quick search box to find programs near you.
New York is home to a wide array of colleges and universities that offer accelerated BSN programs. While the demand for professional nurses in the state continues, there are often limited spaces in a cohort. It may be wise to apply to multiple schools, increasing your options for acceptance.
The first step in the process is to request information from the schools you are interested in. You can check out the featured schools or use the quick search box to find programs near you.
Having information about available programs helps you select the accelerated BSN program that best fits your lifestyle and needs. Keep in mind that our featured schools offer distance education for New York residents, with flexible options for completing clinical requirements. Even if you are looking specifically for accelerated BSN programs in NYC, you may want to keep your search options open to begin.
An Overview of the New York Accelerated BSN Programs
The second degree/accelerated BSN program is for students with a bachelor’s degree in something besides nursing to get licensed as quickly as possible as an RN. The courses students took during their first degree like math, sociology, biology and psychology are accepted and count towards BSN credit requirements. Often, ABSN students are missing some of the nursing specific courses, such as chemistry, microbiology and computer science. To assist students, most schools offer a series of these prerequisites prior to the start of the program.
Admission into a New York Accelerated BSN program requires a BS degree from an accredited college. The study is fast-paced, and there are usually no breaks between semesters.
The Curriculum of ABSN Programs in NY
Depending on what school you attend, the Accelerated BSN nursing programs in NY take an average of 10 to 18 months to complete. If you decide to go with an online school for an accelerated second degree in nursing, the course program is the typically the same as attending a traditional school. The benefit of online study is that you’ll be able to study around your lifestyle and schedule.
You will still be required to complete a practicum, and most of the accredited online programs have existing partnerships with hospitals, medical clinics, and nursing homes to ensure a local placement for clinicals. On average, the time for this clinical study ranges from 100 to 130 hours of practice.
Typical classes in the accelerated BSN programs in NYC and the rest of the state include:
- Pharmacology
- Nursing Assessment and Care Planning
- Nutrition
- Issues in Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
Once you have completed the course study and practicum, you must pass the NCLEX exam for licensure to work as a professional RN in New York. Although the majority of accelerated BSN programs in NY prepare you for this test, colleges and universities also offer special classes for those who would like to enhance their chances of passing.
Job Outlook, Career Paths and Salary
The job outlook for RNs is positive, and as a second degree nurse, you bring “a wealth of knowledge, experience and energy to the nursing workforce” (American Association of Colleges of Nursing). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2017), the need for nurses will grow by 26 percent through 2020. An aging baby-boomer population that is living longer than any generation before them, focus on preventative care, and advances in medical technology increase the demand for nurses. On average, RNs earned $80,830 in 2016 according to the BLS, (2017).
Experience, additional certifications, and a master’s degree in nursing can increase a nurse’s annual salary even more. In New York there are numerous open RN positions in hospitals, home healthcare, private nursing homes, and doctors’ offices. Aspiring nurses can also work as travel nurses and in governmental and school organizations. An accelerated BSN program is a great way to become a nurse by building on the education you already have.
For more information on your nursing education and career options, visit our resources page.
