This guide explains how to change careers to nursing with an accelerated degree, step by step. We’ll detail what accelerated nursing programs for career changers entail, how they differ from traditional nursing programs, who qualifies, and how to transition into nursing successfully.
What Is an Accelerated Nursing Degree?
The World Health Organization says that the industry is expected to be short 4.5 million nurses by 2030. Despite nurses already making up nearly 60% of the global healthcare workforce, the need for more skilled, licensed professionals continues to grow.
To fill in the gap, there needs to be more RNs. However, completing the traditional four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program can be time-consuming and costly, especially if you’re already holding a degree in another field. This is why accelerated nursing programs for career changers were created.
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An accelerated nursing program is a fast-track degree option that allows you to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or even a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in a much shorter timeframe than a traditional four-year nursing degree.
These programs are specifically designed for:
- Non-nurses with a prior bachelor’s degree in another field
- Career changers who want to enter the nursing profession quickly
- Motivated students looking to fast-track their education and licensure
While there are some fast-track MSN programs for licensed nurses looking to advance, the most common type of accelerated program is the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN), geared toward students who are starting from scratch in nursing but already have a degree in another area.
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Accelerated BSN programs are structured to teach both the foundational and advanced nursing skills needed to prepare you for RN licensure, in as little as 12 to 24 months.
Here’s how accelerated BSN programs typically work:
- Intensive, full-time format
- Hands-on clinical training
- Hybrid learning options
Who Can Apply for an Accelerated Nursing Program?
An accelerated nursing program offers a nursing degree for non-nursing majors, allowing individuals with a bachelor’s degree in another field to transition quickly into the nursing profession.
Common Accelerated Nursing Program Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree: To apply for an accelerated nursing program, you’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree already, but not necessarily in nursing.
- Minimum GPA: When it comes to your GPA, most accelerated nursing programs ask for something in the range of 2.75 to 3.0 from your previous degree. If your GPA isn’t quite there but you’ve got strong work experience, a high score on entrance exams, or some solid letters of recommendation, don’t worry, as many programs are a bit flexible with this requirement.
- Prerequisite Courses: Even though you have a bachelor’s degree, you’ll still need to have completed certain prerequisite courses before applying. These are usually core science classes like:
- Anatomy and Physiology (1 or 2 semesters)
- Microbiology (with lab)
- Chemistry (basic or organic)
- Statistics
- Entrance Exams: Some programs also ask you to take an entrance exam, like the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI A2, to help them gauge your readiness for the nursing program. Not every school requires these, though, so it’s worth checking with each school to see if it’s something you’ll need to take.
Online accelerated nursing degrees attract all kinds of people, but most especially:
- Teachers are tired of the classroom but still passionate about helping people.
- Corporate professionals are looking for more meaningful work.
- Stay-at-home parents are ready to return to the workforce in a role that offers job security and flexibility.
- Recent grads who realized their original major wasn’t a great fit.
Benefits of Changing Careers to Nursing with an Accelerated Degree
There are plenty of reasons to pursue an accelerated nursing program, especially right now.
Faster Time to Become a Nurse
You’re not starting from scratch, so don’t stress! That bachelor’s degree you’ve already earned? It counts. Accelerated nursing programs for career changers build on what you already know, helping you fast-track your way to a nursing career in less than two years—instead of wasting more time.
Job Security is Solid
If job stability is important to you, nursing’s a no-brainer. It’s one of the most in-demand professions out there right now. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the number of nursing jobs will grow 6% between 2023 and 2033, outpacing many other industries. So, yes, you’re stepping into a field with some serious job security.
Earn Well and Grow
Not only are nursing jobs in high demand, but they also come with great earning potential. According to the BLS, the median salary for registered nurses was about $93,600 per year in 2024. And that’s just the beginning!
If you want to earn even more, you can specialize or move into advanced roles like nurse practitioner (NP) or nurse anesthetist (CRNA), both of which can boost your salary even higher.
Variety in Work Environments
Nursing is about so much more than just hospitals. You could work in clinics, schools, telehealth, government agencies, or even corporate wellness programs. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you could even become a travel nurse! The beauty of nursing is how flexible it is; there’s something for everyone, no matter what lifestyle you’re after.
While an associate degree in nursing (ADN) will get you into the workforce as a nurse, most healthcare employers today prefer hiring nurses with a BSN. The BSN is becoming the standard in the nursing profession. This is partly because BSN-prepared nurses are trained in advanced clinical skills, leadership, and critical thinking, making them better prepared for the evolving demands of healthcare.
So, even though you can become an RN with just an ADN, the BSN gives you a competitive edge and opens up doors for higher-paying roles, leadership positions, and specialized areas of nursing, such as nurse educator, nurse manager, or even advanced practice roles like nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist.
Steps to Changing Careers to Nursing Through an Accelerated Program
Let’s break down the steps on how to change careers to nursing via accelerated degrees:
Research and compare accredited schools.
Not all nursing programs are created equal. Look for programs that are:
- Accredited by the CCNE or ACEN
- Offer strong NCLEX pass rates
- Provide robust clinical placements
- Available in your preferred format (in-person, hybrid, or online)
Make a spreadsheet. Compare application deadlines, tuition, prerequisites, program length, and location.
Complete any prerequisites.
Most programs require science courses with labs (which can’t always be done online). Common prerequisites include:
- Anatomy & Physiology I and II
- Microbiology
- Chemistry
- Statistics
- Human Growth and Development
- Nutrition
If you need to take these, community colleges are a great, affordable option.
Apply and prepare for a fast-paced schedule.
Applications usually include:
- Transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Resume or CV
- Interview (some programs)
Once you’re accepted, get ready. Accelerated programs are intense. Many schools recommend not working while enrolled. That’s not always realistic, but it’s worth planning ahead for.
Costs of Accelerated Nursing Programs and How to Pay for Them
Many career changers opt for second degree nursing programs because they’re not only faster and more flexible, but also, often, even more cost-effective. Since these programs are shorter, they can reduce the time you spend in school, which means fewer years of tuition and living expenses.
But while accelerated nursing programs might save you time, the cost can still be a concern.
According to nurse.org, ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) programs can cost between $20,000 and $150,000, depending on:
- Whether the school is public or private.
- The location of the school.
- The intensity and length of the program (some are condensed, while others take 18–24 months).
- Programs at the higher end may offer added benefits like increased clinical opportunities or more personalized attention, which could make the higher cost more justifiable.
However, many students find that the return on investment (ROI) is well worth the expense.
How to Pay for an Accelerated Nursing Program
There are plenty of ways to make nursing school more affordable. Here are a few funding options to consider:
- Federal Financial Aid: The first step in paying for your program should be to fill out the FAFSA. Even if you’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree, you can still qualify for federal student loans, grants, and potentially work-study options.
- Scholarships and Grants: Many organizations and healthcare foundations offer scholarships for nursing students, including those specifically for people pursuing second degrees. For example, the National Health Service Corps offers scholarships to nursing students who are willing to work in underserved areas after graduation. Additionally, state-level grants may be available for students committed to working in certain locations or healthcare settings.
- Employer Tuition Assistance: If you’re already working in a healthcare setting, ask your employer about tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs. Many hospitals and healthcare organizations offer financial support for employees who want to advance their education.
- Private Loans and Alternative Financing: For some, federal financial aid won’t cover the entire cost of the program. If that’s the case for you, you can consider private student loans. While these tend to come with higher interest rates than federal loans, they can be an option for closing the gap. Be sure to shop around for the best rates and terms.
- Payment Plans: Several nursing schools offer payment plans to help break down tuition costs into more manageable monthly payments. Be sure to ask your prospective school about the availability of flexible payment options before committing.
Tips for Cutting Costs
While tuition is the largest expense, there are other ways to reduce your total cost of attendance:
- Textbook Savings: Opt for digital textbooks or buy used copies whenever possible. Many students find that e-books can be just as effective as physical books and often come at a lower price.
- Clinical and Lab Fees: Some programs include the costs of clinical placements and labs in the tuition, but others might charge separately. Be sure to ask about all fees and factor these into your budget before you start.
Scholarships and Grants for Nursing Students
There’s free money out there; you just have to look for it.
Scholarships for nursing students
- HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship
- Tylenol Future Care Scholarship
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) scholarships
- National Black Nurses Association Scholarships
- Hispanic Health Professional Student Scholarships
Check with local nursing associations and community organizations, too.
Federal and state financial aid for nursing students
Your FAFSA will determine eligibility for federal grants, but also explore:
- State-level nursing grants
- Workforce development grants
- Nonprofit-funded scholarships for second-career nurses
Tips for Success in an Accelerated Nursing Program
Accelerated nursing school is no joke. But people do it, and you can too. Here’s how to not just survive, but thrive.
- Master time management. Use planners, apps, or whiteboards to create study blocks, meal prep, and treat your study time like a job.
- Build a support system. Lean on friends, family, and classmates for emotional, practical, and sometimes financial support.
- Stay healthy. Get enough sleep, hydrate, eat well, and stay active to avoid burnout.
- Remember your “why.” On tough days, remind yourself why you’re doing this, whether it’s to help others, support your family, or pursue fulfilling work.
Final Thoughts: Making the Leap into Nursing
The fastest way to become a nurse is through an accelerated nursing program, which allows you to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in as little as 12 to 24 months. It won’t be easy. You’ll need to juggle studying, clinical hours, and possibly a part-time job, but the payoff is more than worth it. You’ll be joining a profession where compassion and dedication truly make a difference, and with the accelerated nursing path, you’ll do it faster than most.