Why Choose an Accelerated Nursing Program?
Written by:
University of Tulsa
• Nov 20, 2025
If you’re interested in becoming a nurse, the idea of completing a four-year degree can seem daunting — especially if you’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree in another field. Accelerated nursing programs are designed to provide a faster and more affordable transition to nursing. If you have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program can help you begin your nursing career as soon as possible.
What Is an Accelerated Nursing Program?
Accelerated nursing programs are designed specifically for working professionals and those who already have bachelor’s degrees in a field other than nursing. Accelerated BSN programs allow college graduates to use the experience and education they’ve already gained to make a much faster transition. ABSN programs waive certain general courses, focusing solely on nursing. Nursing major courses include the following:
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Fundamentals of Nursing
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Pharmacology
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Acute and Chronic Care
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Health Assessment
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Theoretical Frameworks of Nursing
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Population Health
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Nursing Care of Specialized Populations
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Nursing Care of the Family
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Health Care Informatics
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Nursing Science
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Quality Across Health Care Systems
These programs combine traditional classroom instruction with hands-on practicums, providing a comprehensive education and a pathway to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) for those who choose to pursue an advanced degree.
Benefits of Completing an Accelerated Nursing Program
The benefits associated with completing an accelerated BSN degree program open the door to nursing for those who otherwise might not pursue it due to time or financial limitations.
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Faster transition to nursing: Traditional BSN students spend about four years earning their degrees. Those who choose accelerated nursing programs can complete their nursing education in as little as 20 months, making the transition to the nursing field much faster.
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More affordable than a traditional BSN: Because most universities charge by the credit hour and because ABSN programs can waive as many as 31 credits of general coursework, ABSN programs are far more affordable than their traditional four-year counterparts.
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High demand for BSN graduates in the workforce: According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), those who earn their second degrees in nursing tend to be older and more motivated not only to learn, but to excel. As such, these individuals are in especially high demand among nurse employers.
Professional Outcomes
While there are several levels of nursing to consider — and additional education that BSN graduates may choose to pursue — most accelerated nursing program graduates go on to become registered nurses (RNs). These individuals provide comprehensive patient care in settings such as hospitals, doctors’ offices, prisons, schools, and nursing homes. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that positions for registered nurses are expected to grow 6% between 2023 and 2033, which means that RNs will continue to enjoy strong job security.
Additional Career Options
Accelerated nursing program graduates can choose from several other clinical and non-clinical careers, including the following:
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Nurse Researcher: Medical research happens behind the scenes, but is critical to developing new treatments and improving the nursing profession as a whole. Nurse researchers spend much of their time in laboratories, observing and collecting data. These nurses should have clinical and writing skills as well as patience and critical thinking abilities.
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Pharmaceutical Sales: Some ABSN graduates eventually transition to the world of pharmaceutical sales, allowing them to travel to different places and introduce new treatments to doctors, surgeons, and other health care professionals. This role requires excellent people skills and deep knowledge of pharmacology.
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Aesthetic Nurse: Unlike traditional nursing, aesthetic nurses work in spas, med spas, and clients’ homes to provide clinical treatments that may range from cosmetic injections to laser treatments. Those who have considered becoming estheticians but who enjoy nursing may find this role especially satisfying.
Careers with Further Education
Many universities offering ABSN and graduate programs, such as Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree programs, prioritize their BSN graduates who are interested in entering these programs. With an MSN or DNP, graduates have even more career options.
Many individuals who graduate from MSN or DNP programs become nurse administrators or advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), including nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and nurse practitioners. These individuals are clinicians who treat patients, but with more responsibility and a larger scope of practice than RNs. BLS data suggests that employment in these roles is projected to grow 40% between 2023 and 2033, making it one of the fastest-growing professions in the country. Furthermore, they are some of the highest-paid nurses of all, earning a median annual salary of $132,050 in 2024.
Begin Your Nursing Career with an Accelerated BSN
An accelerated nursing program provides would-be nurses with a faster, more affordable option than a traditional BSN, allowing students to enter the workforce quickly and advance their careers with a BSN degree.
Students can complete the University of Tulsa’s Accelerated BSN program in less than two years, making it an excellent choice for adult learners and working professionals who want to enter the field. Find out how you can start a rewarding new career with an ABSN.
Recommended Readings
How Much Do RNs Make in Oklahoma?
Palliative Care in Nursing: The Need for Administrative Leaders
The Differences Between an LPN and an RN Explained
Sources:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Accelerated Nursing Programs
Indeed, A Guide to Accelerated Nursing Programs (ABSN)
Indeed, 12 Master in Nursing Jobs You Can Pursue With an MSN Degree
Indeed, 12 Types of Nursing Jobs You Can Get With a BSN
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners
