Comparing Accelerated and Traditional Nursing Education Models
The medical field continues to experience a high demand for skilled nurses. Increasing needs in patient care also bring about increased opportunity in educational routes for prospective nurses. Even though traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees remain in high demand, accelerated routes such as the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) are gaining popularity. So how do they compare and which is better for prospective nurses?
The Structure of Traditional BSN Programs
The traditional BSN program is generally four years in duration and offers well-established coursework in general education, nursing theories, clinical experience and research. The students build their body of knowledge incrementally, which allows them to gain holistic experience. Traditional BSN programs also provide ample opportunity for networking, mentorship and extracurricular activities, which can be of great help in career development.
Outside of academics, traditional BSN students experience a collegiate lifestyle of social interaction, leadership and development. Student clubs, volunteer work and services available to students contribute to a well-rounded collegiate experience. While this longer duration is not ideal for students seeking to join the job market in a hurry, it is ideal to establish a successful career and specialize in the future.
The Fast-Paced Pace of ABSN Programs
At the same time, ABSN programs cater to students who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. These programs condense nursing school into an accelerated format and commonly complete coursework in 12 to 18 months. Because of the fast pace, students in ABSN programs need to commit full-time to their coursework and there is not much time left for part-time work or other activities.
ABSN programs appeal to students who are dedicated and ready to immerse themselves in intense studying. The duration is brief, and, therefore, the coursework is demanding and students must absorb huge amounts of material within a limited period. The model is appropriate for career changers or students wanting to switch to nursing within a brief time frame and not spend another several years in school.
Key Differences in Curriculum and Learning Approaches
While each of these programs educates students in core nursing content, there is one big distinction in their pace and method of instruction. Traditional BSN programs offer more general foundational coursework, while an ABSN degree meaning students focus strictly on coursework in nursing. This means students receive an ABSN degree in that they are engaging in an accelerated learning experience to move them into the job market quicker.
Additionally, students in traditional BSNs typically experience their coursework becoming progressively more challenging. They move from basics and sciences to specialty fields such as pharmacology, critical care and healthcare leadership. ABSN students, on the other hand, delve into higher-level coursework and are required to grasp core concepts and skills of nursing.
A Vital Component
Clinical experience is part of each of these systems of education. Traditional BSN students typically gain hands-on experience in various semesters, where they can develop their skills progressively. ABSN students, on the other hand, complete their clinical rotations in much less time and they can find themselves having to learn and implement their knowledge within a short time frame. Although there is inequality in time, each of these paths ensures that graduates meet the competencies needed to work as registered nurses.
The amount of clinical preparation in ABSN programs can be challenging, as students must execute competencies in real-world healthcare scenarios within a limited period. Adaptability, persistence and high levels of problem-solving skills are required. Traditional BSN students, however, have more time to gain experience in different patient populations and different healthcare environments, which can facilitate their transition into the workforce.
The Impact on Career Readiness
BSN and ABSN graduates can take the NCLEX-RN exam, which is required to license one to work as a registered nurse. ABSN graduates, however, can enter into the workforce earlier and gain experience earlier. The traditional BSN graduates can achieve a broader academic foundation, which may open the door to higher-level nursing positions or graduate school.
Employers value each of these routes, but they can have different preferences based upon how much experience each has. Traditional BSN graduates can be seen to have a more well-rounded school experience, while ABSN graduates can be seen to be extremely motivated and able to work well under pressure.
Considerations for Potential Students
Students should consider time, financial investment and learning style in deciding whether to pursue an ABSN or a traditional BSN. Nurses who can perform well in fast-paced environments and can devote full time to their work may find an ABSN program to be appropriate. Others may find they enjoy a slower pace of learning and activity on campus and may opt to take a traditional BSN.
From a financial perspective, ABSN programs can be costly because they are intensive, but they can also place students in the job market earlier, which can help to counteract the expense. Traditional BSN programs can grant students additional financial assistance and work-study, which can help to make them affordable to students in need.