Online Accelerated ADN Programs: Inside Top Schools
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs are one of many pathways to a nursing career. While most ADN programs take about two years to complete, some aspiring nurses want to move faster. To accommodate, some programs offer a fast-track option, which combines online and in-person learning to speed things up. These hybrid or online accelerated ADN programs can be completed in 12-18 months.
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
HealthcareNursingMental Health HealthcareMental HealthAddiction Treatment
NursingNursing AssistingJump To Section
Comparing Online ADN Accelerated Programs
When you need flexibility and want to become an RN as soon as possible, consider an accelerated ADN program that incorporates online learning. In these hybrid programs, much (or all) of the coursework is online, while clinicals, labs, and other hands-on tasks occur in-person. Here’s a quick look at the types of fast-track programs available to online ADN seekers:
- For students without nursing experience: These “standard” accelerated ADNs start from the beginning, move fast, and help to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN in as little as 16-18 months.
- For students with nursing or healthcare experience: These programs build on practical experience earned on the job and create an educational bridge to becoming an RN. Because students have experience to start, these programs often can be completed in as little as 12 months.
To better understand how these accelerated ADN programs work with online components, let’s review three actual programs at some of today’s most popular schools.
University of Charleston
The University of Charleston in Charlston, WV, has a hybrid ADN program for students ready to pursue a career as an RN. Having instructed more than 3,000 nurses, this university offers standards-based curriculum and faculty with professional nursing expertise.
The ADN program at the University of Charleston is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the nursing field. The program includes a blend of online coursework and in-person clinicals that students can complete in as little as 16 months. Many clinicals at the University of Charleston are held on the weekends, making it a flexible option for working students.
Duration: 16 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $33,800 (tuition and fees)
Admissions Requirements:
- Admission to the University of Charleston
- Application to the ADN program
- Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better
- Minimum grade of “C” in prerequisite courses
- Minimum Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) scores of 60%
- Prerequisite courses
- Transcripts, diploma, GED, or TASC
Core Curriculum:
- Fundamentals of Nursing (Course & Clinical)
- Health Assessment (Course & Clinical)
- Medical Surgical Nursing (Course & Clinical)
- Mental Health Nursing (Course & Clinical)
- Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
- Obstetric Nursing (Course & Clinical)
- Pediatric Nursing (Course & Clinical)
- Nursing Practicum (Course & Clinical)
- NCLEX-RN
Best for: Students with most or all of their general education pre-requisites completed, and who many not have a community college option available.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Valencia College
The Accelerated Track in Nursing (ATN) program at Valencia College in Orlando, FL, allows current healthcare professionals the ability to earn their AS in Nursing degree and become RNs in just 12 months. This program is an option for current LPNs, paramedics, registered invasive cardiovascular specialists (CVTs), and registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).
In this program, classes are mostly online with some on-campus components, such as orientations, labs/simulations, and exams. Students in this accelerated program also complete clinical experiences at local hospitals. Valencia College’s ATN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $7,420 Florida residents, $29,149 nonresidents (tuition only)
Admissions Requirements:
- LPN, paramedic, registered invasive cardiovascular technologist, CVT, or RRT credentials
- Official transcripts showing completion of a high school diploma or GED
- U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status
- Minimum ATI TEAS score of 65
- Prerequisite courses
- Minimum 2.5 GPA on previous college work
Core Curriculum:
- Health and Illness Concepts of Physical and Health Assessment
- Transition Into Professional Nursing Concepts
- Concepts of Maternal Health
- Concepts of Adult Health
- Health and Illness Concepts of Mental Health
- Experiential Learning in Nursing
- Concepts of Patient Care Management and Leadership Practicum
Rasmussen University
Rasmussen University offers significant online options and numerous campuses throughout the United States. Their Professional Nursing (ADN/RN) is one of the school’s most popular programs. Delivered in a hybrid format, the ADN program offers flexible scheduling to accommodate other personal and professional commitments. Plus, no prerequisite coursework is required for admission.
Students new to nursing who carry a full-time course load can complete all degree requirements in as few as 18 months. Rasmussen’s ADN/RN students choose from eight start dates annually with no prerequisite courses, making the program one of the most convenient accelerated ADN options available.
Duration: 21 months or fewer
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $53,478 (including fees)
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Passing TEAS score or minimum GPA of 2.25 in bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree
- Physical exam and immunizations
- Basic Life Saving and CPR with Defibrillator certification
- Background check
Core Curriculum:
- Introduction to Nursing
- Essentials of Pathophysiology
- Physical Assessment
- Nursing Care of the Older Adult
- Professional Nursing Skills
- Multidimensional Care
- Mental and Behavioral Health Nursing
- Pharmacology for Professional Nursing
- Maternal-Child Nursing
- Leadership and Professional Identity
- Associate Degree in Nursing Capstone
Best for: Students who may need to attend a more nontraditional college or university, and who have tuition paid for or reimbursed by an employer.
Accelerated Online ADN FAQs
Accelerated programs are convenient in many ways and challenging in others. With this type of program, you’ll often have to commit to a heavier course load, more rigorous schedule, and sometimes a higher cost. However, your time spent in the program is minimized. Below are some questions to ask yourself before applying.
Do I have the time to commit to a rigorous ADN program?
To allow you to complete the program in less time, many accelerated ADN programs require students to take on a full course load and/or they require previous nursing experience. Before applying to an accelerated program, ask yourself if you have the time to commit to all your courses while also maintaining any necessary work and family commitments.
If you overcommit yourself, you may end up falling behind in the program or enduring unnecessary stress. Regardless of your career goals, if you don’t currently have the time for a full course load, wait until you’re ready or consider a traditional ADN program with part-time options.
Am I prepared to take on the cost of an accelerated program?
There are many ADN programs with financial aid options, but even if you qualify for financial aid, it may not cover the total cost of a program. While, many schools offer options such as scholarships, grants, and student loans, if cost is an issue, it’s worth looking into some of the most affordable schools that offer ADN programs.
Am I willing to complete continuing education courses to maintain my license?
Before you start school, you might be so focused on obtaining your license that you’re not thinking about maintaining it. Once you receive your RN license, you’re also responsible for keeping up with the requirements for renewal in your state.
Most states require you to take continuing education courses or a certain amount of college credits every two years. Some states also require you to have a certain amount of practice hours before submitting your application for renewal. If you don’t plan on using your license right away, it may be best to delay applying for a program.
Am I okay with earning less than nurses that hold more advanced degrees such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)?
Not necessarily. As new nurses, you’ll likely start out earning the same amount as your BSN-holding peers. That said, a BSN can open more doors for you down the road, and, in some cases, they’re prerequisites for some nursing jobs.
Expert Insight
Most of the time, there is no difference in pay between a nurse with an ADN and one with a BSN if they’re both doing the same job. One of the biggest considerations is actually how quickly you want to complete your degree.
Am I prepared to participate in clinicals in-person?
Online accelerated ADN programs offer students the flexibility they need to accommodate various other personal responsibilities. However, even online programs require some type of in-person training via labs, clinicals, simulations, etc. Plus, you’ll need these clinical hours to satisfy licensure requirements. So ask yourself if you have the time to participate in clinicals and other training in-person in your community.
Challenges & Solutions in Accelerated ADN Programs
Accelerated programs may be the right choice for many students, but they come with a unique set of challenges. These programs require more dedication and focus, even though they’re completed in a shorter amount of time. We’ve addressed some of the common challenges you might face when enrolled in an accelerated program and how you can overcome them.
Challenge: Intense Workload & Fast-Paced Learning
Most ADN programs have a similar set of required courses, but accelerated programs allow you to complete those courses in less time. This leads to a heavier course load, and students are often required to attend full-time.
Solution: Before applying, make sure you have the time to dedicate to the program. If you’ll be working while you’re in school, find a program that offers clinicals on the weekend or in the evenings to fit your work schedule.
Even though your classes aren’t in-person, setting a regular schedule for study time and online learning can prevent you from getting behind.
Challenge: Limited Flexibility
While online or hybrid programs generally offer more flexibility than in-person options, there’s limited flexibility in accelerated programs because the same required courses are condensed into a shorter program duration.
Solution: Limited flexibility in your school schedule means you’ll have to set aside the necessary time to attend classes and clinicals. Before applying to a school, find out how much of the program is offered on-campus so you know what to expect. Be sure the clinicals are offered at a site near you and find a program, such as the one at the University of Charleston, that offers weekend clinicals.
Challenge: Condensed Clinical Requirements
You can’t complete a nursing program without hands-on training, but an accelerated program can lead to condensed clinical requirements. This might mean you have to attend more days of clinicals or longer hours.
Solution: Clinicals are a vital part of the preparation for your nursing career. If the condensed clinical requirements present a challenge for you, choose a school with a campus close to you or options for clinicals at a facility near you.
Cutting down on commuting time can make it easier for you to meet your clinical requirements. You can also look for a program that offers clinicals during non-traditional hours.
Expert Insight
One thing to consider is whether a program finds and sets up your clinicals for you, or if you need to set them up yourself. Programs that do it for you can make earning your degree a lot less stressful.
Challenge: Higher Risk of Burnout
Starting any new educational program can be difficult, but an accelerated nursing program puts you at an even higher risk of burnout due to the long hours and condensed calendar.
Solution: Burnout often happens when you’re not taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Instead of ignoring the signs of burnout, such as exhaustion, irritability, and anxiety, prioritize your health during this time.
Simple steps such as taking a break, exercising, and maintaining a healthy diet, can prevent you from experiencing burnout. Finding a group of students in your community to study with or vent to can also help prevent you from being overwhelmed.
Expert Insight
Finding “your community” while in nursing school really makes a world of difference. In an accelerated hybrid/online program, this could be more challenging as you aren’t seeing the same group of classmates in-person regularly.
Expert Insight
Self-care and healthy habits are critical. During my last semester, I actually had to do an assignment on self-care and wellness. My best friend in nursing school and I sewed lavender rice bags for everyone!
Ranking the Best Accelerated ADN Programs
When it comes to the best online accelerated ADN programs, it can be tricky to sift through the options. The purpose of our rankings is to help you find high-quality online programs that work for you. We look at factors such as accreditation, online components, and available resources.
We also prioritize schools that offer fully or partially online programs and those with a high percentage of students taking distance learning classes. Check out some of our top-ranked programs below.
