Whether you have a colleague in a fast-track nursing program or you have heard about the rigorous demands of these programs, you might be wondering: Are accelerated nursing programs worth it? How do traditional vs. accelerated nursing programs compare?

Accelerated programs have become some of the most popular nursing school options for two types of nursing students:

1. Non-traditional students with past graduate experience, demanding work schedules, and other extenuating circumstances
2. Professionals working in other fields who want to pivot to the nursing profession

For these students, accelerated options like a master of science in nursing, direct entry programs can be worth it—despite their challenges.

Let us break down what makes accelerated nursing programs so rigorous and offer tips for anyone heading down this path.

The Rigorous Nature of Accelerated Nursing Programs

There is no denying that accelerated nursing programs are challenging. Why?¹

• Compressed timeframes – Students must assimilate complex nursing concepts quickly to keep from falling behind. Many students choose this route after researching the types of masters in nursing available, as an accelerated program can be a stepping stone for non-nurse majors.
• Limited breaks – Accelerated programs often skip traditional holiday breaks and pauses between semesters/trimesters. Students in these programs study continuously with limited downtime.
• High standards – Simply put, faculty have higher expectations for accelerated program students. To prepare them for the nursing profession quickly, professors demand high proficiency in both theoretical concepts and practical skills.

Common Challenges Faced by Students

Not only are accelerated nursing programs challenging, but they can also impact other areas of students’ lives:

• Accelerated programs can decrease students’ time spent with family and friends. They can also eat into work time, which can impact working professionals’ finances.
• In the face of high expectations and tight schedules, many students must contend with burnout, a feeling of exhaustion and emptiness that can negatively impact mental health.²

In the face of both of these challenges, accelerated nursing students must prioritize their mental health and self-care. Leaning on support resources, reflecting with other students, and taking time to decompress can all help students maintain their wellness during an accelerated degree track.

Additionally, students should carefully consider their long-term educational goals. For instance, can you get an MSN without a BSN? Some programs allow students to pursue an MSN directly without first earning a BSN, offering an alternative path for those transitioning into nursing from other fields.

5 Strategies for Success in Accelerated Nursing Programs

What else can accelerated program students do to support their success? Here are five tips for current or aspiring students.

1. Effective Time Management and Study Techniques

Excelling in nursing school requires two key academic skills:

1. Time management – Keeping and maintaining a regular schedule is crucial. Use a physical agenda or a smartphone calendar app to stay on top of daily tasks.
2. Study strategies – Studying quickly and effectively is a must for nursing students. Find a system that works for you: flashcards, practice tests, and group study sessions are a few common tactics.

Time management is especially important for those looking ahead to advanced degrees, as students often ask, “How long does it take to get an MSN degree?” The answer varies, but accelerated pathways can reduce the time needed to complete your nursing degree.

2. Utilizing Support Systems and Resources

Leaning on available support systems can make the difference between a challenging experience and a successful academic track for nursing students. We recommend seeking advice and support from faculty, advisors, and peers when you need it.

In addition, lean on resources like:

• Tutoring services – Learn more about your school’s tutoring center or trade tutoring support with a fellow student.
• Counseling – Many institutions offer on-campus or virtual counseling for students at low or no cost.
• Study groups – Like tutoring, study groups offer an opportunity to help fellow students and get academic support in your weaker areas.

3. Developing Resilience and Stress-Management Skills

If students can develop resilience and stress management skills in nursing school, it will help set them up for a successful career in nursing, where challenges and stressful situations are an everyday reality.

Handling academic pressure is just one way to develop resilience. The key is to find time to decompress. Using at least a small portion of your day for mindfulness exercises, physical activity, or self-care can help you stay grounded during a tough academic experience.

However, there is no substitute for professional support. If you ever feel like your personal stress management skills are not sufficient to handle the daily realities of an accelerated nursing program, seek professional help from a counselor.

4. Gaining Hands-On Experience and Practical Skills Early

To make the most of your accelerated nursing school experience, take advantage of hands-on learning opportunities like:

• Clinical sessions
• Simulation labs
• Training events with experienced instructors
• Shadowing opportunities

These offer an excellent opportunity to introduce new concepts and help you reinforce your theoretical knowledge.

5. Leveraging Technology and Academic Resources

In the digital age, accelerated nursing students can rely on tech tools to stay ahead of the curve and meet their academic goals. During your degree program, explore:

• Online learning resources (like recorded lectures and practice tests)
• Nursing apps
• Digital flashcards
• Video demonstrations of practical skills

Is an Accelerated Nursing Program Right for You?

With all of this in mind, is an accelerated program the right choice for your career?

These programs definitely have advantages:

• They offer a fast-paced opportunity for high achievers.
• They provide a fast track to the workforce. 
• They help nurses develop stress management and resilience skills early.

However, these programs are not without their obstacles:

• Coursework is fast and challenging. 
• Expectations and standards are high.
• Students have limited time to devote to work, leisure, and their personal lives.

Accelerated tracks are not the only option for nursing programs in Phoenix (and beyond). Before choosing an accelerated program, assess all of your available options and pick the timeline that best matches your career goals and academic needs.

Comparing Accelerated vs. Traditional Nursing Programs

Choosing between an accelerated and a traditional nursing program depends on your academic background, career goals, and lifestyle. Below is a comparison of key factors:

Factor	Accelerated Program	Traditional Program
Timeframe	12–24 months	3–4 years
Pace	Fast, intensive	Moderate, steady
Ideal for	Career changers, high achievers, students with prior degrees	First-time college students, those needing more flexibility
Course Load	Heavy, compressed	Spread out over more semesters
Work-life balance	Limited free time	More manageable

If you thrive in fast-paced environments and want to enter the workforce quickly, an accelerated program may be ideal. However, if you need more flexibility, a traditional program could be the better choice.

How to Choose the Right Accelerated Nursing Program

Not all accelerated nursing programs are created equal. To ensure you’re choosing a program that aligns with your career goals, consider the following:

• Accreditation – Verify that the program is accredited by organizations like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA), or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). This ensures that your degree meets industry standards.
• Clinical experience opportunities – Hands-on training is a crucial component of any nursing program. Look for schools that offer robust clinical placements in hospitals and healthcare facilities.
• Faculty expertise – Research the program’s instructors. Experienced faculty with real-world nursing backgrounds can provide valuable insights and mentorship.

Preparing for Success with Alliant

While accelerated nursing programs are certainly challenging, they can be the right match for students looking to enter the workforce quickly.

Whether you are interested in a fast track or want to take a more traditional approach to nursing education, explore degree programs at Alliant International University. Our nursing degree programs—both BSN and MSN options—feature instruction from experienced nursing professionals, exposure to cutting-edge tech, and hands-on learning opportunities designed to sharpen your practical skills.

Request more information about our nursing programs today to get started.

Sources: 

1. Bal, Daniel. “Accelerated Nursing Programs: How Do They Work?” NurseJournal. June 27, 2023. https://nursejournal.org/resources/accelerated-nursing-programs/. Accessed February 28, 2025. 
2. “Depression: Learn More – What Is Burnout?” National Center for Biotechnology Information. April 15, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279286/. Accessed February 28, 2025. 

The content of this page is only for informational purposes and is not intended, expressly or by implication, as a guarantee of employment or salary, which vary based on many factors including but not limited to education, credentials, and experience. Alliant International University explicitly makes no representations or guarantees about the accuracy of the information provided by any prospective employer or any other website. Salary information available on the internet may not reflect the typical experience of Alliant graduates. Alliant does not guarantee that any graduate will be placed with a particular employer or in any specific employment position.