Pursuing a nursing degree is an exciting and meaningful decision, but choosing the right nursing program can feel overwhelming. With various pathways available, including accelerated and advanced degree options, it’s essential to find the program that aligns with your goals, timeline, and budget. This guide will help you navigate your options and make an informed choice. Let’s explore the paths that can lead you to a rewarding career in nursing.
“How do I become a nurse?”
If you’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree in another field and are looking to switch to a nursing career quickly, a post-baccalaureate nursing program, like the Accelerated BSN, offers a fast and efficient path to becoming a nurse. You’ll gain the credentials, experience, and critical thinking skills necessary to practice in entry-level professional nursing positions in all types of healthcare agencies. Additionally, you’ll learn how to provide meaningful care that promotes the health of people from diverse families, communities, and systems.
Which nursing program is best?
In both accelerated nursing programs, such as the post-baccalaureate nursing program or Accelerated BSN (ABSN) and entry-level master’s in nursing programs (ELM or ELMSN), you’ll receive the education and training needed to excel as a nurse and be prepared for the NCLEX nursing licensure exam. So how do you decide? There are three questions you’ll want to consider:
- What is your ultimate career goal?
- How long do you want to study?
- How much do you want to spend?
What is your ultimate career goal?
You’ve decided you want to be a nurse—that’s a great first step in choosing a nursing career path. Is that your ultimate goal, or would you like to further your education and advance your career? Both programs will prepare you for a career as an entry-level nurse. If you’re looking to continue your education and become a nurse-midwife or another advanced practice nurse, you’ll need to get a specialized master’s degree regardless of which program you choose for your initial nursing education. However, an entry-level master’s in nursing program will prepare you with research courses and projects that will also be part of your advanced nursing degree program.
Bethel University’s Accelerated BSN program has a strong track record of success, with over 93% of graduates passing the NCLEX exam on their first attempt and securing jobs in healthcare within six months of graduation.
How long do you want to study?
How quickly do you want to start working as a nurse and begin your nursing career? In a post-baccalaureate nursing program, you’ll complete your nursing education in as little as 15 months, getting you into the workforce faster. An entry-level master’s in nursing program will likely take between 2-3 years to complete. But it’s not just about the time to complete the program. In a post-baccalaureate, your program is shorter, but it’s full-time. In an entry-level master’s degree in nursing program, the additional program length allows some students to work in addition to their studies.
How much do you want to spend?
The cost of a nursing education is an important consideration. Post-baccalaureate nursing programs, like the Accelerated BSN, average 50-65 credits and can range from $500-1,500 per credit—making the program cost around $42,000. Entry-level master’s in nursing programs average 60-80 credits and can range from $500-2,000 per credit—making the program cost around $80,000. Be sure to explore financial aid for nursing school to determine what loans or scholarships are available for your chosen program. If you’re looking for a cost-effective option, the post-baccalaureate nursing program is a strong alternative to the higher cost of a master’s degree.
But really, isn’t one better?
Which program is right for you really depends on what’s best for your career, your time, and your finances. Most students find the Accelerated BSN to be one of the best nursing programs for a quick transition to a rewarding career as a nurse. But if you’re interested in advanced roles, the entry-level master’s in nursing might be the right choice for you.
| Accelerated BSN (Post-Baccalaureate) | Entry-Level Master’s in Nursing | |
| NCLEX Preparation | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced Nursing Specialty | Additional degree required | Additional degree required |
| Time to complete | 15 months | 2-3 years |
| Program cost | $42,000 | $80,000 |
| Average salary | $75,000-$85,000 | $90,000-$120,000 |
Choosing the right nursing degree option is a personal decision, but both pathways will help you meet nursing licensure requirements and provide various job opportunities for nurses in different healthcare settings.
Whether you’re looking to switch careers quickly or start working as a nurse in a little over a year, the post-baccalaureate in nursing Accelerated BSN program at Bethel University is the fastest way to get there. With a streamlined curriculum, affordability, and real-world experience, you’ll be ready to pass the NCLEX and enter the nursing profession with confidence. Take the first step toward your new career by enrolling in our Accelerated BSN program today!
Diane Dahl Ph.D., RN, has been involved in nursing education and leadership for 30 years. She is the interim dean of health programs and Chief Nursing Administrator. Her interests include curriculum development, assessment, accreditation, and international programming.
