Accelerated Nursing Programs in Canada

Where to Find Employment

You can find employment in a range of healthcare environments with an expedited degree. Although ambulatory services employ 19% of registered nurses and hospitals employ 58% of them, government facilities, schools, nursing homes, and residential care settings all offer employment. Because nursing degrees are flexible, you can choose from a variety of settings where your abilities are valued. Furthermore, organizations, clinics, and hospitals may post job opportunities on their websites and job boards.

How Much Does the Accelerated Nursing Program Cost?

A typical accelerated program costs between $30,000 to $70,000, and the final cost depends on several factors: 

• Student Residency

Tuition costs for in-state students are often lower than those for out-of-state students. Research the cost of student residency and stay within your budget. This may differ based on the institution you choose.

• Program Format

Because online programs require fewer facilities and college expenses than on-campus ones, they may be less expensive. Do online programs suit your needs? Some colleges offer online courses and on-campus programs. Be sure to choose what suits your passion and budget.

• Nursing Fees

Additional expenses may raise the total cost, including lab fees, clinical placement fees, and necessary supplies (textbooks, uniforms, and equipment). Make provision for these additional fees or inform your sponsor. 

• Scholarships and Financial Help

For qualified students, several schools provide financial help or scholarships that can drastically lower the cost. Furthermore, you can scholarships from other organizations. To qualify for most scholarships, you should maintain a high GPA. This goes beyond qualifying to maintaining the scholarship opportunity.

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10 Schools with Accelerated Nursing Programs in Canada

Becoming a nurse can, of course, be a challenging and drawn-out procedure. You can start helping patients right away if you’ve already finished some biology, chemistry, and other science- or health-related coursework, because many Canadian colleges offer accelerated nursing programs.

• University of Prince Edward Island

One of the most stunning provinces in Canada is also its tiniest. The history of the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) in Charlottetown is extensive. Additionally, it provides a nursing bachelor’s degree that is accelerated. Take a look at UPEI’s School of Nursing; you might soon be a registered nurse. You must complete high school and have at least 60 semester-hours of university-level credit, including courses in biology, chemistry, and other subjects, to be admitted to UPEI’s accelerated nursing program. In addition, if English is not your first language, you will need to meet the language standards and finish the CASPer test. 

• McMaster Ontario

The accelerated nursing program at McMaster University in Ontario is just as well-known across Canada for its top-notch medical curriculum. You may be sure that you’re receiving a top-notch education from knowledgeable professors thanks to its affiliation with Mohawk College and Conestoga College. To get admitted, you must have finished at least two years of university coursework, including several required courses in subjects like statistics and physiology. Additionally, candidates must complete the Casper exam.

• St.Francis Xavier

In the Canadian Maritimes, St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) in Nova Scotia is another top-notch institution. The accelerated nursing program curriculum at StFX is open to students who have earned credits in microbiology, anatomy, and other subjects. To get admitted, candidates must pass the CASPer exam in addition to their prior university credits. Examine the StFX Distance Nursing Program if you are already a licensed nurse and would like to practise in Canada. StFX also provides a pathway for nurses with foreign training.

• Accelerated Nursing at Northern Arizona University

Located at Flagstone, Arizona, it is for 12 months. Here, Students must have finished 27 credits of pre-professional coursework, which includes classes in statistics, psychology, nutrition science, biology, and other subjects. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 overall and an average of C or better in their requirement courses. The KAPLAN admissions exam, which includes reading, writing, math, and science portions, is required of applicants to evaluate and rank nursing students. The CASPer exam is another requirement for applicants.

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• Saint Mary University’s Accelerated Nursing Program 

This university is located in Kansas, and it’s open for 12 months. You will be accepted through Credit hours in human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, statistics, sociology, psychology, extra credit hours in the psychology/human development section, and a communication course are among the requirements. A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in necessary science courses are requirements for applicants. Applicants may have a bachelor’s degree in any field other than nursing. Completing the ATI TEAS exam, a multiple-choice test intended to evaluate academic abilities, is an extra prerequisite. A personal statement, two reference letters, and an optional résumé are also necessary.

• Pennsylvania University’s Accelerated Nursing Program 

This university is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Time frame is 15 months. Students must hold a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than nursing to apply. A personal statement from nursing school, two recommendation letters, transcripts, and a video interview are requirements for the application. General chemistry, biology, physiology, microbiology, nutrition, statistics, and health care ethics are among the required subjects. Although a 3.0 cumulative GPA is preferred, applications will be evaluated using all the documents they submit.

• Accelerated Nursing at Creighton University

Located in Omaha, Nebraska, with a time frame of 12 months. To apply, you must have one personal statement, three letters of recommendation from nursing schools, an optional résumé for nursing school applications, and official transcripts are required for admission. A bachelor’s degree or more is required, along with coursework in chemistry, microbiology, human nutrition, human anatomy and physiology, sociology, psychology, developmental psychology, ethics, and statistics. 3.0 is the minimum cumulative GPA.

• • Kentucky University’s Accelerated Nursing Program 

This university is located in Ohio, Kentucky, and the Duration for the acceleration program is 16 months straight, including the summer. Students who have completed human anatomy, human physiology, general biology, general chemistry, general psychology, writing, and communication courses must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 to be eligible to apply. Before their first semester in the program, students must also earn a 3.0 average in general microbiology, nutrition, and statistics classes. Following the initial assessment of their GPA and academic requirements, chosen candidates will also participate in a virtual interview.

• • Waco, Texas, is home to Baylor University

 This Accelerated Nursing program comes with a Time frame of  12 months. To be in the program, you must complete 52 credits from an approved institution, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for prerequisite courses, and a 2.75 GPA for required scientific credits are criteria for admission. The HESI exam, a multiple-choice admission exam that assesses the abilities and information thought necessary to succeed as a nurse and in the program, is another requirement for applicants. 

• Washington, DC is home to George Washington University’s Accelerated Nursing program. 

The Time frame here is 15 months, and Students must have a bachelor’s degree that isn’t in nursing and a desired GPA of 3.0 to apply. Transcripts, two recommendation letters, a CV, and a personal statement are required for the application.

Requirements for an Accelerated Nursing Program

• • • Certificate 

Applicants must have a Bachelor’s Degree in a Non-Nursing field. Also, you must have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing subject, such as biology, psychology, business, etc., in order to qualify for the majority of ABSN programs. This is because those who need to concentrate on a nursing-specific curriculum are the program’s target audience, and they already have a foundation in higher education. Students who have already proven their academic aptitude by obtaining a prior degree are the target audience for the necessary coursework and clinical training. 

• • • GPA Requirement 

Generally, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale is important. Particularly at more competitive colleges, some programs could have a higher barrier. However, it is important to aim for higher scores to perform above average as a candidate. 

• Prerequisite coursework

Before being admitted, applicants must finish a certain set of courses. These courses are crucial for comprehending human health and illness and provide the scientific basis for nursing education. Internships and some work experience can be relevant. Also, engaging in community work and volunteering will present you as a suitable candidate for these programs.

• • • • Strong Recommendation Letters

ors, employers, or medical specialists who can attest to the candidate’s aptitude for the subject, work ethic, and fit for a nursing career. Good recommendations reveal a candidate’s personality and level of readiness for the rigorous requirements of nursing schools. Volunteer positions can be a way to build strong recommendations.

• Essay or Personal Statement 

A written statement in which the candidate outlines why they want to become a nurse, and a declaration of interest in the Accelerated Nursing program. Also, they should highlight how their experience qualifies them for the program. This enables the admissions committee to evaluate the candidate’s values, career aspirations, and dedication to the nursing profession.

• • • Healthcare Experience (Preferred but Optional)

Some programs need or favour applicants with prior experience in healthcare settings, such as volunteering or working as a medical scribe, nursing assistant, or in other healthcare-related positions. A candidate’s dedication to the healthcare industry and comprehension of patient care is visible through the practical healthcare experience. Students also gain a fundamental understanding of healthcare settings from it.

• • • Entrance exams, such as the HESI and TEAS

Candidates for many accelerated programs must pass an admission exam, such as the Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) exam or the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). These tests measure knowledge in areas such as science, arithmetic, reading comprehension, and English.

• • • • Background check and drug screen

To make sure that candidates adhere to the safety and ethical requirements of the healthcare industry, a criminal background check and drug test are usually necessary. There will be different drug test examination depending on the institution or workplace.

• Health Records and Immunisations

Before beginning clinical rotations, it may be necessary to provide proof of specific vaccinations (such as the MMR, Hepatitis B, TB test, and influenza vaccine) and undergo a comprehensive physical examination. Students working in healthcare facilities must get different vaccines to safeguard patients and themselves from avoidable illnesses.

• Interview (Occasionally Required)

As part of the admissions process, certain programs may ask applicants to participate in an interview. The purpose of this is to gauge their enthusiasm, interpersonal skills, and preparation for the nursing field. The admissions committee uses interviews to determine an applicant’s enthusiasm for nursing. They also assess communication abilities, and capacity for handling pressure, all of which are critical for nursing practice. 

• • • Application cost

As a component of the admissions process, several programs demand an application fee. The charge assists in defraying application processing-related administrative expenses. The cost of applying for accelerated nursing programs differs based on the institution.

How Much Do People Make After Accelerated Nursing Programs

The 2023 median pay for registered nurses with an expedited BSN degree is around $86,070 annually. However, your location, job, specialty, and experience level are some of the variables that could affect your pay. Nursing is a flexible and fulfilling career choice, with some specialities or geographical areas paying more for nurses. It is important to build experience through internship and volunteering. Additional training and certification can also help you make more money after this program.

Conclusion

Accelerating nursing programs in Canada is critical. They are an opportune measure in response to ongoing nursing shortages and rising healthcare demand. Canada may better prepare its healthcare system to meet present and future challenges by establishing more flexible, expedited career pathways without sacrificing quality. However,you must match speed with support. Providing strong academic, mental health, and mentorship support is crucial for nursing students in accelerated programs, who frequently deal with heavy workloads and emotional stress.

These initiatives have the potential to improve care in communities around the nation, create opportunities for a wider variety of students, and address important workforce shortages if there is a careful execution. Collaboration between governments, academic institutions, and healthcare organisations will be essential as Canada develops to guarantee that these initiatives are inclusive, successful, and long-lasting.