I came across a blog post recently that psed the question, "What has been your experience working with nurses who have graduated from the Unitek or Maric Colleges type programs?" The author is interested in knowing how nurses who are prepared in a more fast-track format are respected by other nurses who were educated in a more traditional setting. Have any of you worked with any, and if so what was your experience like?

Does a fast track degree nurse have the same opportunities to advance in leadership roles (eg head nurse) as a 4year degree nurse?

I'm applying to a 12 month accelerated BSN program as well as a three-year direct entry masters program.

They are "fast" but they require an extensive list of prerequisites before you can apply and they are also expensive (the 12 month program is $50K)

I am interested in the master's program; I have degrees in another field, but would like to pursue nursing. How does a masters degree help vs a BSN?

Janet - if you have a degree in another field, you can either do a bachelors in nursing or a bachelors AND a masters in nursing. Does that make sense?

The bachelors gives you an RN and the masters makes you a Nurse Practitioner (usually) - there are many different specialties.

There are many differences between an RN and an NP, you would need to research that to see which you wanted.

awinhold said:

Does a fast track degree nurse have the same opportunities to advance in leadership roles (eg head nurse) as a 4year degree nurse?

I am curretnly in a fast track program in Tampa, Fl. I am not sure where they are others but the University I am in is establish in Savanna, Ga. It is called South University. They have two campuses iin Florida, Tampa & West Palm Beach and then I believe in S.C. as well as the home base in Savanna. I'm not sure if this helps anyone but I thought I'd put it out there. :^)

I came across this post, and I am currently applyign to a few accelerated programs. My first concern, Can you work while in this program and are there any advantages/disadvantages?

I'm actually applying for an accelerated program: LVN to RN at Unitek College in Fremont, California. The LVN Program will be 11mths and it's full-time so you probably won't have a chance for a full-time job. Another disadvantage is that it's way more expensive than any programs at state or junior colleges. I'm paying approximately $34k just for the LVN program. I'm hoping that I'll be able to transition to the RN program shortly after and be done in 2 years so I can pay for the debt I'll be in. What a headache. I'm pretty nervous bc this program is fairly new so there isn't much info on their student success rate. I'm inputting a blog hoping to get response from anyone who's either been there or thinking about it.

How about accelerated programs, like LVN to RN in Phoenix, AZ. I'm interested in it? New in the field and need support
and help.

University of Arizona was taking students that already had a Bachelors in any other field and fast tracking them into Master's programs. The advantage of masters is that you can teach if you want to or run a place. Hope that helps!