5 Accelerated Nursing Programs in Virginia

This blog piece is exactly what you need if you’ve been looking for Accelerated Nursing Programs in Virginia.

This article will teach you everything you need to know about the Accelerated Nursing Programs in Virginia. We’ve taken the time to go over everything you need to know about the program and how to find the right fit for you.

Before we can begin studying the subject, we must first understand or, in our instance, review what nursing entails.

Nursing is one of many healthcare professions dedicated to helping individuals, families, towns, and communities achieve and maintain maximum health, general wellness, and quality of life.

There is no one-size-fits-all response to this question because the area of nursing is so vast and diverse. Nurses’ tasks might range from making acute treatment decisions to administering vaccines in schools.

The ability and drive required to be a nurse is a crucial community feature in any role. Nurses are best positioned to take an all-encompassing picture of a patient’s wellbeing due to long-term monitoring of their behavior and knowledge-based skills.

The attitude that nurses have toward patient care, training, practice, and other tasks that have become second nature to them is what sets them apart from other medical professionals.

Despite the global shortage of skilled nurses, nurses make up the biggest share of medical professionals in the healthcare system, according to popular belief.

Nurses collaborate with doctors, physicians, therapists, patients’ families, and others to achieve the rational goal of treating illnesses and restoring optimal health to patients. Nurses, on the other hand, have some autonomy in certain situations, allowing them to treat patients on their own.

Nursing allows participants to specialize in a variety of medical fields; yet, nursing is frequently divided due to the diverse demands of the patients being cared for. The following are a few of the categories:

  • Cardiac Nursing
  • Orthopedic Nursing
  • Palliative Nursing
  • Perioperative Nursing
  • Obstetrical Nursing
  • Oncology Nursing
  • Nursing Informatics
  • Telenursing
  • Radiology
  • Emergency Nursing

Nurses are also known to work in various fields such as;

  • Acute care hospitals
  • Communities/public health centers
  • Family/individual across their lifespan
  • Neonatal
  • Women’s health/gender-related
  • Mental health
  • School/colleges infirmaries
  • Ambulatory settings
  • Informatics i.e., E-health
  • Pediatrics
  • Adult-gerontology… etc.

Nurses of many types are available.

To become a nurse, a person must complete a rigorous program of lengthy education and study, as well as engage directly with patients, families, and communities while adhering to the nursing process’ essential ideals.

Nursing roles in the United States today can be classified into three categories based on the duties they undertake.

  1. REGISTERED NURSES

Registered Nurses (RN) form the backbone of the health care provisions in the United States. RNs perform important roles by providing critical health care to the public wherever it is needed.

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform physical exams and health histories before making critical decisions.
  • Provide health promotions, counseling, and education.
  • Administer medications and other personalized interventions.
  • Coordinate care, in collaboration with a wide array of health care professionals.
  1. ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSES

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) must possess at least a Master’s degree, this is in addition to the initial nursing education and licensing requirement needed from all RNs.

The responsibilities of an APRN include—but are not limited to—providing invaluable primary and preventative health care to the public.

APRNs treat and diagnose illnesses, advise the public on health issues, manage chronic diseases and engage in continuous education to remain at the very forefront of any technological, methodological, or other developments in the field.

APRNs Practice Specialist Roles

  • Nurse Practitioners prescribe medication, diagnose and treat minor illnesses and injuries.
  • Certified Nurse-Midwives provide gynecological and low-risk obstetrical care.
  • Clinical Nurse Specialists handle a wide range of physical and mental health problems.
  • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists administer more than 65 percent of all anesthetics.
  1. LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), also known as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), support the core health care team and work under the supervision of an RN, APRN, or MD.

With the function of providing basic and routine care, the LPNs ensure the well-being of patients throughout the entire journey to recovery.

Key Responsibility

  • Check the vital signs and look for signs that health is deteriorating or improving.
  • Perform basic nursing functions such as changing bandages and wound dressings.
  • Ensure patients are comfortable, well-fed, and hydrated.
  • May administer medications in some cases.

The Advantages of a Nursing Career

Those who are still undecided about the importance and benefits of pursuing a profession as a nurse. It comes with a host of benefits, from financial breakthroughs to time freedom, to name a few. There are numerous other advantages, including:

  • Nurses are in high demand throughout the world, with many leaving densely populated areas to work in sparsely inhabited areas.
  • Job stability is secured due to the relative scarcity of nurses in today’s environment, a few people are looking for a significant number of positions.
  • Nursing is a fulfilling career because it is personally relevant and matches with personal aspirations, resulting in a gratifying experience.
  • The nursing profession provides opportunities for self-improvement and promotion, which leads to professional growth.
  • Being a nurse provides you international recognition and increases your chances of landing a job abroad. Nurses have more flexible work hours because they are not on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; instead, they work in shifts.
  • If a nurse needs to raise additional funds, he or she simply works overtime for additional hours.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average registered nurse earns around $72,000 per year, or around $35 per hour (BLS). This adds to the job’s attraction.

Students in accelerated programs can complete their proposed courses of study in less time than they would in a standard program. This equates to around 12 months of study time in a course that should take about 36 months on average.

Accelerated nursing programs allow students to obtain their bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing (BSN) or master’s degree in nursing (MSN) in less time than traditional nursing programs.

These programs are intended to assist you in achieving your goal of becoming a nurse in a shorter period of time.

If you’re one of the lucky few who wants to attend an accelerated nursing school, you should read this piece all the way to the end, because we’ll list and describe the many accelerated nursing programs.

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Accelerated Nursing Programs in Virginia

Here, we are going to pay special focus on the available accelerated Nursing programs in Virginia that are currently running.

Therefore, for those who have the ambition to further their academic pursuit in the field of nursing, we bring thee good tidings of the 5 accelerated Nursing Programs in Virginia;

  • Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg
  • George Mason University, Fairfax
  • Marymount University, Arlington
  • Shenandoah University, Winchester
  • Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond.

1.      Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg

Eastern Mennonite University’s nursing programs are regarded as being both inexpensive and challenging. It is committed to offering education based on biblical ideals of service to others.

Nursing students frequently participate in social outreach projects not just in the United States but also in other countries, thanks to the school’s emphasis on developing a healthy community.

Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of clinical settings, including community-based health care, primary care, education, mental health, critical care, medical-surgical nursing, home health nursing, and overseas clinical settings.

EMU’s 15-month VA Accelerated Second Degree Nursing Program begins in May and ends in August of the following year.

The scheduling for this full-time program is fairly rigorous, and you may need to be accessible on weekends for clinical rotations on occasion.

To qualify for this program, you must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.8 and complete all pre-requisite courses with a 3.0 GPA or above, including anatomy, chemistry, psychology, and microbiology.

Admission Requirements

  • A bachelor’s degree is equivalent to a master’s degree.
  • If a baccalaureate degree is not completed at the time of application, it must be completed by the 2nd Sunday in May of the year in which the student desires to begin the accelerated program.
  • Applicants must provide two letters of academic recommendation, one from an academic advisor and the other from a professor, showing their suitability for an accelerated program and their ability to graduate on or before May 2nd.
  • A cumulative GPA of 2.8 or above is required.
  • At least 6 of the 8 prerequisite courses must be completed before the application deadline, and all 8 necessary courses must be completed before the program begins.

Laptop Requirements

A recent laptop with a Mac, Windows, or iPad operating system (bought within the last 3-4 years) is required. The exam application utilized in the nursing program does not support Chromebooks, Android, or Linux operating systems.

Criminal Background Check

Prior to commencing the clinical stage of the nursing program, admitted students will be required to conduct a criminal background check.

Students should be advised that some offenses may prevent them from engaging in mandatory clinical experiences and/or affect their ability to pass the NCLEX-RN.

Please see the Virginia Department of Health and Department of Health Professions Guidance Document 90-55 for more information. It’s worth noting that state laws may differ.

Cost of Program

The cost of the program including the cost of admission can be gotten by clicking HERE 

For more information on this and other programs, kindly click HERE 

2.      George Mason University, Fairfax

For more than 40 years, George Mason University’s School of Nursing has carved out a niche for itself in preparing professional nurses to meet the difficulties of an ever-changing healthcare business.

Because of its proximity to the country’s capital, its students have access to a wide range of clinical experiences, internships, and employment prospects. Furthermore, exposure to world-class healthcare facilities as well as a diversified patient population improves nursing skills and knowledge.

The 12-month George Mason Accelerated Second Degree BSN program, which is only offered once a year during the autumn semester, is a full-time option for students interested in transitioning into a nursing career.

Due to the restricted number of seats available, competition is fierce. Community Health and Epidemiology, Advanced Technologies for the Accelerated Pathway, and Application of Intermediate Nursing Technologies are examples of core nursing courses.

Students must participate in clinical practice sessions at various healthcare sites within the national capital area in addition to demanding lectures and lab sessions.

The requirements for admission into George Mason University and the cost of the program are fully illustrated on the site, therefore it is advisable to visit the site for more information as regards this.

To clear the air on questions and obtain more information about this and any other programs run by George Mason University, click HERE

3.      Marymount University, Arlington

The Malek School of Health Professions of the university is well-known throughout the state for producing knowledgeable, skilled, and caring healthcare practitioners.

Its Nursing Department remains committed to its mission of offering exceptional education, community service, and lifelong learning. Graduates shine because they have internalized the qualities of ethical reasoning, mutual respect, leadership, compassion, service, and advocacy that they were taught in nursing school.

Students are given a variety of hands-on experiences in demanding urban clinical settings through relationships with healthcare agencies in Washington, D.C.

Malek School of Health Professions has created an ABSN program in Virginia specifically for people looking to change occupations and enter the field of nursing. Before enrolling in this program, you must complete all of the prerequisites.

Introduction to Leadership, Management, and Advocacy, Illness Management in Adults I and II, Principles & Applications of Nursing Technologies, and Mental Health Promotion & Illness Management are just a few of the topics covered in this intensive curriculum.

The accelerated second-degree BSN program is for students with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. It is possible to accomplish it in four semesters.

Students are entitled to take the state board examination (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed as registered nurses once they have completed their senior requirements and graduated from the University.

The online version of the expedited second-degree BSN program is also accessible.

ENTERING STUDENTS MUST HAVE COMPLETED OR EQUIVALENT TO THE FOLLOWING COURSES:

  • Anatomy & Physiology with Lab I (4 credits)
  • Anatomy & Physiology with Lab II (4 credits)
  • Microbiology with Lab (4 credits)
  • Chemistry (3-4 credits)
  • Developmental Psychology (3 credits)
  • Nutrition (3 credits)
  • Sociology (3 credits)
  • Statistics (3 credits)

As of the start term of your program, all necessary courses must have been completed within the previous ten years. All courses must be passed with a grade of C or above.

The cost of admission is illustrated on the school’s website, although it is not stated as a single figure.

For more information about this and other programs run by the school, click HERE 

4.      Shenandoah University, Winchester

Shenandoah University’s Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing offers students an unparalleled educational experience. It emphasizes learning outside of the classroom and provides several possibilities for growth both during and after graduation.

Sigma Theta Tau and its student and alumni associations encourage participation in a variety of fun events.

Eleanor’s small class size allows for one-on-one coaching, with the teacher acting as a career advisor. International visits are available through its International Cross-Culture Center to get a better understanding of professional nursing in a global context.

Shenandoah University’s BSN Accelerated Second Degree Track can prepare you for professional practice as a nurse in less than 15 months.

This program is highly demanding and time-consuming due to intensive classroom study, practical lab training sessions, and substantial clinical learning experiences at several hospitals and community clinics in the area, thus you should not work while enrolled.

Before you can start working, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam. You will also have the option of pursuing an MSN, DNP, or Ph.D. degree to improve your nursing education.

Experiments in Simulation

Shenandoah University’s laboratories combine high- and low-fidelity simulation technologies to help students learn more effectively.

Faculty members can construct unique events or scenarios that imitate actual clinical conditions and events using simulation technology in the form of human models/manikins.

This technology allows you to apply and integrate information, skills, and critical thinking in a safe setting while teaching theory, evaluation, technical skills, pharmacology, and decision-making.

Clinical Practices

Shenandoah University has collaborative partnerships with numerous regional hospitals, and our clinical preceptors, in addition to our full-time faculty, are some of the best practitioners in the area.

Clinical sites can be found in a variety of places; however, the following are the most common:

Winchester Clinical Locations:

  • Valley Health System Hospitals including Winchester Medical Center, Warren Memorial Hospital, and Shenandoah Hospital
  • WVU East Berkeley Medical Center
  • Martinsburg Veterans Affairs Medical Center
  • INOVA Health Systems
  • Varied community settings including Blue Ridge Hospice, Public Health Departments, Sinclair Free Medical Clinic

Scholar Plaza Clinical Locations:

  • INOVA Health System Hospitals including Loudoun, Fair Oaks, Fairfax, and Alexandria,
  • Reston Hospital Center
  • Virginia Hospital
  • Center Children’s National Medical Center
  • Fauquier Hospital
  • Novant Hospitals

The tuition and fees rates can be found on the site as it gives a per-credit breakdown of the cost of the program.

For more information on this and other programs run by the university, click HERE 

5.      Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond

The School of Nursing at Virginia Commonwealth University is one of the best nursing schools in the country. It has shaped the careers of its students through its great education, research, and collaboration.

Its faculty is made up of professionals, and their desire to excel in new research has resulted in the school continuously ranking among the top NIH-funded nursing schools. VCU provides a world-class environment of 61,5000 square feet that is fully equipped with technology and modern amenities to support this excellent academic outcome.

Students interested in obtaining a second degree in nursing and realizing their dream of becoming a registered nurse has two options at VCU.

Option 1: The Accelerated B.S. is a 19-month intense program in which you must attend classes throughout the year, including the summer semester.

Option 2: Those seeking a second degree in nursing might pursue the regular 2.5-year BSN program. There are no classes during the summer semester as both of these programs combine classroom learning with clinical learning experiences at VCU Medical Center and other Richmond-area healthcare facilities.

Applicants must meet the following requirements in order to be considered for admission to the School of Nursing;

  • To be eligible for readmission, you must be in good standing at your previous institution or university.
  • Send a completed application to the School of Nursing, together with any needed materials.
  • Have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or university in an area other than nursing. (This can be incomplete at the time of application, but it must be completed before the program begins.)
  • On all collegiate coursework, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
  • No lower-than-B grades in anatomy, physiology, or microbiology (lower grades are not accepted for these courses). Anatomy, physiology, and microbiology must all be completed within 10 years after beginning the nursing program. Any additional needed courses with grades below a C will not be approved.)
  • For applicants who are international or non-native English speakers without a degree from a U.S. high school, college, or university, provide additional information with the application in accordance with the English language competence criteria.

The cost of the program is not explicitly given on the website but it is a tuition and fees calculator where you can get a forehand knowledge of all the expenses required for admission and for the rest of the program.

For more information on this and any other program run by the VCU, click HERE.

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