Students and professionals living or working in Pennsylvania (PA) have a fantastic opportunity to make the switch to the high-paying, fulfilling, and in-demand career known as nursing. If you have a baccalaureate degree in any field, and you enjoy putting a smile on the faces of people, you can become a registered nurse (RN).
Many schools are currently offering accelerated nursing programs in Pennsylvania. You can choose the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program or the direct-entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. Both options save time, energy and money. You can get credit for your previous coursework and work to become PA’s next exceptional nurse practitioner.
For this write-up, emphasis shall be on the accelerated BSN programs. The typical accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs in PA offer you credit for your prerequisite courses so you can focus solely on your core nursing courses. The programs are offered full-time with on-campus classroom learning, coupled with simulations and labs. To top up the experience, students are given adequate clinical exposure in real-life hospital facilities.
Eligibility Criteria
Schools offering accelerated nursing programs in Pennsylvania may have different admission requirements. Candidates must be citizens of the country or have a resident status. Other criteria usually include the following:
- A bachelor’s degree in any field;
- All prerequisite courses must have been completed with a grade of C or better in each course;
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for your previous bachelor’s degree;
- Evidence showing that prerequisite courses have been completed.
If you meet the above requirements, you can contact your school of choice and begin the application process right away. Any queries can always be addressed by the appropriate departments within the selected school. You can be guaranteed adequate support throughout the application process.
Course Fees
Course fees for ABSN programs in PA vary across different schools. Students who live in-state tend to have more affordable rates. On average, the program costs $51,000.
Program Duration
The duration of the program also varies. Some schools only offer full-time studies, while others provide part-time courses. Some schools provide a blend of online and on-campus teaching on a 24-month weekday with the option of weekend classes. All effort is geared towards preparing students with the knowledge and skillset required to be professional nurses. On average, depending on the school, it will take 11 to 24 months to complete the program.
Courses
Schools may have different names for similar courses covering critical nursing areas such as pediatrics, adult, and geriatric care. Courses will also focus on leadership and management in nursing, as well as ethics and diversity. Students are likewise taught relevant national and Pennsylvania state laws that apply to nurses and other healthcare providers.
Typical coursework usually consists of the following:
- Introduction to Professional Nursing;
- Fundamentals of Nursing Practice;
- Health Assessment in Nursing;
- Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing;
- Nursing Care of Adults;
- Nursing Care of Pregnant Women;
- Nursing Care of Children (Pediatrics);
- Contemporary Issues in Professional Nursing;
- Pharmacology;
- Pathophysiology;
- Geriatrics;
- Intensive Care;
- Research in Modern Practice;
- Diseases of Public Health Importance;
- Health Management;
- Health Policies;
- Epidemiology and Public Health.
The courses are intense. Emphasis is on the development of individual and family assessment skills, clinical skills, management and leadership skills, research in nursing practice, and culturally relevant healthcare. Personal and professional enhancement is supported by varied experiences, including exposure to various hospital systems and clinical placements.
By incorporating theoretical and applied knowledge simultaneously, schools help students to master the curriculum effortlessly. Students get individualized attention and study in an environment of comfort and bonding. The schools are committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity, helping to create a generation of nurses that are culturally sensitive and well-prepared to work in diverse communities.
Students get training by a team of clinicians, researchers, teachers, and mentors who bring in their expertise and work towards a positive academic outcome. With hi-tech simulators, clinical skills lab, and an internship where students learn through one-on-one interaction with these seasoned professionals, the schools provide ample opportunities where nursing aspirants hone their professional skills, ultimately creating a workforce of compassionate and caring nurses.
Clinical Practice
Relevant clinical training offers students the opportunity to test their clinical skills using real patients in designated health facilities. Students may work independently or under the supervision of a licensed PA healthcare professional such as a nurse or doctor or any faculty member. The arrangement guarantees an environment of close interaction with mentors as well as peers.
The schools promote nursing education that is current and innovative, preparing tomorrow’s nurses who learn to incorporate relevant values and ethics in their practice.
As nurses are in high demand, graduates go on to work in a variety of settings, including trauma centers, community hospitals, home health agencies, rehab centers, hospice agencies, schools, industrial and organizational settings, and the military. Some decide to pursue higher academic degrees in the field of nursing, where they get to work as registered nurse anesthetists, nurse educators, nurse managers, and nursing informatics specialists.
Side attractions
With state-of-art simulation centers provided by schools, students practice their clinical skills under the guidance of professionals. They enjoy an unparalleled advantage of working in real environments using the latest technologies at top-ranking hospitals. The schools have close associations with healthcare agencies and other professional bodies. As such, students enjoy easy access to various places of interest, such as museums, theatre, and athletic events.
Professional exams
Schools that offer ABSN programs aim to prepare students for the National Council License Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Through extensive training and giving students access to the Kaplan test preparation, schools help students work their way towards successfully passing the licensure exam.
Schools in Pennsylvania are committed to teaching students the right way, equipping them with tools needed to succeed in today’s highly competitive world. Prospective students are guaranteed quality education delivered in an enabling environment, keeping with the culture of excellence that has been passed on from generation to generation.
2018 ·