Accelerated nursing programs without prerequisites are a good choice for students who want to pursue their nursing careers.
These nursing programs allow you to study in the best schools without having to worry if you meet certain requirements or prerequisites for studying in this field.
If you don’t have a science background, for example, studying accelerated nursing programs may be difficult for you; but with these schools offering accelerated nursing programs without prerequisites, you are sure of getting into the healthcare field without hitches.
Let’s learn about these schools offering accelerated nursing programs without prerequisites below.
Typical Prerequisites for Studying Nursing
Before you can enroll in an accelerated nursing program, you’ll need to make sure that it’s right for your needs.
Here are some of the typical prerequisites that most accelerated nursing programs require:
- High school diploma or GED.
- A minimum of 30 semester hours of college credits.
- At least 24 of those credits must be in nursing courses (typically biology and chemistry).
- A minimum GPA of 2.5.
- At least one year of full-time work experience in a healthcare setting (examples include hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities).
However, this is the good news!
If you don’t meet any of these requirements, there are still nursing schools where you can apply for accelerated nursing programs without prerequisites.
Why You Should Study in an Accelerated Nursing Program
If you are looking for a quick way to get your degree, an accelerated nursing program is the perfect solution.
It’s designed for students who have a busy schedule and don’t want to waste their time on classes that don’t count towards their degree.
These programs give students the opportunity to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in as little as 15 months.
Accelerated nursing programs also offer the flexibility many students desire.
With accelerated courses offered during evenings and weekends, you’ll be able to complete this program while working full-time.
And if you finish early, these programs allow you to skip ahead or take electives—giving you even more control over your education experience.
Here is the list of recommended accelerated nursing programs without prerequisites
Here is a list of recommended accelerated nursing programs without prerequisites:
For LPN Courses (Practical Nursing Certification)
The LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) course is shorter than the RN (Registered Nurse) course, and for many people, this is a major advantage. It’s also more affordable and accessible.
With an accelerated LPN program, you can complete your education in two years compared to three or four years for an RN program.
LPN courses are also more flexible in their scheduling options because they require fewer prerequisites and clinical hours before graduation than do associate degree nursing programs.
They also tend to offer evening classes that fit into busy schedules better than day programs do, as well as weekend courses that allow students to continue working while they earn their degrees.
A list of schools offering LPN degrees includes:
Quinsigamond Community College, Massachusetts
Quinsigamond Community College offers an accelerated nursing program without prerequisites.
The program is available in the evening and leads to a diploma. Upon completion of the program, students will be qualified to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).
- Tuition: $10,615 for in-state students and $20,161 for out-of-state students.
- Nursing program availability: Evening classes.
- Certification: LPN
- Location: Worcester, Massachusetts.
Berkshire Community College, Massachusetts
This is a 15-month to 18-month program that meets over the course of two semesters. It’s a hybrid program and offers a certificate in nursing after completion.
The Berkshire Community College School of Nursing offers various other accelerated programs for students to take advantage of including an Accelerated Associate Degree in Nursing (AADN) and an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
- Tuition: $223 per credit for Massachusetts students, $236 per credit for England/New York residents, and $457 per credit for out-of-state/international students.
- Certification: LPN
- Location: Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
Capital Area of School Practical Nursing, Illinois
Accelerated nursing programs are a great option for nurses who want to advance without having to go back to school.
The Capital Area of School Practical Nursing offers accelerated nurse training that does not require you to first complete another degree or experience a long application process.
This allows you to enter the workforce faster and focus on what matters most: your career!
These accelerated nursing programs they offer are without prerequisites and have flexible class schedules, so you can work toward your career goals while still holding down other commitments.
With an accelerated practical nursing program, you’ll learn everything from anatomy and physiology to pharmacology and infection control.
You’ll also get hands-on training in all forms of patient care including wound care, administering medications, and more. After completing this program successfully, graduates earn their license as registered nurses (RNs).
- Tuition: $15,765 for in-state and out-of-state students.
- Certification: LPN
- Location: Springfield, Illinois.
Fayette County Career & Technical Institute, Pennsylvania
Fayette County Career & Technical Institute in Pennsylvania offers a number of accelerated nursing programs without prerequisites. The school has been in operation for a long time and is a well-known nursing school.
Fayette County Career & Technical Institute offers Accelerated Bachelor’s Degrees in Nursing (ADN) through their College of Health Sciences. They also offer options for students who already have an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ASN/AAS) with no prior education or experience:
- RN to BSN
- LPN to ADN
- LPN to MSN
For those who want both an associate’s degree and a bachelor’s degree, Fayette County Career & Technical Institute offers accelerated options beginning with an associate’s degree from any college or university:
- RN to BSN, and
- LPN to AND.
Students can also complete their bachelor’s degrees by starting out with Fayette County Career & Technical Institute’s prior learning assessment program.
- Tuition: $14,000 for in-state students and $15,000 for out-of-state students.
- Certification: LPN
- Location: Uniontown, Pennsylvania.
Bridgeport University, Connecticut
Bridgeport University is a private university in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The school offers a variety of programs, including accelerated nursing programs. The university offers both an associate degree and a diploma in nursing and has a low student-to-faculty ratio (12:1).
- Tuition: $18,795.
- Certification: LPN
- Location: Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Herzing University, Wisconsin
Herzing University is a private, non-profit university located in the United States. The school was founded in 1962 by Frances Herzing and her family to provide nursing education. Today it offers undergraduate and graduates degrees as well as professional certifications in a variety of fields.
Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of six regional accrediting bodies for colleges and universities in the U.S., allowing students to transfer credits from other schools more easily. It also has campuses throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan.
- Tuition: $14,200.
- Certification: LPN
- Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Chamberlain University College of Nursing in Rancho Cordova
Chamberlain University is another great choice to study in an accelerated nursing program without prerequisites. It is a private school in California with one of the most complete curriculums for accelerated nursing programs.
The cost of the accelerated nursing program is $45,900 per year (including tuition and other living and indirect expenses). The program does not accept federal aid or loans.
Students must have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA to apply to the accelerated nursing program without prerequisites and a 3.0 GPA if they have taken any prerequisite courses at another college or university previously in order to enroll in the accelerated nursing program without prerequisites at Chamberlain University College of Nursing.
The average annual tuition increase is 5 percent according to their website but there are no published figures on how much tuition will be this fall so you may want to consider starting with an estimate based on last year’s prices before applying or talking with someone who has recently finished their studies there.
- Tuition: $45,900 per year.
- Certification: LPN
- Location: Cardo Rancho, California.
For Diplomas
Enrolling in a diploma program is for students who have already completed an associate degree. Diplomas typically take less time to complete than associate degrees, but not all schools offer diploma programs.
Diploma program length: The length of time it takes to complete a diploma program will vary from school to school and depending on the curriculum.
If you are interested in enrolling in a diploma program, you should contact your local college or university and ask them about their offerings before applying anywhere else.
Here are the best options for accelerated nursing programs without prerequisites:
University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The University of Pittsburgh, one of the top institutions in the country, offers accelerated nursing programs without prerequisites. The university’s School of Nursing offers a variety of online and on-campus master’s degree programs in nursing, as well as an accelerated BSN program for current LPNs.
The school’s Accelerated BSN program is designed for registered nurses (RNs) with two years or less experience who want to earn their bachelor’s degree in nursing.
The 30-credit coursework prepares these students with advanced knowledge in critical thinking skills, leadership principles, and cultural diversity to help them advance their career opportunities and provide better patient care.
Students who earn their baccalaureate degree from Pitt will be awarded both an RN license from the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN).
- Tuition: $18,472 per year for in-state students and $33,532 per year for out-of-state students.
- Certification: RN-BSN
- Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
St. Joseph School of Nursing, New Hampshire
St. Joseph School of Nursing is a private, Catholic, and not-for-profit university located in Renton, WA. It was established in 1917 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet with an initial class size of 50 students.
The nursing program at St. Joseph School of Nursing is accredited by the National League for Nursing (NLN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
With over 25 years of experience offering an accelerated nursing program without prerequisites, they offer flexible schedules with weekend classes available throughout their two-year program or three-year option that can be completed in 18 months.
- Tuition: $22,058 per year.
- Certification: RN-BSN
- Location: Nashua, New Hampshire.
Hudson County Community College, New Jersey
Hudson County Community College is located in the city of Jersey City, New Jersey. The school enrolls over 5,000 students each year and offers accelerated nursing programs that can be completed in as little as 18 months.
The college’s accelerated nursing program starts with a summer course that covers how to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and then continues with 12 months of online learning. Classes are held year-round and meet once per week for three hours at a time.
Hudson County Community College offers an accelerated BSN program without prerequisites that costs $9,500 per year (tuition only) or $12,500 per year (tuition plus fees).
If you already hold an associate degree from Hudson County Community College or another accredited institution, you can complete this program in just nine months instead of 12.
- Tuition: $149 per credit for resident students (in-country), $298 per credit for non-country students, and $440 per credit for international students.
- Certification: RN-BSN
- Location: Jersey City, New Jersey.
Graham Hospital School of Nursing, Illinois
Graham Hospital School of Nursing is a private, not-for-profit institution that was founded in 1926. It is located in Bloomington, Illinois, and has a total enrollment of fewer than 1,000 students.
Graham has been recognized by U.S News & World Report as one of America’s best nursing schools for several years running because of its high graduate satisfaction rate and low student loan default rate.
The school also boasts an impressive faculty: 50 percent hold doctoral degrees and 70 percent have at least 20 years of experience in their respective field.
- Tuition: $20,500 in total cost per year.
- Certification: RN/ADN/BSN.
- Location: Canton, Illinois.
For Associate Degree Courses (ADNs)
Here is a list of other notable institutions to consider for an Associate Degree in Nursing:
Heartland Community College, Illinois
Heartland Community College is a great option for those who want to earn their ADN without having to take prerequisites. While the program is offered in the evenings, on weekends, and in summer, it also offers classes online. Program completion times vary depending on whether you are attending in-person or online.
The ADN program at Heartland Community College can be completed within 18 months when taking evening classes three nights per week for 10 weeks at a time throughout the year (spring and fall semesters).
- Tuition: $6,601 per year (in-state students); $13,302 per year (out-of-district students); $19,800 per year (out-of-state students).
- Certification: ADN
- Location: Normal, Pontiac, and Lincoln campuses, Illinois.
Dakota Wesleyan University, South Dakota
Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) is a private, liberal arts university located in Mitchell, South Dakota. The university offers a variety of undergraduate degrees, as well as master’s degrees in business administration, education, nursing, and social work.
In order to apply to the accelerated nursing program without prerequisites, you must be a DWU student first. Once you’ve been admitted into their undergraduate program you can then sign up for the accelerated nursing program by contacting their Admissions; however, be aware that they have rolling admissions so it is best to get your application submitted early.
- Tuition: $30,700 per year.
- Certification: ADN
- Location: Michelle, South Dakota.
St. Francis University, Pennsylvania
St. Francis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The nursing program maintains a high level of accreditation with NCLEX-RN pass rates that are consistently above national averages.
The accelerated BSN program at St. Francis University is offered through a partnership with Indiana Wesleyan University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions, allowing students to complete their four years in just three years instead of four.
This hybrid model offers many benefits:
- Students can complete coursework online or on campus during summers when they aren’t working full-time jobs;
- It allows for more flexibility in class scheduling;
- A cohort model ensures that you have classmates who support each other throughout the duration of your studies; and
- You get to save time.
Tuition: $39,820 per year.
Certification: ADNN
Location: Loretto, Pennsylvania.
North Shore Community College, Massachusetts
You may be wondering why you should consider a nursing program that has no prerequisites. Well, one reason is that it will save you time and money. One of the best ways to do this is by completing an accelerated nursing program without any prerequisites.
North Shore Community College offers just such a program: Accelerated nursing students complete their coursework in just nine months and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam after completing their program with no additional coursework required.
This means that if you’re looking for an accelerated track through the nursing profession, you can take advantage of this opportunity.
- Tuition: $223 – $455 per credit for in-state students, England and New York students, and out-of-state/international students.
- Certification: ADN
- Location: Danvers, Massachusetts.
What to Expect in an Accelerated Nursing Program Without Prerequisites?
When you’re applying to accelerated nursing programs, it’s important to ask what kind of experience you will need. Some programs require clinical rotations or a certain amount of clinical experience—but not all.
The first thing to consider is whether or not the program has any prerequisites at all. Most schools do require some sort of foundation in science or math, but these requirements can be satisfied through either college-level work or an online course like CLEP (College Level Examination program).
In addition, many schools offer opportunities for students who don’t have any previous nursing experience and may still be working on their bachelor’s degrees.
Another important question is how much time will be spent on clinicals? Will you need to go through extensive training before becoming a fully licensed RN? Depending on your situation, this could take months.
This can get expensive quickly; especially if your school doesn’t offer financial aid for accelerated students.
Are Accelerated Nursing Programs Without Prerequisites Any Better?
The accelerated nursing program is designed to get you out of school as quickly as possible.
The program has a more flexible schedule, allowing you to take classes in groups or individually. In addition, the curriculum is more flexible and can be tailored to your specific needs.
So, why would anyone want an accelerated nursing program with prerequisites?
Accelerated nursing programs without prerequisites are basically still accelerated programs – just without any prerequisite!
These kinds of programs are useful for students who either want to become nurses but don’t meet most requirements set by nursing schools, or students who want to change their careers to nursing (without going back to undergraduate studies) after practicing in another field.
If you are also considering cost as a deciding factor for which accelerated nursing program you want to study, these programs can help.
Final Thoughts
In most cases, the accelerated nursing programs without prerequisites are better.
In an accelerated program, you’re learning more practical aspects of nursing and clinical skills. You don’t have to learn the basic sciences in between—you can get right into it.
These programs also tend to be less expensive than those with prerequisites because they aren’t as lengthy or rigorous; this makes them more accessible for students who may not be able to afford the traditional path of getting their bachelor’s degree before going on to a doctoral program.
Wrapping It Up
If you are looking for a nursing career, there is no better time than now. The demand for nurses is growing and it’s expected to continue this way in the future. It’s also an excellent choice if you want to work while furthering your education at the same time.