The accelerated nursing programs in Philadelphia allow nurses to complete the nursing program much faster than if a student follows the regular program. Regular program formats can often last for several years, while accelerated programs allow nurses to start working or to advance their skills and their earnings opportunities with an advanced degree.
The Value of Accelerated Nursing Programs in Philadelphia
Prospective nursing students, or current nurses that want to expand their career opportunities may wonder if earning a degree from an accelerated nursing program really has value. Several questions may come to mind. Will I learn everything that I need to know in accelerated nursing programs in Philadelphia? Will employers still hire me if I complete an accelerated nursing degree program? Will my employer consider me for advanced positions if I complete an accelerated nursing program instead of completing the traditional program?
The answer to all of these questions is “Yes.” The value of an accelerated nursing program is no less than the value of a program taught in the longer, traditional learning format. Reputable sources confirm the value of accelerated nursing programs. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) indicates that nursing schools are getting creative in their efforts to increase student nursing capacity and to reach out to new student populations in order to quickly produce competent nurses.
The AACN states that accelerated program graduates are “prized” by employers. Employers indicate that graduates of accelerated nursing programs are more mature, and that they have strong clinical skills. The high quality of a nursing education and the integrity of the nursing profession is still maintained in accelerated nursing programs.
Students enrolled in an accelerated nursing program have the same opportunities as nurses that complete a traditional nursing program. Nurses that graduate from accelerated nursing programs in Philadelphia may have the opportunity to gain employment or promotions faster than nurses that earn their degree from a traditional, lengthier program.
These accelerated nursing programs in Philadelphia offer students the ability to earn a degree or advance their career opportunities within a shorter time frame than other nursing programs that take longer to complete. It is important to note that the listed tuition for these programs does not include the cost of any supplies, books, fees or other costs related to the program.
The Best 10 Accelerated Nursing Programs in Philadelphia
1. West Chester University
West Chester University is located within the Greater Philadelphia area. The school accepts applications throughout the year.
The university offers accelerated nursing program options. The newest degree is the Advance 2 BSN Accelerated Second Degree Program. It is an 18-month program for students that have a bachelor’s degree that is not in the nursing profession. One cohort of 40 students is admitted each year.
The rigorous, full-time program has a less than one percent attrition rate.
- Tuition: $94.88 per credit hour
- Accreditation: CCNE
2. Community College of Philadelphia
The Post Baccalaureate Accelerated Associate Degree in Nursing Program at the Community College of Philadelphia offers students that hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in another career field the opportunity to earn an associate’s degree in nursing. The program curriculum provides students with the skills and education need to care for patients across the lifespan, and at a variety of patient care levels.
The school utilizes an innovative curriculum, case studies, hands-on learning, state-of-the-art equipment, supervised time in hospitals, and supportive faculty.
- Tuition: $159 per credit hour
- Accreditation: ACEN
3. LaSalle University
LaSalle University offers several nursing programs, including the RN to BSN Accelerated Program. The program focuses on scientifically based nursing curricula that emphasizes quality and safety in nursing care. The program also focuses on providing enhanced clinical judgement and decision-making skills.
Topics covered in the program include professional nursing practice, develops and controversies in pharmacology and pathophysiology, nursing research, international public health nursing, and nursing leadership. Students complete the 27-credit-hour program in as little as 10 months.
- Tuition: $400 per credit hour
- Accreditation: CCNE
4. Widener University
Widener University, located just 20 minutes outside of Philadelphia, offers an Accelerated Second-Degree Nursing BSN program. The program is designed for students that have a bachelor’s degree in another area that would now like to complete the BSN degree to work as a nurse.
Students complete the accelerated program in just four semesters. Although the program is offered in the accelerated format, students still have learning opportunities that compares to students in traditional nursing programs. Students in this program complete the required coursework, along with community service learning, and hands-on learning in state-of-the-art Center for Simulation and Computerized Testing facilities. Clinical rotations at top nearby hospitals are also included in the program.
- Tuition: est. $666.67 per credit hour
- Accreditation: CCNE
5. Gwynedd Mercy University
Gwynedd Mercy University offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) degree for students that want to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing after earning a bachelor’s degree in a different field. The university has a Philadelphia location, for the benefit of students residing in the area.
The ABSN program consists of 67 credit hours of study, is offered as a full-time program that students complete in just 16 months. Students complete courses in the fundamentals of nursing practice, pathophysiology, evidence-based nursing practice, nursing research and other topics. Students also complete a capstone project.
- Tuition: $810 per credit hour
- Accreditation: CCNE
6. Holy Family University
Holy Family University offers several accelerated degree nursing programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. One program, the Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program, provides students with both didactic and clinical hours of study in an accelerated format.
Students earn 30 credits (10 courses) in approximately 1.5 years. All coursework is offered in an online format and focuses on quality, safety, and leadership. The MSN curriculum prepares nurse leaders for nursing practice in advanced capacities. Graduates of the MSN Program are poised to pursue a variety of occupational and educational opportunities.
- MSN Tuition: $1940 per course
- Accreditation: CCNE
Holy Family University also offers a Second-Degree BSN, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in the accelerated degree format. The DNP Program features multiple entry points and tracks, including options to become a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP).
7. Drexel University
Drexel’s Dual Accelerated RN-BSN-MSN program is uniquely designed for nurses who have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. The program emphasizes the development of competencies related to the use of technology, evidence-based practice, customization of care, health team and interdisciplinary leadership, and outcome and risk assessment within the selected specialty track.
Drexel is a comprehensive global research university with a unique model of experiential learning that combines academic rigor with one of the nation’s premier cooperative education programs.
- Tuition+Fees (per year): $56,238
- Accreditation: CCNE
8. Thomas Jefferson University
The Thomas Jefferson University accelerated programs include the BSN Full-Time Accelerated Coursework Track, with the opportunity for students to follow the one-year or the two-year track. The one-year track, for students that already hold a bachelor’s degree, allows students to complete the on-campus program in as little as 12 months of full-time study.
Students complete all courses required to earn the BSN, and also earn nine credits towards a graduate degree. Successfully completing this program provides students that have at least a 3.20 GPAwith guaranteed admission to any MSN or DNP specialty within two years of graduation, except for the Nurse Anesthesia program.
- Tuition: est. $1,792.96 per credit hour
- Accreditation: CCNE
9. University of Pennsylvania
Penn Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania offers three accelerated nursing programs, including the BSN-PhD program. The program is open to students that are enrolled as incoming accelerated BSN program students, or to current BSN students in their sophomore or junior year.
Students complete the appropriate application to the Hillman Scholars Program in Nursing Innovation, depending upon their current program status.
- Tuition: est. $1,931.33 per credit hour
- Accreditation: CCNE
10. Villanova University
The Second Degree Accelerated BSN program at Villanova University, also known as the BSNExpress, is a 14-month program. It is designed for students that already hold a bachelor’s degree, in a non-nursing area.
The program focuses on evidence-based practices, with courses such as Introduction to Professional Nursing Practice, Nursing Care of Adults and Older Adults, Nursing Care of Women and Child-Bearing Families, and Nursing and Health Policy. Students also complete practicums and research.
- Tuition: ~$647 per credit hour
- Accreditation: CCNE
Our Methodology
We researched nursing programs in the Philadelphia area to come up with our list of the best nursing programs that are offered in an accelerated format. We selected programs at any level, from associate’s degree programs to graduate degree programs.
Do you need help choosing the right college or university? We can help you with that, based on the program that you select.
Would you like to have your school included in our ranked schools? Do you need to update the information that we have for your school? Feel free to contact us and we will help you.
