By: The Capella University Editorial Team with Lisa Kreeger, PhD, RN, Executive Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences

Reading Time: 8 minutes

If you’re already working in healthcare and imagining your next step, returning to school can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. You may be asking yourself, “How will I fit a nursing program into my life?”

Between long shifts, family responsibilities and everything else competing for your time, taking years away for a traditional degree may not feel realistic.

That’s why many explore accelerated nursing programs. These programs offer structured timelines that help you move forward without putting the rest of your life on hold.

Explore how they work, what they typically require and how they may support your goal of advancing in nursing.

Looking to build on your nursing experience? Explore the RN-to-BSN program at Capella University.

What are accelerated nursing programs?

Accelerated nursing programs offer a faster path for students who want to transition into nursing or pursue opportunities beyond their current level of practice.

These programs often compress coursework and clinical experiences into a more concentrated timeline, helping students maintain momentum while balancing other responsibilities.

While each university structures its curriculum differently, accelerated programs often include full-time study, continuous terms and a fast-moving sequence that shifts quickly from core nursing concepts to hands-on clinical learning.

Programs may include skills labs, simulation activities and supervised clinical rotations in approved healthcare settings.

Generally, there are several types of accelerated pathways, each designed for students at different stages of their education:

• Accelerated BSN program (ABSN): for individuals who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and want a quicker route into nursing through full-time, structured study.

• Direct-entry MSN: for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree who want to enter nursing at the master’s level.

• RN-to-BSN: for those already licensed but seeking a BSN credential, which is often required for leadership or specialized opportunities.

• RN-to-MSN: for those already licensed but seeking to become a prepared nurse through a more focused path to advanced practice or management. Note that some universities, including Capella, do not award a BSN upon completion as part of the degree program.

Many students choose accelerated pathways because they want a structured, efficient way to progress toward their nursing goals while gaining academic and clinical preparation that supports future practice.

Admission requirements and prerequisites for accelerated nursing programs

When you start exploring accelerated nursing options, one of the first things you’ll notice is that many programs have detailed admission requirements.

These expectations help students understand what kind of academic preparation and documentation they will need before applying.

Organizations such as HRSA publish national workforce information that many nursing programs refer to when outlining their admissions guidance.

While exact criteria differ by institution and program type, several common elements include:

• A completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution

• An active RN license

• Minimum GPA expectations and prerequisite science coursework in areas such as anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, nutrition and statistics. For additional examples of common nursing school prerequisites, you can review resources like the Prerequisites for Nursing School guide.

• Readiness checks may include CPR certification, background checks, entrance exam scores if required and current immunizations

For the accelerated nursing pathways Capella University offers, such as RN-to-BSN and RN-to-MSN, applicants can expect requirements to include:

• An active, unrestricted RN license in good standing

• An accredited nursing degree, such as an AND/ASN or nursing diploma for RN-to-BSN or RN-to-MSN programs or a BSN for direct-entry MSN programs

• Official transcripts and a completed application

Specific criteria may vary by program, so make sure you review the details on each program page and connect with enrollment specialists if you have questions.

Understanding these expectations early can help you feel more prepared when you are ready to apply.

What accelerated nursing programs typically include

Accelerated nursing programs may move at a quicker pace, but most follow a familiar structure that blends coursework, hands-on learning and supervised clinical experience.

Here are some of the elements commonly included in accelerated pathways:

• Intensive nursing coursework covers topics such as pathophysiology, pharmacology, assessment and nursing science. These courses help build foundational knowledge for clinical practice.
• Practicum experiences offer supervised, real-world opportunities to apply nursing knowledge in approved practice settings.
• Clinical rotations take place in areas such as medical-surgical care, pediatrics, obstetrics, mental health and community health. These experiences allow students to apply classroom concepts like problem solving, informatics and critical thinking under supervision in approved settings.

Capella’s RN-to-MSN pathways offer specializations in Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, Care Coordination and Nursing Leadership and Administration, each with coursework tailored to the responsibilities of that role. These specializations follow an accelerated structure while incorporating practicum experiences connected to the student’s area of focus.

Many accelerated programs emphasize clinical preparation so people can connect their coursework to real-world care. Through supervised practice and hands-on experience, students may begin to understand the types of patient-care environments they could encounter in today’s healthcare settings.

How to apply for accelerated nursing programs

Application requirements vary by program type, so make sure you review them early and know exactly what your programs of interest ask for. Here are some typical requirements.

If you’re applying to an ABSN or direct-entry MSN

Programs designed for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree may ask applicants to:

• Prepare a personal statement

• Request recommendation letters

• Submit transcripts from previous schools

• Complete an admissions interview

These steps help schools understand your readiness to transition into nursing from another field.

If you are applying to an RN-to-BSN program

Capella’s RN-to-BSN program is designed for licensed RNs who want to complete their BSN online. There are two learning formats, FlexPath and GuidedPath. FlexPath is self-paced and lets you take courses at your own speed, while GuidedPath provides weekly structure to help you stay on track. Applicants may need to:

• Highlight professional experience as an RN

• Review potential transfer credits

• Confirm GPA and licensure requirements

• Complete the RN-to-BSN online application steps by providing your RN licensure information and submitting official transcripts for evaluation.

If you’re applying to an RN-to-MSN program

Capella’s RN-to-MSN pathway allows RNs to move directly into master’s-level coursework. As you prepare your application, you may be asked to:

• Confirm your RN license is active and in good standing

• Review transfer credit evaluations

• Identify your preferred MSN specialization

• Complete Capella’s RN-to-MSN application steps by submitting your RN licensure information and official transcripts through the online application

If you’re applying to a second-degree BSN pathway

Second-degree BSN pathways are designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and want an efficient route into nursing. Because prior coursework may cover general education requirements, the application process often focuses on your academic readiness for nursing-specific study.

You may be asked to:

• Submit transcripts from your completed bachelor’s degree

• Complete prerequisite coursework in areas such as anatomy, physiology or microbiology

• Prepare a personal statement explaining your interest in nursing

• Meet GPA or admissions criteria specific to second-degree applicants

These requirements help programs assess your preparation for an accelerated transition into professional nursing.

Career paths after completing an accelerated nursing program

Completing an accelerated nursing program may open doors to new professional possibilities and help you take the next step in your career. With advanced training and applied practice, you can move into roles that better align with your long-term goals.

Your next steps after graduation will depend on your experience, your program and the direction you want your career to move.

Many nurses use their new degree as a springboard to roles that allow them to take on greater responsibility, strengthen their clinical expertise or support patients in new ways.

Examples of roles you may pursue include:

• After RN-to-BSN: registered nurse, registered nurse case manager, nurse manager, ICU registered nurse or positions in home healthcare or other clinical settings
• After MSN: depending on your specialization, you may explore opportunities such as clinical informaticist, clinical informatics analyst, clinical informatics manager, informatics nurse, informatics analyst or other positions in nursing care facilities

These roles and settings are meant to provide a general overview. Specific opportunities can depend on experience, licensure, certifications and state or employer requirements. Career outcomes vary, and we encourage you to research expectations related to your professional goals and location.

Additional specialty certifications (such as CCRN, CEN or RNC-MNN) may become options as you gain experience and determine the areas you want to pursue. Many continue their growth with Capella’s Post Master’s Certificate in Nursing, which provides a pathway to deepen expertise after earning an MSN.

Next step: your nursing education with Capella

Many RNs choose to continue their education to deepen their clinical knowledge or prepare for roles in leadership, education, informatics or care coordination. If you’re exploring your next academic step, having a clear structure and support can make the process feel easier to navigate.

Capella offers online nursing programs designed for working adults, with resources that help you stay organized from enrollment through graduation. You’ll have access to:

• An accredited university, with options such as credit for prior learning, transfer credit reviews, financing resources and dedicated student support

• FlexPath learning format for RN-to-BSN and select MSN specializations

• GuidedPath learning format for structured weekly deadlines

• MSN specializations such as Nursing Leadership and Administration, Nursing Informatics, Care Coordination and Nursing Education

• Scholar-practitioner faculty who bring real-world experience into their teaching

Ready to take your next step in nursing? Explore nursing degrees at Capella University.

Frequently asked questions

1. How long are accelerated nursing programs?

Program lengths vary by school and pathway. Many accelerated options move more quickly than traditional formats, though timelines depend on transfer credits, prerequisites and specific program requirements. Reviewing details for the option you’re considering can help you understand what to expect.

2. What is the fastest program to become an RN?

“Fastest” can differ based on your background and the programs available in your state. Some people pursue an accelerated BSN or direct-entry MSN if they already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Others may follow an RN-to-BSN or RN-to-MSN route if they are already licensed RNs. Each pathway has its own requirements and pace.

3. How fast is accelerated nursing?

Accelerated nursing may move at a quicker pace by combining condensed coursework with hands-on clinical training. Timelines vary by school, prerequisites and clinical placement requirements, so reviewing program expectations can help you understand the schedule you may follow.