“Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.”
— Nora Ephron
Do you want to get a degree in less time? Completing a course and getting a degree takes a lot of time, and it can also be hectic. But what if I told you that you could get done with it faster, would you believe me?
Well, you should know accelerated degree programs. According to Coursera, “An accelerated degree allows you to earn your UG or master’s degree faster than the traditional timeline. When you enroll in an accelerated bachelor’s degree program, you can usually complete your degree in three years.”
For your better understanding, I’ll tell you about the benefits of accelerated degree programs.
What is an Accelerated Program?
Accelerated degrees allow you to eliminate obstacles so you focus only on the credential that you want to achieve. Suppose, your dream is to become a nurse which usually takes around four years but after entering an accelerated program you might be able to complete it in just 2 years.
This way you can jump onto another degree in less time, and the whole point of such courses is to get you a job as quickly as possible. You’ll get all of your prerequisites beforehand, so now you only have to finish classes and work on the field of your choice.
Also, you can see the pros and cons of getting a nursing degree through an accelerated program.
Are There Any Downsides?
Yes, there are a few downsides of accelerated degrees, this includes:
- Fast-paced: As the name suggests, everything is rapid, and Individuals have to keep up with it. They are no less than a full-time job.
- Restrictive Hours: Depending on the course you have picked, class schedules can be during the restrictive hours. It would make you rethink your decision because you might not be able to keep up with other responsibilities.
- Intense Workflow Environment: Since the main target is to get the students jobs as soon as possible, they are going to treat it that way. If students are unable to keep up with it, this isn’t for them.
While it helps save a lot of money because students are getting the degrees a lot sooner, it’s burnout after all, how else someone is going to start working as a nurse in just 18 months? If that doesn’t sound like your jam, other routes might be more appropriate.
Consider Certification Only
The same jobs that are eligible for accelerated programs often have certification-only options available. That’s why people only take the necessary classes that align with the certification, without any foundational or supplementary course.
It’s an accelerated curriculum without the lightning-fast timeline. Individuals choose this route because they are interested in something and want to get done with it sooner. But it doesn’t need to have happened yesterday or if possible sooner.
Education, special work, healthcare, or any other field-related certification programs are usually available. You can work on your timeline, and avoid the risk of biting off more than you can chew.
How to Pick a Program
Before settling for any program, students should make sure that it aligns with their lifestyle, or it would create troubles later. Online degrees are a great way to customize the curriculum to the person’s needs.
At the very least, this route allows you to cut out the commute, which can easily save you ten hours a week or more. At most people can enjoy flexible formats which allows them to work when it makes the most sense.
Several programs offer pre-recorded lectures that individuals can watch at their convenience. Being able to meet the deadlines is a key and if someone can do this they won’t face any other issue. Make sure that the option you choose is approved locally.
There are two types of accreditation: regional and national. Nations might sound prestigious, but regional certification needs to be paid more attention to. Because they validate degrees in your state.
Students usually don’t need to worry about this with brick-and-mortar schools, but it is a more meaningful consideration for remote programs. The main reason is, that online frauds are quite common, but it’s also a matter of rapid growth.
The internet is a big, full place. There are tons of schools, and the institution’s state may not have taken the time to evaluate the one you are interested in. A program may be awesome, but if it hasn’t gotten that [insert the state stamp of approval here] you probably don’t want it.
!HEADS UP!
Accelerated programs don’t offer long summer breaks or anything, unlike usual courses. You’ll have to work hard, tirelessly.
Conclusion
Accelerated programs are great for getting a career and getting done as fast as possible. But that doesn’t mean it is right for everyone, otherwise, every other person would’ve been doing it. These courses are intense, the workload is through the roof, and you have no other choice but to keep up with it.
There are several ways to get a degree, do research and find a method that suits you the best. You should never give up on your dreams. There’s always a better way to achieve something, but regardless it is going to require hard work and dedication.
