Last year, Gallup organized a survey to understand the state of college education in the US. Surprisingly, 32% of respondents claimed they have negligible trust in higher education, denoting a sharp fall from 2015. A decade ago, over 50% of people reported positive feelings toward pursuing a college degree.
The volatile job market has worsened this disappointing situation. Many people feel that higher education doesn’t deliver the skills and opportunities children need to be ready for a career. Moreover, a college degree is costly and time-consuming and may not fit everyone’s budget and life situation.
In these circumstances, an accelerated course can be a route worth exploring. These intensive courses claim to have you ready for a job faster, letting you support yourself and your family. Consider the below pointers to see if these courses will be a good option for you.
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Faster Course Completion
Most bachelor’s degrees in the US take four years to finish. It is a considerable time investment for students with financial or family responsibilities. An accelerated course can bring this time down tremendously, letting you have a degree much faster.
For instance, let’s say you wish to embark on a healthcare career. A standard nursing degree can take four years. However, if you pursue an accelerated BSN program online, you can conclude in 15 months. Although the timeline is short, you will become well-versed in theoretical and practical training for job readiness.
Note that accelerated programs can be rigorous as they complete the curriculum in a much shorter span. According to Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, educators should plan synchronous, asynchronous, and assessed activities to help students.
Getting done with your studies will let you start a job hunt earlier. You might also have access to integrated placement services to facilitate your job search.
Convenient Online Format
Many fast-track courses have moved to an online or hybrid medium of instruction. You can attend classes and make submissions online, which makes them convenient for students from far-flung regions.
The World Economic Forum also recommends reducing the in-person commitment to improve college enrolment rates in the US. It cuts out commuting and lets students maintain a balance with family time.
Moreover, online learning is also a powerful way to boost your technical skills and get used to online communication. It will prove helpful when you begin your professional life. You will also get practical experience on subjects like artificial intelligence and the ethical connotations around using it in academia.
Note that the online courses you select should also offer opportunities for campus immersion and interaction with other students. Accelerated courses can be over so fast you may feel rushed for time to participate in networking activities. We recommend opting for a college that ensures on-ground readiness through interactive experiences.
Additionally, some accelerated programs provide their students with a dedicated advisor or mentor. They can assist you with placement opportunities as they arise.
Rigorous Academic Focus
We discussed before that accelerated programs are time-sensitive. It makes them highly rigorous. For example, some programs may require an hourly commitment of up to 60 hours a week. You should assess whether your capabilities are up to the challenge.
Another consideration is that accelerated courses may be unsuitable for those who wish to work on the side. The UK’s Higher Education Policy Institute notes that over 50% of undergraduates work in paid employment. It helps them tackle the cost-of-living crisis.
However, the intensity of accelerated programs is high. These courses demand complete attention, making it almost impossible to find time for work.
Still, students who complete these courses can join the workforce faster than their counterparts in other programs. Moreover, they send a subtle message to potential recruiters that they are up to challenging roles.
Tips to Find a Job After an Accelerated Program
- Build an impactful CV highlighting the unique skills you learned during the course. These could be time management and virtual teamwork/ collaboration. You can also add the capability to work under tight deadlines.
- Stay updated with trends in your chosen career and seek opportunities to understand them during your course. Since you’ll be job-ready faster, keeping tabs on the changing market will help you in interviews.
- Spend time developing personal and soft skills for your chosen career. For example, a nursing role requires empathy and great listening. Developing the right personality for your desired career will give you an edge over others.
Accelerated courses have risen in popularity as more students value time and wish to start earning faster. Ensure you select a trusted, accredited university experienced in delivering fast-track programs.
Staying dedicated throughout the course and utilizing available resources, like mentors and reading material, will make the experience valuable for your future.
