• Nursing is the No. 1 career in the nation in job growth.nurse on duty image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
  
  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 581,500 new nursing positions will need to be filled through 2018. This is an increase of more than 22%, which makes nursing the top profession in the nation in terms of projected growth. There are a number of quality nursing programs that specialize in accelerated degrees.
  
  

Auburn University

• Alabama's Auburn University School of Nursing offers an accelerated undergraduate education that is designed to prepare students to take the required NCLEX-RN exam for licensure as a registered nurse. Students learn obstetrical nursing, women's health, fundamentals of nursing, laboratory fundamentals and spiritual and cultural nursing. According to the school's website, students must hold a bachelor's or higher degree in another field to progress through the professional nursing curriculum in three semesters and one summer of full-time study.
  
  Auburn University School of Nursing
  102 Miller Hall
  Auburn University, Alabama 36849
  334-844-5665
  nursing.auburn.edu
  Phone (334) 844-5665
  
  

Regis University

• The Regis University Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions in Denver offers an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree to students who already hold a non-nursing baccalaureate degree. Regis University's campus-based accelerated BSN program provides an intense, fast-paced education that enables non-working students to complete a BSN degree in as little as 12 months. This program cannot be completed online because students are exposed to classroom lecture and hands-clinical practice.
  
  Regis University
  RHCHP Office of Admissions
  Mail Code G-9
  3333 Regis Boulevard
  Denver, CO 80221
  303-458-4344
  regis.edu
  
  

Valparaiso University

• Valparaiso University College of Nursing in Indiana offers big college education in a small-town environment. The school features an accelerated program in nursing for students who already hold a bachelor's degree. According to the university website, students must meet entrance criteria that include a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average in previous college coursework, grades no lower than a C in any science course and a minimum of 54 transfer credits.
  
  Valparaiso University
  College of Nursing
  LeBien Hall 103
  Valparaiso, IN 46383
  219-464-5289
  valpo.edu