Factors Related to the Success of Accelerated Second-Degree Nursing Students: An Integrative Review

Accelerated nursing programs address the workforce short; however, current graduation rates are problematic. The purpose of this integrative review was to explore the literature for underlying variables associated with accelerated second-degree nursing students' academic success.

A comprehensive, systematic method, guided by Whittemore and Knafl, was used to search, screen, select, evaluate and analyze the records retrieved in 2025.

Sixteen articles published in the United States met the inclusion criteria for this review. Findings suggest student success is influenced by a student's science background, high HESI scores and peer support. Factors such as family health, English as a Second Language and receiving "C" grades in nursing courses were identified as negative influences on student success.

The variation in study designs, methods, and measures compromise the generalizability for uniform student success predictors. Further research to identify consistent success predictors for accelerated nursing students is warranted.