Described are systems and methods for implementing continuous memory programming operations. An example memory device comprises: a memory array comprising a plurality of memory cells electrically coupled to a plurality of conductive lines; and a controller coupled to the memory array. The controller performs operations comprising: performing a memory programming operation with respect to a set of memory cells of the memory array, wherein the memory programming operation comprises a sequence of programming pulses applied to one or more conductive lines electrically coupled to the set of memory cells; responsive to receiving a command to perform a memory access operation, suspending the memory programming operation after performing a current programming pulse of the sequence of programming pulses, wherein the current programming pulse is performed at a first voltage level; initiating the memory access operation; and resuming the memory programming operation by performing a next programming pulse at a second voltage level that exceeds the first voltage level.