Why choose nursing as a second career? Consider the diverse specialization options, salary expectations, and opportunities for advancement. While considering nursing as a second career, think about questions such as, “How can you get started with a career change?” and “What can you do with a nursing degree?”
Making a career change requires planning and research, especially if you’re switching to an entirely new field. For non-healthcare workers thinking about pursuing nursing as a second career, learning more about career paths in nursing and their requirements can provide insight and clarity.
Concordia University, St. Paul’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) can enable you to graduate from nursing school in as few as 16 months if you have completed a non-nursing degree or a minimum of 54 non-nursing college credits. CSP Global’s ABSN program builds on your previous education, meaning you can make the career change to nursing sooner.
Why choose nursing as a second career? Consider the benefits of being a nurse and look at the career pathway options which you can navigate more quickly through our ABSN program.
1. Why Choose Nursing as a Second Career?
Nursing is an in-demand career path with plenty of opportunities for specialization. Some of the most prominent benefits of becoming a nurse include:
- Diverse career paths: Nurses can work in many different settings, from military bases to cruise ships to school systems. There is also a wide variety of nursing specialties, including flight nurse, ER nurse, dermatology nurse, and forensic nurse.
- High job security: Nurses are and will continue to be in high demand for years to come. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the projected job growth rate for RNs will be 5% from 2024 through 2034, faster than average. This indicates healthcare employers expect to hire about 166,100 new nurses during this period.
- Solid earning potential: According to the BLS, RNs made a median annual salary of $93,600 as of May 2024. Opportunities for career advancement can also improve a nurse’s earning potential over time.
Additionally, nursing provides opportunities for career advancement. As an RN, you can pursue additional academic and professional credentials to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), nurse administrator, nurse researcher, or nurse educator.
What is the ABSN program at CSP like? Learn what to expect in the accelerated nursing program.
2. Is It Too Late to Start a Second Career in Nursing?
If you’re in your 30s, 40s, or later, you may wonder if it’s too late for you to go back to school and make a career change. With an accelerated nursing program, it’s possible to make the career change faster than you may have thought. With Concordia University’s ABSN program, students can graduate with a BSN in as few as 16 months.
The speed of the program allows you to maximize your time and start your new career sooner. No matter what stage of life you’re in, it’s not too late to begin your career change to nursing.
In fact, older nurses bring a wealth of career skills and life experience to the field. They often have well-developed soft skills, such as interpersonal and communication skills, which transfer well to a nursing career. It’s never too late to pursue a new career as an RN.
3. How Do You Start a Career in Nursing?
The first step is to contact one of our admissions counselors to verify your eligibility. Your counselor will provide you with personalized support throughout the admissions process. They will help you develop an academic plan that works toward an ABSN start date in January, May, or September. You may need to complete prerequisite courses to prepare for the program.
Once enrolled, you’ll be able to graduate in as few as 16 months, provided you successfully meet deadlines and study thoroughly. After graduating, you can take the NCLEX-RN exam, which you’ll need to pass to obtain your RN license. As a licensed RN, you will be free to apply to positions and begin your first nursing job.
4. How Can Accelerated Nursing Programs Help Career Changers Become Nurses Faster?
The ABSN program at CSP Global is designed specifically for career switchers with a non-nursing degree. It’s also a great choice for transfer students with at least 54 non-nursing college credits. Your prior education facilitates a faster graduation timeline with a nursing degree, as you won’t have to repeat general education courses.
Unlike traditional BSN programs, which feature regular breaks in the academic calendar, CSP’s ABSN program features consecutive semesters. This keeps you as familiar with the material as possible while accelerating your journey into nursing.
5. How Do I Succeed in a Challenging ABSN Program?
Once accepted into our accredited ABSN program, you’ll complete a rigorous, fast-paced blend of online and experiential learning. Nursing school is challenging, and you’ll need to stay on top of your responsibilities as you pursue nursing as a second career.
While enrolled, try these effective tips for succeeding with the nursing curriculum:
- Tailor your study strategy to accommodate your learning preferences. Focus on active study techniques that facilitate engagement with the content.
- Form a study group with your peers. You can study together, ask each other questions, and hold each other accountable.
- Connect with your instructors and seek help when you need it. Asking questions early will help you stay on top of your coursework and labs.
- Create a study schedule that you can use consistently. This will help you stay organized and focused as you learn the content.
How does online learning work in nursing school? Discover the benefits of online classes.
6. Do You Have What It Takes to Become a Nurse?
Choosing nursing as a second career means you will carry all your life experiences into this new career. Although you didn’t begin your professional life as a nurse, you have likely developed several skills that will set you up to succeed in nursing.
For example, if you are a parent, you are likely well-versed in caring for and comforting others. Furthermore, in your prior career, you likely developed skills in communication, collaboration, and time management, all of which will transfer over to nursing.
In many ways, your prior life and work experiences make you even more prepared for the soft skills of nursing than a new college graduate. You’ll bring value to the nursing profession. If you’re committed to providing holistic care with dignity to patients, you have what it takes to become a nurse.
7. What Can You Do With a Nursing Degree?
There are many opportunities within the field. As a second-career nurse with a BSN, you could pursue nursing specialties such as:
- Dialysis nurse
- Emergency room nurse
- Medical-surgical nurse
- Pediatric nurse
- Public health nurse
- School nurse
Once you have some clinical experience, you’ll be eligible for growth opportunities such as management roles or more specialized areas of nursing. You can prepare for advancement with professional certifications in your specialty area and graduate-level nursing education.
Make the Career Change to Nursing Through Concordia University, St. Paul
Concordia University, St. Paul invites you to apply to our ABSN program and work toward your second career in nursing. We deliver a hybrid nursing education, with immersive clinical learning experiences and a robust curriculum integrated with Christian principles. You’ll receive thorough NCLEX-RN prep while learning essential clinical skills in a supportive learning community.
Request info and connect with an admissions counselor today to get started.