At UIW, you can become a nurse with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree through our ABSN track. You will learn the essential skills and knowledge needed to prepare you for licensure and the nursing workforce in as few as 16 months through comprehensive coursework, labs and clinical rotations.
If you want a fresh start in a new career, switching careers to nursing offers opportunity and meaning. Having a non-nursing bachelor’s degree can help you launch your nursing career in under two years. How can you become a nurse with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree?
At the University of the Incarnate Word, you can enroll in our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) track to earn your BSN in as few as 16 months. Through a nursing curriculum that delivers a strong foundation of knowledge with online coursework, nursing skills and simulation labs and clinical rotations, you will be well prepared to enter the nursing workforce.
Can You Become a Nurse with a Non-Nursing Degree?
Most ABSN programs, like UIW’s track, do not require you to have previous nursing knowledge, but you still must complete all required prerequisites to build a solid foundation before enrolling.
What does it take to be a nurse? Explore the essential skills, traits and qualifications.
Pathways Into Nursing for Career Changers
If you want to become a nurse with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, you will first need to decide on which degree to pursue and then research the next steps.
Choosing Your Degree and Program
Many employers prefer to hire nurses with at least a BSN level of education. If you already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, you can earn your bachelor’s degree much more quickly than a traditional four-year degree path through an ABSN track.
Accelerated Nursing Programs for Non-Nurses
Many nursing schools offer flexibility through online coursework. You will have more flexibility to learn and study according to your schedule, provided you meet deadlines.
UIW’s ABSN track prepares its students to take and pass the NCLEX-RN, a comprehensive nursing exam, before entering the nursing field.
What a Bachelor’s-to-RN Pathway Looks Like
A BA-to-RN or BS-to-RN pathway is faster through an accelerated program. If you already have a bachelor’s degree from another accredited college, you already have essential soft skills that will greatly support you in nursing school and your career.
By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth transition to nursing.
- Hold a bachelor’s-level degree
- Find a school that offers an ABSN
- Contact an admissions representative at that nursing school
- Complete all requirements and prerequisites
- Begin your nursing track and earn your BSN
- Pass the NCLEX-RN
- Apply for a nursing license in your state
Prerequisites, Admissions and Program Requirements
To enroll in UIW’s ABSN track, you must have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 college credits from an accredited institution. If you meet this qualification, you must still meet additional requirements to enroll in the track and complete all prerequisite courses before beginning the track in earnest.
Learn more about how to successfully earn your nursing degree.
Career Opportunities After Earning Your Nursing Degree
After earning your nursing degree, you can pursue a variety of different work environments and positions, including being a public health nurse, school nurse, or travel nurse.
You can also gain experience and go on to pursue further education, such as returning to school for a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or completing optional certifications, like a Critical Care (CCRN) certification.
Begin Your Nursing Journey at UIW
Are you ready to make a career change and become a nurse with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree? Contact us today to speak to an admissions representative and learn more about UIW’s ABSN track.