It’s never too late to become a nurse. Choosing nursing as a second career allows you to take advantage of its high earning potential, positive job growth and schedule flexibility. To become a second-career nurse, you must earn a nursing degree, pass the NCLEX-RN and obtain a nursing license.
Pursuing nursing as a second career brings many benefits, such as personal fulfillment and high earning potential. There are many reasons why someone might not have pursued nursing earlier in life, but regardless of your current career or place in life, you can make the change.
With an accelerated nursing program, you can earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree quickly. At the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW), the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) track allows you to earn a BSN in as few as 16 months.
No matter how motivated you are, making a career change is a big decision. You’ll need to weigh the benefits of the change and consider how long the transition will take.
Why Consider Nursing as a Second Career?
When you pursue nursing as a second career, you’ll join a highly respected career that’s ranked as the top most ethical profession in Gallup’s Most Honest and Ethical Professions Poll for over 20 consecutive years. You’ll also enjoy many other benefits, including:
- Competitive Pay: The national 2024 median salary for registered nurses was $93,600.
- Positive Job Outlook: The nursing profession is projected to grow by 5% between 2024 and 2034, which is faster than the national average for all occupations.
- Geographic Mobility: Nurses who reside in a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state like Texas can hold a multi-state license, allowing them to work in any other state that’s part of the NLC.
Flexible Scheduling: You’ll have some flexibility to choose your work schedule
Nursing also offers many specialty areas. Learn more so you can decide what type of nurse you should become.
Is It Too Late to Become a Nurse?
It’s never too late to be a second-career nurse. Starting nursing school after a career in another field means you bring valuable skills with you. Time management, communication, and real-world experience all transfer directly into nursing, giving you a strong advantage.
Choosing nursing as a second career lets you build on the knowledge and experience from your first bachelor’s degree while fast-tracking your path to a BSN. At UIW, the ABSN track is designed for you to graduate in as few as 16 months.
How to Get Started Pursuing Nursing as a Second Career
The timeline to transition to nursing as a second career varies. If you meet the requirements for an accelerated BSN program, you can potentially graduate with a degree, pass the NCLEX-RN and start working as a nurse in less than two years.
- Apply to an accelerated nursing program: If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 college credits, you might meet the admission requirements for the UIW ABSN track.
- Complete prerequisites: Prerequisites ensure nursing students have the foundation for the coursework. The UIW ABSN track prerequisites include anatomy and physiology, intro to microbiology and more.
- Enroll in nursing school and earn a nursing degree: Nursing school curriculum varies across programs. In the UIW ABSN track, students will complete online coursework, in-person nursing labs and hands-on clinical rotations.
- Register for and take the NCLEX-RN: After earning your degree, submit your application for licensure with your state board of nursing and schedule your NCLEX-RN exam.
- Obtain your nursing license: Once you pass the NCLEX-RN, your state board will issue your license, allowing you to begin practicing as a registered nurse.
How can you earn a nursing degree fast? Read more to learn what an accelerated nursing program is and if it’s right for you.
Final Thoughts: Is Nursing Your Next Chapter?
If you feel called to a career in nursing, now is the time to start. At UIW, the ABSN track is designed for non-traditional students who want to pursue nursing as a second career. Contact an admissions representative today to learn how you can take the first step toward becoming a second-career nurse.