Summary: Nursing as a second career is doable with the University of the Incarnate Word’s 16-month ABSN track. It’s never too late to become a nurse, plus you can apply credits from your non-nursing degree to start a career as a nurse sooner.
Choosing nursing as a second career is a big step, and one that can change your life. With the University of the Incarnate Word’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing track in San Antonio, the process of transitioning into nursing is easier than you may think. We can help you leverage your previous education into a career as a nurse without starting over.
We understand that starting a second career can seem like a big undertaking when you’ve put time and energy into prior education or even a career. That’s why we make it possible to fast-track your journey toward becoming a nurse — and you don’t need any healthcare experience to make it happen. If you have a bachelor’s degree, University of the Incarnate Word’s Second-Degree Accelerated BSN track makes it possible for you to earn a BSN in as few as 16 months.
If you’ve reached this post, you’re probably researching what goes into becoming a nurse. Lucky for you, we’ve compiled all the information you need to know about turning your non-nursing degree into a BSN.
If you’re trying to decide if a career switch to nursing is right for you, keep in mind it’s never too late in life to switch careers. A career as a nurse can change lives and is a rewarding and often flexible career path. Plus, you’d be helping reduce the nursing shortage and get patients the quality care they need.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services’ Nurse Supply and Demand Projections, 2015-2030, Texas doesn’t have enough registered nurses to meet demand, with the state expecting a shortage of nearly 60,000 registered nurses over the next decade.
If helping people is your calling, you owe it to yourself to learn more about a second career as a nurse. It could be the best thing you’ve done for yourself in a long time.
Why Applying Your Non-Nursing Degree Toward a BSN Makes Sense
Since you already have previous college credits, applying them toward your BSN is the fastest way to start your ABSN coursework and start on your path of becoming a nurse. Reading this blog makes it likely you’ve been thinking seriously about transitioning into nursing. Rather than spending more time completing prerequisites and going through a traditional on-ground program that can take up to four years to complete, you can apply your previous non-nursing credits and accelerate into nursing sooner. In fact, you could graduate in as few as 16 months.
Applying your non-nursing degree towards an ABSN program makes sense because not only are accelerated nursing programs faster paced, but you’ll be able to use your life experience, gain support and, of course, make a difference in people’s lives.
Your Life Experience Offers a Unique Perspective
As someone looking to start a second career as a nurse, you bring a unique perspective to the profession. You’ve likely got skills that will translate to nursing and serve you well in nursing school. Whatever inspired you to become a nurse, whether it was receiving great care yourself or for a loved one, an interest in the healthcare industry or just a strong desire to help others — that will motivate you to work hard in the ABSN track and start making a difference.
Additionally, as a second-degree student, you have life experience that many first-degree students are still working on. As someone who’s earned a degree or held down a career you likely have wisdom, skills and achievements that will help you relate to patients and serve them well.
You’ll Be in Good Company — and Fully Supported
If you’ve been out of a formal school setting for a while, the thought of going back to school and studying a new field may feel a little intimidating. But at the University of the Incarnate Word, you’re not alone. UIW’s ABSN track is designed to be user-friendly and is tailored to students like you.
Many students seeking a second career apply to UIW’s ABSN track No matter your situation or previous career, there’s probably been an ABSN student like you.
Whether your degree is in English or microbiology, you have the same opportunity to jump into the nursing profession. Our ABSN prerequisites serve to create a foundation from which you can put your best foot forward.
Leverage Your Bachelor of Arts Degree Toward a BSN
If you hold a liberal arts degree, or a B.A., there’s a chance you’ll have to complete more prerequisite courses than someone with a science-based degree. While you likely hold great communication and writing skills, you may need to take science-based prerequisites like microbiology, anatomy and physiology I and II, and statistics to make sure you have a well-rounded foundation toward becoming a nurse.
Leverage Your Bachelor of Science Toward a BSN
A biology degree or other science degree can help you transition into nursing sooner. If that’s your background, there’s a good chance you will have to take fewer ABSN prerequisites as long as your previous educational experience is from a regionally accredited institution.
The prerequisite requirement can vary on a case-by-case basis, so talk to an admissions counselor to determine what you may need to complete. They’ll evaluate your prior experience and tell you exactly which course requirements you may need to fulfill before beginning your ABSN coursework.
Are You Driven to Make a Difference?
When you are accepted into the ABSN track, you can expect to complete a blended online and on-site curriculum. Our full-time, 16-month track is a fast-paced learning path that will prepare you to enter the field as a professional nurse.
If you’re ready to answer the call to become a nurse, there’s no better time to get started than now. With demand for registered nurses at historic levels in Texas and nationwide, you’re needed now more than ever. And thanks to the University of the Incarnate Word’s Accelerated BSN in San Antonio, a life-changing nursing career is closer than you may think.
If you’re ready to switch careers to nursing, the University of the Incarnate Word can help. Call us to find out if our 16-month Accelerated BSN track is right for you or complete the form to have an admissions counselor contact you.