Going back to school for nursing can be a great choice if you are interested in an engaging career that offers opportunities for advancement and a robust job growth rate. To get started, contact an admissions representative and develop a plan to meet the requirements and prerequisites.
People enter the nursing field for a number of reasons, including a desire to help others, having a family member who is a nurse, seeking job stability, and more. Many stay in the field due to career opportunities, a sense of belonging, and the respect that comes with the profession. If you’re considering a move out of your current field, going back to school for nursing is an excellent option for an engaging and rewarding career.
At Pacific Lutheran University (PLU), our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is designed specifically for non-traditional students interested in transitioning into a nursing career. Our hybrid curriculum combines online coursework, in-person skills labs, and clinical rotations. Our ABSN students graduate with a high-quality nursing education in as few as 16 months.
Should I go back to school for nursing? Consider this question carefully if you’re planning a career change to nursing. Think about the benefits of pursuing a career in nursing, as well as the challenges of nursing school. Make a financial plan for earning a nursing degree and then get started on your new career.
Returning to School for Nursing: What to Consider
Before deciding to return to nursing school, consider if nursing is really the right career for you. Begin by considering factors such as the job growth rate and other potential benefits of a nursing career.
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The Growing Demand for Nurses
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job growth rate for all types of registered nurses (RNs) is projected to be 5% from 2024 through 2034, which is faster than average. This equates to about 189,100 job openings during this period.
Benefits of a Nursing Career
Aside from the job growth rate, which implies job stability, there are other benefits to choosing a nursing career. Nursing can be an excellent career for those interested in an engaging field that presents new challenges each day and offers opportunities for ongoing learning. With a nursing career, you will have the opportunity to develop strong patient relationships and make a meaningful impact on your patients’ well-being.
Furthermore, nursing is a diverse career field. You can choose from dozens of different nursing specialties, from oncology to pediatrics to aesthetics. There is also plenty of room to pursue career advancement, particularly if you return to school for a graduate-level nursing degree.
Preparing to Return to School for Nursing
Before you go back to school for nursing, take some time to prepare. Start by considering your motivation to become a nurse and your goals for your new nursing career.
Assessing Your Goals and Motivation
Your motivation for switching careers is important, so ensure you have a thorough understanding of your reasoning when you contact an admissions representative. You will need a strong motivation to sustain you through nursing school and keep up with the rigorous curriculum.
It is also important to consider your goals for your nursing career, such as what type of nurse you want to become. Your choice of nursing specialty may change as you progress through school, but it is helpful to have a general idea of your interests.
Understanding Your Nursing Program Options
Choosing the right path to becoming a registered nurse depends on your current qualifications and career goals. Pacific Lutheran University offers streamlined routes for those ready to switch careers. If you meet the ABSN requirements, you can enroll in our ABSN program and graduate in as few as 16 months.
For those who already have a bachelor’s degree and are aiming higher immediately, PLU also offers an Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). This direct entry option is designed specifically for non-nurses. After the first 15 months, you become eligible to sit for the licensure exam for RNs, followed by 12 additional months to earn your graduate-level nursing degree fully. While this route takes longer than the ABSN program, it is an excellent choice if you aspire to leadership or specialized advanced practice roles.
Meeting the Prerequisites for Nursing School
Another step toward returning to school for nursing is completing the prerequisites. When you contact a PLU admissions representative, they will review your unofficial transcripts to determine which prerequisites, if any, you need to take. Your prior education may fulfill some or all ABSN requirements, if they were completed within six years of your start date.
What to Plan for When Going Back to Nursing School
Going back to school for nursing is an investment of your time and finances. As such, it is best to have a plan in place to meet these requirements before you begin your nursing education.
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Balancing Family, Work, and School
Nursing school will demand much of your time to cover all the vital information and skills that contribute to nursing. This is especially true for accelerated nursing programs, which compress the typical BSN curriculum into as few as 16 months. Students often don’t work while going to school, treating it as a full-time commitment. It is a good idea to make a plan for balancing your remaining commitments and discuss with your loved ones what to expect during this time.
Financial Considerations and Nursing Scholarships
Nursing school is an investment in your future. PLU’s financial aid office is your starting point for learning more about the ABSN program’s tuition and financing options.
Get your guide to financial planning for nursing school.
Steps to Start Your Nursing Journey
When you decide to go back to school for nursing, PLU’s admissions representatives will guide you through the process of applying. Eligibility for our ABSN program depends on having one of the following:
- A completed non-nursing bachelor’s degree
- At least 60 non-nursing college credits
Additionally, you must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a minimum grade of B- in every prerequisite course.
Your admissions representative will help create an academic plan to meet the prerequisite requirements and ensure your application package is complete before submission. PLU reviews applications on a rolling basis, so you can expect a decision within weeks of applying.
Get Started Today at Pacific Lutheran University
At our learning site north of Seattle in Lynnwood, Washington, Pacific Lutheran University offers non-traditional students a professional education through our accelerated nursing program. We combine nursing science with a strong foundation in natural science, purposefully integrating the study of nursing, scholarship, and civic engagement to foster compassion and meaningful service for and with others, their communities, and the world.
Contact an admissions representative today to enjoy a hybrid learning experience and start your nursing journey.