Nursing as a Second Career
I already have a bachelor's degree. Can I earn a nursing degree faster?
Yes. Many schools offer Second Degree BSN, Accelerated BSN or Direct Entry MSN programs designed specifically to allow students with previous bachelor's degrees to complete their nursing degrees on an accelerated schedule.
Can I work full-time while earning my nursing degree?
Yes. Many schools offer part-time programs designed to accommodate the schedules of working students.
Can I earn a nursing degree faster with medical field experience?
Because each person's educational and work experience are unique, the best way to figure out if yours will allow you to gain advanced placement in a nursing program is to talk to the schools you're interested in directly. You may want to use the "Additional questions or comments" box on the Request Info form for this purpose.
I'm over 40 years old. Am I too old to begin a nursing career?
No. While you should keep in mind that nursing is a physically (and at times emotionally) demanding job, if you have an aptitude for math and science, thrive on working in an intense atmosphere, and love working with people, there's no reason why you shouldn't consider beginning a career in nursing. If you're not convinced that your age won't be a handicap, here are some things to consider:
- According to the March 2000 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses, 81.7% of RNs are over 35, while the average age for an RN is 45.2, and 11.1% of nurses are over 60.
- According to the same survey, the average age of nursing program graduates is currently 30.5, and this average is increasing every year - indicating that more and more students are entering the field after having pursued another career.
- Nursing school administrators report that second-career nursing students typically bring an energy and intensity of focus to their studies that their younger counterparts lack, and are often top performers academically.
- Potential employers value the maturity, professionalism, and advanced decision-making skills that older workers bring to nursing.
Is it difficult for an older student/nurse to get into a school or find work?
No. It would be illegal for any school or employer to take your age into consideration while evaluating your application. What's more, with nursing school enrollment just beginning to increase after a long decline and no sign of an end to the nation-wide shortage of nurses, both nursing schools and health care providers are actively seeking to recruit non-traditional nursing students -- including second-career students.
What sort of physical demands must nurses meet on the job?
You should keep in mind that the demands of nursing will vary widely depending on where you work and in what capacity. Working in a hospital or nursing home may be very demanding, for example, while working in an out-patient clinic, government agency, or school may be much less stressful. Similarly, working as a staff nurse may be more physically demanding than working as a nurse administrator. Depending on where you work, some of the physical and mental stresses you'll face may include:
- Shift work; working on-call; working weekends and holidays
- Being on your feet for long periods of time
- Moving (lifting and supporting) patients
- Working in inadequately staffed facilities
- Working with critically/chronically ill people and their families
- Working in emergency situations
Tips for choosing the right nursing program.
To read more on these topics, please visit the Choosing the Nursing Program That's Right for You and Types of Nursing Programs sections of our Q&A.