If you’ve already earned your bachelor’s degree in a non-nursingfield and are considering a career pivot, you could be less than two years from working as a nurse through anaccelerated BSNprogram. Baker College is proud to offer anABSN program ideal for those who are ready to pursue asecond degree innursingand explore an entirely new career.
So, what exactly does anABSN programentail, and what can you expect from thesesecond-degreenursingprograms?
ABSN Programs Can Help Make Your Career Change Possible
Anaccelerated BSNprogram is designed for people who already have bachelor’s degrees in another field. These programs allow students to build upon their existing education and transition to a career innursingwithout having to completely “start over.” Instead, students can transfer up to 60 credits from their existing bachelor’s degree program to complete their BSNs efficiently.
In addition to holding a bachelor’s degree, applicants to anABSN programmay need to meet other criteria, such as maintaining a minimum GPA and completing some prerequisite courses in nursing and healthcare.
The exact curriculum for an ABSN can also vary from one program to the next. However, Baker College’sABSN programconsists of 62 credit hours in areas like:
- Healthcare informatics
- Pharmacology and medication administration
- Clinical experiences
UnderstandingAccelerated BSNPrograms
How Long IsNursingSchool with a Bachelor’s Degree?
The length of anABSN programcan vary depending on how many credits you end up transferring and whether you enroll part or full time, but many students can graduate in as little as two years.
The Appeal ofNursingas a Second Career
Nursingas a second careeroffers a unique set of advantages and opportunities for individuals seeking a meaningful change in their professional lives.
Growing Demand for Nurses
Thenursingand healthcare industries continue to face a shortage of workers, resulting in high demand and high job security for dedicated nurses across various settings. This, combined with an aging population, underscores the ongoing need for skillednursingcare and further reinforces the demand fornursingprofessionals.
In fact, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for registered nurses alone isprojected to grow by 6%between 2022 and 2032.
Diverse Career Opportunities
Nursingoffers a wide range of specializations and diverse work settings along with varied career paths and environments. Graduates from anABSN programcan explorenursingroles in hospitals,nursinghomes, pediatrician’s offices, and just about any other healthcare setting imaginable.
Competitive Salaries
Thenursingfield offers competitive salaries that can increase with specialization, advanced degrees, and years of experience. If you’re looking for a career path that offers financial stability and growth potential, making acareer change to nursecan be an excellent choice. Based on 2022 BLS data, the median pay for a registered nurse in the U.S. was$81,220 per year.
Opportunities for Advancement
Nursing also presents numerous ways to pursue advanced degrees and other areas of specialization that can open doors of opportunity. This includes leadership positions with higher levels of responsibility as well as specialized clinical roles.
Work-Life Balance
Manynursingroles offer flexible schedules, including the possibility of working nights, weekends, or even part time. This makesnursinga great career choice for those who might prefer something less traditional than a 9-to-5 job.
Personal Fulfillment
At the end of the day, nurses make a profound impact on their patients’ lives. This can be immensely satisfying and rewarding, which is why many nurses consider their work to be a calling that provides a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment.
From Bachelor’s Degree to BSN – The Transition Process
Becoming a nurse with a bachelor’s in another fieldinvolves several steps and lots of planning, which is why it’s critical to do your research and create a game plan for yourself ahead of time.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Career changers may encounter several challenges, but recognizing and preparing for them proactively can help ease the transition and improve your chances for success in your new career path.
Prerequisite Coursework
Some career changers may need to complete prerequisite courses before they can start their ABSN programs, which can require additional time and resources beyond what you may have had in mind. These prerequisite courses are usually necessary for students whose previous bachelor’s degrees are not related to the healthcare field.
If this is the case for you, then you’ll want to plan to complete these courses (possibly through an online college or local community college as a flexible, cost-efficient measure) before enrolling in yourABSN program.
Intensive Coursework and Pace of Program
Another potential challenge to consider is that ABSN programs by nature are rigorous and fast-paced. This can be overwhelming for some students who may not be used to the more intensive nature of an accelerated program.
This is where it can really pay off to develop strong time management and study skills. Likewise, students should take advantage of the academic resources available to them, such as tutoring and study groups.
During yourABSN program, it’s also essential to prioritize and find time for self-care. Even though you’ll undoubtedly be busy with your studies, maintaining your mental and physical health will serve you well in the long run.
Adjusting to a Student Role
In addition, some students in ABSN programs may struggle with transitioning from being a working professional to taking on a student role. This can be especially tough for those who have been out of the academic setting for several years.
If this applies to you, the most important advice is to research and take full advantage of the academic services and resources your school offers. Resources such as writing centers, libraries, and study groups can make the transition much easier and help you feel more supported through every step of your journey.
Career Transition Anxiety
Doubts and fears about changing careers and succeeding in a new field are common. If you’re second-guessing your abilities to make a career change and pursue a new degree at this stage of life, it’s a good idea to connect and reach out to some mentors and trusted professionals in thenursingfield. Faculty, professors, and othernursingprofessionals can help give you reassurance and guidance as you navigate this complicated career shift.
Balancing Responsibilities
Many career changers have other life obligations and responsibilities to prioritize. For example, some ABSN students may have families of their own to support. Others may have part- or full-time jobs. Regardless, making a career change and working on a new degree while still fulfilling those other responsibilities isn’t always simple.
This is where it can be crucial for ABSN students to have solid support systems in place to get help managing their responsibilities while maintaining a healthy work-life-school balance.
Choosing the RightABSN Program
If you do a quick online search foraccelerated BSNprograms, you’ll find no shortage of options. However, it’s essential to understand that not all ABSN programs are created equal—and there are some key factors to take into consideration as you select the one right for you.
First, consider the length and cost of the program. How many credits can you transfer from your previous degree program, and how long will it take you to get yournursingdegree? How much will your degree end up costing, and what kind of financial aid is available?
Consider, too, the location and format of the program. If theABSN programis only available in person (not online or in a hybrid format), you will need to factor in time to commute to and from campus if you plan to live off-campus. At the same time, an in-person program may deliver a more connected learning experience than an online ABSN.
Lastly, don’t forget to research the accreditation credentials of anyABSN program. Ideally, the school you select should be accredited by a reputable authority, such as theHigher Learning Commission.
Learn More About Baker College’sAccelerated BSN
Becoming a nurse with a bachelor’s in another fieldwill take a couple of years of your time (along with some careful planning and dedication). Still, if you’re serious about shifting to a rewarding and fulfilling career,nursingprograms for bachelor’s degree holdersare the fastest way to make it happen.
Still seeking an ABSN programto suit your needs? Baker College’saccelerated bachelor of science innursingis an excellent choice, offering a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience to help you prepare for a successful career. Plus, with the ability to transfer up to 60 credits from a previous bachelor’s degree program, you can complete your ABSN in as little as two years.Get in touch today tolearn moreabout what Baker College has to offer. If you’re ready, you can also get started with your online application.
