Going Back to Nursing School to Advance Your Nursing Career
There are many ways to move up in a nursing career. Although entry-level nursing jobs don’t always need a bachelor’s degree, nurses who want better career options often go back to school to learn more. Many nurses start higher-level degrees after working for a while. About 87% of students in RN-to-BSN programs are 26 years old or older, according to a survey by the National League for Nursing.
People often start nursing by getting certified or licensed in a year or less. They might become a certified nurse assistant (CNA) or a licensed practical or vocational nurse (LPN/LVN). Many registered nurses (RNs) choose to get an associate degree in nursing (ADN). This helps them get licensed in two years instead of four. But getting a higher degree can mean better pay and more job options. Some hospitals and healthcare places look for nurses with a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). And nurses like nurse practitioners (NPs) need a graduate degree to get a license. These nurses can get a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) or a doctorate in nursing practice (DNP). This guide helps nurses who want to go back to school by giving info and advice about jobs and help with money.
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Finding a Balance in Nursing School
Why Go Back to Nursing School
When nurses go back to school, they can find more jobs and learn more about what they’re interested in. There are faster programs now that let students finish their degree sooner. More employers now want workers with higher education. For example, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) says RNs should get a bachelor’s degree. This helps them get ready for harder jobs. Getting an MSN lets nurses work in areas like caring for newborns or mental health. There are many choices for programs. In the U.S., there are around 1,000 BSN programs and about 2,000 graduate programs, according to the AACN.
Jobs and Pay for Nurses with Different Degrees
Going back to school can mean more money and better job chances. Licensed practical and vocational nurses, who don’t need a full degree, make about $47,480 a year, says the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS thinks these jobs will grow by 11% from 2018 to 2028. RNs made around $73,300 in 2019, and advanced practice nurses made about $115,800 that same year, according to the BLS. The BLS thinks there will be 26% more advanced practice nurses from 2018 to 2028, which is much more than the 12% growth for RNs.
Online Learning for Adults Going Back to Nursing School
Some nurses might think about going back to school but worry it will take too much time or be too hard, especially if they’re working. But they should know about online learning. It can help with these worries. Online programs often let students watch lectures and join class discussions when they have time. Sometimes there are also live classes, like evening lectures. This helps students connect with teachers and classmates. Even with these live parts, online programs are made for people who need to learn when they can because of work or other things.
Online programs are also usually cheaper. And students save money and time since they don’t have to travel to school.
Remember, online nursing programs usually need students to do hands-on work at a healthcare place. But students can often find places near them to do this.
Using Old Schoolwork as a Returning Student
If you’ve already gone to college before, you might be able to use some of your old schoolwork in your new program. This can make your degree quicker and cheaper. When you use old schoolwork, you don’t need to take as many classes. This means you can take fewer classes or finish your degree faster.
Top Scholarships for Masters in Nursing Students
Most colleges and universities let students use up to 60 credits from another school for a bachelor’s degree. This is common if you already have an associate degree or some college. Students with an ADN might be able to finish their bachelor’s degree in half the time. Many schools also let graduate students use up to 18 credits.
To see which of your old classes can be used, look in the student handbook or ask an advisor. You can usually use credits from basic education and health classes more easily. Just remember that you can only use credits from a school that’s been approved. Every school has different rules for transferring credits. Ask your future school’s advisor to learn more.
PLAs for Nursing Students: Get College Credit for Your Experience
Getting College Credit for Work Experience
For nurses, this is important. Many schools know that students already know things from work that they didn’t learn in class. Some schools give students credit for work or life experience. This might include things learned at work training, volunteering, helping the community, or in the military. Many programs think about whether students already have a professional license or certification. Programs that give credit for experience are great for adults who want to go back to school after working.
Checking What You Already Know
Before you go back to school, you should check if your old learning can count. Many nurses get credits for their LPN/LVN or RN license, and also for their work. Some nurses might get credit for volunteering or training, like CNA or LPN/LVN programs. The amount of credit is different for each school. But usually, RNs need at least two years of work to get credit. But getting credit isn’t always easy. Students usually need to show their skills, pass a test, or prove their experience. But it’s worth it. In a study in 2020, students who got credit this way graduated more and did better in school. This is because they could take fewer classes and felt less pressure.
How to Use Your Old Schoolwork
There are a few ways to get credit for what you know. First, you can make a portfolio that shows what you know for the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL). You can also take a test to show what you know. Tests like CLEP and DSST can help you get college credit. Or you can get credit through the American Council on Education (ACE), a group that checks courses. Every school has different rules for using old schoolwork. Some schools let you skip classes, but most give you credits, according to ACE. Ask your future school’s advisor to learn more.
Paying for School When You Go Back
For many nurses, the cost of going back to school is a big problem. RNs thinking about getting a graduate degree might not like the high prices, especially if they’re still paying off student loans. But just like students starting college, people who want an MSN or DNP can get help with money. They can get scholarships, grants, loans, and other aid. You can find many resources online to help you plan for and pay for grad school. This guide tells you about how much nursing school might cost, so you can learn how to pay for your degree. You can find lists that show affordable BSN and MSN programs, especially if you don’t want to spend too much. And you can get info about different kinds of financial help, like scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans.
Scholarships for Grown-Up and Mid-Career Nursing Students
Lots of universities and nursing groups give scholarships to students who are just starting college or getting a higher degree. Some scholarships are just for people who want a graduate degree. They might want students to focus on certain things, like nursing education or being in charge of a place. Here are five scholarships for grown-up and mid-career students.
Building Confidence in Nursing School
AfterCollege/AACN $10,000 Scholarship Fund
Who Can Apply: This scholarship gives four $2,500 scholarships to nursing students during the year. Students in college or grad school can apply, but the scholarship committee really wants students in grad school who want to teach nursing. Amount: $2,500
HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
Who Can Apply: Nurses at all levels can apply for this program. Students have to work for two years after they graduate, at a place that really needs nurses. Amount: Tuition + money
Nursing Economic$ Foundation Scholarship
Who Can Apply: This scholarship gives money to registered nurses who want to get a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing management or being in charge of a place. Amount: $5,000
Promise of Nursing Faculty Fellowship
Who Can Apply: This FNSNA scholarship helps registered nurses with a BSN. Students have to start grad school and want to teach nursing. Amount: $1,000-$7,500
Tylenol Future Care Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Students in healthcare grad programs with one year left can get this scholarship. Students have to write an essay and show their college grades. Amount: $5,000-$10,000
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