Is Nursing School Worth It?

Is Nursing School Worth It?

Before you decide to become a nurse, it’s important to think about how much nursing school costs, how much you might earn as a nurse, and if it’s a good investment. We’ve asked nursing professionals about these things on this page. Is becoming a nurse a good choice? There are many aspects to consider about nursing school and the career itself before making a decision. Nursing school takes a lot of time and effort, and being a nurse requires a lot from those who choose it. Learning medical skills, remembering a lot of information, and working with patients from different backgrounds can be challenging.

This guide can help you decide if nursing school is worth it. It explains how to choose a nursing school and looks at the good and not-so-good parts of being a nurse. Since nursing school demands a lot of your time, energy, and money, it’s crucial to figure out if it’s worth it for you before you start.

Benefits of Getting a Nursing Degree

Nursing is a respected profession chosen by over 4 million Americans and over 300,000 nurse practitioners. Maryanne Tranter, a nurse working in pediatrics, said, “I became a nurse because I loved science, wanted to connect with people, and needed a job with options. My degree was definitely worth it. I’m proud to be a nurse. I enjoy always learning for this job. I like being a special part of people’s lives. I enjoy taking care of children and empowering families.”

Here are some reasons why getting a nursing degree can be great.

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Benefit #1: Nursing Degrees Lead to Well-Paying Jobs

While there are jobs that pay more than nursing (like law or investment banking), many nurses believe they can earn a good salary, especially with an advanced degree.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2021, registered nurses earned about $77,600 per year on average, and nurse practitioners made around $118,040 per year on average.

Emily Weber, a nurse with a doctorate, said, “The money I spent on nursing school was worth it. The nursing profession offers growth opportunities that I’ve used to my advantage financially.”

Nancy Brook, another nurse, shared, “My nursing career has been worth it for many reasons. It’s rewarding to help patients, be part of the healthcare system, and have flexibility as a working parent. It’s a good investment with a positive return.”

Is being a nurse financially worth it compared to other jobs? This table helps you compare salaries and time-frames.

Comparison of Occupations

Occupation	Median Annual Salary	Years to Become
Physician Assistant	$121,530	6-9 Years
Nurse Practitioner	$118,040	6-8 Years
Financial Analyst	$95,570	4-6 Years
Architect	$80,180	8-11 Years
Registered Nurse	$77,600	2-4 Years
Web Developer	$77,030	2-4 Years
Social Worker	$50,390	4-8 Years

Source: BLS

Benefit #2: A Nursing Degree Can Lead to Satisfying Long-Term Careers

Many nurses find happiness and fulfillment in their careers, both personally and professionally.

Dr. Maryanne Tranter says, “My nursing degree taught me about determination, persistence, and the value of research in healthcare. It has allowed me to teach nursing students and start my own business. The credibility of my Ph.D. has opened doors.”

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Dr. Emily Weber feels positive about nursing: “Getting my nursing degree was a great experience. I felt called to be a nurse and advocate for patients.”

Nancy Brook adds, “Having an advanced nursing degree brings various opportunities. Graduates can teach, consult, write, and take on management roles in hospitals or industry.”

Benefit #3: Nursing Offers Flexibility and Choices

Nurses can find jobs that fit their personal lives. They can work during the day while kids are in school or choose evenings or nights if they have young children at home.

Dr. Maryann Tranter explains, “I’ve worked flexibly and made a living. I could work part-time with young children, teach nursing students later, and start my business.”

Nurses have many options:

Sure, here’s the shuffled list:

– Informatics
– Dialysis
– Nurse coaching
– Holistic nursing
– Case management and care management
– Nursing education
– Remote/telephonic nursing
– Corrections
– Public health nursing
– Entrepreneurship and business
– Home health and hospice
– Physician offices
– Patient advocacy
– Research
– Cruise nurses
– Functional nursing
– School nursing
– Occupational health
– The pharmaceutical and medical device industries
– Legal nurse consulting

Benefit #4: Nursing Adapts to Changes

As technology advances, nurses can use their interest in technology to enhance their careers. Electronic medical records (EMRs) have allowed nurses to become experts in technology. Nurses with IT interest can work on new healthcare technologies and provide research insights. In the future, nurses might even use augmented reality and virtual reality.

Cons of Getting a Nursing Degree

There’s another side to the question of whether nursing is worth it: the cost of nursing school.

Con #1: Getting a Nursing Degree Can Be Expensive

Going to nursing school can cost a lot of money. Many nursing students end up taking on debt to finish their education. An associate degree in nursing (ADN) can range from $6,000 to $20,000, and some private colleges charge as much as $40,000.

For a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), it can cost a nurse between $40,000 and $100,000. A master of science in nursing (MSN) can range from $35,000 to $100,000, and a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) can be between $40,000 and $70,000.

Nursing students can get low-interest loans, scholarships, grants, and other forms of student aid to help manage their college costs and make their studies financially worthwhile.

Con #2: Getting a Nursing Degree Might Take Many Years of Study

For those who want to enter the workforce quickly, the time it takes to become a professional nurse might seem discouraging.

A BSN degree takes four years to complete at a university. An MSN, which is the minimum requirement for becoming a nurse practitioner, usually takes an extra two years after completing a BSN (a total of around 66-72 months for both degrees).

Luckily, there are faster and more flexible education options available. The ADN offers a shorter route to becoming a registered nurse, with an average of 24 months of education, including some prerequisites, depending on the program.

For those interested in a non-degree option to start their nursing career, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) programs take about 12-18 months from start to finish.

LPNs have a narrower scope of practice than RNs, but LPN training can be a good and affordable way to enter the profession. “Bridge programs” like RN-to-BSN, RN-to-MSN, and LPN-to-BSN often offer partial or complete online learning. Online classes can reduce costs and allow students to work while pursuing more education and opportunities.

An accelerated BSN is a path for those with a bachelor’s degree in another field, which typically takes about 12-18 months.

How to Decide if Nursing is the Right Choice for You

Is a nursing degree worth it? Is it the right fit for you? Nursing is changing in the 21st century, and what nurses can do is evolving and growing.

If you have a passion for science, caring for others, and solving problems using critical thinking in a dynamic field, nursing could be a great choice.

Graduate Application Guide for Nurses

Nancy Brook shared, “The healthcare system is always changing; there are constantly new requirements, policies and procedures to keep up with. The rewards are greater than the challenges as change is inevitable in any profession. Our role keeps evolving, offering new chances for growth and challenge.”

Emily Weber added, “If you’re thinking about a nursing degree, look into different nursing schools, scholarships, and employer tuition programs to find the best fit. After graduating, find a nursing job with a good new graduate orientation and onboarding to help you transition into practice.

“Nursing is a rewarding profession that has both personal and professional benefits. As a nurse, you can impact people’s lives and truly make a difference.”

According to Dr. Maryanne Tranter, the decision is complex. “Don’t do it just for flexibility and income. People who do that often get burned out quickly. You need to have a curious mind and a love of learning, as research and knowledge are always changing, and nurses need to stay informed.”

Dr. Tranter continued, “As a nurse, you have the honor of sharing some of the most important parts of someone’s life. You can’t take that for granted. It can be draining at times, where the benefits might not seem enough. Sometimes systemic issues prevent us from practicing the way we know is best. But those special moments of supporting patients are a gift.

“If you’re willing to be there for them, using your experience and knowledge to help, the time and effort you put into the degree will always be worth it!”