If you're looking for a career change and wondering what you can go to school for, consider nursing. You can get a variety of jobs with a nursing degree, and when you graduate, you'll have the skills you need to enter the workforce right away. Here are some things to think about before going to nursing school.
Check Your Local Job Market
If you know where you plan to live once you have your nursing degree, look around at jobs that are available so you have an idea of what kind of nursing degrees are in demand.
You could go to nursing school and get your associate's degree first and your bachelor's degree later, but if the type of jobs you want—such as critical care nursing or working in the OR—require a BSN degree, you might want to focus on getting your bachelor's degree from the start.
Consider Financing Options
Nursing school can be expensive, especially if you're on a four or five-year track. You might qualify for student loans or you might take out a private loan. An option to consider is working at a place that offers tuition assistance as an employee benefit. If you need to work your way through college anyway, then try to find a place that reimburses your tuition every semester so it's easier to pay for college.
This is one reason LPN school might be worth starting out since you could work while you go to RN school and possibly qualify for tuition reimbursement. However, you also have to consider if you can work full time and go to college full time too. You might be able to attend some nursing schools part time, but even then, nursing school is a big commitment of your time and focus.
Talk With A Career Advisor
It's a good idea to consult with a career advisor about what you can expect during nursing school, whether this is your first time going to college or if this will be your second degree. If you're a first-time student, you'll have to take elective courses in addition to nursing courses so you get a well-rounded education.
If you already have a degree, you can probably transfer credits from electives such as English, math, and other general education classes you have already taken. This lightens your class load and saves you from having to repeat classes you've already passed.
A career advisor can also help you understand the various types of jobs you can hold once you graduate. You might work in a hospital, doctor's office, prison, or school. Nursing is a rewarding and interesting career with several occupational paths that keep you from burning out on your job.
Attending college is sure to be one of the most defining experiences of your life. Not only will you be taking classes that teach you skills related to your desired career, but you will be making connections and enjoying social experiences that come to define you as a person.
With all the changes you experience in college, you might be looking for a little guidance. That's where this website can come in handy. The articles we have collected offer information all all things college-related, from choosing the best classes to making the most of student activities. Learn study tips, application tips, and more.