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Nursing as a Second Career

It’s never too late. At any stage of your life, nursing is a great choice because good nurses are always in demand, it’s challenging, and you’ll use your experience and creativity to change lives every day.
Get there with a bridge program
A bridge program lets you use your previous experience to become a nurse faster. If you have a degree in another field, an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) can be the quickest way in. If you have a healthcare certification, you won’t have to repeat training you’ve already done.
The NCLEX-RN
After earning a nursing degree, you have to pass the NCLEX-RN – a standardized exam set by the Board of Nursing in each state that shows you’re certified to work as a Registered Nurse.

In their own words

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Headshot of Victoria Akre
I'm a second career nurse. What's wonderful about nursing, is that it's very accessible after you've already been to school or college for another type of degree.”
Victoria
Telemetry Nurse
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Headshot of Thomas Pallaria
When I went to school for the second time, my outlook, my self-discipline, was totally different.”
Thomas
Nurse Anesthetist
  • Video still of Dr. Thomas Pallaria
  • Is it too late for me to become a nurse?

    You can become a nurse faster if you already have a degree in another field.

Specialties

Once you’re a Registered Nurse, you can choose to specialize in an area you really enjoy.

Get your nursing journey started by finding a school.
Group of smiling nurses in scrubs holding folders
Group of smiling nurses in scrubs holding folders
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