If you already hold a bachelor's degree in another field and find yourself drawn to nursing, you are not starting from scratch. A growing number of professionals are considering nursing as a second career after building careers in business, education, science, and beyond.
The good news is that pathways exist for people in your position. For those interested in becoming a nurse with a non-nursing bachelor's degree, options like direct-entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs, including the direct-entry MSN at the George Washington University School of Nursing (GWSON), are built to bring career changers into the profession efficiently.
Why Consider Nursing as a Second Career?
People make a career change to nursing for many reasons: more meaningful, hands-on work with a direct human impact; the stability and demand of the profession; the variety of settings and specialties; or the chance to grow into advanced practice and leadership roles over time.
If you worry that your years in another field were spent on the wrong path, consider the opposite. Skills like communication, leadership, critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and working under pressure translate remarkably well into clinical care.
Can You Become a Nurse With a Non-Nursing Bachelor's Degree?
Yes. Holding a bachelor's degree in another subject does not mean you have to start over with a traditional four-year undergraduate nursing program. Because you've already completed a degree, you may qualify for pathways designed to build on your prior education.
Two common options exist:
- An Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) leads to a bachelor's-level nursing degree on a compressed timeline.
- A direct-entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) leads to a graduate-level degree, while also preparing you to enter the profession.
What Is a Direct-Entry MSN for Non-Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Holders?
A direct-entry MSN combines the foundational nursing education required for students entering the field with graduate-level coursework. Graduates of qualifying prelicensure programs must also meet applicable state requirements and pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed registered nurses.
This differs from a traditional MSN program, which is designed for registered nurses who already hold a license. A direct-entry MSN is built for people coming from outside nursing entirely.
Explore GW's Direct-Entry MSN Program
How to Become a Nurse as a Second Career
1. Decide Whether Nursing Fits Your Goals
Start by reflecting on your motivations, career goals, and expectations. Nursing is academically demanding, clinically rigorous, deeply interpersonal, and highly hands-on. Research the different roles nurses hold and the settings they work in, from hospitals and clinics to community health and research facilities.
2. Choose Between Nursing Education Pathways
Next, compare the programs designed for students who already hold a degree. Accelerated BSN and direct-entry MSN options differ in the degree earned, the prerequisites required, the program structure, and how well each aligns with your long-term goals. A transition-to-nursing accelerated program is built to recognize your previous college education rather than duplicate it, which is part of what makes it an efficient way to become a nurse without starting over.
3. Review and Complete Prerequisites
Most nursing programs require certain prerequisite courses before you can enroll, and requirements vary from program to program. For GW's direct-entry MSN, you'll need to finish specific prerequisite coursework before the program begins, earning a grade of B or better in each course and maintaining a minimum course GPA of 3.0.
The required prerequisites are:
-Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II (6 to 8 semester hours, with required labs)
-Microbiology (3 to 4 semester hours, with a required lab)
-Chemistry (3 to 4 semester hours, with a required lab)
-Nutrition (3 semester hours)
-Statistics (3 semester hours)
All science courses must be completed within seven years of starting the program.
4. Prepare Your Nursing School Application
Nursing school applications typically ask for materials such as transcripts, prerequisite coursework, and supporting documents. For program-specific application requirements, turn to GW's how to apply resources.
5. Plan for the Financial and Time Commitment
Be realistic about the investment, including tuition, educational expenses and how you'll balance school with work and personal responsibilities. Accelerated programs can be intensive. Financial resources exist, though. Review GW's scholarships and financial aid options to understand what support may be available to eligible students. If you plan to use federal financial aid, it is recommended to start the process early to give yourself plenty of time before program deadlines.
6. Complete Your Nursing Education and Prepare for Licensure
Your nursing education will combine classroom learning, clinical education, and hands-on competencies. Graduates of qualifying prelicensure programs must meet their state's requirements and pass the NCLEX-RN examination to become licensed registered nurses.
Start Your Second Career in Nursing With GW School of Nursing
If you're ready to bring your previous education and experience into a new profession, GW’s direct-entry MSN offers a pathway for eligible students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree who are ready to transition into nursing. Review the curriculum, admissions requirements, prerequisites, and application information to determine whether the program fits your goals. Browse frequently asked questions and connect with the school’s alumni community to hear from nurses who have walked this path.
Explore GW's Direct-Entry MSN Program
FAQs
- What prerequisites do I need to change careers to nursing?
Requirements vary by program, but most expect science and health-related coursework before enrollment. GW's direct-entry MSN, for example, requires anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, and statistics, with a grade of B or better in each. Review the admissions requirements for the specific program you're considering.
- Can you work while completing an accelerated nursing program?
It depends on the program format, clinical schedules, overall workload, and your individual circumstances. Accelerated nursing education can require a significant time commitment, so review the specific program schedule carefully, or contact one of our admissions representatives, before making any employment plans.
- How long does it take to become a nurse as a second career?
The time it takes to become a nurse as a second career depends on the pathway you choose, whether you need to complete prerequisites first, your enrollment status, and the program's structure. Accelerated and direct-entry programs are designed for students who already hold bachelor's degrees and can typically be completed in four consecutive semesters. Each provides a more direct path into nursing than completing another traditional four-year undergraduate degree.
- Is an accelerated BSN or direct-entry MSN better for a career changer?
The better option depends on your educational background, career goals, preferred program structure, and the degree you want to earn. An accelerated BSN leads to a bachelor's degree in nursing, while a direct-entry MSN allows eligible students with a non-nursing bachelor's degree to pursue graduate-level nursing education as they prepare to enter the profession.