Nurses are and will continue to be in high demand, making it an outstanding career path if the job description appeals to you. You just need to complete your nursing education and pass the NCLEX, and a meaningful, thriving career can be waiting for you.
For many adult learners, completing their nursing education is the most significant challenge, especially since so many nursing programs typically require significant time commitments and in-person learning. For working professionals and adult learners with other life responsibilities, this can seem daunting.
Fortunately, it’s more than possible for many adult learners to fit nursing school into their schedules even while raising a family or working a full-time job. We’re here to help you understand what that looks like for you.
In this post, we’re going to break down different nursing degree paths and how to choose a program that works for you with expert guidance from Melissa Kessler.
Melissa began her career in education over 30 years ago at a hospital-based nursing school. She holds an undergraduate degree in allied health and a Master’s degree in Career Development. For the past eight years, she has specialized in healthcare academic coaching with EdAssist and has dedicated much of her career to supporting students pursuing education in the healthcare field.
A few things to keep in mind about nursing school
Nursing programs work a little differently than other types of programs. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
- Entrance exams: You’ll likely need to take an entrance exam to be admitted to a nursing program, which may evaluate reading comprehension, math skills, and potentially decision-making depending on the test.
- In-person requirements: Some programs are only available entirely in-person, while others may offer some classes remotely but requiring in-person labs and clinicals. It’s not possible to get a nursing degree entirely online.
- Start and finish with the same class: Most pre-licensure nursing programs want you to start and finish the nursing program itself in a set time. The class you start with will typically be the class you end with, so there may be less flexibility in your schedule to take classes over a long period of time. As a note: This does not apply to prerequisite classes and some post-licensure programs, which have more flexibility.
Knowing your degree path options
Before choosing a program, it’s important to review your degree path options. The best option for you will depend on a number of factors, including if you’ve already completed any schooling, your budget, and your available time.
Let’s review the common starting points for adult learners considering nursing school.
Starting with the LPN/LVN path
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and vocational nurses (LVNs) provide basic nursing care, working under supervising registered nurses (RNs) and physicians.
LPN and LVN programs are among the fastest to complete, with standard programs typically taking about a year of full-time coursework. After completing the program, you can take the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed.
Some schools may offer part time programs allowing evening and weekend completion over 18-24 months. You can also review your state’s career training and vocational education for these options.
LPNs and LVNs don’t make as much as registered nurses, but this path can be a good option if you don’t have any previous college experience and want to make a career change (and start working!) quickly.
There is always the option to return to school later and become an RN, especially with plenty of options for hybrid LPN/LVN to RN bridge programs. Allegany College of Maryland even has an option that’s fully online.
Associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) path
An ADN is the quickest degree program needed to become a registered nurse. Once you have your prerequisites completed, you can typically complete most degree programs within two years. There are some accelerated 18-month programs, requiring intensive full-time coursework.
An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a great option for those who want to become a registered nurse (RN) but prefer a shorter, and often more affordable, path.
Whether you're balancing work, family, or financial responsibilities, an ADN allows you to enter the nursing field more quickly. Once you're licensed as an RN, you can gain valuable hands-on experience while continuing your education.
Most RN to BSN programs are offered 100% online, allowing you to advance your nursing career while continuing to work full time. Plus, many employers offer tuition assistance that can cover a significant portion, if not all, of the cost of earning your BSN.
Bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN) path
Obtaining your bachelor’s of science in nursing can give you a competitive edge in your career, especially as many employers prefer hiring RNs with BSNs.
If you’re starting from scratch, the bachelor’s program may take four years to complete with full-time coursework. There are both in-person and hybrid programs, but in-person clinical hours will be required for your nursing coursework.
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field or have completed a significant number of college credits, a pre-licensure BSN program could be a great option. Many schools allow you to transfer general education coursework, potentially reducing the number of credits you need to take each semester and making part-time enrollment more feasible.
Some institutions even offer Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs that can be completed in as little as 15 months. It’s important to note, however, that these programs are highly intensive and often discourage students from working while enrolled. Still, if they work with your schedule, you could be on your way to a new career in just over a year!
Choosing a program that works for you
Adult learners interested in nursing school truly come from all walks of life, which means that a program that works for your coworker might not work for you. They may have the ability to quit their job for a year, live off savings, and complete a degree quickly, for example, while you’re trying to complete a bridge program while working a full-time schedule with a kid at home.
Let’s go step by step through the process of how to choose a program that works for you.
Evaluate your starting point
One of the most important factors that will determine your degree path options is where you’re starting from.
Do you already have an associate’s degree, or some college classes? If so, it likely makes sense to focus on an ADN or a BSN program instead of an LPN degree.
Do you already have an LPN and want to become a registered nurse? Wonderful! You might want to consider an ADN, or a LPN to BSN program.
And if you are already licensed as an RN, a BSN will be much faster to complete than if you’re starting from scratch.
Consider the financial details
There are several financial details you need to consider when choosing a program, as costs can vary significantly.
Here's how nursing programs typically rank from least to most expensive:
- Community college ADN programs: These are your most budget-friendly option.
- Private school ADN programs: These programs can be more expensive than community colleges but are often more flexible.
- Private for-profit schools: These programs often have a higher cost, but typically offer the most scheduling flexibility
- State Public BSN programs: Mid-range pricing for bachelor's degrees, particularly for students attending an in-state school.
- Private University BSN programs: The most expensive option, though again, they may offer flexibility.
Comparing program costs
It’s important to compare specific program costs and benefits.
Accelerated programs can be faster to complete, for example, but can be more costly. Some accelerated BSN programs can cost around $60,000 alone, which is a significant investment if you’re paying it all in a short time frame. Since you’re unable to borrow that much from federal student loans at one time, this may also mean you’d need to take out private student loans.
Leveraging tuition assistance
Some employers offer tuition reimbursement and assistance programs, which can alleviate the cost burden for adult learners. However, it’s important to understand any annual limits on tuition reimbursement and to ensure that your school of choice is eligible.
You may be able to strategically time your program to get the most out of those benefits. If your employer will pay up to $3,000 a year in tuition costs, you could start a 12-month program in the summer and finish it the next year. That would allow you to take advantage of $6,000 in tuition reimbursement for a 12-month program.
Applying for scholarships
Finally, don't forget to explore scholarship opportunities. Even a few thousand dollars can help make your program of choice more affordable.
If you aren’t sure where to start, you can search for "[your state] nursing scholarships" or check with local community foundations for additional funding opportunities.
Organizations like Johnson & Johnson also have nursing grants and scholarships you may be able to apply for.
Assess your schedule
Your current work schedule will be one of the biggest factors in determining which programs are realistic options for you.
If you work a traditional Monday-through-Friday day job, you'll need to look specifically for programs that offer evening and weekend classes. Schools will clearly advertise this on their websites, noting what days and times classes and clinicals are available. In some cases, community colleges may only offer Monday-through-Friday day classes.
Keep in mind that once you're licensed and in post-licensure programs (like RN to BSN), clinical requirements become much more flexible and self-scheduled. The most restrictive scheduling tends to be during pre-licensure nursing programs.
Review how much time you can devote to school
Being realistic about your time commitment is crucial for success in nursing school. Here's what you need to consider:
Prerequisites vs. nursing program coursework
The good news is that prerequisite courses offer significant flexibility. You can realistically complete these on your own schedule, even taking just one class per semester if that's what works for your life. However, once you start the actual nursing program, most schools require you to progress with your cohort and complete the program in a set timeframe.
Semester planning
This is why she recommends completing the prerequisites and general education courses prior to starting the nursing courses. Some schools have moved to mini-session formats, where you might take one class for seven weeks, then another for seven weeks, rather than taking multiple classes simultaneously over a full 15-week semester. You’ll find this more with the RN to BSN programs.
Long-term sustainability
Ask yourself honestly if you can manage the time commitment now, will you still be able to maintain it next year if needed?
Consider potential changes in your family situation, work responsibilities, or other life factors that could impact your available study time. You may have a hard time taking classes while a child is home from school, for example. It’s important to plan accordingly.
Check your state’s licensure
Not all nursing programs are accepted in all states, which is an important consideration that's often overlooked. Some states have stricter requirements for licensure, which can limit your program options.
This is particularly important if you're considering online or hybrid programs. For example, Western Governors University's pre-licensure BSN program isn't offered in all states. Similarly, some LPN to RN bridge programs may not be accepted everywhere.
Before committing to any program, verify that it will qualify you for licensure in the state where you plan to work.
Talk to an academic coach
Academic coaches like Melissa specialize in helping students find programs that are right for them.
They can help you determine which degree path makes the most sense based on your starting point, budget, schedule, and professional goals. Rather than trying to figure out all the options on your own, a coach can help you compare different schools and review factors like schedule flexibility, time to completion, and tuition costs.
An academic coach can also help you navigate state-specific requirements and ensure that any program you're considering will be accepted where you plan to work. Since not all programs are available in all states, having someone who understands these nuances can save you from making a costly mistake.
Tips to help you fit nursing school into your life
Continued education can always feel intimidating, especially when you’re tackling important coursework while you already have other responsibilities. The good news is that there are plenty of options available; you can choose the program and degree path that’s best for you.
If you’re ready to seriously consider nursing school, here are a few extra tips from Melissa to help you fit your program into your busy life:
- Start with science and general education courses: These foundational classes are often available online, offering flexibility in scheduling. Some institutions, such as Johns Hopkins or Online Courses for College Credit | Portage Learning, provide online options for nursing prerequisites. However, these programs may be more expensive than those offered by your local community college, so be sure to explore local options as well.
- Take your entrance exam early: After completing key prerequisites like English, Psychology, and Anatomy & Physiology, schedule your entrance exam. While waiting for program acceptance, continue working on remaining general education courses such as Human Growth and Development, Nutrition, or Microbiology.
- Consider adapting your work life: If you like a specific program and it’s only available on weekdays, you can see if changing your work life to accommodate continued education is possible. You may be able to reduce your hours at work, for example, or switch to evening or weekend shifts.
- Apply to different programs: Don’t just apply to a single program; consider all your options, and apply to multiple options.
- Review your options: Melissa strongly recommends evaluating different schools and reviewing factors like schedule, time to completion, and tuition costs.
- Talk to an academic coach: EdAssist’s academic coaches can help you determine which degree path is best based on your starting point, budget, schedule, and professional goals.
