Returning To School

Nursing rewards continued education. Entry-level roles usually do not require a bachelor's degree, but nurses who want better pay and more options often go back for one. Many people enter the field fast, earning a CNA or LPN/LVN credential in a year or less, or an associate degree in nursing (ADN) that reaches RN licensure in two years instead of four. From there, a higher degree opens doors: many hospitals specifically seek BSN-prepared nurses, and advanced practice roles like nurse practitioner require a graduate degree, either an MSN or a DNP. This guide covers what returning to school can do for your career and how to pay for it.

Job and salary outlook by degree

Going back to school raises both your earning potential and your job security. The figures below come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for May 2024.

LPNs and LVNs, who do not need a full degree for licensure, earn a median of $62,340, with projected growth of 3% through 2034. Registered nurses earn a median of $93,600, with 5% projected growth. Advanced practice nurses, the category that includes nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives, earn a median of $132,050, with projected growth of 35% through 2034, far faster than most occupations.

Online learning for working nurses

Many nurses rule out going back to school because the workload looks impossible alongside a job. Online programs solve much of that. Most run asynchronously, so you watch lectures and join discussions on your own schedule. Some include synchronous sessions, like an evening lecture, to build connections with classmates and faculty, but the programs are designed around people who need flexibility.

Distance programs often cost less than their on-campus equivalents, and you save on commuting. Keep in mind that nursing programs still require clinicals and internships at a healthcare facility, though you can usually arrange those locally.

Transferring credits

If you have prior college credit, transferring it makes your degree shorter and cheaper. Most schools accept up to 60 transfer credits toward a bachelor's degree, which is common for students who already hold an ADN or some college coursework. A returning student with an ADN can sometimes finish a bachelor's in half the time. Many institutions also let graduate students transfer up to 18 credits.

General education and foundational health courses usually transfer more easily than advanced coursework, and you can generally only transfer credit from an accredited program. Policies vary by school, so check the student handbook and talk to an advisor about specific requirements.

Credit for work experience

Many schools recognize that nurses arrive with knowledge gained on the job rather than in a classroom, so they award credit for work or life experience. That can include workplace training, volunteer work, civic engagement, or military service, and many programs also factor in existing licensure or certification. This is a real advantage for adults returning after years of practice.

How prior learning is assessed

Prior learning assessment (PLA) is the process schools use to award credit for life and work experience. Many returning nurses earn credit through their LPN/LVN or RN licensure plus their work history, and some earn it for healthcare volunteer work or training programs. The amount varies by school, but RNs generally need at least two years of experience to qualify. It takes effort: you usually submit a portfolio, pass an exam, or otherwise document your experience. Research links PLA to higher graduation rates and faster degree completion, and it lets you graduate sooner or carry a lighter load.

How PLA credits transfer

You can pursue PLA credit a few ways. Build a portfolio demonstrating your mastery of a subject through the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning. Take a subject exam such as CLEP or DSST to earn college credit. Or apply through the American Council on Education, which evaluates courses and training for credit. Policies differ by school. Some only waive course requirements, while most award actual credit. Confirm your prospective school's policy with an advisor.

Paying for school

Cost is the main barrier for most returning nurses, especially RNs eyeing a graduate degree while still repaying undergraduate loans. The funding options are the same ones undergraduates use: scholarships, grants, loans, assistantships, and fellowships. Universities and nursing organizations both offer scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students, and some funds target graduate students specifically or require a focus area like nursing education or administration. Federal programs are also worth checking. The HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship Program, for example, covers tuition and fees for students who commit to working in a high-need facility after graduation. Start with your school's financial aid office and the scholarship listings from the major nursing organizations.