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 the combined group projected to grow 35% through 2034, far faster than most occupations. Nurse practitioners lead that group, with a median of $129,210 and projected growth of 46% (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
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, required fees, and a monthly stipend for students who commit to at least two years of service at a critical-shortage facility after graduation (Health Resources and Services Administration). Start with your school's financial aid office and the scholarship listings from the major nursing organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth going back to school as a nurse?
For most nurses, yes. Each step up the credential ladder raises both pay and job security. The Bureau of Labor Statistics put the May 2024 median wage at $62,340 for LPNs, $93,600 for RNs, and $132,050 for advanced practice nurses, whose roles are projected to grow 35% through 2034.
How long does it take to go back for a higher degree?
It depends on your starting point. An RN with an associate degree can often finish a BSN in about half the time of a traditional program by transferring credits, and graduate degrees like the MSN or DNP add one to four years beyond that.
Can I get credit for my work experience?
Many schools award credit through prior learning assessment (PLA), which recognizes licensure, on-the-job training, military service, and other experience. RNs generally need at least two years of practice to qualify, and you usually document it with a portfolio or subject exam.
How many credits can I transfer?
Most schools accept up to 60 transfer credits toward a bachelor's degree and up to 18 toward a graduate degree, though policies vary. General education and foundational health courses transfer more easily than advanced coursework, and credit must come from an accredited program.
How can I pay for it?
Options include scholarships, grants, federal loans, assistantships, and fellowships. Many employers cover or share the cost, and federal programs like the HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship Program pay tuition and a stipend in exchange for a service commitment at a high-need facility.