With any career change comes questions, challenges, and preparation on your part.
There are many reasons to seek a change in your career path, but now is the time to become a nurse in Indiana. According to Indiana Career Ready, nursing is among the most in-demand jobs in the state. Rankings are based on growth and opportunity and nursing provides both.
Are you caring and compassionate, detail-oriented with good communication skills, adaptable, and a critical thinker who can remain calm under pressure? If you possess these qualities, then you may be a great registered nurse!
Of course, you probably aren't quite sure. Read the frequently asked questions about nursing school below and determine if it is a good fit for you. Whether you are motivated by a new challenge, earning potential, or just seeking more job satisfaction, a career in nursing may be just what the doctor (or nurse) ordered!
7 Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing School
1. If I want to become a nurse, why should I work toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that between 2019 and 2029, the nursing field will grow by 7 percent, faster than average for all occupations—and the Institute of Internal Medicine recommends the proportion of nurses with a bachelor’s degree increase to 80 percent. This goal is ongoing, and will only make a BSN more necessary in the future.
In addition, the choices and opportunities for a nurse with a BSN are endless, from numerous specialties and positions within hospitals, to various other health care facilities, schools, and organizations. And if you have done any research on earning potential for an RN, you probably know that the median annual salary for a registered nurse with a BSN is $75,330, according to the BLS.
2. How soon can I start working in my new career?
Unlike the traditional four-year BSN program, Marian University offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program in Indianapolis, IN and Nashville, TN. The 16-month program has three starts per year, so there is no waiting to enroll.
Start dates are in January, May, and August, and you will remain with the same group of students, your cohort, throughout the entire 16 months, building friendships and forming a great support system.
This means that from the time you start the Accelerated BSN program, you could be working as a registered nurse in less than two years.
3. What do I need to do to qualify for the program?
You must have a bachelor’s degree already in any field, and you may need to take ABSN prerequisites to begin the 16-month program.
One thing that sets Marian University apart from other nursing programs is our advisors. Our advisors work very closely with students to ensure they are meeting the necessary requirements throughout the entire program, from start to finish. They serve as your personal cheerleader, encouraging you throughout the admissions process.
A personalized academic plan will be created just for you and include your background, goals, and a target start date. They are also a vital source of information, fully vested in your success as a Marian University student.
4. Is this an accredited nursing program? How does that affect me?
Yes, Marian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
In addition, Marian University’s School of Nursing and the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program are approved for operation by the Indiana State Board of Nursing (ISBN). Other accreditations include the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Choosing an accredited nursing program ensures you are receiving a high-quality nursing education, are qualified to sit for the NCLEX-RN, and will have a respected BSN recognized by future academic institutions and employers.
5. Can I afford a BSN?
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When pursuing any academic degree, it is important to know the financial commitment up front, which can vary based on the prerequisites needed. Your education is an investment that has the potential of yielding a high return in a short period of time with ABSN program.
The first thing you should do is speak to your admissions advisor about financial aid options for nursing school. She can guide you on the FAFSA process, as well as discuss any other financial aid options, such as scholarships. Remember, even if you only get a couple of hundred dollars in scholarships, that can take care of your textbooks or fees for a few semesters.
You should also make sure to schedule an appointment with the Financial Aid Office—they have additional resources and can answer any questions you have about tuition, fees, and more.
6. How does online learning in the ABSN program work?
The ABSN program which uses a combination of online courses, hands-on practice at our onsite skills lab, and hospital clinical rotations (750 hours in clinical and lab settings) to prepare you for a nursing career in just 16 months of study.
Online courses give you the flexibility needed in an interactive classroom where you will learn from instructors and engage in live chats with other students. You can pause the lectures and discussions at any time and return to any portion of the lessons that needed to be repeated for a better understanding of the material, whenever it’s convenient for you.
Our web-based platform is available 24 hours a day, as long as you have an internet connection. You will also be able to practice and apply what you have learned at our onsite skills lab and nursing resource center.
Here you will have hands-on clinical instruction, fully equipped with patient simulators, hospital beds, medical supplies and anything else needed to replicate an actual hospital setting. Your hospital clinical rotations will be done concurrently with your coursework in the ABSN program and comprise a variety of specialties.
7. Can I preview the nursing program?
There are many ways to preview the ABSN program. You can download your free guide to the ABSN program.
There are also opportunities throughout the year to interact with current students, alumni, nursing leadership, admissions staff, and nursing faculty while learning about the options for traditional and non-traditional nursing students at Marian University. These events are for anyone interested in nursing, and you are welcome to bring friends and family members.
Speak to an Advisor
Changing careers could be be frustrating and create unnecessary anxiety if you aren’t prepared with the right information and guidance at hand. If you are contemplating a career in nursing, let us help ease the decision-making process by discussing with you all there is to know about the Marian University Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
Nursing is Indiana's #1 hottest job, so what are you waiting for? Take the first step toward starting your new career path today so you can make a difference tomorrow. Contact us to speak to an advisor today.