Potential students, and sometimes their parents, often wonder, ‘is a second-degree nursing program worth it?’ After all, these students, or their parents, have already paid for college once. But if you’re passionate about becoming a nurse, we’re here to tell you it’s definitely a profession worth pursuing.
Nursing is a growing, high-demand profession that plays a critical role in advancing our nation’s healthcare system. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects registered nurse employment to grow by 15% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. So not only is it a profession that offers job security, it also provides diverse career opportunities and flexible work schedules. Not to mention, Monster recently ranked registered nursing the #1 most in-demand job in the country.
Pick Up Where You Left Off
When it comes to our second-degree nursing program, you don’t have to feel like your first go-around in college was all for naught. Whether you have an undergraduate degree in accounting, biology, marketing or psychology, we allow you to build on this existing education so you can earn a quality BSN in as few as 16 months.
Furthermore, you’ll find that our second-degree nursing program near Boston or in Charlotte is worth the investment for several reasons, including:
1. National Reputation
Ranked one of the top 40 universities in the nation and one of the top 10 most innovative schools by U.S. News & World Report, we have a strong reputation for graduating nursing entrepreneurs who are prepared to make a difference in healthcare. Not to mention, our university is home to faculty and researchers who are actively contributing to healthcare improvements around the globe.
“I chose Northeastern for its reputation and NCLEX pass rates,” said Sarah, a 2018 graduate of our second-degree nursing program in Charlotte.
2. Enrollment Capacity
Unlike most second-degree nursing programs, we take the wait and uncertainty out of starting nursing school by offering three program starts a year at our site locations in suburban Boston and Uptown Charlotte. Furthermore, because our program has an online learning component and clinical placement opportunities with local, leading hospitals, we’re able to enroll a high number of students per start.
“Charlotte doesn’t have many accelerated nursing programs, so I was super pumped when I found out about Northeastern because it was exactly what I wanted,” said Taylor, a 2018 graduate of our second-degree nursing program in Charlotte.
3. Admissions Support
When it comes to applying to our second-degree nursing program, you won’t find a better admissions team than the one at Northeastern. Our admissions counselors will go above and beyond the call of duty to champion your entry into nursing school. In fact, we pair you up with a counselor who becomes your guide throughout the enrollment process, providing highly personalized support every step of the way.
“My admissions process was fantastic and very straightforward,” said Patti, a 2018 graduate of our second-degree nursing program in Charlotte.
4. Academic Support
As a Northeastern nursing student, you’re destined for success. You’ll study under highly experienced nursing faculty who implement effective teaching strategies as well as provide support and encouragement. From the first to the last day of class, our faculty makes it their mission to see you through your goal of becoming a nurse.
“I definitely felt supported by my professors. They were always helpful and wanted us to do well,” said Rina, a 2017 graduate of our second-degree nursing program near Boston.
5. Clinical Partnerships
One of the reasons many nursing schools have limited seating in their programs is because they don’t have enough clinical placement opportunities available for students. But thanks to our strong clinical partnerships in Boston and Charlotte, our students have access to a wide variety of clinical placements at top healthcare facilities.
“I was impressed with the wide range of options for clinicals,” said Megan, a 2017 graduate of our second-degree nursing program near Boston. “I was also impressed with the flexibility of the program to help place you in hospitals that you wanted.”
6. Employment Opportunities
Whether you attend our second-degree nursing program near Boston or in Charlotte, you’ll complete the same accredited curriculum that has resulted in successful outcomes time and time again. Most recently, our inaugural cohort in Charlotte achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN® exam. Not to mention, all of these students have jobs, with many receiving their offers of employment while still in nursing school.
“I definitely think that having Northeastern nursing on your [job] application is going to help you,” said Shaelyn, a 2017 graduate of our second-degree nursing program near Boston.
Overall, a BSN degree from Northeastern prepares you to stand out with employers and pursue a more advanced nursing degree in the future, if you choose. More specifically, we prepare you to:
- Sit for the NCLEX-RN® licensure exam with confidence.
- Provide quality, compassionate care to diverse populations.
- Collaborate with other healthcare professions to improve patient outcomes.
- Apply leadership skills and innovative thinking while delivering patient care.
How to Finance a Second-Degree Nursing Program
While you might find the price tag of earning a second bachelor’s degree in nursing a little intimidating, don’t look at it in terms of dollars and cents. Look at it as a wise investment in your future. By choosing Northeastern, you’re not just investing in an education, you’re paying for nursing skills that will put you at the top of your game.
While federal, state, and university grants/scholarships are limited for second-degree nursing students, you still might be able to finance your education via federal and/or private loans. Keep in mind, you’ll most likely need a co-signer for these loans. If you plan on using one of your parents as a co-signer, be sure to have your talk track ready to explain why a second-degree nursing program is worth it.
Federal Loans
Given the various low-interest loan options available through the U.S. Department of Education, we encourage you, no matter your income level, to apply for financial aid by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)—it’s the only way to know what type of loan you’re qualified to receive.
Private Loans
More times than not, federal student aid will not cover the total cost of attending a second-degree nursing program. Therefore, it’s a good idea to research private lenders, such as banks or credit unions, and try to borrow from an institution with low-interest rates and good terms. Keep in mind that you’ll want to make sure you get accepted into our program before applying for a private loan.
Third-Party Scholarships
While we don’t offer grants or scholarships for our second-degree nursing program, we encourage you to pursue award-based funding through a third party. Each scholarship follows different criteria, usually reflecting the values and/or purposes of the donor or founder of the award.
- Massachusetts Nursing Scholarships
- North Carolina Nursing Scholarships
- Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
- Fastweb
Our Student Financial Services team can help you identify the best options for financing your nursing education. You can contact them at 617.373.5899 or gradsfs@northeastern.edu. You can also contact our admissions team to learn more about the value of our second-degree nursing program.
