This article was written and paid for by West Coast University.
Does becoming a nurse sound like a dream to you?
What if we told you that you could achieve your nursing goals in a matter of months?
We think you can do it.
Are you ready for the five reasons why?
1.) There are more programs available than you might realize.
When it comes to education, not all schools lock you into a one-size-fits-all approach. When you have a variety of programs on the table, it's easy to fit your education into the mix and launch your career.
For example, new students at West Coast University’s Miami campus can earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or BSN, in as little as 39 months. The school has been around for ages. It may be relatively new to Miami, but it’s not a new school, considering it was founded in 1909. For more than 100 years, the university has been offering nursing degrees and programs.
And if you're already a licensed practical nurse, the university has the perfect bridge program for you, and you can get your BSN in 34 months.
2.) You'll realize just how much the numbers make sense.
Hoping to land a full-time gig after you graduate? That's the goal, right?
Although no one can predict what the job market will hold or guarantee employment, it's safe to say, nursing is a smart field to enter these days.
In fact, the number of nursing jobs is expected to grow by 15% from 2016 to 2026 -- much faster than the national average of other professions.* Over those 10 years, that would mean a potential of 438,100 new nursing jobs -- which is 3 ½ times the capacity of Marlins Park, Hard Rock Stadium and American Airlines Arena, combined.* (That's really saying something!)
Furthermore, a bachelor's degree in nursing enables you to connect with patients on a deeper level. With the added knowledge and experience, you'll be providing the community with an even better service.
One last thing: 86.3% of employers express a strong preference for BSN program graduates.** So if you're an LPN looking to improve upon your situation, it might be time to start doing some more research or signing up for classes.
3.) Three words: Evenings and weekends.
WCU's Miami campus offers evening and weekend courses for students working full-time jobs or who have other pressing engagements.
Educators at WCU want to make it easy for you to earn your degree. This flexibility can make all the difference.
4.) WCU includes all mandatory prerequisites.
Including all the prerequisites means you won't have to go elsewhere or wait around on classes. It's just more efficient this way.
The school provides dedicated faculty members who will support you and help you get through the program. These educators are in place to help their students succeed, end of story.
5.) When it comes to financial aid, you'll have someone in your corner.
The university will match you with a financial aid adviser to assist you with payment plans and help you search for scholarships and grants, so long as you qualify.
Administrators don't just want you to plod through nursing school. They want you to thrive, flourish and go on to engage in an active, fulfilling career. These programs are developed to help new nurses get up to speed with the best possible courses and technology -- or help LPNs take that extra step.
For more information, visit WCU’s website.
What better time than now to apply? There's no waitlist, and classes are available when you need them. Lotteries to get into specific courses are a thing of the past. WCU even starts at multiple times throughout the year, so you don't have to wait for one particular fall or spring semester.
Disclosures: WCU cannot guarantee employment.
*Source: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
**Source: The American Association of Colleges of Nursing