If you’ve built a career in business but are now curious about nursing, you may wonder whether it’s possible to make the switch without starting at square one in your educational journey. While you may lack clinical experience, you likely have many skills that can carry into nursing, such as communication, time management, and adaptability.
In this article, we’ll show you how to make the transition from business to nursing and how your business background can help you take the next step.
Why Change Your Career to Nursing?
Making the switch from business to nursing may be more common than you think. Many people decide to make a career change to nursing, and they have different reasons for making this choice. Some of these reasons can include:
- Meaningful work: Some career changers go into nursing because they want to make a positive impact on people’s lives. They view nursing as a way to make a difference for patients and families.
- Flexible schedule options: If you’re coming from a demanding business role, you may be used to working long hours and answering emails on the weekends. In contrast, many nurses work 12-hour shifts 3 days a week, giving them more days off to handle personal tasks and spend time with loved ones.
- Team-based role: Some business roles involve long hours of independent work at a desk or behind a computer. Nurses work as part of a team and collaborate with doctors, specialists, and other care team members throughout their shifts.
- Room for growth: Like business, nursing can offer room for growth. Some nurses choose to specialize in an area, like pediatrics or intensive care, while others continue their education to pursue advanced nursing roles.
What Are Some Transferable Skills From Business to Nursing?
At first, business and nursing may seem completely different. But if you think about it, you likely already have many skills that can transfer to the nursing field. These skills may include:
Leadership
If you’ve led teams or managed projects, you know how to use your leadership skills to build relationships and think critically. Nurses use leadership skills to advocate for their patients and make decisions, often in stressful situations.
Communication
In the business world, you may use communication skills to explain complex ideas, negotiate deals, or persuade clients. In healthcare, those same skills can be useful when speaking with patients and communicating with other team members
Problem Solving
As a business professional, you may apply your knowledge and expertise to solve complicated problems, like a team challenge or a last-minute deadline. Nursing requires the same problem-solving skills to assess situations and make decisions based on clinical judgment.
Adaptability
When a client changes their mind or your manager shifts course on a project, you may need to be flexible and willing to go in a different direction. The same holds true in nursing, where patient needs and priorities can change quickly.
Time Management
Between meetings, emails, and projects, you may already know how to manage your time efficiently to handle your responsibilities. Time management skills are just as valuable in nursing, especially during busy shifts when caring for many patients.
How to Transition From Business to Nursing
Nursing is a field that requires education, training, and experience. However, there are ways to make the transition, even if you’ve never worked in healthcare before. Here’s what to know about how to become a nurse with a business degree:
1. Choose a Nursing Program
Before you can transition into the nursing field, you’ll need to complete a program to learn nursing fundamentals and gain clinical experience. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field, you may not want to spend time getting another undergraduate degree.
In this case, a Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursing (DEMSN) might be an option to consider. A DEMSN program is designed for students who hold degrees in other fields. It allows you to work toward nursing licensure and a master’s degree simultaneously.
A DEMSN program can help you prepare to enter the nursing profession at a graduate level in an accelerated timeline. At West Coast University, the DEMSN program for non-nursing graduates can be completed in approximately 2 years.
2. Apply for Admission
Once you decide on a program, you can apply for enrollment. Review the admission requirements thoroughly to make sure you meet them. Requirements typically include holding a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and passing an entrance exam.
Programs may also require you to take certain courses, such as anatomy and physiology, before you can enroll. At WCU, DEMSN applicants must complete these courses, which they can take through the university:
- Anatomy and Physiology with lab
- Microbiology with lab
- Statistics
- Human Growth and Development
3. Complete the Program
A DEMSN program combines coursework, licensure preparation, and clinical experience. You’ll take courses that likely weren’t part of your business degree, such as pathophysiology, pharmacology, public health nursing, and disease management.
In the first part of the program, your coursework will align with NCLEX-RN preparation for registered nurses. You’ll practice your new skills in simulation labs and build your clinical judgment. Eventually, you’ll begin clinical rotations and provide patient care under supervision.
Later in the program, you’ll begin graduate-level coursework in nursing. Classes will center on advanced nursing concepts, including clinical judgment and evidence-based practices.
Tips for Making the Switch From Business to Nursing
Changing careers to an entirely new field can feel exciting and challenging at the same time. Follow these tips to make the switch:
- Confirm your decision. Before you invest time and money into a nursing education, make sure it’s what you want to do. If you can, shadow a nurse or volunteer at a facility to get a feel for what the job entails and whether it’s a good fit for you.
- Know what to expect. A nursing program takes time and commitment, especially when you’re brand new to healthcare. Find a way to balance coursework, clinical rotations, and labs that feels manageable to you.
- Lean on your transferable skills. Moving to a new field doesn’t mean leaving your current skills behind. Put your skills in adaptability, time management, and organization to good use as you prepare for a new career.
- Be patient. A career change to nursing won’t happen overnight. Be patient with yourself as you learn nursing concepts and develop clinical skills.
Explore a Career Change to Nursing at WCU-Miami
If you want to make the transition from business to nursing, it’s definitely possible. With a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field, you can pursue a DEMSN program that will help you prepare for licensure and a graduate-level nursing education.
At WCU-Miami, our Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursing program is designed for career changers like you who want to move into nursing to make a difference. The program offers a flexible hybrid format that combines online coursework with on-campus labs and supervised clinical experience. It offers a pathway to move into nursing without starting over and can be completed in as few as 2 years!
Are you ready to make the switch from business to nursing? Reach out today to schedule an information session and learn more!
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
Call
Info Session