How to Break Into Nursing if You Majored in Something Else

So, you didn’t study nursing in college—but now you’re thinking about it. Maybe you’ve spent a few years in another field and realized it’s not for you. Or maybe you’ve always wanted to help people but didn’t know how to make that happen. The good news? You’re not stuck. Plenty of people break into nursing after majoring in something completely different. It’s not only possible—it’s common.

In fact, many nursing schools have built entire programs just for people like you.

Why Your Non-Nursing Degree Isn’t a Setback

First things first: your current degree isn’t a waste. It can actually work in your favor.

Nursing schools often look for students who already have a strong academic background, even if it’s not in health sciences. Maybe you studied psychology, biology, business, or even something like communications—those skills still matter. Critical thinking, organization, empathy, and communication are all huge parts of being a nurse.

If you’re wondering about the fastest way to become a nurse, Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs are one of the most direct routes for people who’ve already completed college in another field. These programs are designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in something else. They cut out the general education courses and focus only on the nursing-specific curriculum. Most ABSN programs take about 11 to 18 months to complete, depending on the school.

Know the Types of Programs Available

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to nursing school, especially when you’re entering with a non-nursing degree. That’s why it’s helpful to know your options.

ABSN programs are the most common choice for career changers. They move quickly and focus solely on nursing coursework and clinicals. These are usually full-time and intensive, so most students don’t work while enrolled.

If you’re open to a longer path and want to take your career even further, you might look into direct-entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs. These allow you to earn both your RN license and a master’s degree. They usually take 2–3 years and can lead to advanced practice roles like nurse practitioner or nurse educator.

And, of course, there’s always the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) route, but this is usually geared toward first-time college students. For someone who already has a degree, ABSN or direct-entry MSN programs are a better fit.

Some programs are in-person, while others offer hybrid or online formats, especially for classroom learning. Clinicals, however, still need to be completed in person at approved sites.

Prerequisites You Might Need to Complete First

Even though you already have a degree, you’ll probably need to complete a few science courses before applying to a nursing program. These are called prerequisites.

Most ABSN and MSN programs require:

• Anatomy and Physiology (I and II)
• Microbiology
• Chemistry
• Nutrition
• Statistics
• Developmental Psychology (in some cases)

If you didn’t take these during your undergrad, don’t worry. You can usually complete them at a local community college or online through accredited schools. Some programs even allow you to start before all prerequisites are finished, as long as you complete them before the program begins.

It’s a good idea to check the exact requirements for each school since they can vary.

What Nursing School Is Really Like (and How to Prepare)

If you’re picturing long lectures and a few tests here and there, think again. Nursing school is hands-on, fast-moving, and packed with real-world experience.

Most programs combine classroom learning with clinical rotations, where you’ll work directly with patients in hospitals or clinics. You’ll learn to take vital signs, give medications, handle emergencies, and support patients emotionally. It’s a lot—but it’s also one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.

To prepare, try shadowing a nurse or volunteering at a local healthcare facility. Even a few hours a week can help you get comfortable in the environment. You’ll also want to brush up on your study habits and time management skills, especially if your first degree didn’t involve science-heavy coursework.

Nursing school is a full-time commitment. You’ll need to stay organized and focused—but you’ll come out of it with skills that truly change lives.

Tips for Getting Into a Competitive Program

Nursing programs—especially accelerated ones—can be competitive. But that doesn’t mean you need a perfect GPA or years of experience in healthcare.

Here’s what helps:

• Strong GPA: Most schools want at least a 3.0, especially in science courses.
• Healthcare exposure: Volunteer work, job shadowing, or part-time work in a hospital or clinic.
• Great personal statement: Be honest about why you want to be a nurse and how your background makes you a strong candidate.
• Letters of recommendation: Ask professors, supervisors, or mentors who know you well and can speak to your work ethic and character.

Even if you didn’t study nursing originally, your experience still counts. Schools love applicants who are committed and ready for the challenge.

What to Expect After You Graduate

Once you finish your program, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to get your license. This is the national exam all nurses must take. Most ABSN and MSN programs prepare you well for it, and many offer NCLEX prep resources.

After passing the NCLEX, you’ll officially be a Registered Nurse (RN). From there, you can work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, schools, or even community health settings.

Your first job might be on a medical-surgical unit or in a specialized area like pediatrics, emergency care, or women’s health. As you gain experience, you can pursue certifications or return to school to become a nurse practitioner, educator, or administrator. Nursing is flexible, and there are dozens of directions you can go. That’s one of the best things about it.

Nursing is one of the few careers where people from completely different backgrounds can find success and purpose. If you majored in something else but now feel drawn to nursing, don’t ignore that pull. With programs built specifically for career changers, you don’t have to start from scratch.

Explore your options, complete your prerequisites, and talk to schools that offer ABSN or direct-entry MSN programs. You’re closer than you think to starting a career that truly makes a difference.

It’s not about where you started—it’s about where you’re going. And if that path leads to nursing, you’ve got everything it takes to get there.