Becoming a registered nurse (RN) is one thing, but quitting your job for a Nursing degree might not be financially feasible. You could already be juggling a mortgage, supporting your family, or maybe your current career is on a roll you want to see through. That anxiety is real and valid. Traditional Nursing school is rigorous, requiring you to be there physically and mentally.
One of the most common questions from prospective nurses and career-changers going into healthcare: Can I actually keep my job while going to Nursing school? Where can I learn how to become a nurse while working full-time?
It may surprise you, but the answer is yes: you can continue to work while enrolled in a Nursing program. All you need is the right support system and a Nursing program designed for working adults.
At University of Bridgeport, we understand that our students are often balancing complex lives. That is why our associate degree in Nursing (ADN) program is built differently. Flexible and accessible, this program won’t make you choose between your current paycheck and your future nursing career.
Balancing work and Nursing school
Let’s be honest: balancing a job with a rigorous Nursing curriculum is difficult, to say the least. Traditional Nursing programs often force you into a 9-to-5 routine that makes it nearly impossible to hold down a job.
But times are changing, and programs like UB’s recognize that modern students are often non-traditional. You might be switching careers, a parent, or an already working professional. We realized our degrees should be adaptable to align with that.
When assessing the workload, here are the key areas to check to determine how flexible a program really is.
1. Evening classes for the 9-to-5 professional
One of the biggest challenges for working students is balancing shift hours and lecture times. ADN programs like UB’s address this by offering evening classes, allowing students to maintain a regular daytime work schedule while attending classes after hours. You can finish up your workday, get ready for class, and step in without missing a single shift.
2. Varied clinical scheduling
Clinical rotations are essential for learning, but they are also notoriously difficult to schedule while juggling work with Nursing school. Many programs assign clinicals arbitrarily, often in the middle of the work week.
Look for a program like University of Bridgeport’s, which offers varied clinical scheduling to accommodate different lifestyles. By providing clinical opportunities that include days, evenings, and weekends, we empower you to build a schedule that fits your life. Whether you need to keep your weekends free for family or your weekdays free for work, varied clinical scheduling ensures you can log your required hours without sacrificing your employment.
3. Pacing for your life
Rushing through a Nursing degree isn’t the only way to finish, but you shouldn’t need to drag it out for years on end. Working students need part-time pacing that’s manageable and keeps the same quality as a full-time course, meaning you can earn your degree in as little as 20 months while still working. It’s a sweet spot for many career switchers. It’s fast enough to get you into working nursing positions quickly, but not enough to burn you out.
Explore UB’s Nursing programs, designed with flexibility in mind.
Strategies for success
Even with the flexible structure of an ADN program, you’ll still need to put some strategy and, obviously, work. Here are a few tips to help you thrive:
Communicate early and often
Transparency with your employer is key. Employers value ambition and may be willing to adjust your schedule if they know you are working while in Nursing school. If you are already working in healthcare (perhaps as a CNA or tech), your employer might even offer tuition assistance or study-friendly shifts.
Balance your calendar
When you are ping-ponging between employment and Nursing school, your calendar is your lifeline. Block out everything: work shifts, evening classes, clinicals, and study sessions. Treat your study time with the same respect you would a work shift. After all, they’re both good for your career.
Find your in-between time
You don’t always need a four-hour block to study. Use other parts of your day to squeeze in your learning. Listen to lectures while commuting, review some flashcards on your lunch break, or even listen to nursing podcasts while doing chores.
Lean on your support system
You are not doing this alone. University of Bridgeport is filled with students who are working, parenting, and thriving. Lean on your peers for support, form study groups that meet during evening classes, and don’t hesitate to ask faculty for guidance.
Ultimately, becoming a nurse while working full-time requires a shift: stop viewing school as an interruption to your work and start viewing schoolwork as an investment in your future career.
Successful students at UB recommend placing study blocks immediately before or after work shifts to save time. By consolidating your efforts and utilizing our evening class structures, you remove the friction between your two worlds, turning a chaotic schedule into a synchronized routine
Your future is waiting
Becoming a nurse is a sign of strength, demonstrating the ability to manage numerous important responsibilities while persevering. You do not have to quit your job to follow your passion.
University of Bridgeport offers one of the more flexible options for becoming a nurse and still working. With classes from morning to evening, customizable clinical scheduling, and a supportive environment, UB is ready to help you make your mark during your time.
Your future in healthcare is nearer than you think. Learn more today.