8 Reasons Why Right Now is a Great Time to Get a Nursing Degree

Not all jobs within the medical world require years of education or thousands of dollars of debt. Some, like nursing, can put you to work in as little as a year. Good news is, nursing jobs are booming, pay is good, and the field is rapidly growing. Finding the right porgram to launch you into your new career is as easy as an online search.

Becoming a nurse is rewarding, and it doesn’t require years of schooling and student loans. Fortunately, many of the best schools are now offering affordable online classes to help you get started right away.

1. You’ll always have job security.

Today, it’s not uncommon for industries to evolve and replace people with technology. However, no machine could ever replace the human element of bedside care, so the risk is very low. The market for nursing is always steady, too, and for a simple reason: People are always getting sick, and therefore, they always need someone to help them get better again. Enter the nurse.

2. You’ll have plenty of options.

There are many different types of nurses, ranging from emergency room nurses and pediatric nurses to oncology nurses and travel nurses. The specialty you select will also determine your office setting.

3. You’ll have a flexible schedule.

This doesn’t mean you won’t work hard. On the contrary, nurses have challenging and rewarding jobs that demand a lot — physically, mentally and emotionally. However, many nurses do have the option to customize a schedule around their lifestyle. It’s not uncommon for nurses to work four days in a row and then have three days off. Work hard, play hard.

4. Your skills will be in high demand.

Nursing is a steady industry that shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, many recent reports have verified this. US News reports that nursing is one of the most stable and secure jobs of 2018, and the US Bureau of Labor predicts that the employment rate for nurses will grow by 16 percent over the next six years. (In other words, now is the time to get on board.)

5. You might not have to pay your student loans.

If you get your nursing degree, there are lots of student loan forgiveness programs that you can apply for. Your best bet would be to apply for a job at a military hospital, government facility or in the Peace Corps.

6. You could see the world.

Travel nursing is a popular option for nurses who want to experience life and work in different cities or even different countries. It’s a great way to get both work and life experience.

7. You’ll lead a more fulfilling life.

The work that nurses do is meaningful and helps others lead better, healthier lives. Many nurses often experience higher job satisfaction because they know they’re making a difference in the world.

8. You can get started right now, from your computer.

Traditional nursing school can be very expensive and time-consuming. Get ahead of the game by applying for an online program to get the basic coursework out of the way before starting clinical work.