Veteran to BSN programs can allow you to use your prior college credits to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in less time. To go from military to nursing graduate, you must contact an admissions counselor, complete prerequisites, submit your application and prepare to excel.
The transition from the military to civilian life can be challenging to navigate. You will need to find a way to apply your transferable skills to a new career, and you will want to find a career path that is meaningful to you. What better way to use your skills than helping patients in the nursing field?
Military veterans typically already possess many soft skills essential to nursing, so the next step is learning critical technical nursing skills. You can earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with veteran to BSN programs that allow you to leverage your prior college credits to accelerate your progress toward a degree. Let us examine how you can transition from veteran to BSN graduate.
Why Nursing Is an Excellent Fit for Veterans
Working through a military-to-nursing program can be a natural fit, as it allows you to use many of the skills you learned in the military. These transferable skills include the following:
- Teamwork
- Communication skills
- Strong work ethic
- Ability to follow or give orders while under pressure
- Adaptability
- Emotional resilience
- Problem-solving
- Respectfulness
- Professional ethics
The military taught you to be an ethical leader who prioritizes your team members. Now, you can learn how to be a nurse leader who prioritizes your patients’ best interests.
Benefits of Pursuing a BSN
Why seek veteran to BSN programs? While becoming a nurse with only an associate degree is possible, hiring managers prefer a BSN. The BSN is the most respected entry-level nursing degree, and many employers require nurses to hold a BSN before being considered for promotion. For example, the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force RNs must have a BSN.
Moreover, multiple studies have determined that when hospitals hire a greater proportion of BSN-prepared nurses compared to associate degree-prepared nurses, patient outcomes improve. A BSN is also a prerequisite to pursuing graduate-level nursing education, which is often necessary for advancement.
If you already hold a non-nursing college degree or a minimum amount of non-nursing college credits, you may qualify to earn your BSN on an accelerated timetable. In fact, it is often possible to earn a BSN in less time than an associate degree. Let us explore how you transition smoothly from veteran to BSN graduate.
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How to Transition From the Military to Nursing
Transitioning from the military to nursing can be an intense and challenging experience. However, as a military veteran, you are no stranger to adversity and will probably welcome the challenge because it offers personal and professional growth opportunities. Here are eight steps you can take to progress from veteran to BSN graduate.
1. Research Your Nursing School Options
The first step to transitioning to a meaningful civilian career is researching veteran to BSN programs. You will want to choose a school that welcomes veterans and other non-traditional students and allows you to leverage your prior non-nursing college education toward earning a BSN in far less than the usual four years.
For example, the University of St. Thomas Houston’s (UST’s) Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program requires applicants to have either a completed non-nursing bachelor’s degree (BS or BA) or a minimum of 60 college credits. Armed with this academic foundation, you could earn your nursing degree in 12 months across four semesters of intensive nursing study.
2. Contact an Admissions Advisor
Having found the nursing school that fits your needs, the next step is to contact an admissions advisor. At the UST’s ABSN program, you will be assigned to a dedicated admissions advisor who will answer all your questions and help you create a personalized academic plan to apply.
First, your admissions advisor will review your unofficial college transcripts and assess your eligibility for the program. Your advisor will then discuss whether any prerequisites may be necessary.
3. Complete Any Required Prerequisites
Prerequisites are common for ABSN programs. Since the curriculum is fast-paced and focuses entirely on nursing concepts and skills, you will need to enter the program already equipped with the necessary science and math skills to succeed. To that end, prerequisites for ABSN programs tend to focus on science and math subjects, although some humanities courses may be required. Your prior college credits may fulfill some or even all the prerequisites.
If you decide to apply to the ABSN program at UST, you will need to fulfill the following prerequisites:
- Microbiology
- Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II
- Algebra or Statistics
An additional nutrition course is recommended but optional.
4. Submit Your Application
Having completed all the required prerequisites, you will be ready to finalize your application. ABSN programs commonly require an essay or personal statement as part of the application package. However, the UST’s ABSN program no longer requires this. Nevertheless, you will need to submit your scores from a nursing school entrance exam. A score of 78% or higher is required on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). Alternatively, a score of 80% or higher is acceptable for applicants who take the Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) Admission Assessment exam.
5. Prepare for Nursing School
After submitting your application, take time to prepare for this next stage in your life. You will need to gather supplies, such as a stethoscope, compression socks, school-branded scrubs and very comfortable, supportive shoes. As a veteran, you are probably already up to date with your immunizations, but double-check your records. You may want to obtain CPR certification, consolidate your finances and explore additional financial aid options for veterans.
Explore financial aid for nursing school in this comprehensive guide.
6. Earn Your BSN Degree
The following year or so will be challenging and very busy, so establish the right mindset from the start. You will work through a rigorous curriculum that includes coursework, skills labs and clinical rotations. UST offers online coursework, which our students typically find more convenient. With our digital platform, you can review the material as often as necessary.
You will visit one of our ABSN learning sites for in-person nursing skills labs and nursing simulation labs, during which you will develop crucial nursing skills and practice working through patient care scenarios, respectively. You will also be placed within top healthcare facilities nearby to complete your clinical rotations, during which you will provide actual patient care under supervision.
7. Care for Your Wellness During a Veteran to Nurse Program
The transition to civilian life is undoubtedly challenging regardless of how long it has been since you separated from the military. Without extra care and attention, the rigors of a military-to-nursing program can hinder your progress. Be sure to care for your physical and mental wellness during this time.
Consider the following tips:
- Limit fast food/convenience meals and try to maintain a healthy diet.
- Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol.
- Limit caffeine, especially later in the day, and prioritize sleep quality.
- Exercise regularly, which is healthy for body and mind.
- Seek mental health counseling as required.
8. Pass the NCLEX and Obtain Your Nursing License
Having graduated from the ABSN program, you will be prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®). This challenging exam will test you not only on your nursing knowledge but predominantly on your ability to think critically and apply sound clinical judgment when developing appropriate responses to patient care scenarios.
After passing the exam, you can apply for a state-issued nursing license and be ready to pursue your first nursing job.
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Turn Your Military Experience Into a Career in Nursing
UST invites military veterans to apply to our accelerated nursing program in Houston. We offer exceptional student support services to our ABSN program students, including a dedicated admissions advisor, academic success coaches and highly qualified nursing instructors committed to assisting you in your progress.
With our accelerated nursing program, you can transition from the military to nursing within 12 months and graduate ready to take the NCLEX. Moreover, we no longer require a personal statement for admission, making applying more accessible than ever.
Contact an admissions advisor today to learn about our eligibility requirements and discover how you can take the next step toward a rewarding civilian career.