Transitioning from military to BSN is an excellent decision. Becoming a nurse starts with finding the right nursing program. Then you’ll need to talk with an admissions counselor, complete admissions requirements, and apply. After getting accepted, you’ll need to earn your degree, take the NCLEX, and get licensed.
Have you considered entering the nursing field after serving in the military? Transitioning from veteran to BSN, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, can offer a practical path to a civilian career.
Nursing can be a natural transition for many veterans because the profession values loyalty, teamwork, motivation, and leadership.
Earning a BSN through the Hybrid Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program at Felician University can provide a faster path to a nursing career. If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 non-nursing college credits, you may be eligible to apply and earn your BSN in as few as 16 months. This accelerated timeline can help you re-enter the civilian workforce sooner and apply your transferable skills.
If you are considering transitioning from veteran to BSN, review the benefits of a nursing career after military service, how your skills can transfer, and the steps required to enter the field.
Benefits of Pursuing a Nursing Career After Military Service
Nursing may be a natural fit after military service. Healthcare organizations have defined workplace structures, professional standards, and opportunities for advancement. As in the military, nurses are expected to meet established standards and conduct themselves professionally.
Nursing also offers strong salary and employment prospects. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), registered nurses (RNs) earned a median annual salary of $93,600 in May 2024, and employment is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034.
How Military Experience Prepares You for Nursing Success
Military experience can translate well to nursing. The following skills will be valuable as you transition from veteran to BSN.
- Accountability: Taking responsibility for your actions can help you learn from mistakes and strengthen your nursing practice.
- Compassion and service to others: A nursing career allows you to continue serving others by providing compassionate patient care.
- Critical thinking and decision-making: Nurses, like military service members, must think clearly and make timely decisions under pressure.
- Leadership: The nursing profession relies on leaders who uphold standards, support their colleagues, and promote quality care.
- Strong work ethic and discipline: Self-discipline can help you manage the demands of a nursing program and career.
- Teamwork and communication: These skills are essential for collaborating with other healthcare professionals and coordinating patient care.
Nursing Opportunities for Veterans in New Jersey
After graduating and obtaining RN licensure, you can pursue positions at hospitals and other healthcare facilities throughout New Jersey, including:
- Hackensack University Medical Center
- Jersey Shore University Medical Center
- Morristown Medical Center
- Overlook Medical Center
- Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
You may also choose to serve fellow veterans by pursuing a position at a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs facility in New Jersey.
How to Transition From Veteran to BSN in 6 Steps
When you are ready to apply to a veteran BSN program, follow these six steps.
Step 1: Choose a Nursing Program for the Military
The first step in transitioning from veteran to BSN is choosing the right program. Traditional BSN programs typically take four years and are generally designed for students without prior college experience. If you have a college education, you may be eligible for an accelerated option, such as Felician University’s ABSN program.
If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 non-nursing college credits, you may be eligible for Felician University’s ABSN program. Felician University offers two options: the Hybrid ABSN, which includes online coursework and hands-on experiences, and the entirely in-person On-Ground ABSN.
Choose the veteran to BSN program that best fits your needs. Even if you select online coursework, you must attend in-person labs and clinical rotations because a nursing degree cannot be completed entirely online.
Learn more about choosing a nursing program.
Step 2: Connect With an Admissions Counselor
Next, schedule a call with an admissions counselor. At Felician University, a dedicated ABSN admissions counselor will guide you through the admissions process and help you navigate the veteran to BSN transition.
Your admissions counselor can help you with the following:
- Answering questions throughout the admissions process
- Confirming your eligibility
- Preparing your ABSN application
- Identifying unmet requirements or incomplete prerequisites
- Selecting an appropriate start date
- Sharing financial aid resources for your transition from military to BSN
Step 3: Complete Prerequisites and Admission Requirements
Before enrolling in a nursing program for military veterans, you must complete all admission requirements, including prerequisites. In Felician’s ABSN program, you must earn at least a C+ in each prerequisite course. Completing prerequisites may also help you meet the minimum cumulative GPA requirement of 3.0.
Step 4: Apply to the Military-Friendly Nursing Program
Once you have met the requirements, you can apply to your nursing program. At Felician University, your ABSN admissions counselor will guide you through the application process. Before the application deadline, you will need to submit the following:
- A resume
- Completed application form
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended
- Two professional or academic recommendations
Step 5: Earn Your BSN Degree
Once admitted to the ABSN program, you will begin coursework, skills and simulation labs, and clinical rotations. You will study topics ranging from pharmacology and pathophysiology to pediatric and mental health nursing. You will also develop clinical skills in labs, learn to apply the nursing process, and gain hands-on experience during clinical rotations before graduating from your military-friendly nursing program.
Step 6: Pass the NCLEX-RN and Become Licensed
After graduating, you must pass the NCLEX-RN to qualify for RN licensure. Because the NCLEX-RN is rigorous, plan to devote sufficient time for preparation.
Felician University’s ABSN curriculum integrates NCLEX-RN preparation and helps students develop the critical thinking skills assessed on the exam. After passing the NCLEX-RN and meeting state requirements, you can obtain RN licensure and begin applying for nursing positions.
Discover how to pass the NCLEX-RN.
What to Look for in Veteran-to-BSN Programs
Consider several factors when choosing a military-friendly nursing program. If you qualify for an accelerated option, look for military-friendly resources and flexible learning formats, such as a choice between online and on-campus coursework.
Additional factors to consider include:
- Accreditation and state approval
- Admission requirements and prerequisites
- Multiple yearly start dates
- NCLEX-RN preparation and pass rates
- Quality of clinical and lab experiences
Financial Aid and Funding Options for Veterans
Financial aid may make the transition from veteran to BSN more affordable. Explore all available options, including GI Bill benefits, which may provide up to 48 months of education benefits depending on your eligibility. You may also qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program, which can help cover eligible costs not funded by GI Bill benefits.
Also, explore scholarship and grant opportunities for veterans. Even if GI Bill benefits cover your tuition, scholarships and grants may help with eligible living expenses while you attend school.
Start Your Veteran-to-BSN Journey at Felician University
Felician University welcomes veterans to its ABSN program and provides guidance throughout the transition to nursing school. Your admissions counselor can also connect you with available financial aid resources for veterans.
At Felician University, you will complete a comprehensive and values-based curriculum. You can choose online or on-campus coursework while gaining hands-on experience through labs and clinical rotations.
Request info today and connect with an admissions counselor to learn more.