Going Back for Your Master’s? What to Expect and Why It’s More Doable Than You Think

If you're a nurse or healthcare professional wondering whether a master's degree is within reach, while keeping your current job, the answer is yes. And you're far from alone.

Flexible, online MSN programs are specifically designed for working clinicians who can't step away from patient care. At Nebraska Methodist College, you can earn your master's degree in as little as 24 months, with no GRE required.

Here's what you need to know before you apply.

What a Modern Master’s Program Really Looks Like

Both undergraduate and graduate programs promote academic growth and help students achieve their career goals. However, undergraduate programs typically focus more on foundational knowledge, while graduate programs dig deeper, challenging students to explore complex concepts and contribute original ideas to their field.

Budgeting and Financing Your Degree the Smart Way

Finances are a common source of concern for aspiring graduate students. Many people recognize the long-term value of their degrees, but worry about how they'll handle the current cost. The good news? Financial aid is available in many forms — and it might be more accessible than you realize. 

Employer Tuition Assistance and Reimbursement Options

To boost retention and cultivate a more skilled workforce, many employers now offer tuition assistance. These programs are a win-win: employers can upskill and build internal talent, while employees can receive financial aid for school. Contact your HR department or consult your employee handbook to see if this option is available to you.

Scholarships, Grants, and Adult Learner Aid

Financing grad school is one of the biggest concerns for adult learners, but there are more resources out there than you might think. Many scholarships and grants are designed specifically for graduate students returning to school, and they can be based on merit, need, field of study, or even career goals.

Start by exploring your school’s financial aid office for institutional scholarships, then branch out to national databases with vetted listings. One highly trusted resource is the U.S. Department of Labor’s Scholarship Finder, which compiles thousands of scholarships, grants, and fellowships in one place. This database is free to use, regularly updated, and allows you to filter by graduate-level programs.

Don’t underestimate the power of smaller awards—those $500 and $1,000 grants can add up fast and make a real dent in tuition. Cast a wide net and apply often.

How to Get Started

A master's program can deliver powerful benefits — but it’s also a considerable commitment. With the right mindset and a clear plan, you can set yourself up for a rewarding grad school experience while also ensuring that your academic commitments are manageable. Take these steps to get started:

Step 1 – Reflect on Your Goals and Choose the Right Program

Before you apply to graduate programs, determine why you're going back to school and what you'll gain from this experience. This begins with clarifying your goals. Are you trying to advance in your current role or make a career change? Do you want to gain new skills to boost your earning potential? A clearly defined purpose can serve as a roadmap for your grad school journey, keeping you motivated and focused every step of the way.

For nurses and healthcare professionals, choosing the right master's track matters. Here's how common MSN pathways align with your goals:

• Advanced clinical practice to Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Women's Health NP (WHNP): independent practice, prescriptive authority, higher earning potential
• Unit or system leadership to Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL): quality improvement, care coordination, lateral leadership roles
• Health informatics or data management to Health Informatics/HIM: EHR management, clinical analytics, informatics leadership
• Nursing research or doctoral preparation to Research-focused MSN or PhD/DNP bridge: academic roles, evidence-based practice leadership
• Healthcare administration to Nursing Administration/Healthcare Management: Director, VP, or CNO roles in hospital systems

Step 2 – Research Schools and Delivery Options

When comparing MSN programs, go beyond rankings. Here's what matters most for working nurses:

• Accreditation (CCNE or ACEN): required for licensure eligibility in many states; signals program rigor. NMC: CCNE-accredited.
• Delivery format: determines whether you can stay employed while enrolled. NMC: 100% online.
• Completion timeline: shorter programs reduce opportunity cost and financial burden. NMC: as little as 24 months.
• GRE requirement: GRE prep adds cost and time; many strong programs have eliminated it. NMC: no GRE required.
• Credit hours and cost per credit: total cost of attendance is more useful than tuition per semester. NMC: 36 credit hours at $588/cr hr.
• Student outcomes (NCLEX pass rates, board results, employment): signals real-world program quality beyond marketing claims. NMC: contact admissions for current outcomes data.

Step 3 – Gather Transcripts and Update Your Resume

Many graduate programs maintain rigorous eligibility standards, so you’ll need to document your academic and professional background. This begins with college transcripts, which demonstrate your undergraduate performance and potential as a graduate student. Programs often also take professional experience into account, so make sure your resume fully reflects your hard work and career accomplishments.

Tip for nurses: Many MSN programs, including NMC's, give significant weight to clinical experience. Detail your specialty areas, certifications (CCRN, CEN, PCCN), years of bedside practice, and any charge or leadership responsibilities on your resume. This professional background often carries as much weight as your undergraduate GPA.

Step 4 – Prepare Your Application Materials

In addition to transcripts and resumes, you may need documents such as personal references, application essays, or industry-specific standardized tests. Make sure you look at admission requirements so that you can prepare your application materials accordingly.

NMC Application Checklist:

• Official undergraduate transcripts: BSN with minimum GPA (check NMC requirements)
• Current nursing license (RN): must be active and unencumbered
• Professional resume or CV: include clinical experience, certifications, and leadership roles
• Personal statement/goal essay: focus on how the MSN aligns with your career goals
• Professional references (2–3): clinical supervisors or academic references preferred
• GRE scores: not required at NMC

Step 5 – Talk to Admissions and Financial Aid Advisors

Admissions and financial aid advisors serve as valuable resources during the application process. By reaching out to an admissions advisor early on, you can clarify your intentions and get tips for strengthening your application. Financial aid advisors, meanwhile, can connect you with potential scholarships or other opportunities to make costs more manageable.

At Nebraska Methodist College, admissions advisors specialize in working with adult learners and healthcare professionals. They can help you identify which MSN track aligns with your career goals, walk you through the application process, and connect you with financial aid resources: including employer reimbursement strategies. Schedule a conversation with an NMC admissions advisor. 

Step 6 – Set Up Your Support System Early

Grad school is a big undertaking, and having the right support system in place can make all the difference. Before you enroll, consider what your support system might look like and who you can rely on emotionally, academically, and logistically. This network may include friends and family members, as well as college-based support services.

Your Support Network Starts Before Day One

Many programs offer resources to help you build a strong professional network and get the support you need. 

Admissions Counselors Who Guide You Through the Transition

Support from admissions counselors doesn’t end once you’re accepted. These professionals are here to guide you through enrollment and ease the transition to grad school life. From clarifying program requirements to connecting you with career resources, they’re a valuable part of your support system from day one. 

Advisors Who Understand Adult Learner Needs

Academic advisors offer both practical and personal encouragement, ensuring your academic experience supports your professional goals. They recognize the unique challenges that adult learners face and can help you craft a degree plan that accommodates your busy schedule. 

Built-In Services Like Tutoring, Counseling, and Career Coaching

Many programs offer services designed to help you succeed. For example, tutoring provides personalized academic support, while counseling can help you work through emotional challenges. Career coaching, meanwhile, prepares you for the transition from grad school to the professional world, offering things like resume-building assistance, interview prep, and internship opportunities. 

Why You’re Not Alone in Going Back to School

Many people picture a “conventional” academic and career trajectory: graduating from high school, immediately enrolling in an undergraduate program, earning a bachelor's within four years, and seeking a master's degree shortly after.

Today’s students, however, break this mold. Learners of all ages and from all backgrounds are returning to school to challenge themselves and help reach their career goals — meaning there’s no such thing as a “typical” grad student anymore.

The Rise of Mid-Career and Adult Graduate Students

According to the Manhattan Institute, an increasing number of students are “non-traditional,” which means they pursue higher education after the age of 25. Many students return to school after they've acquired years (or even decades) of real-world experience. In fact, insights from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) suggest that 31% of full-time and 62% of part-time graduate students were aged 30 or older as of 2021.

From Career Shifts to Personal Growth: What’s Driving the Decision

In today's rapidly changing workforce, career pivots are fairly standard. To successfully make a career change, professionals may return to school to strengthen their resumes or address skill gaps. Along with professional advantages, higher education can deliver personal growth to students of all ages.

For nurses specifically, the most common drivers are: moving into advanced practice (NP, CNL), escaping burnout through role change, qualifying for leadership and administrative positions, and increasing earning potential.

The New Normal: Balancing Graduate School With Real Life

As more working professionals return to school, there has been an increasing push for flexible learning that accommodates busy students. That’s why many college programs offer not only evening and weekend scheduling but also hybrid and online programs. These programs combine flexibility with immersive learning experiences, ensuring that students get a quality education while balancing their personal commitments. 

Myths That Stop People From Going Back to School — and the Truths That Break Them

There are many misconceptions that can stand in the way of academic greatness, causing fully capable students to doubt themselves and underestimate their abilities. We're determined to combat these myths so that tomorrow's graduate students feel empowered to reach their full potential.

How to Approach Your Schedule Without Burning Out

Burnout is a common problem throughout our modern society — and graduate school is no exception. You can reduce the risk of burnout by carefully planning your schedule and knowing when to pull back.

Time-Blocking and Micro-Planning for Busy Adults

Practical time-blocking tips for working nurses:

• Study on off-shift days rather than post-shift, when cognitive fatigue is highest.
• Block 60–90 minutes per subject per week minimum. Online asynchronous formats allow you to split this across multiple short sessions.
• Use shift schedule patterns to your advantage: 3×12 nurses often have 4 consecutive days off each week.
• Designate a consistent, distraction-free study space or even a corner of your home with a dedicated chair and charger to create a mental cue.
• Leverage commute time for recorded lectures or reading when available.

Knowing When to Say No and When to Ask for Help

You can’t do everything at once, and that’s okay. As you take on graduate studies, you may need to temporarily pause or reduce certain commitments. Identify a few time-consuming commitments that you feel comfortable letting go of for now — and consider whether additional assistance may be available.

For example, if you’re struggling to balance graduate-level coursework with parenting, you can explore creative childcare solutions. This might involve finding friends or family members to watch your children while you study, or rotating childcare responsibilities with other enrolled parents. 

Making Room to Recharge—Because You’ll Need It

No matter how enjoyable your graduate studies are, you’ll likely need a break. Make time for self-care, whether that’s by practicing yoga, indulging in meditation, or just spending time with friends and family. 

What You Gain Beyond the Degree

Along with potentially boosting your earning potential, going back to school offers the following benefits:

Renewed Confidence and Clarity in Your Career Path

Do you feel stagnant or uninspired in your career journey? Graduate studies can provide a much-needed burst of momentum, renewing your sense of purpose while making you feel more excited about your professional future. As you gain additional skills, you'll also become more confident — helping you make a greater impact in your field of choice.

Professional Connections That Open Unexpected Doors

Grad school offers the ultimate professional networking environment, connecting you with people who share similar goals and interests. Classes and group projects allow you to forge relationships with peers, while alumni networks help ensure you continue to expand your reach following graduation. These connections can introduce you to new opportunities, leading to a broader range of career paths and roles.

The Real Question Isn’t “Can I Do This?”—It’s “What Will Happen If I Don’t?”

When considering grad school, it’s natural to focus on time, tuition, and logistics. But there’s another side to this equation: What could you miss if you don’t take this step? A graduate degree can open doors that might remain closed without it, from long-term earning potential to career growth.

Growth Doesn’t Wait for the Perfect Time

Many aspiring graduate students worry about timing. In reality, however, there is no right or wrong time to pursue higher education. Academic growth and professional development are always worthwhile — and the longer you stall, the more opportunities that may pass you by.

Your Master’s Journey Starts With One Brave Step

The decision to return to school often begins with a moment of reflection — the moment when you choose to invest in yourself. This takes courage, but remember, you don't need to go it alone. Advisors and mentors are available to help you reach your full potential.

Is It Too Late To Go Back To School For My Master's If I've Been A Nurse For 10 Or 20 Years?

It's never too late and your experience is a genuine advantage. Nurses with years of clinical experience often perform exceptionally well in MSN programs because they can apply classroom concepts to real patient care situations immediately.

Is An Online MSN Degree Respected By Employers And Licensing Boards?

Yes, provided the program is accredited. NMC's MSN programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), which is the recognized accrediting body for nursing programs and is required or preferred by most state licensing boards and healthcare employers. Online delivery does not affect accreditation status or degree recognition.

Graduate School Opportunities Are Yours For the Taking: Get Started Today

Ready to take the next step toward academic and professional fulfillment? Explore the many graduate programs available at Nebraska Methodist College (NMC). Learn more about the admissions process and our financial aid opportunities. Feel free to contact our advisors with any questions or explore our FAQ page. 

Begin your grad school journey and apply today.