This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about second degree and accelerated nursing programs across the USA, Canada, UK, and Australia—including eligibility, application requirements, tuition costs, program length, and career outcomes.
What Are Second Degree Nursing Programs?
Second degree nursing programs—often called Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) or Graduate Entry Nursing programs—are intensive, full-time programs designed for students with a previous undergraduate degree in another field.
Key features:
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Condensed curriculum (12–24 months)
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Prepares students for RN licensure
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Focused on clinical training, nursing theory, pharmacology, and patient care
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High employment rates due to healthcare staffing needs
Why Choose a Second Degree in Nursing?
✅ Career Change Flexibility
Whether you studied psychology, biology, business, or arts, these programs allow you to pivot into a stable and rewarding field without starting from scratch.
✅ Faster Entry to Workforce
Most programs are 12–18 months long, significantly faster than traditional 4-year nursing degrees.
✅ High Earning Potential & Job Security
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USA: RNs earn ~$86,000/year on average (U.S. BLS)
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Canada: Average salary ~$80,000 CAD/year
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UK: Band 5 nurses start around £28,000–£34,000
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Australia: Registered Nurses earn ~AU$80,000–$110,000/year
✅ Global Recognition
Nursing is one of the few professions with international credential transferability, especially among English-speaking countries.
Top Destinations Offering Second Degree Nursing Programs
United States – Accelerated BSN Programs
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Duration: 12–18 months
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Credential Earned: BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
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Common Requirements:
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Bachelor's in non-nursing field
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Minimum 3.0 GPA (varies by school)
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Prerequisites: Human Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Statistics
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TEAS or HESI A2 exams (in some cases)
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Licensure: NCLEX-RN exam after graduation
Pros:
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Widespread program availability (over 280 schools)
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High clinical hour requirement (~500–800 hrs)
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High employment rates within 6 months of graduation
Ideal for: U.S. citizens and international students with strong academic background in sciences
Canada – Second Entry Nursing Programs
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Duration: 20–24 months
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Credential Earned: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)
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Entry Requirements:
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Completed bachelor's degree (any field)
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GPA: 2.7–3.3 depending on the university
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Prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, and statistics
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Licensure: Must pass NCLEX-RN or CPNRE (depending on province)
Highlights:
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High demand for bilingual nurses (English/French)
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Ideal for domestic students and permanent residents
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Focus on community-based care and Indigenous health
Ideal for: Canadian citizens/permanent residents seeking professional transition into healthcare
United Kingdom – Postgraduate Pre-registration Nursing Courses
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Duration: 2 years (full-time)
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Credential: Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) or MSc Nursing
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Entry Requirements:
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Undergraduate degree in any subject
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English language proficiency (IELTS 7.0 overall for international students)
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DBS check and occupational health clearance
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Licensure: Register with Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) upon completion
Special Note: International students can work 20 hours/week on Tier 4 visa during study; Graduate Route visa allows 2-year post-study work stay.
Ideal for: International students looking for EU/UK-recognized credentials
Australia – Graduate Entry Nursing Programs
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Duration: 2 years
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Credential: Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry)
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Entry Requirements:
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Undergraduate degree in any field
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Academic IELTS: minimum 7.0 (no band less than 7.0)
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Prerequisite health-related courses may be required
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Licensure: Apply for registration with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency)
Perks:
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Eligible for Post-Study Work Visa (485) for 2–4 years after graduation
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High demand in rural and remote healthcare settings
Ideal for: Career changers seeking long-term migration pathways via skilled visas
Key Benefits of Second Degree Nursing Programs
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Fast-Track to RN Licensure | Saves 2+ years compared to traditional route |
| High ROI | Average starting salary recoups tuition in 1–2 years |
| Workforce Demand | Aging population = global nursing shortage |
| Global Portability | Easy transfer of licensure across English-speaking countries |
| Flexible Entry | Accepts degrees from any background |
Tuition & Financial Aid Overview
| Country | Estimated Tuition | Financial Aid Options |
|---|---|---|
| USA | $25,000–$60,000 USD | Federal aid, private loans, scholarships |
| Canada | $20,000–$45,000 CAD | Provincial grants, RBC loans, bursaries |
| UK | £18,000–£30,000/year | NHS learning support, international scholarships |
| Australia | AU$30,000–$55,000/year | OS-HELP loans, university grants, Commonwealth support (for citizens) |
Tip: Many programs offer scholarships for healthcare professionals or rural workforce incentives.
Application Checklist for Second Degree Nursing Programs (All Countries)
Search Intent Keywords to Target (High CPC & Local-Global Mix)
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FAQs About Second Degree Nursing Programs
❓ Can I apply for a second degree in nursing if my first degree is in arts or business?
Yes! As long as you meet the prerequisite course requirements (like biology or chemistry), you are eligible.
❓ Are second degree nursing programs recognized internationally?
Yes. Especially in countries like the UK, Australia, USA, and Canada, which follow standardized nursing licensure protocols.
❓ Do second degree nursing programs require clinical hours?
Absolutely. Clinical placements are a core part of all accredited programs—often 700–1,000+ hours.
❓ Can I work while enrolled in a second degree nursing program?
In most cases (e.g., UK, Australia, Canada), international students may work part-time (up to 20 hrs/week). However, these programs are intense and full-time, so working is discouraged during clinical semesters.
Is a Second Degree in Nursing Right for You?
If you're passionate about healthcare and ready for a career shift, a second degree nursing program offers a fast, reliable, and high-paying pathway into a globally respected profession. Whether you're based in the U.S., planning to migrate to Canada, applying to UK universities, or targeting Australia's skilled visa system, these programs deliver value both professionally and financially.
Now's the time to act—healthcare systems worldwide are in critical need of skilled, compassionate nurses. With the right planning and preparation, your second degree in nursing could lead to a first-class future.
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