Should I switch from accounting to a 1-year nursing program?
Switching from accounting to nursing involves weighing the short-term loss of wages and compound interest against the long-term earning potential and career time investment of each path. This uncertainty makes it difficult to decide whether to finish studying for a CPA or reset careers to become a nurse.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Asking accountants for their salary history and career timelines
- 2Weighing job security and career paths against time and effort required
- 3Searching the subreddit for past discussions
- 4Weighing the physical demands of standing shifts against desk work
- 5Considering accelerated BSN programs or direct-to-MSN programs
- 6Calculating the loss of wages and compound interest
- 7asking experienced professionals in online forums for opinions on pay, job security, and career flexibility
- 8comparing lifestyle aspects such as wearing scrubs versus office clothing
In their words
Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.
“I’m currently attending college and doing my pre-reqs for either nursing or a radiology program. I’m starting to get second thoughts and im extremely stressed about it.”source ↗
“I am trying to decide if I should swap majors and start doing business administration ( associate accounting degree) and then get a bachelors in business administration (finance).”source ↗
“I need all of the advice i can get.”source ↗
“Been thinking about leaving accounting for nursing at 30 and do a career reset, any thoughts?”source ↗
“In my 30s as well and in the same boat.”source ↗
“I've wanted to do this ever since starting but the loss of wages and compound interest deterred me.”source ↗
“I’m in same predicament and nearing 30…”source ↗
“Should I go back to school? It’s just a 1-year program to get my nursing degree, or should I stick with getting my CPA?”source ↗
“I already have Becker and have been studying for the CPA, but I’m starting to question whether the earning potential is worth the amount of time it takes to actually get there.”source ↗
“I’m genuinely trying to figure out which path makes the most sense financially and career-wise.”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 6What other career paths are there with an accounting degree?
- 2Public accounting vs government accounting: which path should I choose?
- 8Is moving from accounting to corporate finance too stressful?
- 9How to break into accounting as an international student with a low GPA
- 3How to get an accounting job without a CPA
- 8Why do debits and credits make no sense?