Can You Work While in Nursing School?

Can you work while in nursing school? Can you really balance employment with a demanding academic schedule? Yes, you can.

Faulkner University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is designed to support students through this challenge with a strong academic foundation in a compassionate, Christian learning environment at our Montgomery, AL, campus. Here, we discuss the pros and cons of working while in nursing school.

Weighing Your Options: Should You Work During Nursing School?

Many students who wonder if they can work while in nursing school quickly realize the answer depends on personal responsibilities, financial needs, and learning style. Deciding whether to work during nursing school requires an honest look at your capacity to balance coursework, clinical hours, and outside obligations.

Perks of Earning While Learning

Holding a part‑time job can provide meaningful financial support, helping with tuition, books, and day‑to‑day living expenses. It also pushes students to develop strong time‑management skills as they learn to coordinate work hours with classes, clinicals, and study schedules. In addition, if you choose to work in a healthcare setting, you can gain real‑world experience that can deepen your understanding of coursework and help you build confidence.

Challenges on the Job and in Class

Managing both school and job responsibilities can be stressful. Scheduling can be another hurdle, as jobs may not always offer the flexibility needed when clinical rotations, labs, or class commitments shift. However, there are strategies to help you find the right balance.

Making It Work: Strategies for Juggling a Job and Nursing School

Success for students considering employment during nursing school often comes from using smart strategies. They include:

Finding Flexible and Fulfilling Work

Securing the right type of job can make all the difference when balancing employment with nursing school obligations. Many students benefit from choosing positions with adaptable hours, allowing them to adjust their schedules around classes, clinical rotations, and exam periods. Roles in healthcare, such as medical assistants, patient care technicians, or unit clerks, also provide practical experience that reinforces classroom learning and strengthens professional readiness.

Mastering Your Calendar and Commitments

To successfully balance work and nursing school, you need exceptional time management. Using tools such as digital calendars, planners, or scheduling apps can make it easier to visualize assignment due dates, clinical shifts, and work obligations in one structured place. It’s equally important to set realistic expectations for how many hours you can safely commit to working each week.

Communicating for Success

Open communication is essential for nursing students who choose to maintain employment during their program. Informing employers about your academic schedule helps create understanding when adjustments are needed for clinicals, testing days, or major projects. Likewise, staying connected with instructors ensures you receive guidance, clarification, and support if conflicts arise.

Leveraging Campus Support

At Faulkner University, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is designed with strong support to help learners effectively manage their time, commitments, and well-being. We provide a wide range of resources designed to help nursing students succeed, especially those balancing work and school. Tutoring services, counseling support, and academic coaching offer valuable guidance whenever coursework becomes challenging, while study groups and student organizations help build collaboration and academic accountability.

To further strengthen student success, we offer:

• Student Success Services, which offer academic coaching, skillbuilding, and personalized support
• Career Services, which offer résumé help, interview preparation, and professional development
• Nichols Library, where students can access research support, databases, and study spaces

Find a Nursing School Program Near You in Montgomery, AL

Faulkner University makes it possible for students who wonder whether they can work while in nursing school by offering a supportive Christian learning environment, and a respected nursing program grounded in strong academic and career preparation. We support adult students across Montgomery, Birmingham, and Mobile, Alabama, who wish to enter our program.

Students benefit from integrated faith‑based development and access to financial aid that helps support their educational goals. To learn more about the nursing program at Faulkner University, apply now or request information today.