Schooling differences for becoming a teacher vs. becoming a nurse-which is longer?

Question

Hi everyone, I have recently gone back to school and have been tetering back and forth between nursing and teaching, I love both and have pros & cons for both as well-I am just torn for different reasons. I have 3 young kids ages 9,9 & 5 and am thinking about what it is going to take in a few years when I am either in nursing school (is it 9-5 every day? for how many years?) or when I am doing my teaching education program (isn't that usually 1-2 yrs as well?, is that full time 9-5 daily too?)

Just trying to figure out if there is longer or harder schooling for either, or are they about the same?

I know I need to follow my heart and I am just not sure where it is leading me *yet*... in the meantime I am trying to gather as much information as I can. Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

Requirements for a teaching credential vary by state.  In California, for example, you need a BA/BS and then one additonal year in a credential program.

Answer 2

Both professions have strenuous education preps.  Education in NC requires at least a BA/BS and continuing education hours once you are certified.  Many teachers go on to obtain masters degrees.  There are many doctoral programs as well.  Nursing requires at least a 2 year prep.  Of course, depending on what you want to do once you are in the field, there are other options such as a BSN, a master's degree, or a PhD.  Generally, nurse management requires at least a BSN.  If you want to go for the dollar signs and you can handle the stress and competition, become a CRNA.  This would require a BSN and at least 1-2 years in a critical care area to be considered for admission into grad school.  NC now requires that RNs submit continuing education hours upon audit every two years.  I have done both.  I have a BS in education and a BSN.  I started out in educaiton and absolutely hated it my first two years.  I was very young and in a position to go back to school when I decided to become a nurse.  Nursing school was very time consuming and to the point.  I feel like I was allowed a bit more freedom and creativity in my education program.  Nonetheless, both programs were tough.  I nursed for several years and decided that I was spending way too much time away from family...very long hours!  I returned to the classroom and have never looked back!  I guess it took a few years of maturity to appreciate what I had.  I love having summers and holidays off.  Teachers deal with a great deal of stress and workload on a day to day basis, but the rewards are many.  Depending on your field of nursing, your paycheck can be almost double (yes, I miss that :) and helping someone can be just as rewarding.  The stress can be overwhelming when you are pulling your 4th night of 12 hour shifts.  You have a difficult decision to make.  For me, it took a lot of hard work and tears to end up in the same place I started ten years ago.  I am finally content...but, I always have that other option tucked away.  Both are great careers with a great deal of opportunity.  Just remember, your career is what YOU make of it.  

Answer 3

Which one do you love with every fiber of your being?

Teaching to me, is my first and only love.

However, you can be a nurse in two years with an associates or four years making more money with a bachelors.

Teaching is four years just to get in the door. However, if you want to be in administration eventually, you will have to go back to school.

Forget how long they take!! Choose wisely. Would you rather pick the wrong one and risk having to go to a miserable job for what not only seems like, but will be a lifetime?

Answer 4

i wouldn't focus on which one may take you longer through but rather which one you would be satisfied and content in for an extended period of time.

i was a teacher at a nursing school and love teaching.  it brought me much satisfaction and gratification especially when i taught k-8 but the reality of it is that it does not pay well and in the long run i had to give up my dream job for one that pays the bills.

food for thought - take some classes of both and see which you like better.  ask around at the school, other teachers, professors, councillors and piers and see what they say.

ultimately this is your decision and i would do which ever one your heart really leans towards.

look up on the internet and see what the pay scale is for both for your area.  check out salary.com as they have great tools such as income and such to see if you can make it in either one for an expended period of time.

i feel for you and admire you - good luck and let me know if you have any questions.