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Is it difficult to obtain a nursing degree while playing varsity basketball for four years?

My major will be Nursing and I'm not sure about a minor but I am committed to play basketball and want to know the difficulty level of playing a varsity sport at the same time
#nursing #college-major #varsity-sports

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Jared’s Answer

It is extremely difficult. Often times, nursing school has hours that will conflict with sports. I do not just mean required hours of studying and such but a lot of times, classes will go from 8am-4pm four days a week with odd hours for clinicals in many cases, including some clinicals from 7am-3pm or so. That is definitely a question for a nursing program representative at the school you have make the verbal/written commitment to. Please please ask them. Nursing school is not the same as many other majors where you take classes 3 days per week where you have, on Monday Wednesday and Friday you have classes at 9-9:50, 11-11:50, 3-3:50 and Tuesday Thursday have a class from 11-12:30. It is much more like a job where you are in classes 8 hours a day for 4 days a week. If there is someone with a different experience than I, please listen to their point of view as well. Good luck and congratulations on your athletic accomplishments!

Thank you comment icon thank you! safina
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Dr. Kelly’s Answer

Earning a nursing degree while simultaneously participating in college basketball for four years can indeed be a tough task, but it's not an unachievable feat. I managed to complete my degree amidst traveling for the marching band and orchestra. This journey demands exceptional skills in managing time, unwavering dedication, and a robust support system. Nursing programs are typically intense, involving comprehensive coursework, clinical rotations, and examinations, which can be quite taxing. Juggling these academic responsibilities with the time-consuming nature of collegiate athletics may be difficult, but numerous student-athletes have successfully navigated both. It would be beneficial for you to investigate whether your degree program requires a minor. Some programs might due to a shortage of courses in the subject, while others may not. If your program doesn't necessitate a minor, it would be wise to avoid extra coursework.

In such scenarios, effective time management becomes a critical factor. You'll need to prioritize your study time, class attendance, clinical requirements fulfillment, and basketball practice and competitions. Moreover, maintaining clear communication with your professors, coaches, and advisors is crucial to ensure they comprehend your commitments and can offer support when necessary. An alternative approach could be to enroll in online courses or courses during vacation/summer terms and aim to maintain full-time status during your sports season. During my undergraduate years, the minimum requirement for full-time status was 12 credit hours. I adhered strictly to this minimum during the season and took on additional courses during the off-season.

In the end, it all boils down to discovering a balance that suits you and being ready to invest the necessary hard work and dedication to excel in both your academic and athletic pursuits.
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