The booming tech industry needs professionals with diverse abilities. And nurses bring skills that are in demand in the tech sector. With the expansion of technical and non-technical jobs, the technology sector has something for everyone.
Curious about how to get into the tech field as a nurse? Start by considering your strengths and which roles overlap with your skills and interests. Then research the requirements for your target career path. Finally, draft a strong cover letter and practice your interviewing skills.
Our guide provides a step-by-step resource for nurses transitioning into technology.
Skills transferable from nursing to technician
Nurses have many in-demand skills that are useful for tech careers, such as:
- Ability to convey complex information in simple terms
- Attention to detail
- Strong teamwork skills
Although many difficult skills in nursing may not be transferable, the ability to analyze and people skills can help your technology application stand out.
When considering moving into technology, make a list of your strengths with workplace examples for each. This research can help you identify career paths and build job application.
Technical roles for former nurses in technology
This section introduces technical roles that demonstrate the strength of the nurse. Eligibility for these jobs depends on your education, skills, and experience.
Nursing information provider
Minimum degree requirements: Bachelor
Alternative titles: Clinical Analyst; nursing informatics officer; healthcare information provider
Important features:
- Strong analytical ability
- Technology training and healthcare
- Clinical background
- Ability to evaluate complex data
Nursing information providers use data to create new processes that improve patient care, healthcare outcomes, and nursing practice. They draw on healthcare data to recommend data-supported approaches to healthcare delivery. A background in nursing helps informatics break into the field.
Data Analyst
Minimum degree requirements: Bachelor
Alternative titles: Analyst consultant; data scientist; data engineer
Important features:
- Strong analytical skills
- Familiarity with data processing software
- Attention to detail
- Ability to draw conclusions from data analysis
Data analysts process large volumes of data and help organizations make data-powered decisions. A healthcare background helps data analysts working in healthcare technology or healthcare organizations. Data Science bootcamps exists to help people acquire the skills for data analyst jobs.
Young web developer
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How to become a web developer
Web developers build and maintain websites using programming languages. Entering this dynamic, expansive career path requires a combination of education and experience.
Minimum degree requirements: Bachelor
Alternative titles: Front-end web developer; full-stack web developer; web developer
Important features:
- Programming experience in HTML, CSS and JavaScript
- A strong attention to detail
- Ability to solve problems and identify errors
Young web developers build websites that work smoothly. They create an intuitive and stylish look and feel of the site and code features for interactivity. This location is considered one of the best entry level coding job.
Web developers often need a college degree and some training in programming. Full-stack web development bootcamps and web development certificate can help people break in.
Non-Technical Roles for Former Nurses in Technology
If you’re curious about how to get into the tech field as a nurse and technical roles seem out of reach, consider some of the following non-technical jobs. Try researching computer science jobs without coding.
Occupational health nurse
Minimum degree requirements: Bachelor
Alternative titles: Housekeeper; RN occupational health; registered nursing profession
Important features:
- Good health assessment and treatment skills
- Ability to communicate information to the patient
- Background in occupational health
Occupational health nurses specialize in health problems that arise in the workplace. Several major tech companies employ occupational health nurses to treat common problems like carpal tunnel syndrome.
A healthcare background with occupational or environmental health experience prepares nurses to take on this role.
Technology sales
Minimum degree requirements: Bachelor
Alternative titles: Sales consultant; Sales of SaaS; account management
Important features:
- Good communication and communication skills
- The ability to explain complex information in simple terms
- Good network connectivity
Tech sales professionals discuss technology products and services with potential customers. They meet with customers, discuss their needs, and explain how to use different technologies. Professionals build lasting relationships with clients, turning these great tech jobs into great jobs for extroverts.
Production manager
Minimum degree requirements: Bachelor
Alternative titles: Junior Product Manager; solution management; product clue
Important features:
- Strong attention to detail
- Good organizational and leadership skills
- Ability to work as part of a team
Product managers oversee the product’s lifecycle from planning to development, production, and marketing.
They collect data on customer needs, create timelines for bringing a product to market, and coordinate with production and engineering team members to complete a product.
Tips on how to approach technology from nursing
Moving from nursing to engineering requires several steps. Before applying for a job, you need to have a clear idea of your target roles and the skills required.
Our tips guide the process of how to access technology as a nurse.
1. Get clear about the type of tech role you want.
Before investing in a career change, carefully consider the type of role you want. Are your skills better suited to a technical or non-technical role? Which industry would you rather work in? How important is work/life balance?
When discovering computer science careeryou can also look at job growth numbers, computer science salaryand job duties.
2. Advanced
For most career changes, you’ll need to expand your skill set. Fortunately, a nursing degree meets the educational requirement for many information technology career provided you also have the necessary technical skills.
Consider certificate of information technology or coding bootcamps to expand your skills. Online courses can also help you improve your skills.
Some career paths, like computer scientist or data scientist, may require a graduate degree, such as Master of Computer Science. However, most tech companies hire candidates with college degrees and the skills listed in the job description.
3. Maximize the quality of your apps and portfolio.
Your app and portfolio need to make a positive first impression. So make sure to customize your app and highlight skills in demand.
Most tech applications include a resume and cover letter. Your resume should list the related technical, people skills, and nursing skills you will bring to the role. Use examples that demonstrate your communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.
Cover letters provide another chance to stand out. Customize cover letters for each role, based on key phrases in the job posting.
Many technical roles also require a portfolio that demonstrates your coding skills. Include projects that demonstrate your abilities and match the job description.
4. Show your expertise, self-awareness, and passion throughout the interview process.
The interview process allows you to showcase your expertise and passion. And your nursing background will help you stand out from other applicants.
Like nursing, many tech companies rely on recruiters and multi-round interviews. Expect a phone test at the beginning of the process, followed by a second interview that may include technical questions.
Our test phone interview tips and our resources on computer science interview questions to improve your interviewing skills.
In short
Switching schools can feel intimidating. By studying how to make a career transition to technologyYou will be able to choose the right career path, gain the necessary skills and stand out in interviews.
Changing careers can be a long process, but it’s often worth the investment.
This article was reviewed by Sarah Holliday, MS
Sarah Holliday has many years of experience working with non-traditional and traditional students in coaching and training and career development.
Holliday holds a BA in English from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and a Master’s degree in instructional design and technology (training and performance improvement) from Walden University. Holliday is currently doing a PhD and looks forward to working on her thesis in the near future.
Sarah Holliday is a paid member of the freelance assessment network Red Ventures Education.
Last assessed March 31, 2022.
