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Any other RNs trying to get out of nursing all together?
I am thinking of getting into project management, as it looks to be a career that has the elements that I loved while being a case manager, but has a lot more opportunity for growth. Any advice on how to get into this field? I have been looking at certifications online vs getting an MBA in project management.
Thanks for any input.
Amber G.
Kristie WhiteHRPMO Inc.
2.22k
10/02/21 at 1:54PM UTC
Hi Amber. I started in HR and slid into project management accidentally - though I was doing it all the time in HR. The advice about starting with PMI is good. If you want to get PMP certified, you need 35 hours of training for the exam and several years of PM experience. You may be able consider case management on-the-job experience if each "case" represents a project. But you would need to validate that by comparing the elements of a project with the role you played in case management. If it doesn't translate 100%, it may be enough for the CAPM entry level certification. But there are fees upfront for the PMI exam, just fyi. Also with your healthcare background, you would have a strong combination of skills that could transfer into other healthcare related roles that are not direct nursing. You might even be able to find a job now that is looking for a PM but needs someone with a healthcare background. By stating you are transitioning into project management, your new employer might find your nursing background so enticing - they will pay for you to become PMP certified. (Or they might not care as long as you have the skills. I have worked solely in PM roles for almost 20 years and I'm not certified.) If you have any questions, feel free to ping me.
Amber Garrett
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10/02/21 at 7:33PM UTC
Thank you. That was definitely helpful!
Anonymous
09/15/21 at 12:12AM UTC
I opted for the MBA in project Management. There are certification such as the PMP. To get the certifications you need a certain amount of experience to qualify for the test. There are also other certifications such as SCRUM. You can always check out the Project Management Institute and become a member.
Amber Garrett
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09/23/21 at 12:53PM UTC
Thank you for responding.! Were you able to find a job as a project manager? Where did you get you’re MBA?
Renata Farias-Rios, CSMIT Management/Project Management
42
09/23/21 at 5:16PM UTC
I got my MBA through Colorado State University - Global Campus. It's an online school. With my rotating work schedule, it was the best option for me. Their project management course are in alignment with the PMP. You can also go for the CAPM. The CAPM is more entry-level and doesn't require as much experience.
I have not gotten a job as a PM yet, but I also have to admit I have not been applying for jobs as much as I should be right now. I'm seven weeks away from completing my last course and graduating, so my focus has been more on crossing this goal line.
If you have any other questions feel free to ask. I'm happy to help.
Amber Garrett
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10/14/21 at 12:59PM UTC
Hi Renata - I am looking at Colorado State global, thanks for the recommendation. How was the practicum/finding an internship for that last class?
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Amber Garrett
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09/24/21 at 12:31PM UTC
Thank you so much for the information. All I have been able to find about PM jobs is that people get experience on projects doing other jobs and basically slide into the role. I hoped that seeing actual PM degrees would indicate that there were multiple ways to start in the profession. I can take a salary cut by working a contingent RN job until I get my feet wet. I am also 50, so I would rather get a degree that puts me on a faster track than a learn as you go and claw your way up.
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Tara James
133
09/09/21 at 9PM UTC
I am working on a PM certificate from google. It’s a great introductory course that you can work on at your leisure.
Anonymous
09/07/21 at 3:45PM UTC
I'd recommend starting with online training! There are probably some free intro classes out there and inexpensive courses you can take which will let you try it out before committing fully to it. Also ask around in your network to see if there's anyone who you can talk to about the job and see how they like it.
Amber Garrett
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09/07/21 at 9:29PM UTC
Thank you.
