MUNCIE, Ind. – Constance Clark does not recommend taking more than 35 years to earn a nursing degree from Ball State University. But then again, traveling the road less traveled has allowed her to fully enjoy the ride.

Clark, who will graduate from the Second Baccalaureate Degree Track for Nursing in 2005, began her nursing major in 1969. With just one year of classes separating Clark from her degree, she dropped out to get married in the early ‘70s. She did later earn a bachelor’s degree in general studies in 1995, but regrets not finishing her nursing degree, she said.

Now the 51-year-old mother of three wants to be a nurse again, resurrecting the dream she’s had since she was young. Getting sidetracked to raise her family and run a successful computer consulting business merely postponed her dream rather than extinguish it.

“It feels great to finally be working toward my degree,” Clark said. “I gave up on it to be married, but it has always remained a passion of mine.”

Clark learned of the second baccalaureate program on the Internet. Ready for a break from her business, she closed up her computer shop and enrolled in campus courses. Five decades of real-world experience and being her own boss prepared Clark well for student life.

“I know how to prioritize my efforts much better now,” Clark said. “I know what my strengths and weaknesses are, what I need to gear up for and what’s going to come easily to me.”

By completing the 19-month nursing curriculum and passing the subsequent national licensure examination, students like Clark are almost guaranteed employment anywhere in the United States, said Linda Siktberg, director of Ball State’s School of Nursing.

To qualify, applicants must have had a 2.75 grade point

average in college and must have taken the required courses, which include nearly 10 science and health classes. Graduates with a major in biology or chemistry seeking to start a second career are likely to have taken most of the prerequisite courses, Siktberg said. Graduates with degrees in teaching, business or journalism, however, would have to take additional prerequisite courses before being admitted to the program.

Clark posted solid grades during college, and she has a strong personal inspiration to earn her degree. Clark’s youngest son has multiple disabilities and requires regular care. Having been at his side through 18 surgeries has given Clark a great deal of exposure to the healthcare industry.

It was an unexpected weeklong stay in an out-of-state hospital with her oldest son, however, that clinched the career change and helped her select a specialty.

“Seeing all the wonderful people who worked at the hospital made me ask, ‘Why didn’t I finish my nursing degree?’” Clark said. “I decided that I want to train to be a pediatric or an emergency room nurse.”

(NOTE TO EDITORS: A print-quality photo can be downloaded from the Ball State University News Center. Go to www.bsu.edu/photoservices and follow the instructions. For more information, contact Clark at (317) 752-8859 or ceclark@bsu.edu or Siktberg at (765) 285-5571 or lsiktber@bsu.edu.