He has 15 years of postsecondary education—a bachelor’s degree in physics from the California Institute of Technology, and has completed doctoral work in neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania—but throughout his academic and professional journey, as he evolved he looked for a career that he could be truly passionate about.  At the age of 63, Jim Cummings has finally found it—a career in Nursing.  

Through Holy Family University’s 2^nd Degree Nursing Program, Cummings will graduate with a B.S. in Nursing in July.

In the 1970s, Cummings decided he wanted to be a scientist. Beginning with physics, then finding neuroscience, he determined a scientific career was not for him. So he left the field to become an environmental and social justice activist in Philadelphia.

In addition, he worked as a library paraprofessional staff for the University of the Sciences.  But as he homeschooled his son, he remained on the lookout for a career that would truly speak to him. Eventually, he would discover that the combination of science, lifelong learning, and caregiving would produce an interest in healthcare.

Holy Family University had an accelerated program that was the deciding factor for Cummings. Like other Nursing alums, he will soon take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, known as the NCLEX exam, and will begin pursuing opportunities as he prepares for the qualifying licensure test.

“Understanding how to support people – therapeutic communication – feels like common sense to me. Life experience brings a sense of empathy. As a parent, this, too, has been extremely helpful in providing perspective. I am a better human being when I connect with other people.” 

In offering advice to others who may be looking for a second career and perhaps a Nursing career later in life, he adds:

“Holy Family has so many relationships within the healthcare community. This is a place where nurses come from. I didn’t know much about Holy Family beforehand and I came here for the affordability and the fact they are in Philadelphia. The idea of caring for underserved urban populations holds great appeal to me.”

Learn more at Holy Family University.

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