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If you want to become a nurse, you’ve picked a great, ever-expanding career field. According to the U.S. Bureau of labor statistics, all nursing occupations will experience a faster than average growth rate during the 2008 to 2018 decade. Further, nursing constitutes the single largest healthcare field within the United States.
But in order to become part of this growing career field, you must receive the appropriate training, and this training begins with the completion of at least one of several available nursing degrees.
There are basically four educational paths that are available to those who want to enter the nursing profession.
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) must complete a state-approved training program in practical nursing and pass a licensing exam in order to work as a licensed practical nurse.
Those who choose to become registered nurses, conversely, may choose among a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN), an associate degree in nursing (ADN), or a diploma degree. After completing these degree programs, they must then pass a national licensing examination. Individual states may also impose additional licensing requirements for their registered nurses.
The difference in educational options between LPNs and RNs are due to the differing occupational responsibilities of each.
Under the direct supervision of doctors or registered nurses, LPNs (or licensed vocational nurses, LVNs) care for ill and infirm patients. Depending upon state laws and the facilities in which they work, LPNs may take and record patients’ vital signs, dress wounds, administer injections, help patients to become mobile, and other tasks designed to comfort and heal patients.
The job duties of RNs, however, are much more complex. For instance, RNs may record and analyze patients’ medical histories, run diagnostic tests, operate medical machinery, administer medications, develop healthcare treatment plans, and perform many other duties designed to enhance patients’ health.
Because the job responsibilities of LPNs and RNs vary so greatly, the educational requirements for each vary considerably as well.
Practical nursing programs are offered at vocational schools, junior colleges, some universities, and through some hospitals. These programs usually take one year to complete and combine classroom study with clinical practices.
While enrolled in a practical nursing program, you can expect to study such subjects as anatomy, pediatrics, physiology, obstetrics nursing, first aid, pharmacology, and nutrition.
A bachelor’s of science degree program in nursing takes 4-years to complete. Such bachelor’s degree programs are offered by colleges and universities and include a substantial amount of liberal arts courses within the curriculum. A bachelor’s degree will give you a well-rounded education which should earn you promotional opportunities in the future.
An associate’s degree program in nursing takes 2 to 3 years to complete. These programs are offered by junior and community colleges and combine practical (hands-on) training with classroom study. Like bachelor’s degrees, they include liberal arts courses in their curriculums (although to a lesser extent than do bachelor’s degrees).
Diploma degree programs in nursing are usually offered by hospitals and take about 3-years to complete. Today, there are relatively few diploma degree programs in nursing because bachelor’s and associate’s degree programs have become the preferred educational method for this profession.
In general, bachelor’s degrees in nursing offer the best opportunities for advancement than do associate’s degrees or diploma degrees. Although all three will qualify you for an entry-level position as a staff nurse, a bachelor’s degree will enable you to obtain administrative or teaching positions.
If you have chosen to become a licensed practical nurse, however, you can open the door to more responsibility (and advancement opportunities) by pursing either an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
But whatever educational opportunities you pursue, you can be sure that you will become part of an interesting, emotionally-satisfying—and growing career field. Good luck!
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We’ve empowered students from all walks of life to take control of their educational goals and earn a degree that works for them, personally and professionally.
We’re an accredited university offering on-campus and online college degree programs. Choose from our associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in business, education, criminal justice, nursing, technology and other in-demand fields.
For over 30 years, Keiser University has provided student-centered, quality career education. Keiser University eCampus Online offers degree programs online to prepare students for high-demand professions. Degrees are offered with a curriculum that is in pace with technology and workforce demand trends in business, criminal justice, healthcare and computer technology. Our “one-class-at-a-time” approach allows busy students to focus on their education and balance the demands of work and family.
If you’re looking to continue your nursing education without giving up your passion for helping others, then Brookline College’s Master of Science in Nursing Education program may be the right path for you. The program is specifically designed to prepare you for a role as a nurse educator in a future academic or health care field, focusing on areas of study that include:
If you are driven to pursue a higher standard of success and require flexibility in your schedule to get there, Grand Canyon University, one of the Top 10 Christian colleges, is the right choice for you! GCU emphasizes individual attention for both traditional undergraduate students, as well as the working professional. With our cutting-edge curriculum, you will gain the real-world experience you need to succeed in today’s global marketplace. Online and campus-based bachelor’s and master’s degree programs are offered through the College of Education, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Ken Blanchard College of Business, and the College of Liberal Arts.
Indiana Wesleyan University is an evangelical Christian comprehensive university that is committed to liberal arts and professional education. U.S. News & World Report ranks Indiana Wesleyan University as “one of the best Master’s universities in the Midwest.”
Over 3,200 students live and learn in state-of-the-art residence halls and academic facilities on IWU’s residential campus in Marion, Indiana. More than 80 majors are offered, covering everything from Art to Theology and Ministry. An increasing number of honors students on the residential campus has led to the formation of the John Wesley Honors College.