There are several ways to become a nurse and these depend upon the type of nursing career you wish to have. As a general rule, many can become a working nursing practitioner after one year of study and a registered nurse with an associate’s degree after two years. Those who have a bachelor’s degree in another field may be able to find an accelerated nursing program that allows them to transfer the general course requirements they completed towards their nursing degree. Those who have obtained a bachelor’s degree in a different area may obtain a bachelor’s of science in nursing between one to two years. Those who wish to become a nurse should perform a thorough examination of their current educational status and work history. Those with no experience in nursing may want to begin as an LPN and then work while training to become a registered nurse.
Before entering nursing schools a student must obtain a high school diploma or GED. Some nursing schools require their prospective students to take the National League for Nursing Pre Admission Examination. Though many want to become registered nurses as they receive a higher pay grade and oversee LPNs, there is great demand for licensed practical nurses. Additionally, the nursing field as a whole is in a state of shortage and the United States Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates there will be a need for half a million additional nurses by the year 2018, due to the increased health care demands of baby boomers.
When determining which level or degree is best for your nursing career consider whether you already have a degree. There are prerequisites that must be met before beginning their studies. Those who wish to achieve a nursing diploma must look for hospitals that provide these courses. These programs may last up to three years and some offer dual programs that will ensure a diploma as well as an associate’s degree.
Those specifically targeting an associate degree in nursing (AND) will be required to take a two to three year course. Some fast track programs will enable students to complete their studies in a quicker fashion.
There are several options for those who want to achieve their bachelor of science in nursing degree. This is a four year course but for those who have obtained a bachelor’s degree in another subject area, there are accelerate programs that may allow a student to graduate after one or two years of study. Study often includes course and clinical work and those that take an accelerated nursing program must prepare for an intense course of study. After successful course completion and graduation, the student will be required to undergo licensing through the appropriate examination board as determined by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Those interested in becoming licensed practical nurses and registered nurses are both required to undergo licensing.
Once a student becomes a licensed registered nurse, he or she may continue with their educational studies and specialize in an advanced degree. From a bachelor and master’s degree to a doctorate and specializing in certain fields, there are numerous opportunities for licensed nurses to continue pursuing their education and broaden their employment opportunities.
Those interested in becoming a nurse will find there are many career paths available to choose from. It’s important to take the time to assess your personal situation and determine the best option for your training. Consider your long term goals and create a strategy that is realistic. Don’t try to do too much too soon. If you need a career quickly, then consider becoming an LPN and working at your own pace to become a registered nurse. If you have been working in one field, have a hefty savings account that you can fall back on and want to change your career focus to nursing, an accelerated BSN program may be best.