how do you become a nurse through community college?
I want to be a nurse but i dont want to go to a big college and be in school for decades. #nurse #nursing-education
3 answers
Teresa’s Answer
Dear Taea, There are many schools who have nursing programs- some offer an associates degree, others a bachelor's degree. If you go to school full time to get an associate's degree it takes about 2 years- When you complete this, you will have an AD or Associate's Degree. Some hospitals do not hire nurses without a BSN or Bachelor's of Science in Nursing- degree. This is because there is a status called "Magnet" status that hospitals pursue to show their advanced work. It may be important to decide what type of nursing you like before you get your bachelor's degree. If you work in an office, or hospital that doesn't require a BSN, you can be out and working much faster. I know many nurses who had their AD and went back to school while working to finish their BSN. I have been a nurse for 29 years and just got my BSN last year because it wasn't required when I first started.
If you like to work with people and enjoy science- Nursing is a GREAT career!
I wish you the best in your future pursuit- Good luck!
Teresa
Community colleges offer an Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) in about 2 years of full time study. Many hospitals have stopped hiring ADNs, though. Nursing homes and physician's offices do hire ADNs. To get a BSN (bachelors degree in nursing) takes 4 years of full time study at a university. You have many more career options with a BSN, and I highly recommend that route if it is feasible for you. There are tons of scholarships, especially if you are willing to work in an underserved area. Another option is to start with your ADN, work for a while, and go back to school for your BSN. There are many, many ADN to BSN (and even ADN to Masters degree in nursing) all over the country. I have been a nurse for 16 plus years and it is such a versatile and rewarding career!! Best wishes!
Gabrielle Le Sage
Daniela Silva
Daniela’s Answer
Hi Taea,
Take a look in this link, maybe can help you:
https://www.oaklandcc.edu/health/nursing/
Best of Luck!
Kelli Bermudez
Kelli’s Answer
I started out as an ADN and it took three years full time to complete at a community college. It is a wonderful learning experience and it can be done on a part time basis as well. Community College is definitely a more affordable option and I formed lifelong friendships with my fellow nursing students. I quickly completed a bridge program to BSN which was an additional full time year. I would recommend to all ADN nurses to complete a BSN which most all hospital will require by the year 2020.