Serena
If I want to officially work as a certified nurse, should I go into a 2-year or 4-year program?
Since the Beginning of the year, I have been receiving college acceptances. I got one from Alfred State that says I was conditionally accepted into their 2-year nursing program. But my godmother and other nurses that I have asked says that I should go for the 4-year program because it comes with a higher degree. But I was worried that I would be passing up an opportunity that was given for me to enter a nursing program. #nursing #healthcare
2 answers
Maisha Guillory
Maisha’s Answer
More employers are looking for Bachelors prepared nurses...so go for the 4-year program.
Teresa Bentley
Teresa’s Answer
Dear Serena, You can take the NCLEX exam and work as an RN with either an ADN (Associates degree in nursing) or a BSN ( bachelor's degree in nursing). But- many hospitals require a BSN. I actually graduated from nursing school in 1986 and began practicing as an RN without my BSN for many years- I am now a manager of a unit and a BSN was required- so I had to go back to school while working full time. I now have my BSN. I think that it would have been better if I had gone straight thru and gotten the 4 year degree at the beginning. You can still be successful with an ADN-- It just will not open as many doors. If you get a full scholarship to attend a 2 year degree, you might consider the possibility of taking your two years and then taking an RN to BSN program.
Thank You!
Serena