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Joshua
Student
Covina, California
1
Question
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What are the requirements to become a nurse?
I would like to know about the details about becoming a nurse as my future career.
Are there any nursing colleges in the US for me that I'm can possibly sign up for? #career
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2 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1591
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING A NURSE
After obtaining a high school diploma or a GED, a student interested in becoming a nurse will typically select from a range of educational options. Students can choose to pursue training to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs). An LPN can later enroll in further classes to become an RN. Nurse training can come from college or hospital education programs that lead to a diploma, associate's degree or bachelor's degree. Diploma and associate's degree programs take less time to complete but may offer fewer job opportunities after graduation. Nursing programs feature a combination of class lectures, hands-on laboratory work and clinical experience. Students take courses in anatomy, pathology and microbiology. During clinical instruction, students work under the supervision of professional nurses in a health care facility. Registered nurse programs typically include more in-depth study than licensed practical nurse programs. Diploma and associate's degree programs last for about two years and are available at community colleges and vocational schools. Colleges and universities offer bachelor's degree programs in nursing and last for four years. Students with an associate's degree can often transfer credits towards a bachelor's degree in nursing. As the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) explains, there are three common educational paths for aspiring RNs. Students may choose to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, an associate's degree in nursing or a LPN diploma . All three are enough to attain an entry-level position. However, those who would like to be promoted within the nursing industry should consider earning a bachelor's degree.
LPN AND LVN PROGRAMS • 1-YEAR DIPLOMA
Entry-level training for licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses can be obtained via 1-year educational programs offered at technical schools, vocational schools or community colleges. LPN/LVN programs involve both lecture-type classes and hands-on clinical practice in a hospital or clinic. Typical courses include anatomy, first aid, nutrition and physiology. Licensed practical nurses work under the guidance registered nurses to care for patients. LPNs may perform basic tasks such as checking and recording vital signs and assisting patients with daily tasks. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for LPNs are expected to increase by 12% between 2018 and 2028, faster than the national average. LPNs made an average salary of $48,000 as of October 28, 2020.
ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE IN NURSING • 2-YEAR DEGREE
An ADN program typically takes two years to complete and is designed to prepare students for the demands of a career as a registered nurse (RN). Program requirements include completing approximately 60 credits, often including a capstone course. RNs who want to advance to nurse leadership or nurse practitioner roles might go on to enroll in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program.
BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN NURSING • 4-YEAR DEGREE
BSN programs prepare students for careers as registered nurses, and generally require four years of study, including lower division courses and upper division courses with practical, hands-on experience. Depending on the program, students must complete around 126 total credit hours, including general education classes and electives as well as nursing courses. Some schools may offer different options for completing a BSN program, including a traditional four-year program, an accelerated program, and an RN-to-BSN program for students who are already registered nurses. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the job opportunities for RNs are projected to increase by 15% between 2018 and 2028. Nurses with a bachelor's degree in nursing typically have an easier time finding employment. The average salary for a Registered Nurse (RN) in the United States is between $80,250 and $102,500 as of October 28, 2020. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the actual Registered Nurse (RN) position you are looking for.
Hope this was Helpful Joshua
After obtaining a high school diploma or a GED, a student interested in becoming a nurse will typically select from a range of educational options. Students can choose to pursue training to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs). An LPN can later enroll in further classes to become an RN. Nurse training can come from college or hospital education programs that lead to a diploma, associate's degree or bachelor's degree. Diploma and associate's degree programs take less time to complete but may offer fewer job opportunities after graduation. Nursing programs feature a combination of class lectures, hands-on laboratory work and clinical experience. Students take courses in anatomy, pathology and microbiology. During clinical instruction, students work under the supervision of professional nurses in a health care facility. Registered nurse programs typically include more in-depth study than licensed practical nurse programs. Diploma and associate's degree programs last for about two years and are available at community colleges and vocational schools. Colleges and universities offer bachelor's degree programs in nursing and last for four years. Students with an associate's degree can often transfer credits towards a bachelor's degree in nursing. As the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) explains, there are three common educational paths for aspiring RNs. Students may choose to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, an associate's degree in nursing or a LPN diploma . All three are enough to attain an entry-level position. However, those who would like to be promoted within the nursing industry should consider earning a bachelor's degree.
LPN AND LVN PROGRAMS • 1-YEAR DIPLOMA
Entry-level training for licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses can be obtained via 1-year educational programs offered at technical schools, vocational schools or community colleges. LPN/LVN programs involve both lecture-type classes and hands-on clinical practice in a hospital or clinic. Typical courses include anatomy, first aid, nutrition and physiology. Licensed practical nurses work under the guidance registered nurses to care for patients. LPNs may perform basic tasks such as checking and recording vital signs and assisting patients with daily tasks. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for LPNs are expected to increase by 12% between 2018 and 2028, faster than the national average. LPNs made an average salary of $48,000 as of October 28, 2020.
ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE IN NURSING • 2-YEAR DEGREE
An ADN program typically takes two years to complete and is designed to prepare students for the demands of a career as a registered nurse (RN). Program requirements include completing approximately 60 credits, often including a capstone course. RNs who want to advance to nurse leadership or nurse practitioner roles might go on to enroll in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program.
BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN NURSING • 4-YEAR DEGREE
BSN programs prepare students for careers as registered nurses, and generally require four years of study, including lower division courses and upper division courses with practical, hands-on experience. Depending on the program, students must complete around 126 total credit hours, including general education classes and electives as well as nursing courses. Some schools may offer different options for completing a BSN program, including a traditional four-year program, an accelerated program, and an RN-to-BSN program for students who are already registered nurses. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the job opportunities for RNs are projected to increase by 15% between 2018 and 2028. Nurses with a bachelor's degree in nursing typically have an easier time finding employment. The average salary for a Registered Nurse (RN) in the United States is between $80,250 and $102,500 as of October 28, 2020. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the actual Registered Nurse (RN) position you are looking for.
Hope this was Helpful Joshua
Barbara Warrington, RN, BSN, CVRN-BC
Supervisor Nursing Resources
2
Answers
Elk Grove Village, Illinois
Updated
Barbara’s Answer
Once you have completed your education, all states require that you take the NCLEX exams demonstrate that you have the knowledge to practice nursing. When that is completed, depending if you are an LPN or RN, you will get licensed by the state. You will need to renew your license every so many years depending on the state you are working in.
After you have obtained your nursing license, many states require that you obtain a certain amount of continuing education hours. It differs by state.
In terms of what colleges to go to, there is a huge demand for nurses right now and you will be able to find schools almost anywhere. Depending on what you want to you could start at a community college (generally a 2 year program). If you want to get a Bachelors degree you can look at a 4 year college or even a state university.
Nursing is a terrific career to get into and offers many career directions you can go into. What I've mentioned is just to get started. There is so much more you can do once you are a nurse.
After you have obtained your nursing license, many states require that you obtain a certain amount of continuing education hours. It differs by state.
In terms of what colleges to go to, there is a huge demand for nurses right now and you will be able to find schools almost anywhere. Depending on what you want to you could start at a community college (generally a 2 year program). If you want to get a Bachelors degree you can look at a 4 year college or even a state university.
Nursing is a terrific career to get into and offers many career directions you can go into. What I've mentioned is just to get started. There is so much more you can do once you are a nurse.