9 answers
Kai
Student
Longmont, Colorado
1
Question
Asked
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Hi Im 16 years old going to be a senior next year my question is how can I become a Nurse without having to go to a four year college Can I become one through a community college and if so what kinds of fields can I go into??
I want to be a nurse just don’t know what field to be in and what my options are.
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9 answers
Saurabh Malik, CPA
Tax Senior
8
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Saurabh’s Answer
Hello! That's an excellent inquiry.
My partner, who is a Registered Nurse, suggests that you can begin by obtaining an associate's degree and start working as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
Following this, you can enroll in a one-year fast-track nursing program. However, it's important to note that you'll need a bachelor's degree to become a Registered Nurse. This pathway allows you to achieve that without attending a four-year college.
My partner, who is a Registered Nurse, suggests that you can begin by obtaining an associate's degree and start working as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
Following this, you can enroll in a one-year fast-track nursing program. However, it's important to note that you'll need a bachelor's degree to become a Registered Nurse. This pathway allows you to achieve that without attending a four-year college.
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1616
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Kai when talking about the fastest way to get a nursing degree, the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) path comes to mind. Becoming an LPN only requires a diploma, taking just about one year to complete. However, an LPN is not the same as a registered nurse. LPNs work under the supervision of RNs, and have less autonomy in their careers. If you are an LPN but looking to expand your role and qualify for more nursing positions, you may consider an LPN to RN Bridge program. An LPN to RN Bridge can lead to an associate degree in Nursing and your RN licensure, taking about one to two years to complete.
LABOR & DELIVERY NURSE
Labor and delivery often appeal to many nursing students, recent graduates, or even nurses that have been in the field for a while. Most positions as a nurse are performed as a care provider for the sick or injured. As a labor and delivery nurse, it is one of the few times that you get to care for individuals who are not usually sick or injured. It’s a very happy, joyful time that you get to witness and be a part of for many families.
HOSPITAL LPN
Hospitals are one of the most typical settings for LPNs. The LPNs are the everyday, practical part of the patient’s care team in a hospital. Hospitals might be a good choice for an LPN career if you enjoy a hospital setting, which tends to be more fast-paced and medically intense than some other career paths for LPNs.
DOCTOR’S OFFICE
Another LPN career option is working for a doctor’s office. There, LPNs are responsible for performing routine care. While not as medically intensive as a hospital setting, a doctor’s office requires a nurse to adapt quickly and effectively to anything unexpected because anyone may visit a doctor’s office, and many do so before being rerouted to a hospital.
FORENSICS
Students who have LPN diplomas but also an interest in a criminal justice career and the law may want to look into a career in forensic nursing. Forensic nurses help people who have been harmed by violent crime, and they also do the critical job of collecting biological or physiological evidence from victims. In addition to working with people who survived crimes, forensic nurses may also work alongside coroners to determine a crime victim’s cause of death. Forensic nursing may be a great career path for anyone who wants to help pursue justice, while also providing healthcare and support.
Hope this was helpful Kai
LABOR & DELIVERY NURSE
Labor and delivery often appeal to many nursing students, recent graduates, or even nurses that have been in the field for a while. Most positions as a nurse are performed as a care provider for the sick or injured. As a labor and delivery nurse, it is one of the few times that you get to care for individuals who are not usually sick or injured. It’s a very happy, joyful time that you get to witness and be a part of for many families.
HOSPITAL LPN
Hospitals are one of the most typical settings for LPNs. The LPNs are the everyday, practical part of the patient’s care team in a hospital. Hospitals might be a good choice for an LPN career if you enjoy a hospital setting, which tends to be more fast-paced and medically intense than some other career paths for LPNs.
DOCTOR’S OFFICE
Another LPN career option is working for a doctor’s office. There, LPNs are responsible for performing routine care. While not as medically intensive as a hospital setting, a doctor’s office requires a nurse to adapt quickly and effectively to anything unexpected because anyone may visit a doctor’s office, and many do so before being rerouted to a hospital.
FORENSICS
Students who have LPN diplomas but also an interest in a criminal justice career and the law may want to look into a career in forensic nursing. Forensic nurses help people who have been harmed by violent crime, and they also do the critical job of collecting biological or physiological evidence from victims. In addition to working with people who survived crimes, forensic nurses may also work alongside coroners to determine a crime victim’s cause of death. Forensic nursing may be a great career path for anyone who wants to help pursue justice, while also providing healthcare and support.
Hope this was helpful Kai
Amaka Akpeh
consultant
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Amaka’s Answer
Hey Kai,
From my own journey towards becoming a nurse, I believe you can achieve your nursing dreams through community college by taking these simple steps. First, look for accredited nursing programs at nearby community colleges or trade schools. Make sure you meet their admission criteria, like having a high school diploma, a certain GPA, and maybe even some required classes.
Next, sign up for and finish a community college nursing program (ADN), which usually takes about 2-3 years. While you're at it, get some hands-on experience through supervised training in healthcare environments. After that, take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse. Finally, get your state license by meeting your state's specific licensing rules.
Don't forget to do your research, talk to academic advisors, and double-check program requirements for the most accurate info. Good luck!
From my own journey towards becoming a nurse, I believe you can achieve your nursing dreams through community college by taking these simple steps. First, look for accredited nursing programs at nearby community colleges or trade schools. Make sure you meet their admission criteria, like having a high school diploma, a certain GPA, and maybe even some required classes.
Next, sign up for and finish a community college nursing program (ADN), which usually takes about 2-3 years. While you're at it, get some hands-on experience through supervised training in healthcare environments. After that, take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse. Finally, get your state license by meeting your state's specific licensing rules.
Don't forget to do your research, talk to academic advisors, and double-check program requirements for the most accurate info. Good luck!
Molly Fowler Giddens
Senior Tax Consultant - Credits and Incentives
2
Answers
Newnan, Georgia
Updated
Molly’s Answer
Hello!
You can definitely still become a nurse without attending a 4-yr university. What you can obtain through a community college is called an associate degree in nursing (ADN) which typically takes about 2-3 years to complete. Once you have completed your program, you would be eligible to sit for licensing to then become an RN in most states. From there, as an RN, you can work in a variety of settings- public health, home health, hospitals, clinics, forensics, nursing homes, etc.
If you want to continue from there, you could use your ADN to then bridge over to a bachelors of science in nursing.
Hope that helps some- I have a sister in law that following that exact route!
You can definitely still become a nurse without attending a 4-yr university. What you can obtain through a community college is called an associate degree in nursing (ADN) which typically takes about 2-3 years to complete. Once you have completed your program, you would be eligible to sit for licensing to then become an RN in most states. From there, as an RN, you can work in a variety of settings- public health, home health, hospitals, clinics, forensics, nursing homes, etc.
If you want to continue from there, you could use your ADN to then bridge over to a bachelors of science in nursing.
Hope that helps some- I have a sister in law that following that exact route!
Dr. Vac
Music Producer/Audio Engineer
6
Answers
Tupelo, Mississippi
Updated
Dr.’s Answer
Yes, you can indeed become a nurse through community college. The typical path involves earning an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN), which usually takes around two years to complete.
Here are the general steps you would need to take:
1. Earn a High School Diploma: This is a prerequisite for almost all nursing programs. You should focus on subjects like biology, chemistry, and math.
2. Pass an Admission Exam: Many community colleges require students to pass an admission exam, such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), to be eligible for the nursing program.
3. Complete an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program: This typically takes about two years. It combines classroom instruction with clinical experience.
4. Pass the NCLEX-RN: After earning your ADN, you’ll need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed registered nurse.
5. Start Working as a Registered Nurse (RN): With your RN license, you can start applying for nursing jobs.
6. Consider Further Specialization or Education: Once you’ve gained some experience as an RN, you might choose to specialize in a certain area (like pediatrics, oncology, or critical care), or pursue further education, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which can open up more opportunities and potentially increase your earning potential.
Remember, this is a general outline and the exact steps can vary depending on the specific program and state regulations. It’s important to research the specific requirements in your area and speak with advisors or professionals in the field to get accurate and up-to-date information.
Here are the general steps you would need to take:
1. Earn a High School Diploma: This is a prerequisite for almost all nursing programs. You should focus on subjects like biology, chemistry, and math.
2. Pass an Admission Exam: Many community colleges require students to pass an admission exam, such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), to be eligible for the nursing program.
3. Complete an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program: This typically takes about two years. It combines classroom instruction with clinical experience.
4. Pass the NCLEX-RN: After earning your ADN, you’ll need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed registered nurse.
5. Start Working as a Registered Nurse (RN): With your RN license, you can start applying for nursing jobs.
6. Consider Further Specialization or Education: Once you’ve gained some experience as an RN, you might choose to specialize in a certain area (like pediatrics, oncology, or critical care), or pursue further education, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which can open up more opportunities and potentially increase your earning potential.
Remember, this is a general outline and the exact steps can vary depending on the specific program and state regulations. It’s important to research the specific requirements in your area and speak with advisors or professionals in the field to get accurate and up-to-date information.
Danielle Abbs
Financial Analyst
3
Answers
Gilbert, Arizona
Updated
Danielle’s Answer
Hi Kai!
From initially starting my path in the medical field prior to crossing over as a financial analyst, I know that it is definitely possible to become a nurse without going to a 4 year university. You can earn your credentials at a community college or choose to do the LPN program instead. I think that it would be beneficial to attend the orientations that the community college offers prior to signing up because many of them will let you earn your BSN (4years) concurrently while you're in the program and generally get accepted into the program faster that way.
Best of luck! :)
From initially starting my path in the medical field prior to crossing over as a financial analyst, I know that it is definitely possible to become a nurse without going to a 4 year university. You can earn your credentials at a community college or choose to do the LPN program instead. I think that it would be beneficial to attend the orientations that the community college offers prior to signing up because many of them will let you earn your BSN (4years) concurrently while you're in the program and generally get accepted into the program faster that way.
Best of luck! :)
Marie Enos MSN, BSN, RN-NIC
RN
71
Answers
Huntsville, Alabama
Updated
Marie’s Answer
Yes you can achieve your goal with a two year community College. A two year college will allow you to get an associates degree in nursing (ADN). This degree allows you to take the NCLEX exam. Upon passing exam you get your RN license. In high school you can look into Duel enrollment and receive college credits while in high school. After completing your first year in nursing program, you can apply for nurse apprentice program (NAP). This job works with school schedule and you start working in nursing area of your choice, which gives you a foot in to hospital. I completed my degree at a two year community College and went straight into neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Hospitals have nurse residency programs, allowing you to work in any area of chosen with license. Many have said it is difficult to get into critical care areas with an ADN degree, this has been said since 1990, which is when I graduated with my first degree. . I would recommend continuing your learning experience after getting hired. The hospital normally pays for school while working, and classes are online.
Best of luck. ME
Duel enrollment if available
Keep GPA high
Study for entrance exam (if required)
Study hard
Pick area of choice to work in
Best of luck. ME
Marie recommends the following next steps:
Alma Ascencio
Specialist, Billing Account Specialist
1
Answer
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
Alma’s Answer
Some colleges offer a vocational Nursing Certificate and Associate Degree Nursing. The Vocational Nurse program is a one-year degree program. The Associate Degree in Nursing is a 2-year program, and after completion, you are eligible for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurse. Before you apply, just make sure the college you are applying to offers the program.
Joseph-Shannon O'Hannigan
Business consulting
10
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Joseph-Shannon’s Answer
Great question! I am not a nurse, but I have helped many, and other professionals in healthcare. I know there are many levels of nursing, and many ways to specialize in healthcare. Yes, there are lots of community colleges and smaller schools which train you to earn basic certifications in less than four years. This starts you in general/ entry level nursing roles. Once you are doing that, you can decide what you would like to focus on, and how much additional schooling that might require. Good luck!