If you are considering earning a nursing degree, it is advantageous to learn about the different types of nursing degrees available, which are most valuable, and what your options are for education and clinical training. Most nursing students will begin with an Associate's degree in nursing, which is typically a two-year program of study. Here are some of your options, along with typical length of training:
Cost-Effective Training
Community colleges and online education can be your best bet for saving money when attending nursing school, but you must find out how much clinical experience they offer. The school you choose to attend should be affiliated with a local hospital so you can get clinical training. This will also give you the advantage of getting to know hospital staff and impressing them, which can be helpful when you are ready to apply for a nursing position after finishing your program.
Some colleges offer accelerated nursing programs which will offer a BSN, or Bachelor's degree in Nursing in three rather than four years. This higher-level degree can help one have an advantage when applying for a nursing position.
CNA: Certified Nursing Assistant
CNA programs, often provided through community colleges, are an introduction to the field of nursing and receive training. You can also get employed quickly after a few short weeks of training. A CNA assists a nurse with tasks such as bathing, feeding and dressing patients, making beds and checking vital signs.
Being a CNA may be a good place to start if you want to experience nursing before committing to a degree program, or if you want to work in a hospital as soon as possible. However, these positions tend to provide lower pay and few opportunities to advance unless you get more training. You will also need to take a test based on your state requirements to receive the official CNA designation.
LPN: Licensed Practicing Nurse / LVN: Licensed Vocational Nurse
These licenses require a two-year course of study. You may either earn an Associate's degree in nursing or a nursing diploma. An Associates in nursing may be preferred by certain hospitals. After completing this term of study, there is a license examination given by the state in which you wish to practice. This examination must be passed to earn the LPN/LVN license. LPN/LVN nurses perform all duties of a CNA, plus a higher level of patient care such as giving injections, administering medications, starting IVs and working on patient care plans.
RN: Registered Nurse
The RN has completed three to four years of college training, and an RN may have a Bachelor's degree, although a diploma program is sufficient to take the RN exam. It may be advisable to go for the Bachelor's degree if going for the RN license, as most hospitals now will prefer the degreed applicant over one with a diploma. RNs also take a state-sponsored examination to receive their licenses after completing the nursing program. There are class and clinical hours required to be an RN. RNs can perform all tasks of an LPN/LVN plus assist in surgery, operate medical equipment and supervise lower-level nurses.
Higher Education In Nursing
If you are interested in specialty training or research, a Master's of Science (MSN) degree in nursing may be your choice. This qualifies one for advanced nursing work, teaching or performing and assisting in medical research.
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