Find the Right Nurses Program for You
Individuals considering a career in nursing have a variety of nurses programs to choose from. With over 2.5 million people working as nurses in America today, nursing accounts for the highest rate of job growth across the nation in the health care field. Those interested in becoming a nurse can pursue a career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), a registered nurse (RN) and a nurse practitioner (NP) just to name a few.
The quickest way to enter into a nursing career is to receive training as an LPN. After completing approximately one year of training, under the supervision of a physician or RN, students enter into a direct care patient setting in all areas of healthcare including clinics, hospitals, home health care, private practice and long-term care facilities. This is a good starting point for individuals that are not sure how far they wish to pursue additional studies in the nursing field.
Many individuals choose to begin their training through a CNA program (Certified Nursing Assistant ). Also known as nurse’s aids, CNA’s provide assistance to patients with basic care services under the direct supervision of an LPN or RN. Requirements to become certified as a CNA include a high school diploma or GED and the completion of a 6-12 week certified nursing assistant program at either a medical facility or a community college. In addition to basic nursing skills, coursework involves nutrition, anatomy and physiology, infection control and an abundance of direct training in clinical procedures. From here, individuals may choose to continue their education with either a CNA to BSN program. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or BSN degree are required to complete a 4 year curriculum that includes foundational courses as well as all major nursing classes.
The Registered Nurse (RN) degree provides a wider range of career opportunities and advancement. RN’s make up the majority of health care workers today. Registered nurses are supervisors to LPN’s and CNA’s and generally have the responsibility of assigning various tasks in hospitals and institutional settings. RN’s have a concrete foundation that prepares them for graduate nursing programs and often go on to pursue an education in graduate studies.
Prospective nursing students should evaluate all of the choice for nurses programs and decide which provides the best option. A popular choice for non-nurses who possess a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field is the Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. These degree programs generally take 3 years to complete. During the first year, students complete entry-level nursing classes, followed by 2 years of studies on a master’s level. The direct entry program is appealing to individuals who wish to complete a shorter work schedule in undergraduate nursing classes before advancing directly to graduate level courses.