A licensed practical nurse (LPN) also known as a vocational nurse is what some may consider the entry level area of nursing. Any one considering a career as a LPN must have a general education diploma or have successfully completed high school. Training for a position as a licensed practical nurse can usually be obtained through a community college or a vocational school. With full time study most students are able to complete training within a year. After completing a practical nursing program students must complete and pass a state licensing exam. LPNs make a decent entry level salary starting anywhere from $35,000 annually for a year’s worth of training. Licensed practical nurses are trained to provide daily living maintenance to patients, dispense medication to patients, start IVs and in some medical facilities maintain medical paperwork.

For those individuals looking for higher pay and more professional responsibility seeking licensure as a registered nurse is the ideal. A registered nurse (R.N.) completes an associate of nursing degree (A.S.N.) at a local community college. With the full time study most A.S.N. programs can be completed in two years and this includes both classroom and clinical portions of the program. Nurses with a two year degree are eligible to take the NCLEX test which is the nursing certification test to obtain a license to work in their chosen state. Obtain passing the NCLEX a person is officially a registered nurse and has an unlimited amount of opportunities to work and any medical facility as a nurse. The pay for a registered nurse is higher than those of the practical nurse with starting salaries beginning as high as $50,000 a year depending on the employer. Registered nurses have the training to provide a vast amount of patient care and they can specialize in many different areas such as neonatal care, intensive care and medical surgical nursing to name just a few.

Registered nurses can further their education and receive a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (B.S.N). Many hospitals are willing to assist their registered nurses in furthering their education by offering tuition assistance and reimbursement. Likewise, there are many nursing programs that offer R.N. to B.S.N. programs to aid current nurses in obtaining their bachelors degree. For an R.N. bridging their education to a bachelor’s degree it can take anywhere from two to four years to finish the program depending on full time or part time study. For those without previous nursing experience a traditional B.S.N. program is four years in duration. A bachelor’s degree in nursing helps to expand on the clinical skills already obtained and then offers a core in nursing foundation such as the history of nursing and the application of nursing on a broader level such as in administration.

Finally, there are a number of advanced practice degrees that can be obtained by nurses with a four year degree. The Master’s of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) can be obtained in a variety of specialized fields such as nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetists. Advanced practice nurses are highly trained in their chosen areas and earn a much higher income because of the additional education and training. Most master’s degree programs can be completed in two years if attended full time.

Anyone considering nursing as a profession has a variety of pathways to beginning their nursing career.

Any current nurse considering the step to becoming a C.R.N.A. must be a licensed registered nurse with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree. Gaining these qualifications takes about four to six years depending upon which educational route you take.

After gaining these qualifications it is imperative to get as much acute and intensive care experience as possible. If you are a nurse you can request a change to work in the intensive care unit (ICU) to gain this experience. Having the familiarity of working with people who are in critical condition is detrimental to working as an advanced practice nurse performing anesthesia. It provides a firm foundation that ensures that critical nursing skills are learned and thoroughly used.

While gaining acute or intensive care experience you should apply to an accredited Masters in Nursing program. There are many of these programs throughout the country but if you are considering anesthesia work then should narrow your search to schools that provide a specialization in anesthesia. When applying for to a graduate nursing school program it is important to do your best on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). This is a test similar to the SAT but only for individuals seeking admission to graduate schools. When considering that being a C.R.N.A. requires a thorough knowledge of science and math and accuracy it is vital that you excel on these specific subjects to be considered a credible applicant to any nursing graduate school to become a C.R.N.A.

After being accepted into a graduate program for nursing anesthesia it usually takes about two to three years to complete the program. While completing the program it is highly recommended to continue working as a nurse in a hospital if only part time in a critical care unit. This experience will make you more attractive once your advanced degree is finished.  Upon completion of the C.R.N.A. program you must take a national certification test given by the National Board on Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). Once this test is completed and passed a nurse with the proper graduate degree and certification can then begin working as a certified registered nurse anesthetist.

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) also known as a vocational nurse is what some may consider the entry level area of nursing. Any one considering a career as a LPN must have a general education diploma or have successfully completed high school. Training for a position as a licensed practical nurse can usually be obtained through a community college or a vocational school, or through online LPN nursing classes. With full time study most students are able to complete training within a year. After completing a practical nursing program students must complete and pass a state licensing exam. LPNs make a decent entry level salary starting anywhere from $35,000 annually for a year’s worth of training. Licensed practical nurses are trained to provide daily living maintenance to patients, dispense medication to patients, start IVs and in some medical facilities maintain medical paperwork.

For those individuals looking for higher pay and more professional responsibility seeking licensure as a registered nurse is the ideal. A registered nurse (R.N.) completes an associate of nursing degree (A.S.N.) at a local community college. With the full time study most A.S.N. programs can be completed in two years and this includes both classroom and clinical portions of the program. Nurses with a two year degree are eligible to take the NCLEX which is the nursing certification test to obtain a license to work in their chosen state. Obtain passing the NCLEX a person is officially a registered nurse and has an unlimited amount of opportunities to work and any medical facility as a nurse. The pay for a registered nurse is higher than those of the practical nurse with starting salaries beginning as high as $50,000 a year depending on the employer. Registered nurses have the training to provide a vast amount of patient care and they can specialize in many different areas such as neonatal care, intensive care and medical surgical nursing to name just a few.

Registered nurses can further their education and receive a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (B.S.N). Many hospitals are willing to assist their registered nurses in furthering their education by offering tuition assistance and reimbursement. Likewise, there are many nursing programs that offer R.N. to B.S.N. programs to aid current nurses in obtaining their bachelors degree. For an R.N. bridging their education to a bachelor’s degree it can take anywhere from two to four years to finish the program depending on full time or part time study. For those without previous nursing experience a traditional B.S.N. program is four years in duration. A bachelor’s degree in nursing helps to expand on the clinical skills already obtained and then offers a core in nursing foundation such as the history of nursing and the application of nursing on a broader level such as in administration.

Finally, there are a number of advanced practice degrees that can be obtained by nurses with a four year degree. The Master’s of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) can be obtained in a variety of specialized fields such as nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetists. Advanced practice nurses are highly trained in their chosen areas and earn a much higher income because of the additional education and training. Most master’s degree programs can be completed in two years if attended full time.

Anyone considering becoming a nurse as a profession has a variety of pathways to pursue their career, beginning with choosing their nursing degree.

There are a few dual degree options and one of the most popular is the Masters of Science in Nursing and the Masters in Public Health (MSN/MPH) dual degree. This program combines the clinical specialization of a master’s level nursing degree with a specialized master’s level public health degree. Nursing and public health are very closely related and obtaining dual degrees can be very beneficial especially for people interested in public health nursing.

These two degrees allow an individual to be fully informed on the clinical aspects of nursing while being capable of applying these specialized skills on a much broader level helping not just one patient but a larger number of individuals to improve their health.

An additional dual degree nursing program is the BSN or MSN and a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) option. The combination of a medical and law degree is extremely helpful. There are many nurses who work for lawyers advising them on various health issues in relation to medical lawsuits. Many good medical malpractice and disability lawyers have a medical consultant-many times a nurse-to whom they seek counsel on cases. There are some nurses who decide after years of clinical work to utilize their skills legally by becoming malpractice and disability lawyers. With the clinical expertise and the legal training many find possessing a nursing degree coupled with a law degree to be quite lucrative.

Finally, for nurses looking to use their medical expertise in the business world there is the option of a BSN/MSN coupled with a Masters in Business Administration (MBA). There are many nurses who choose to use their medical expertise to head major organizations such as insurance companies. Some nurses even decide to open their own long-term care facilities and medical information companies. The MBA provides a solid business foundation which will aid a nurse in applying his/her medical abilities in a variety of circumstances.

The decision to pursue a dual degree in nursing and another discipline will provide unlimited opportunities to apply clinical medical knowledge in a variety of settings.

There are many accredited master’s level nursing programs available throughout the United States. Depending on your chosen specialty completion of such a program will take between two and three years. To apply for a master’s level program you must first have received your Bachelors degree, or BSN. In addition, as with many other masters’ programs, you’ll need to take the LSAT or other master’s level quantitative test will be required.

Master’s level education in all areas generally requires choosing a specialization and with nursing this is also applicable. There are a huge number and range of specializations which include nursing practitioner, midwifery, certified registered nursing anesthetist and public health nursing just to name a few. In addition, there has been a rise in graduate level programs catering to nursing education.

With the demand for nurses rising the demand for qualified applicants to teach nursing students rises also. In addition, many BSNs who pursue a master’s degree are able to do so while continuing to work. Some work part time and devote full time to study to a master’s program. Others do the opposite. Many nurses also find that hospitals are willing to assist with the cost of an advanced degree by offering tuition reimbursement. Ultimately, there is definitely a need and an incentive for nurses to pursue an advanced nursing degree.

As the demand for health care increases, nurses with advanced degrees will have the advantage of obtaining coveted head nurse and private practice positions. Likewise, master’s level programs help to supply many medical facilities with quality high-trained nurses who area capable of administering services at a significantly lower cost as opposed to a doctor. More important is that regardless of the education level a nurse is still a nurse. They are the backbone of many medical facilities. A doctor may diagnose and treat but it is ultimately the nurse that will monitor and help maintain the care of a patient. Having an advanced degree will allow nurses to continue to provide patient care at a higher and more specialized level.

With costs for education continually on the rise, nursing programs at community colleges have become increasingly popular. Not only are tuition costs much lower, but you could have the benefit of attending a campus near where you live and/or work, saving further on costs, as well as travel time.

There are also Bachelors of Science of Nursing (B.S.N.) programs which are the four year degree programs found at many colleges and universities. There is demand for both R.N. and B.S.N. nurses, but there is also a huge demand for advanced practice nurses. The best ways to become an advanced practice nurse is by completing a master’s level nursing program.

If you already have your RN certification, you might want to consider one of the RN-to-BSN programs available, since this can reduce the time and requirements necessary. Depending on your situation, you may also find that your employer is willing to foot the bill for an RN-to-BSN program is you agree to continue employment there.

There are many accredited master’s level nursing programs available throughout the United States. Depending on your chosen specialty completion of such a program will take between two and three years. To apply for a master’s level nursing program you must have a BSN. In addition, as with many other masters’ programs a LSAT or other master’s level quantitative test will be required.

Master’s level education in all areas generally requires choosing a specialization and with nursing this is also applicable. There are a number of nursing specializations which include nursing practitioner, midwifery, certified registered nursing anesthetist and public health nursing just to name a few. In addition, there has been a rise in graduate level programs catering to nursing education.

With the demand for nurses rising the demand for qualified applicants to teach nursing students rises also. In addition, many BSNs who pursue a master’s degree in nursing are able to do so while continuing to work. Some work part time and devote full time to study to a master’s program. Others do the opposite. Many nurses also find that hospitals are willing to assist with the cost of an advanced nursing degree by offering tuition reimbursement. Ultimately, there is definitely a need and an incentive for nurses to pursue an advanced nursing degree.

As the demand for healthcare increases nurses with advanced degrees will have the advantage of obtaining coveted head nurse and private practice positions. Likewise, master’s level nursing programs help to supply many medical facilities with quality high-trained nurses who area capable of administering services at a significantly lower cost as opposed to a doctor. More important is that regardless of the education level a nurse is still a nurse. Nurses are the backbone of many medical facilities. A doctor may diagnose and treat but it is ultimately the nurse that will monitor and help maintain the care of a patient. Having an advanced degree will allow nurses to continue to provide patient care at a higher and more specialized level.

With more than 2 million jobs, nursing is the largest of all the health care jobs and occupations. Nursing is one of the 10 occupations projected to have the largest numbers of new jobs. With an ongoing chronic, world-wide shortage of qualified applicants, job opportunities are extremely good. As a nurse, your earnings are above average, particularly for advanced practice nurses, who have additional education or training.

There are many, many specialties, degrees, certifications that you can pursue. Below are some of degrees you can pursue through a nursing school program, either campus-based, or online.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Takes 2-3 years. Offered at many community colleges. Prepares you to provide RN care in numerous settings.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Takes 4 years. Also referred to as Baccalaureate degree. Offered at many California State Universities and some private colleges. Prepares you to provide RN care in numerous settings and to move to administrative and leadership positions.

Masters Entry Level Program in Nursing
Designed for adults who have a baccalaureate degree in another field and wish to become RNs. Takes 1-2 years depending on how many nursing course prerequisites you have already completed. Graduate receives a masters degree.

Once you have completed those steps your on your way to a rewarding career in Nursing.

If you are interested in a health care career, but aren’t able or ready to pursue a 2- or 4- year degree, you might want to consider an accelerated degree program.

Another consideration is to pursue a CNA, or Certified Nursing Assistant certification. The requirements are much lower, and CNA training classes are much easier and quicker to complete. This can also be a great stepping-stone to becoming a licensed nurse, and can give you invaluable “hands-on” exposure to virtually every environment and facility that you would find as a nurse.

Once you have completed your degree your steps will differ depending on which state you live in. Most of the time, you will need to send an application to the Board of Registered Nursing within your state. To receive the application simply go to your favorite search engine and search for your state’s Nursing Application. In addition to an application, you will need to have your Nursing School send your transcripts to the State Board. The last step will be to take and pass the National Council Licensing Examination.

Depending on which different type of nursing degree you choose, you may not be able to find a campus based nursing school program in close proximity to your home, if this is the case you should consider online nursing schools as they provide an alternative to campus based education. You can find online courses and degree programs for nearly any area or specialty.

The medical field not only is a means of stable income with a secured future but it also offers plenty of advancement opportunities as well. If you have a 2 year nursing degree there are BSN programs online that gives you the bridge to your college degree. These programs give you the chance to pursue your bachelor degree at your own pace. You can choose from BSN programs online or register for some of the night time courses that are offered by your own state colleges and universities.

The many advantages of a BSN degree include the opportunity for higher positions in management, and the potential for a bigger annual income. Many of the nursing programs offered today, whether online or on campus, are designed to accommodate the needs of working individuals. These programs meet your schedule requirements by allowing you to choose classes offered on days, nights, weekends. The BSN programs online let you study and take tests at home.

Having the opportunity to choose one of the BSN programs online will make it easier for nurses with 2 year degrees to further their nursing education. With the expanding number of elderly people in our society, the need for medical professionals will certainly continue to be on the rise. Pursing your BSN not only prepares you for many advanced and lucrative career opportunities it gives you the self satisfaction of accomplishing one of your life’s goals.

The biggest difference between adding a key and person BS is the amount of time and number of credits necessary to complete the program. Typically, an ADN takes 2 years to complete, while a BSN degree can take up to four years to complete.

For students that already, a previous bachelors degree, they are also accelerated BSN programs.

Both degree programs will require similar core curriculum fulfillments: Maternal and newborn nursing, Adult health,  and pediatrics. Community health nursing, psychiatric nursing, and gerontological nursing are often required as well. A BSN program would typically offer more courses in nursing theory than an ADN, including nursing research, and nursing informatics, which is a field of study that examines how nurses use technology.

The starting salaries for an ADN or a BSN prepared nurse are similar, however since  many advanced nursing positions require a BSN, the BSN prepared nurse has the potential to earn more money. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2007 the average starting pay for a BSN was $75,017 while the starting salary for ADN’s was $70,804.

Some of the benefits of an ADN program is that it can be less expensive, and usually quicker, meaning you would become a nurse much sooner.

On the other hand, with a BSN you usually have more advancement opportunities, such as to a nurse manager. You’re also be prepared to enter an advanced degree program such as for a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or nurse anesthetist.

ADN vs BSN can be a difficult choice to make. That said, both are wonderful paths for anyone pursuing a nursing career. Both offer excellent opportunities for great pay, job security, opportunities for advancement, and a tremendously wide range of work environments and experiences.

There are a variety of BSN nursing programs available to meet your individual needs. In a traditional BSN program, your will be required to complete three years of nursing classes as well as hands-on training in various health care facilities, providing you with extensive job opportunities after graduation from the program.

Aside from qualifying to offer direct care to patients in a hospital setting, you will be capable of providing nursing care to individuals and families in other health care communities. Extensive training and research will keep you up to date with all the latest medical advances. Additionally, completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree will better prepare you to extend your education by acquiring a Master’s of Nursing degree.

BSN programs strengthen knowledge about the health care community and public health issues. Programs focus on nursing management and the enhancement of necessary skills to allow for superior patient care. Unlike 2 year nursing degrees, the BSN program guides the student to perfect patient assessment skills and explore the path physiology of sickness and disease. Acquiring a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree will provide nurses with better career opportunities and ease of entry into administrative positions in hospitals or other inpatient facilities, faculty teaching careers and Federal government careers in nursing.

A BSN is preferred by most nursing employers, and the provides the most opportunities for a nursing career. In a 4 year BSN program, the first 2 years focus on meeting general education requirements. Specialized nursing courses are completed during the final 2 years of the program. RN graduates with an associates degree who are seeking a BSN degree can enroll in a bridge program. An RN to BSN program will apply nursing skills acquired in the workforce combined with RN coursework towards credit for the BSN. Many online programs exist to fulfill RN to BSN requirements.

Another popular option for BSN nursing programs is the Second Degree BSN program, which allows individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing to bridge to a BSN. Students will receive credit for the general education requirements of the BSN from a previous degree. Students can then complete the nursing courses necessary to obtain the degree and can acquire a BSN in 2 years time. Similar to the Second Degree BSN is the Accelerated BSN. Credit will be received for completion of liberal arts requirements from the previous bachelor’s degree and the undergraduate portion of nursing requirements will be completed at an accelerated pace. Accelerated BSN programs cover the same nursing courses as a traditional BSN program and can be completed in 12-16 months.