Nursing Schools
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There are many different nursing schools spread across the United States and abroad, but not all of them offer the same types of programs or the same certifications. While you’ll have many different options if you want to work as a general nurse, you’ll have far fewer if you want to specialize in one or more areas.
There are also several different degrees available to you, and the one you'll want to pursue will depend on what part of the nursing field you want to go into. |
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Choosing a Nursing School
The first step in selecting a nursing school is to decide what you want out of the nursing program. Do you want a diploma, an associate's degree, or a bachelor’s degree? While a diploma from a nursing program is accepted for some positions, most nurses hold an associate or bachelor’s degree. If you want to specialize in a particular field, you’ll have to take more classes in order to be certified to work in that area.
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Diploma in Nursing
The diploma in nursing is actually conferred by a hospital. It’s more or less on the job training for nurses, and it takes about three years to complete. However, there are very, very few hospitals that offer diplomas in nursing – maybe 70 total around the country. While the diploma will qualify you for some entry level positions in nursing, an associate's degree or bachelor’s degree will qualify you for many more.
Associate's Degree in Nursing
The associate's degree in nursing, or ADN, can be earned from a community college. There are about 850 of these programs in the nation, and they generally take two to three years to complete – depending on the program and what you want to learn. However, be aware that many of these two-year programs have existing wait lists – if you know you plan to pursue this degree, sign up with your community college as soon as possible. Generally, nurses who earn an ADN later enroll in a BSN program so that they'll be eligible for promotion or work in more specialized nursing fields.
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Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing
A BSN is the highest entry-level degree in nursing that you can get – you can get a master’s or Ph. D. in nursing once you complete your BSN if you want. There are over 700 nursing programs that offer the BSN degree, and most of these programs take four years to complete. Unlike other degrees, most BSN degrees are fairly structured because each successive class builds upon things you learn in previous classes. This makes it hard to complete the degree in less than four years, especially if you transfer in from another academic major or program.
The RN to BSN Program
The RN to BSN program allows nurses with an ADN or diploma later return to college to get their BSN degrees. The RN to BSN programs allow nurses to count their previous classes as credit towards their BSN, which, in turn, means they earn their degree in less time. There are over 600 RN to BSN degrees nationwide, so chances are you’ll be able to find one near you. Often, hospitals and other employers will offer tuition reimbursement or other benefits for nurses who complete their BSN, so even if you have an associate degree, it might be worth your time to earn your BSN. Some programs offer accelerated BSN degrees for nurses with real-world experience as well.
Master’s Degree in Nursing
Once you have completed your BSN, you can continue your education and earn your master’s degree in nursing. This will be necessary if you plan to pursue a position in administration or in some specialized fields. Depending on your location, you may be able to find a program that combines the BSN and master’s degree into a three year program – students earn their BSN in one year, and then spend the next two years focusing on graduate work. If you plan to seek this advanced degree, check with your employer to learn more about the best programs available in your area.
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