Your Information Resource for Education, Training, and Schools in the Medical and Allied Healthcare Fields
HEALTH CARE CAREERS: |
Training Requirements and Educational Opportunities for Registered Nurses
Editor's Choice:
University of Phoenix
Programs: RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, MS in Nursing
Find Schools with Nursing Programs Near You
Nursing education involves a combination of classroom training and supervised experience in a clinic or hospital. Courses include anatomy and physiology, nutrition, psychology, and nursing. Most programs also include liberal arts and general education components.
Training for registered nurses can be obtained at the diploma, associate degree or bachelor degree level. Graduates of all three types of programs can find entry level positions as registered nurses.
A diploma program is the least frequently used method of obtaining a nursing education. These programs are typically given in hospitals, and last two to three years.
About half of the nursing educational programs offer Associate degrees in Nursing. These programs also take two to three years, and are offered by community colleges and junior colleges.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs are offered by private and public colleges and universities. They require four to five years of study. BSN programs are taken not only by those wishing to start a nursing career, but also by graduates of diploma or associate degree programs who wish to enhance their career potential. Many hospitals offer tuition reimbursement programs for nurses who want to obtain a bachelor's degree.
Some career paths in nursing, such as administrative work, research or teaching are only available to those who have completed their BSN degrees. In addition to graduating from an approved program, nurses must obtain a nursing license from the state in which they want to practice. These licenses must be periodically renewed.
Next: Employment opportunities and job advancement potential