There are a variety of training options for becoming a nurse. You can earn a certificate, an associate degree in nursing (ADN), a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), or a doctorate in nursing practice.
Regardless of your educational path, there are common skills and traits that will help you succeed as a nurse. These include communication, critical thinking and organization.
Associate Degree in Nursing
An Associate Degree In Nursing (ADN), is one of the fastest ways to become a nurse and earn more. This option also provides a great foundation for further nursing education, if desired.
The program includes both general education courses as well as nursing courses. This gives students the knowledge they need in order to become competent nurses. It is accredited by NLNAC and prepares graduates for the New York State licensure examination as well as employment as a registered nurse.
Students will learn about health-related sciences and social science in addition to the nursing curriculum. These classes will allow students to learn about medical issues and their effects on society and health.
The degree can be used in a variety of settings, such as hospitals and clinics, home care, schools, and schools. This makes it an ideal career choice for anyone who wants to make a difference in the lives of others.
MEC’s nursing curriculum consists of clinical, theoretical, and high-fidelity laboratory study. This prepares you to be a successful nurse. This includes topics like the role of the nurse within the health care delivery process, ethics and legal issues, and other professional trends.
Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, or NCLEX-RN. This will ensure you are ready to practice as a licensed nursing professional in the United States or abroad.
ADN students may also apply for the Jane Delano Student Nurse Scholarship, which awards a $3,000 award to graduates who have completed a minimum of 300 hours of volunteer work with an emergency medical service or community health organization. This program allows students to gain invaluable experience while earning a scholarship.
ADN graduates are also likely to have the option of continuing their education by enrolling in a bridge program that will allow them to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This option is great for nurses who need to quickly start earning more.
Bachelor of Science Nursing
A bachelor of science in nursing is the highest level of education an entry-level nurse can earn, and many hospitals and healthcare facilities require RNs to have one. This degree can help you move up to senior-level positions in the future. This can lead to higher salaries and more responsibility.
BSN programs consist of a mix of general education liberal arts courses, nursing specific classes, and clinical training. In addition, online programs are available and can help reduce the time it takes to complete the program.
Students can earn their nursing degrees in four years of full-time study. They will complete the requirements for general education in the liberal and scientific arts and sciences and then take courses for their professional nursing degree.
The nursing curriculum is designed for nurses who want to have a broad, holistic, and reality-based knowledge of the skills, attitudes and values that are required to be competent, safe, and effective. The curriculum encourages critical thinking and clinical judgment. It also teaches the scientific basis for nursing practice.
It teaches nurses how to provide care in diverse healthcare settings, including across the life span, health-illness continuum, and in diverse geographical locations. It teaches them how to conduct systematic research and evaluate scientific evidence in order to design, manage, and deliver high-quality patient-centered nursing services.
A BSN is required in order to be certified as a nurse specialist in psychiatry, obstetrics, and other specialties. This degree is also the foundation for pursuing higher education in nursing, such as a master’s or doctorate degree.
BSN programs require four years to complete. However some offer shorter-term options, such as year-round studies or hybrid options. These students will still need to meet the same academic milestones, deadlines, and requirements as traditional BSN students.
Online programs can also partner with healthcare facilities to provide students with the clinical training that they need to graduate. These partnerships are a great option if you live in a remote location, have responsibilities or cannot commit full-time to your degree program.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
A doctorate in nursing is a higher level of education that allows nurses to improve their professional status and expand their knowledge. A DNP is a doctorate in nursing that allows nurses to be leaders in a changing health care environment. They can apply the latest research to clinical practice.
DNP programs prepare graduates for leadership roles within healthcare organizations. They also provide skills to assess the current state and implement policy and clinical changes that will improve patient outcomes. DNP programs also emphasize evidence-based practices, interprofessional collaboration, healthcare informatics.
DNPs can work in many healthcare settings but many prefer to concentrate on their nursing specialty. Some nurses become nurse practitioners and provide advanced medical care to patients in hospitals or clinics. Others, such as nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists and nurse specialist, may work in specialized fields like pediatrics or neonatal nursing.
Typically, DNPs work in private practices to provide individualized care and manage acute and chronic health conditions for patients. They also advocate for change at all levels, including the local, regional, and national levels.
The DNP program can lead to rewarding careers for nurses in both the healthcare sector and in academic or government institutions. They are highly sought after and can earn a high salary.
A DNP is the most practice-based degree in nursing. It allows you to continue to provide direct patient care and expand your knowledge to make significant improvements in health care outcomes. You will be able to contribute to an ever-changing health system by integrating the most recent scientific research into clinical practice and translating that into better patient care.
A bachelor’s degree and a master’s in nursing are required to earn a DNP. You will also need an active RN license in the state where you live and a minimum of a 3.0 GPA.
A DNP-certified nurse can complete a clinical practice project with the guidance of experienced faculty members. This experience can be used to advocate for healthcare reform at the local, regional, and national levels. They may also be eligible to write a dissertation or manuscript. This is a report on the implementation of the project’s results.
Diploma in Nursing
A diploma in nursing is a great option for those who want to become nurses but don’t have the time or the resources to complete a degree. You can get a nursing diploma at many American community colleges, vocational schools, and hospitals.
This is an entry-level tertiary education nursing credential that typically requires two to three years of training before graduating. This credential qualifies graduates for the NCLEXRN exam, and allows them to apply for licensure (RN) as registered nurses.
There are many types and options for nursing diploma programs, but the most widely accepted are those offered by hospitals-based nursing schools. These schools were once found at major hospitals and other health care centers. But they are now available at many community colleges and vocational schools.
Some of these programs combine classroom and hands-on learning. Many also offer online learning. These programs are ideal for working nurses who need to complete their education while still holding down a full-time job.
These degrees are also the most affordable of all nursing programs and can help you get a foothold in your industry. These programs do not qualify students to become registered nurses. To be licensed, you will need to have a higher education degree.
A nursing diploma is a great way of getting your foot in the door. However, many people choose to earn a bachelor’s or masters degree. This type of advanced education can help you advance your career and take on more responsibility. This can lead to higher pay and better opportunities.
The good news is that nurses are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is expected to grow by 15% by 2026. This is twice the average national job growth. It means that there are many options for those who wish to enter this profession.
If you would like to continue your education, a master’s or doctorate degree in nursing can also help you advance your career and take your healthcare career to the next level. This degree can be obtained through a number of different colleges and universities, and may allow you to pursue senior-level nursing positions with increased responsibility and pay.