Nursing Programs

What is a Nursing Degree

So you have decided that a career in Nursing could be for you? Next, you will need to determine what type of degree you should choose to pursue. We can help you learn what types of nursing degrees are available, and which one is right for you. Just as there are different types of Nurses, there are also different types of degrees. The career path you choose in nursing will help establish how much time and education you will need to invest to make your dream of being a nurse come true. The choices range from an ADN (associates degree in nursing) typically known as a RN (registered nurse) to a masters degree in nursing APN (advanced practical nurse). You could become employed in a variety of different settings such as hospitals, clinics, outpatient surgery, and doctors’ offices. The healthcare industry is a fast growing field with nurses in high demand. Nursing offers many opportunities and competitive wages.

Types of Nursing degrees

LPN (Licensed Vocational Nurse)

A LPN provides basic nursing care to patients usually under the supervision of a physician or registered nurse. LPN’s are not required to obtain the same kind of degree as a registered nurse. The requirements vary from state to state and are mandated by the nursing board. Most programs take approximately a year to complete and our offered at vocational schools or community colleges. Classes will include a combination of basic science and basic nursing practices. You will also be required to complete educational hours in a clinical setting such as a hospital or skilled nursing facility. Most colleges will also require additional science courses be taken in human anatomy and physiology, nutrition, first aid and pharmacology to prepare students for coursework they will encounter in the LPN program.

ADN (Associates Degree in Nursing)

Many registered nurses have their ADN (associates of nursing degree). This degree is the most common pathway, but it should be noted that many employers’ are starting to require that you obtain your BSN (bachelors of Science in nursing). This type of degree typically takes two to three years to complete. It is necessary to complete prerequisites in basic sciences such as human anatomy and physiology, nutrition, microbiology, psychology and sociology. Because entrance into the RN programs is so competitive schools are fairly selective about who is admitted. They will typically look at standardized test scores, entrance exam scores and GPA to determine how likely you are to succeed in the program. Once accepted your coursework will include: foundations of nursing care were students learn concepts of nursing practice and basic nursing skills, principals of clinical decision making including how to make decisions about pain management and diagnosis, maternity nursing care here students will learn about caring for women during prenatal labor and delivery and post partum as well as newborn infant care., pharmacology teaches students about drug classification dosage administration and possible side-effects., medical-surgical nursing care this portion teaches about preoperative and post operative care as well as medication and fluid administration and how psychological factor can affect patient outcomes. Pediatric care allows students to examine physical and psychological development and nursing care from infancy to adolescence. You will also be required to complete supervised hands on training in a clinical setting. Successful completion of this program allows you to be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN (national council licensure examination) a nationwide exam that is required to practice nursing.

BSN (Bachelors in Nursing)

Nurses’ who obtain a masters degree in nursing are more commonly known as APN’s (advanced practice nurses).These nurses are able to administer healthcare that was traditionally delivered by physicians. They usually practice in one of four areas: nurse practitioner (NP), certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA), clinical nurse specialist (CNS) or certified nurse midwife (CNM).Types of programs available include RN to MSN or direct entry into the MSN program. Entry into RN to BSN programs require you to have the following; BSN (Bachelor of Science in nursing), an RN license, minimum GPA or GRE scores and a certain amount of clinical experience. This option takes approximately 18 to 24 months to complete and is tailored to fit the needs of the student often with flexible class schedules. Non-nurses who hold a bachelors degree in another field may be eligible for direct entry into the MSN program. These programs give credit for having completed your undergraduate requirements. This option typically takes three years to complete. The first year consists of entry level nursing skills. The last two involve masters’ level classes that prepare you for the NCLEX and focus on advanced training in your area of specialty.

MSN (Masters Degree in Nursing)

Other Nursing Certifications

ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support)

Many Nurses will require and ACLS Certification before they go to work. The ACLS Certification class is also a great way to get some continuing education credits that nurses need to keep their license. The ACLS Certification is good for a period of 2 years and will cost somewhere between $150 - $250 depending on where you go, and whether or not you need an initial certification, or certification renewal. A nurse can be suspended from working if they allow their certification to lapse, so it is a good idea to plan ahead, or choose a program that will automatically remind you before your certification expires. If you are getting ready to take an ACLS course, you can get an excellent ACLS study guide here.

PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)

Nurses that work in pediatrics are often required to have a PALS certification. This course like ACLS, will also provide you with continuing education credits. This course focuses on specific life saving techniques that are applicable to infants and children. You may or may not also require an ACLS or BLS Certification in addition to your PALS certification. PALS is good for a period of 2 years and will cost you roughly the same amount as an ACLS course.

BLS (Basic Life Support)

BLS certification is a course requirement for virtually all nurses. This course combines the essential information from CPR and AED training, introduces you to the concept of the BLS Survey, and goes over American Heart Association Guidelines. This cert is a must have for nearly every nurse out there before they can go to work. Many hospitals provide this course to their staff, but there is no shortage of course providers available. The certification lasts a period of 2 years, comes with continuing education credits and will cost you anywhere from $40 to $100. In some cases, BLS can be considered a prerequisite for ACLS, so make sure you understand the requirements applicable to you.

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