The Array Of Possibilities In Nursing Degree Programs
Nurses are an essential part of health care. Everyone knows what a nurse does, and why their presence is essential. But what many people do not know is that there are several different kinds of nurses, trained by different nursing degree programs.
The easiest license to get is as an LPN/LVN (Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse). These nurses train at a vocational school, community college, or high school for around nine months or the equivalent in part-time study. Upon completing an accredited course of study, they are eligible to take the licensing exam and begin looking for work.
As well as being the shortest program in duration, an LPN/LVN program requires the least in terms of admission requirements. Generally, admission is fairly non-competitive, and the most previous education required is a GED or high school diploma. For programs at high schools, training may occur before graduation.
Unlike the LPN/LVNs, where a single type of study is required to be eligible for the exam, RNs (Registered Nurses) have three possible avenues of education. The type of education that was prevalent up until about fifteen years ago but is now uncommon, was to train in a hospital\’s own Diploma program. Though this is still a possibility, it is an increasingly rare way to become an RN.
Besides hospital diploma programs, two levels of education lead to eligibility to take the RN licensing exam. These are acquiring an associates degree or a bachelors degree in nursing (ASN or BSN). ASNs focus on practical training, while a BSN is a four-year liberal arts degree with a general education and breadth component, as well as nursing training.
There are several types of Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs), who have graduate training in a specialized type of care or patient. They offer non-medical health advice, both to healthy patients who want to stay that way, and to patients with illnesses who are looking to supplement or replace medications and surgeries with other types of treatments. Some have prescribing powers, just like doctors. A masters or doctoral degree is required to become an APN.
\”Bridges\” offer nurses a chance to increase the educations. Bridges are common for moving from LPN/LVN to RN, and for transitioning from RN to BSN. A BSN is required for entry into a masters or doctoral programs, so those RNs with only an associates degree need to further their education before they can pursue becoming an APN. A few unique programs offer the opportunity to simultaneously complete a BSN and masters, or to become a nurse without an undergraduate education in the subject by completing a specialized graduate program.
Get inside info on the endless options in nursing degree programs now in our comprehensive guide to all you need to know about how and where to find the best nursing degree online .
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