How Do I Become a Nurse and What Degree Do I Need?
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Becoming a nurse is a process that requires you to have both the proper education and certification. The most common route to becoming a registered nurse is to earn an Associate's Degree in Nursing and then pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
However, this is not the route that everyone takes. Depending on your experience level and where you want to work, you may need a different degree. To make it easier, Educatly is here to walk you through the different types of nursing degrees and what path you can take to start your nursing career.
What Are the Educational Requirements to Become a Nurse?
The educational requirements to become a nurse vary depending on the level of nursing you wish to pursue. For example, if you are interested in becoming a registered nurse, you will need to complete an accredited nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
If you are interested in becoming a licensed practical nurse or licensed vocational nurse, you will need to complete an accredited nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses.
There are also many other types of nurses, such as certified nurse assistants and certified registered nurse anesthetists, so be sure to research the specific educational requirements for the type of nursing you are interested in pursuing.
What Are the Different Types of Nursing Degrees?
The different types of nursing degrees are:
- Associate's degree in nursing, which takes around two years to complete.
- Bachelor's degree in nursing, which usually takes four years to finish.
- Master's degree in nursing, which can take anywhere from two to four years to earn.
- Doctorate degree in nursing, which typically requires four or more years of study.
There are many different paths you can take to become a nurse. Most importantly, get the degree of your choice, proper training, and obtain a nursing license in order to practice.
What Type of Nurse Do You Want to Be?
Each type of nurse has its own set of responsibilities and skills. The type of nurse you want to be will depend on your interests, strengths, and desired work environment. Some common types of nurses include:
- Registered Nurse (RN): RNs provide direct patient care, educate patients and families about health conditions, administer medication and treatments, and more.
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): LPNs provide basic nursing care under the supervision of an RN or physician. They may also take vital signs, give injections, and assist with patient exams.
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): CNAs provide basic patient care such as bathing, dressing, and toileting. They may also help with meals and ambulation.
- Charge Nurse: Charge nurses are responsible for leading a team of nurses on a specific unit in a hospital or other healthcare facility. They oversee staffing levels and patient assignments and ensure that quality care is being delivered.
You need to obtain the proper education and training regardless of your chosen type. Many hospitals offer programs that allow registered nurses to further their education and earn their bachelor of science in nursing while working full-time as well.
The opportunities are endless, and the world is yours!
If you are interested in becoming a nurse, the first step is to research the different educational programs available to you. Once you have selected a program that meets your needs, you will need to prepare yourself and the necessary documents to apply to your program.
Here are 250+ nursing programs to study abroad that Educatly can connect you to. Just filter through our programs to choose your favorite one. Or, you can just update your profile to get a customized browsing experience where you will find matching opportunities.
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