There are many degrees available to those interested in a nursing career. Degrees in nursing can be obtained in less than a year without prerequisite courses in some vocational programs. Other degrees can take many years to obtain. Registered nursing degrees are available to both community college and university students. Post-baccalaureate degrees are available for experienced nurses to become nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, and nurse educators. Many other degrees exist for experienced nurses to obtain additional education to further their career goals.
The basic level of nursing is the licensed practical
nurse. LPN degrees are often obtained at community
colleges or vocational schools. Some vocational
schools require no prerequisites and no requirements
other than a high school diploma or GED. Obtaining a
degree can be possible in less than a year, and the
graduate can then take the examination for
certification as a licensed practical nurse.
Registered nurses attend either community college or
a university, and usually require at least two years
of prerequisites to nursing before beginning to
pursue a nursing career. The registered nurse
program is usually an additional two years, giving
the registered nurse four years of college-level
courses upon graduation. Registered nurse programs
allow the graduate to take the licensure examination
for registered nurses after graduation.
There are many degree options available for nurses
after obtaining the initial registered nurse degree.
Community college graduates can go on to take an
RN-to-BSN program, allowing them to acquire a
four-year degree with an additional year of
education in nursing. Graduate-level programs are
also available for nurses, giving both master’s and
doctorate degrees in nursing. These degrees allow
the nurse to practice as a Clinical Nurse
Specialist, Nurse Practitioner, or nurse educator.
Nurses may also choose to study business, nursing
research, or any number of other areas as well. Many
programs allow nurses with a two-year degree from a
community college to enter directly, allowing them
to bypass attending a baccalaureate program
altogether.
Nursing also offers many ladder-type programs. LPNs
are often eligible to take an additional year of
nursing education to become registered nurses in
LPN-to-RN programs, usually available through
community colleges. Some universities offer
LPN-to-BSN programs, allowing the LPN to obtain a
four-year nursing degree without having to attend a
two-year program at all. RN-to-MSN programs have
become very popular, allowing nurses with an RN
license to directly enter into master’s degree
programs to become nurse practitioners.
There are many avenues for education available for
those interested in a nursing career. Nursing
education can lead to licensure in as little as one
year for LPNs, and as few as four years for
registered nurses. The choice is up to the nurse
which path is the right.
