How Many Years of College Are Needed to Become a Nurse?
Nursing is a health care career with many possibilities. Depending on the amount of time you want to dedicate to schooling, you can become anything from a nurse's assistant to a nurse practitioner. Nurses work in all areas of health care and in many settings, including doctor's offices, long term care facilities, hospitals and private homes.
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LNA or CNA
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Licensed nursing assistants (LNAs), sometimes referred to as certified nursing assistants (CNAs), work in many areas of health care assisting registered nurses and physicians. The length of education required varies by state, but is usually around three to four weeks.
LPN or LVN
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A licensed practical nurse (LPN), sometimes referred to as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), works under physicians or registered nurses. She usually obtains a degree through a one-year program at a community or technical college.
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RN ADN
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A registered nurse (RN) with an associate's degree in nursing (ADN) can start in entry level nursing. The college program usually takes two years, but the RN ADN often chooses to continue his education to the bachelor's level for more advancement opportunities.
RN BSN
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Registered nurses with a bachelor's of science degree in nursing (BSN) usually attend college for four years. Like the ADN, they start in entry level RN positions, but the RN BSNs can work in administration and have more opportunities for advancement.
RN MSN
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A master's degree in nursing (MSN) usually requires an additional two years or more beyond a bachelor's degree. RN MSNs can teach other RNs and expand their education even further to become nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists and other nursing specialists.
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