Where Do I Start If I Want to Become a Nurse?
Nurses make up the largest occupation in the health care industry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are three typical educational paths to become a nurse, but how and where, to start is crucial in making the decision to become a nurse.
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Basic Requirements
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A high school diploma is required for entrance into a nursing program. College prep classes also count toward nursing prerequisite courses. Recommended high school classes with nursing as a goal, according to California's Board of Registered Nursing, would be four years of English, three to four years of math including algebra and geometry, two to four years of science includ biology, chemistry, physics and computer science. Three to four years of social studies rounds out nursing prerequisites.
Which Program
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The school you choose depends on what type of nurse you want to be. Licensed practical nurses, for instance, provide basic care such as bathing patients, applying dressings and taking blood pressure, temperature, pulse and respiration (vital signs). Registered nurses also provide direct patient care, but have extra training and education and supervise health care staff.
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Licensed Practical Nurses
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A licensed practical nurse typically takes one to two years to complete programs which can be found at community colleges, technical and vocational schools, and result in either a diploma or two-year degree.
Registered Nurses
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Some community colleges offer two-year registered nursing programs or an associate's degree in nursing (ADN). ADN programs can also be found in hospital nursing schools, colleges and universities. The next step above the ADN is a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Nurses with a BSN have greater opportunities for advancement and learn how to provide care in all types of health care settings. BSN programs are four-year programs and are often required for jobs such as case management, public health nursing, forensic nursing or public school nursing.
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References
- Photo Credit nurse with syringe image by Alexander Zhiltsov from Fotolia.com
