In order to become a nurse, you must first have a high school diploma (GED/ equivalency is usually sufficient-- be sure to check with the schools to which you are applying. It also helps to have taken science and math classes in high school, but it's not absolutely necessary.
When applying for nursing school, you'll want to decide between a 2-year or a 4-year nursing program. While you may be eager to get started on your path to being a nurse, you should know the difference between all the different programs.
--Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs take two years and are conducted by a community college. While you may be able to take some of the prerequisites in an online program, you will definitely have to complete much of an Associate's Degree in Nursing in a clinical setting. At the end of this program, you will take the licensure exam and become a Registered Nurse.
--A Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) is a little different in that it's a four-year program offered by a university (such as the University of California, Long Beach). This program takes four years, and also culminates in your taking the licensure exam and becoming a Registered Nurse. During this time you will also complete clinical rotations where you will gain practical skills.
So-- why four years vs. two years? Isn't each of these considered an RN program?
The answer is, in order to continue with your professional career, you are going to have to get that BSN degree sometime. If you don't think you're going to want that or you're comfortable finishing it later, then the ADN might be a good choice for you! According to all the major nursing organizations, like the National Student Nursing Association, the BSN is the best bet for you if you're just starting out, because it offers the most comprehensive education in a field that is getting increasingly more challenging as the population ages and the technology advances.
After you complete your licensure, usually you will get a job in a hospital or other healthcare setting, where you will receive more training in a specialty (like pediatrics or oncology). Then you might consider becoming a nurse practitioner or other type of advanced practice nurse. It's up to you!
To search for a program that's right for you, visit DiscoverNursing.com or AllNursingSchools.com.
To search for scholarships, visit DiscoverNursing.com or Nursing Scholarship.us.
For more on paying for nursing school, get the Free Money for Nursing School eBook!
