Different Levels Of Nursing Education – Nurses are in high demand in today’s job market. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 7 percent from 2019 to 2029. This is faster than the average for all occupations. Therefore, if you are thinking of becoming a nurse, you should study the levels of a nursing degree.
Now there are more flexible and affordable programs to start your nursing career than ever before. There are six different levels or types of nursing degrees, as well as other certifications and specialties.
Different Levels Of Nursing Education
The levels of the nursing pyramid above show how nursing degrees progress from associate and diploma degrees to advanced degrees such as Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, and Doctor of Science in Nursing. If you want to know how long it takes to become a nurse, check out this post.
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Nurse Practitioners are often called Registered Nurses or Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA). Of the various levels of nursing, this is considered the basic certificate at the basic level of nursing.
These professional roles are usually the main point of contact between patients and healthcare providers. They provide basic patient care in facilities such as nursing homes and community centers.
Duties at this level of nursing typically include taking a patient’s vital signs, assisting patients with eating, bathing, dressing, and other daily activities. CNAs also help move patients between rooms or wards using wheelchairs and beds.
If you have a high school diploma or GED, you can become a CNA by first completing a state-accredited program. The program is found at community colleges and can take anywhere from three to eight weeks to complete.
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After that, you must pass an exam to earn your CNA certification and designation. After completing the exam, you will become a state certified CNA.
After becoming a CNA and gaining some experience, becoming a Certified Pharmacy Assistant is another way to advance your healthcare career. Also called Medical Assistant Technicians, CMAs are responsible for administering routine medications to patients.
Registered nursing programs are not as popular or affordable as they once were. Compared to an academic degree in nursing, a diploma program works much like an apprenticeship. The program focuses more on clinical classes than general education and nursing concepts.
A curriculum leading to a diploma in nursing is usually offered in a hospital setting. It takes approximately 18-32 months to complete the program. This nursing program includes both classroom and clinical training. This training is for patients in any department in acute care, long term care and community settings.
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Hospital graduates receive a diploma and are eligible to apply for the NCLEX-RN. Nursing licenses are granted upon completion of the NCLEX and other licensure requirements are met.
One of the first types of nursing degrees is the associate degree. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) primarily places no emphasis on technical skills and little emphasis on theory. It also allows you to start your nursing career.
About 30% of graduates use an associate degree in nursing as a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree in nursing. This option is good for those who are not LPN/LVN but want to start their career in nursing.
These nursing programs are offered through vocational schools or community colleges. This program is flexible and is usually delivered in evening and weekend courses. So if you have a matriculation certificate or equivalent, it will take about 2 years to graduate.
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This route is a good opportunity for students with professional, family and other obligations. This path also allows you to start earning faster as a registered nurse (RN) compared to a 4-year bachelor’s degree.
Any licensed practical nurse (LPN) interested in becoming an entry-level RN should transfer from the LPN to an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) bridging program. As the name suggests, this is a degree designed to “bridge the knowledge gap” between what an LPN knows and what an RN is expected to know.
Those without previous experience should get a standard ADN. However, LPNs can earn their degree more quickly by receiving credit for prior coursework and, in some cases, work experience.
With an ADN, you’re one step closer to earning a bachelor’s degree. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement to registered nurses who want to become RNs.
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This bridge nursing program takes into account the work experience you have already put in as an LPN. You don’t have to complete a traditional 4-year bachelor’s degree and can choose to study liberal arts. Upon completion of the program, you will be qualified to work at the RN level.
Students can take liberal arts minors at their own pace at this level of nursing. However, a full-time student can complete the program in four semesters, or approximately two years.
Most nurses have earned a BSN degree. In today’s competitive market, this nursing program offers excellent opportunities for stability and career advancement.
A four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing BSN degree requires dedication and commitment. Some students are able to work and provide for their families while earning a degree. However, laboratory hours and courses in BSN programs require additional effort from a student at this level.
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Earning a BSN degree right out of the gate is a great option if you have an income and don’t have significant commitments and responsibilities.
If you are an RN with an associate degree (ADN), the RN to BSN is designed for you. By enrolling, RNs can save a lot of money and time to earn a bachelor’s degree.
The RN-to-BSN recognizes credits for nursing skills you’ve learned through work experience or school. You can complete the program in two years.
Besides starting in September, schools that offer these programs have multiple start dates throughout the year, and students can pursue RN-to-BSN programs online at multiple locations.
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The second degree BSN is specifically designed for non-nurses who have completed a bachelor’s degree in a field unrelated to nursing. An Associate of Science in Nursing takes credits from an existing bachelor’s degree and applies them toward the liberal arts BSN requirements.
Completing a second BSN degree can take two academic years or less. Students who need more schedule flexibility can enroll in online classes, but note that courses at this level are challenging.
After you graduate, you can take the national exam. With a BSN, you will be qualified to work as an RN and have more opportunities to advance to management positions.
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) allows professionals to specialize in a specific area, such as research or advanced clinical training. Some students earn joint degrees in related fields, such as hospital administration, business administration, and public health.
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A traditional graduate program takes 18 to 24 months to complete. However, MSN programs are rigorous because they cover advanced clinical topics.
Nurses have the option of enrolling in hybrid online programs and having their employers pay tuition. A joint MSN/MBA nursing degree is well suited for professionals working at this level.
Completing a master’s degree moves you up the ladder in nursing. You’ll learn advanced skills that will allow you to become one of four advanced practice nurse practitioners (APRNs), such as a nurse practitioner (NP) or an anesthesiologist, which will allow you to provide patient care similar to a physician.
For example, nurses prepare mothers for labor, can provide minimally invasive analgesia during labor, and provide immediate postpartum care to new mothers and infants. Nurse anesthetists take patient histories, discuss side effects and risks with patients, and develop an appropriate anesthesia plan and perform spinal, epidural, or nerve blocks.
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Along with responsibility and skills, cash benefits and wages also increase. Other roles available with MSN include:
RNs with an associate’s degree can enroll in an RN-to-BSN program or an RN-to-MSN program. MSN direct access programs are either “Graduate Entry” or “Graduate Entry”. These programs are suitable for nurses who do not have a bachelor’s degree in other fields.
Entry-level RNs can complete a bridge curriculum and specialize in one area of advanced nursing. Credit toward the BSN is earned if the courses are tailored to the student’s specific needs. Online RN-to-MSN courses are also available.
In addition, there are special programs for non-baccalaureate nurses. This is a direct entry nursing program and
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Both programs can take anywhere from 18 to 36 months of full-time study, with one year devoted to undergraduate courses and two years to graduate studies. Both of these programs allow for RN licensure and professional development prior to master’s degree.
In the next ten years, there will be a high demand for nurses with doctorate degrees. These programs focus on advanced clinical practice, clinical research, and healthcare management. These articles are desirable for nurses.
As one of the highest levels of nursing, a doctorate in nursing takes 4 to 6 years to complete.
The nursing program strives to develop the practical and professional skills of nurses. Is it