Different Types Of Nursing Degrees And Salaries – There are different levels in nursing, which is exciting news for many. This means that there are many opportunities for those who want to make a difference in the healthcare industry, regardless of educational level.
So whether you want to specialize, advance your degree, or start a business, nursing offers a variety of degrees and certifications to prepare you for your professional goals.
Different Types Of Nursing Degrees And Salaries
Moreover, opportunities do not end when you get a job. By steadily climbing the nursing ladder, you can shape your career to fit your priorities and passions.
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In general, nurses are classified into three categories: non-degree, degree, and advanced degree. The first group, or non-degree nurses, includes licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) who attend non-degree nursing education programs.
Nursing degrees consist of those with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN). Finally, advanced practice nurses have a degree in nursing such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
This article will explore the different levels of nursing and provide in-depth insight into educational requirements, growth rates, and entry-level positions to master’s and doctoral-level nursing roles.
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are also known as nursing assistants or nursing assistants. They often work in home care and long-term care facilities and are the main point of contact for patients and medical staff.
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Nursing assistant roles can be an ideal starting point for many aspiring nurses.
Nursing assistants help patients with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, eating, and walking. They also provide companionship while providing compassionate care to their patients.
Depending on training and state regulations, CNAs may take vital signs, administer medications, complete patient records and charts using electronic medical software, and other tasks that do not require advanced training. In addition, they listen to patients’ concerns and transfer them between areas.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), CNAs often work on the front lines of nursing homes and health care facilities and have more direct contact with residents than other members of the medical staff.
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Aspiring CNAs must have a high school diploma or GED as well as attend a state-approved CNA program.
Nursing assistant training programs require a certain number of classroom hours, practicum hours, and several weeks of laboratory or clinical practice.
Upon completion of the program, nursing assistants must pass a state-approved exam and become state certified to earn a CAN or related designation.
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) are used interchangeably depending on where you practice in the United States. California and Texas use the term LVN, while other US states use LPN.
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LPNs and LVNs are responsible for a variety of patient support roles. First, they provide patient care as the primary link between the patient and the healthcare team.
They monitor patients’ health and perform basic care tasks such as inserting catheters, measuring blood pressure, changing bandages, and administering IVs.
LPNs and LVNs work under the supervision and direction of MDs or RNs in nursing homes, hospitals, and other medical facilities.
To become an LPN or LVN, you must have a high school diploma or GED and attend a practical nursing program.
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These programs are available at community colleges, technical schools, or vocational colleges and typically take one year to complete.
After successful graduation, you must take the National Board Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) and obtain your state license to practice.
Additional certification is available for nurses at the LPN level. These certifications demonstrate that the LPN or LVN has an advanced level of knowledge in the subject.
To gain a competitive edge in the job market or to pursue professional training, LPNs and LVNs can obtain certification in specialty areas such as disability care, IV therapy, and obstetrics.
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Recommended Reading – How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in the United States.
Registered nurses (RNs) provide active, hands-on patient care in a variety of settings, including medical offices, hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings. This level is often associated with the term “nurse” by many people.
RNs are responsible for recording patient medical histories, administering medications, monitoring symptoms, creating or contributing to treatment and care plans, performing diagnostic tests, and overseeing medical equipment.
Registered nurses work with doctors, physicians, and other members of the medical team to provide the best care for patients.
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According to the BLS, some RNs may supervise LPNs, CNAs, and other healthcare workers. They also help educate patients and their family members about health issues.
Specific duties and job titles vary depending on the work location and the type of patients needed. RNs have many opportunities beyond direct patient care. For example, they can provide health screenings, donate blood, promote public health, and work in school health clinics.
In addition, they may focus their duties on specific populations such as patient care, but also emergency, pediatric, neonatal, and psychiatric nursing.
An Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is required to become an RN.
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After completing either program, you must take the NCLEX-RN exam to qualify as an RN. This exam should not be confused with the NCLEX-PN for practical nurses.
When choosing which program to attend, it’s important to think about and determine the educational advantages of the type of job you want in the future.
Some employers, especially hospitals, prefer RNs with a bachelor’s degree. See below for more information on how the two degrees differ and their long-term impact on your career path.
An associate’s degree in nursing program to become an RN is ideal for those who don’t want to commit to a four-year program. Previously, these programs were available through community colleges. However, some four-year institutions offer ADN programs, also known as ASNs.
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A BSN leads to better opportunities and salaries in today’s job market. A BSN degree program typically takes four years and requires a full-time commitment. However, the hybrid BSN program is open to those who need to study while working.
Some states, such as New York, require RNs to complete a BSN program. This trend is driven by various studies showing better patient outcomes when RNs have BSNs.
Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) is a stepping stone to becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP). NPs perform all of the usual duties of an RN, including prescribing medications (under physician supervision in some states), diagnosing and treating health problems, and providing advanced public health interventions and counseling.
They work in community hospitals, long-term care homes, and private hospitals. As an RN, you can pursue graduate education for more responsibility and independence as an NP.
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The first step to becoming a NP is to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing. You must then take the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain your RN license.
The next step is to complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). Along with the FNP, MSN, or DNP, students may choose other majors depending on what the university offers, including nurse practitioner, pediatrics (PNP), nurse educator, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP).
To obtain a nurse practitioner license, you must take a national certification exam through a national certification board, such as the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), or the National Certification Corporation (NCC). ).
Board exams vary, so when deciding which exam to take, you should research the format of each exam, focus, and consider your personal test preferences and goals. In addition, some schools require applicants to obtain clinical experience before entering a graduate nursing program, so it is important to check each university’s requirements before applying.
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According to the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing job growth will be 28.2% from 2018 to 2028, creating approximately 53,300 new jobs.
Nurses who complete either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) are prepared to become Advanced Registered Nurses (APRNs).
As an APRN, you must be prepared to take on more leadership roles in patient care. These nurses have many career options. They can perform their duties independently or in collaboration with doctors.
In addition to all RN responsibilities, APRNs perform a wide range of duties, including referring patients to specialists, ordering and reviewing test results, and diagnosing and treating health problems.
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There are other great careers APRNs can pursue outside of their normal role, such as becoming a nurse educator to help train the next generation of nurses. APRNs can take on leadership roles, such as becoming directors of nursing.
To become an APRN, you must first become an RN. MSN programs require candidates to first have an active RN license, and most prefer a BSN.
There are specific graduate programs for each type of APRN.
