Types Of Nursing Masters Degrees – The fact that there are different levels in the field of nursing is exciting news for many. This means that there are many potential opportunities for individuals who want to make a difference in the medical field – regardless of their educational background.
So whether you want to specialize, climb the ranks, or pursue entrepreneurial endeavors, nursing offers a variety of degrees or certifications to prepare you for your professional goals.
Types Of Nursing Masters Degrees
In addition, chances are that once you get a job, you can shape your career to fit your priorities and passions
Meet The Different Types Of Nurses
Generally, nurses are classified into three categories: non-degree, degree and advanced degree The first group, non-degree nurses, includes licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) who complete nursing education programs that are not at degree level culminate.
Degree nurses include those who have earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Finally, advanced nurses have earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing, such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
This article explores the different levels of nursing, giving you a deeper understanding of the education requirements and growth rates of each, from entry-level to master’s and doctoral-level nursing roles.
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are also known as nursing assistants or nursing assistants. They typically work in home care and long-term care facilities and are the primary point of contact between patients and medical staff
Msn Vs. Nurse Practitioner (np) Degrees
Nursing assistant roles can be a perfect starting point for many aspiring nurses
Nursing assistants help patients with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, eating, and ambulating. Along with compassion, they also offer companionship to their patients
Depending on the training and regulations of the state in which they practice, CNAs can measure vital signs, administer medications and fill out patient records and charts using electronic medical software and other tasks that do not require advanced training. Additionally, they listen to patient concerns and transfers between locations
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), CNAs are often frontline care workers in nursing homes and health care facilities who have more direct contact with residents than other medical personnel.
Registered Nurse: Education, Scope Of Practice, And More
Anyone who wants to become a CNA must have a high school diploma or GED and also complete a state-approved CNA program.
A nursing assistant training program usually takes two weeks to complete with a specified number of classroom hours, training time and laboratory or clinical practice.
After completing the program, potential nursing assistants must pass a state-approved exam to earn their CAN, or related, designation and become state certified.
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) are used interchangeably depending on where you practice in the United States. In California and Texas, the term LVN is used, while the rest of the US states use LPN
List Of Different Nurse Levels In Order
LPNs and LVNs are responsible for a variety of patient support tasks First, they provide patient care as the primary contact between the patient and the healthcare team
They monitor patients’ health and perform basic care tasks such as inserting catheters, taking blood pressure, changing bandages and starting IV drips.
LPNs and LVNs work in nursing homes, hospitals, and other medical facilities under the supervision and direction of an MD or RN.
To become an LPN or LVN, you must have a high school diploma or GED and complete a practical nursing program.
The Path To Becoming A Nurse Practitioner (np)
These programs are available at community colleges, technical schools or career schools and can usually be completed in one year.
After successfully completing, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) to obtain your state license, which qualifies you to practice.
Additional certifications are also offered for nurses at the LPN level. These certifications demonstrate that an LPN or LVN has advanced knowledge of a subject.
To gain a competitive edge in the job market or obtain specialized training, LPNs and LVNs can earn specialty certifications in developmental disabilities, IV therapy, childbirth and more.
Frontier Nursing University Degrees And Specialty Tracks For Nurses
Recommended Reading – How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in the United States.
A registered nurse (RN) performs active, hands-on patient care in many settings, including medical offices, hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities. This is the level that many people associate with the word “nursing”.
RNs are responsible for recording the patient’s medical history, taking medications, monitoring symptoms, participating in or contributing to treatment or care plans, monitoring diagnostic tests and medical equipment. accepted.
Registered nurses collaborate with doctors, physicians and other members of the medical team to provide the best care to patients.
Types Of Nursing Degrees: Diagnosing Your Ideal Healthcare Career [infographic]
According to the BLS, some RNs may supervise LPNs, CNAs, and other health care workers.They also help educate patients and their family members about health issues.
Specific duties and job titles depend on the workplace and the type of patients who require care. RNs also have many opportunities outside of direct patient care. For example, they can perform health screenings or blood drives, promote public health, or staff school health clinics.
In addition, they can focus on their responsibilities for patient care, but specific populations such as emergency care, pediatric, neonatal or psychiatric nursing.
Becoming an RN requires an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Compare 15 Best Nursing Degree Programs
After graduating from a program, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to qualify as an RN. This exam for practical nurses should not be confused with the NCLEX-PN
When choosing a program to take, it is very important to think and determine the educational qualifications for any type of work you want in the future
Some employers, especially hospitals, like RNs with a bachelor’s degree Below is more information about how the two degrees differ and their long-term impact on your career path
Completing an associate degree in nursing program to become an RN is ideal for individuals who do not want to go through a four-year program. Previously, these programs were available through community colleges. However, some four-year institutions offer ADN programs, also known as ASNs.
Top 5 Differences Between Nurse Practitioners And Doctors
A BSN leads to better opportunities and salaries in today’s job market A BSN degree program typically takes four years and may require a full-time commitment But a hybrid BSN program is open to those who need to study while working
RNs are now required to complete a BSN program in some states, such as New York This trend is supported by several studies that show better patient outcomes when RN is BSN
Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) is one step toward becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP). NPs take on all the usual responsibilities of an RN and prescribe medications (with physician supervision in some states), diagnose and treat health problems, provide advanced interventions and advise on public health issues.
They work in hospitals, long-term care settings, and home community clinics. As an RN, you can continue with graduate education to gain more responsibility and autonomy as an NP.
College Degrees For Starting Or Advancing Your Nursing Career
The first step to becoming an NP is to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing. You must then pass the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain an RN license.
The next step is to complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a specialization in the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) role. Along with the FNP, MSN or DNP, students can choose other role specialties depending on what is offered at the university, such as nurse executive, pediatric nurse (PNP), nurse educator, mental health nurse (PMHNP).
To become licensed as a nurse, you must pass a national certification exam through any national certification board, including the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), or the National Certification Corporation (NCC). .
Each board’s exam is different, so you should research the format and focus of each and consider your personal exam preferences and goals when deciding which exam to take. Additionally, some schools require applicants to gain clinical experience before attending a graduate nursing program, so it’s important to check each university’s requirements before applying.
Professional Degree Vs. Academic Degree: What’s The Difference?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment growth rate for nurse practitioners is projected to be 28.2% between 2018 and 2028, with approximately 53,300 new jobs opening.
Nurses who have completed their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) are prepared to become Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs).
As an APRN, you are expected to take more of a leadership role in patient care These nurses have many career options They can perform their duties independently or with the help of doctors
APRNs perform all of the responsibilities of an RN, including more extensive roles such as referring patients to specialists, ordering and evaluating test results, and diagnosing and treating health problems.
Nursing Career Paths [infographic]
There are other notable career paths that APRNs can pursue outside of their typical role, such as becoming a nurse educator to train the next generation of nurses. APRNs can also advance into leadership roles, such as becoming directors of nursing
To become an APRN, you must first become an RN To apply to an MSN program, candidates must first have an active RN license, with a BSN preferred
Specific graduate programs exist for each type of APRN
