What Kind of School Should You Attend to Become a Registered Nurse?

If you have your sights set on becoming an RN, you have already taken a step in the right direction. Nursing provides a steady source of income, offers opportunities for advancement and allows you to help others. There are several different routes you can take to achieve RN status. Let's take a look at each educational option to help you decide which is best for you.

RN Basics

If you would like to become an RN, you will need to earn a minimum of an associate's degree. This degree takes two years to complete. A bachelor's degree in nursing, referred to with the acronym of “BSN”, will heighten the odds of obtaining a higher-paying position. Bachelor's degrees typically require four years of study. Thanks to advances in technology, it is even possible to take some of the nursing courses required to be a RN on the web.

Community College/Technical School

If you are looking for a quick way to get your foot in the door as an RN, consider a two-year or three-year associate's degree in nursing (ADN). This program's curriculum includes the study of nursing, anatomy, chemistry, nutrition and microbiology. Students are also required to take a few liberal arts classes. Complete your ADN and you will have access to entry-level nursing positions.

4-Year University

Obtain a four-year bachelor's of science degree in nursing, known as the “BSN”, at a university or college and you will find your way into a well-paying RN position. If you have a bachelor's degree in a different field, you can enter an accelerated BSN program in which many of your previously earned college credits are applied. Such a path usually takes a year to three years to complete.

If you complete a bachelor's degree in nursing, you won't be strictly limited to the field's entry-level positions. RNs who hold a bachelor's degree find work as highly paid nurses as well as roles pertaining to disease prevention, administration and community health promotion.

If you currently work as an RN and have an associate's degree/nursing diploma, you can enroll in a RN-to-BSN program that can be completed in two or three years. The curriculum of such a program includes the study of public health nursing, bioethics, nursing care, nursing research, and microbiology.

Online Programs

If you have limited time and an abundance of responsibilities, there are programs that can accommodate your busy schedule. It is still possible to obtain the credentials required to become an RN. The majority of schools allow RN candidates to attend part-time.

If you have children or lack a means of transportation, it is possible to enroll in an online program. Though it is ideal to gain hands-on experience in the classroom/lab environment, online programs will also prepare you for a career as an RN. Online nursing programs range from associate's to bachelor's. Most of these distance learning programs still require students to perform clinical experiences within the community for hands-on experience.

Athena Career Academy's LPN-to-RN Program

If you have already earned your LPN license and desire to become an RN, look no further than Athena Career Academy's LPN to RN Program. This program can be completed in as little as a single year. Athena's LPN to RN all-inclusive program includes in-class training, simulated lab work, clinical practicum and much more.

Coursework is centered on nursing classes such as adult nursing, advanced nursing care, psychiatric nursing, family nursing and community nursing. Additional coursework ranges from microbiology to nutrition, pathophysiology, basic composition, and psychology. The program culminates with the taking of the National NCLEX Nursing Board Exam.

To learn more about a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse or as a Registered Nurse, and whether it’s the right fit for you, schedule an appointment with Athena Career Academy today. One meeting with our Admissions counselors could help put you on the path to a successful new career that could change your life for the better.