Which Nursing Credential Applies to Your Desired Career Path

Nursing school can be difficult to get through but with hard work and support from others you can make it and end up with a very rewarding career. It is important to choose the right program for your needs, the one which can get you onto the career path of your choice. When you understand what each type of job each type of degree can get you then you can make an informed decision. Below is a rundown of the most popular nursing degrees available today to help you decide.  

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

In order to become a CNA you will need to have a high school diploma and take a certification class. As a CNA, you would be required to pass an exam with all of the information contained therein tied into one course. A CNA assists nurses with a variety of duties, including:

• Patient admittance
• Patient vitals
• Feeding
• Dressing
• Bathing
• Transporting patients

As a CNA you are not technically a nurse. However, it is a great first step to decide if the nursing field is right for you. It is the quickest entry point into the field as certification can take as little as one month.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Many people who take courses to become an LPN do so because they don't have the time that it takes to commit to longer program right away. However, becoming an LPN is certainly a viable career path, one which will offer you ample opportunities in the future. It takes about 12 months to become an LPN by completing a program at an accredited school, and you will need to take the National Council Licensure Exam to become certified. Many LPN's work in clinics and private home settings. They have a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Registering patients vitals (heart rate, blood pressure, etc.)
• Collecting blood samples
• Administering medications

Registered Nurse, ADN (RN)

The most in-demand positions in the U.S. are registered nurses. To become a registered nurse you must earn an Associate's degree. Many LPN's who have time after completing their program become RN's by completing a mobility program. To become certified as an RN you must take the NCLEX-RN examination which contains higher level topics than the LPN examination does. RN's have many responsibilities, including:

• Registering patient vitals
• Collecting blood samples
• Administering medications
• Monitor patient symptoms
• Accessing patient needs
• Recommend care plans
• Patient education
• Overseeing CNA's

Registered Nurse, BSN (RN)

In order to be certified as a registered nurse (BSN) you will need to earn a bachelor's degree through a four-year program. Many registered nurses with an ADN can earn their BSN in about 12 months. The responsibilities for this job are the same as a registered nurse (ADN), however the bachelor's degree can help you advance to a managing or leadership role. If you are hoping to enter into a higher paying specialty you will need to have a bachelor's degree.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

In order to obtain this type of nursing license, you will need to have a Master's degree. The most common degrees include:

• Master of Science 
• Master of Nursing
• Master of Science
• Master of Arts

Once you earn your Master's degree you can have a career in specialty positions, including Clinical Nurse Leader, Nurse Midwife, and Nurse Administrator.

Becoming a Nurse at the Doctorate Level

Nurses with Doctorate degrees have the highest level of education possible. You can get a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, which focuses on patient outcomes. You can also get your Doctor of Nursing Science or Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing, which focuses on research. Also, you will need a Doctorate if you are interested in entering Nurse Education.  

The degree that you work for depends on the amount of time that you have to spend on your education and the career that you hope to have. Consider these credentials carefully and choose the one that best represents the career you would like to have. No matter which you choose Athena Career Academy can help get your education started the right way today.