Nursing Program Schools

Nursing Program Schools in the U.S.

All around the world, Nursing is becoming one of the most sought after among school programs. Nowadays, there are so many choices to fit your goals and budget when trying to pursue a successful and fulfilling career in Nursing. Different programs have now been developed by prestigious schools across the United States that will cater to any aspiring nursing student. To decide which nursing program will be best for you, here are your options.

Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) or Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)

This education degree is a good starting point to begin a nursing career. It usually involves one year of combined educational and practical courses. The program is usually offered in community colleges or vocational technical schools. To better prepare you, trainings are done not only within the college or school but also at hospitals. Once you finish the program, you will become eligible to get your license once you pass the National Council Licensure Examination- Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN) examination.

Licensed practical nurses can become Associate Nurses by pursuing an Associate Nursing Program that will give them a degree. Previous courses taken in the LPN program will be credited. Once this course is finished, the LPN can now take the NCLEX examination.

Licensed practical or licensed vocational nurses also have a choice to become an undergraduate degree Registered Nurse with a specific program designed for them. The transition from LPN to BSN can be accomplished in four academic semesters.

Associate Science of Nursing (ASN)

The ASN is a two year program that is regarded as one of the fastest ways to become a registered nurse. The course will teach you all the technical skills you need to learn as a nurse. It takes less time than a four year Bachelor of Science in Nursing Undergraduate Degree program. The focus is more on technical nursing practice rather than theory. Nursing students use this as their entry point to finish a full BSN degree faster.

A special program can be undertaken by a registered associate nurse in order to complete a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree. All the nursing skills and courses taken from an associate diploma or degree program will be accredited.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

A BSN degree usually takes four years. Typically, the first two years of the program will focus on general and basic education subjects that you will be required take and pass in order to proceed to the next two to four years. The last two years will involve specific nursing courses. This is the type of degree that is usually required by healthcare institutions. It is an advantage over other programs to have this type of degree. In order to establish a good nursing professional practice, a BSN degree can be your best asset.

Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing

This program is for those who already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Previous requirements and subjects in liberal arts will be accredited when you pursue a BSN degree. The nursing coursework can then be completed in just two years or probably even less.

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree

This program is similar to the Second Degree BSN. Credit is given to previous general course requirements as well. The difference with this degree is the time frame. You will be able to complete the nursing undergraduate coursework faster. You will be able to finish your degree quicker than a typical full BSN program. An Accelerated program will usually run for twelve months. However there are schools that offer it ranging from sixteen to twenty months.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

This program is for BSN degree nurses who want to specialize in a certain field. However, it is also open for non-nursing degree holders who want to apply for a Direct Entry MSN program and for associate nurses who apply in an accelerated program that will allow them to take a bachelor’s and master’s degree all at the same time. This program can reach up to 1 ½ to 2 years. In order to qualify for an MSN program, you are required to have a degree from an accredited school, a registered nurse license, experience in a clinical setting, and a minimum GPA and GRE score set by the school.

Post-Master’s Certificate

This is a program that will offer certification to a nurse with an RN license and is an MSN degree holder who wants to specialize and get certification to practice in a specific field. This entails taking exams that are either for generalist or advanced nursing practice. There are also exams for clinical specialists. This certification program covers almost thirty areas in nursing.

Post-Certificate Master’s

This is a program that allows licensed nurses to earn their MSN degree while giving credit to previous certifications. This type of program is best for nurse anesthetists, nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners who have had extensive educational and clinical experience previously but are not MSN degree holders.

There are now schools offering joint degree programs that will allow you to combine an MSN degree in nursing with another master’s degree in a different field. The most common would be in health administration and public health.

Doctorate Nursing Degree Programs

A PhD in nursing program offers career opportunities in clinical research, health administration and advanced healthcare clinical practice. These programs will usually take four to six years to finish. Examples of Doctorate programs are Doctor of Nursing Practice, Doctor of Nursing Science, Doctor of Nursing Education, Doctor of Philosophy and MSN/PhD Dual Nursing Degree.

Universities, colleges, vocational and technical schools all around America are continuing to improve and develop the best nursing programs. With their excellent team of professors, instructors and even the non-teaching staff, they provide you with all the skills and knowledge that you need to learn to be an efficient nurse. In order to get the best nursing education possible, you will also need to consider what the top performing or top ranking schools are.

Best Nursing Schools

Over the past few years, these universities have been known to provide an exceptional nursing program. They are:

Fundamentals are essential to ensure an excellent career in nursing. Consider all your options before you make your decision on which program you plan to take and which school can offer you the best education and training. With dedication, commitment and focus, you can get through your nursing school experience well. These traits and more will help you become a professional, well-equipped nurse in the future.

Nursing Program Schools