There are three different entry-level ways into nursing, each offered by a different type of school:
The four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing is preferred by most nursing leaders and provides the best opportunities in today's job market. A BSN is a requirement for a good number of positions. It is the entry point for professional nursing practice.
The two-year Associate Degree focuses more on technical skills rather than theory and, for many, is a stepping stone to the BSN. It allows a student to become a Registered Nurse and earn money more quickly than a four-year BSN program. It is the entry point for technical nursing practice.
The diploma, a 2-3 year experience was more common before the 1970s, when there were more than 800 diploma schools in existence. There are now less than 100 such schools. A diploma experience prepares students for work in a hospital or other inpatient facility.
Getting Your Nursing License
Requirements for a nursing license vary by state, but according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing*, the minimum requirements for both RN and LPN candidates are:
- Graduation or verification of completion and eligibility for graduation from a state-approved program.
- Passing the NCLEX® examination.
- Reporting any and all criminal convictions, chemical dependencies and functional ability deficits.
*State Boards of Nursing are the governmental agencies in charge of setting guidelines for nursing licensure and practice. The State Boards of Nursing are responsible for evaluating nursing license applications, for administering the license exams, and for ensuring that licensed nurses operate according to the ethical and legal guidelines that the State Board has established in accordance with the federal government.
Entry-Level Nursing Programs
Become a Registered Nurse (RN)
Bachelor's Degrees in Nursing
Master's Degrees and Post-Master Certification in Nursing
Online Degrees in Nursing
