Different Tracks To Becoming A Registered Nurse

Becoming a registered nurse is a noble dream for many

. But getting to this destination can take one of several different tracts. There are, generally, 3 paths to becoming a RN and each has its pros and cons which must be measured by the individual.

The oldest formal tract to becoming a registered nurse is the diploma route. Diploma nursing programs are usually hospital based, or at least affiliated with a particular hospital. The students take a core of general classes in basics such as English, math, and biology, and the majority of their nursing education is centered around hands on learning in the clinical areas. These programs usually take 2-3 years to complete. The diploma route is just as it states, the student is granted a diploma at the end and not a degree. This can be a drawback if the student wishes to advance into a supervisory or administrative position later on, as most institutions will require a degree of some sort.

One of the advantages to a diploma program of nursing is that these nurses tend to have the most clinical experience and are ready to hit the ground running once they have received their RN license. Unfortunately, very few diploma programs still exit, as the present trend a favoritism to degree programs of Nursing.

There are two basic degree programs of study toward becoming a registered nurse, an associates degree program, and a bachelors degree program. With both of these programs there is a core set of pre-nursing classes which must be taken, usually prior to starting the nursing classes. Bachelor degree programs generally require one or 2 more science classes in biology and chemistry and also statistics, but each program varies somewhat.

Once the core nursing classes are completed, the nursing classes start, with bachelor degree programs usually having a little bit less of the clinical component compared to their associate degree counterparts, but the bachelors program usually has more classes on nursing leadership and research. Associates degree programs of nursing generally take 2-3 years to complete, while bachelors degree programs usually take 4 years. In order to further ones education to obtain a higher degree, such as a masters degree, one must first obtain a bachelors degree.

No matter which one of these routes of nursing education is taken. Once completed, all nursing students must take and pass the NCLEX examination to be able to obtain the license showing that they are a Registered Nurse.

by: Kevin K. G.

POST COMMENT

Trade In Your Old Vw For One That Fits Your Lifestyle Today Getting The Most Out Of A Visit To The Orthopedic Specialist Picking A Lawyer - What You Need To Do Jeep - One Of The Most Reliable Vehicles You Can Purchase Choosing Building Control Trust How To Reduce Water Heater Costs Jeep Dealers - You Have A Great Selection Of Vehicles To Choose From Sebrae/rj Implements A Bpm Office How To Be Selective When Choosing Used Cars How Do You Know If She Really Likes You Or Not? 3 Ways To Tell If She Is Attracted To You Is He Really Serious About You? 3 Possible Clues He Is Not Do You Know These Kinds Of Ball Gowns? Existing Hidden Troubles In Mining Industry Production