Nursing Education Guide

Congratulations on your decision to become a nurse! No matter how the current state of the economy is, there is always a demand for nurses. Becoming a nurse is one of the most rewarding goals you can achieve, since it allows you to improve people’s lives and make a difference in the world. With a solid background of nursing courses, you can even travel the world and serve impoverished communities with your skills.

There are many different types of nursing degrees. Whether you want to learn how to become a CNA or explore other nursing degrees, you can learn more about the prerequisites for nursing and the various degrees here.

Before you explore the site to learn more about different nursing degrees and specialties, start here and get started with an overview of each one:

CNA/Certified Nursing Assistant: This level of nursing is the least educationally demanding of all nursing-related degrees. CNAs do the “grunt work”of nursing, like changing briefs, changing bedsheets, and giving medications. Every state has differences in what is required for CNA education. Typically, students must take instructional classes for about 120 hours; they must get about 32 hours of clinical experience. Clinical experience involves putting into place what students learn in their instructional courses.

After earning their licensure, CNAs can work in a variety of settings. The #1 most common setting for CNAs to work in is a nursing home. Depending on the location and needs of the nursing home, CNAs can make quite a bit of money working in this setting. However, they may also work in hospitals, assisted living homes, and clinics. The average CNA wage is about $11 per hour.

LPN/Licensed Practical Nurse: Working as a LPN requires a considerably more intense educational program than a CNA license. After earning a CNA license, students can apply to a LPN program. It takes one year to complete, or two semesters of coursework. In countries outside the U.S., LPNs are called LVNs–licensed vocational nurses. There is a huge demand for LPNs; the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that many people who enter this field leave it permanently, leaving a gap to be filled by new graduates.

LPNs work in any number of medical settings. However, they can also take on a supervisory role; with experience and seniority, LPNs can supervise CNAs. To earn their licensure, LPNs must take the NCLEX-PN after completing a state-approved program. If students cannot find a LPN program, they may be able to finish the first year of a registered nursing degree, opt out, and take the NCLEX-PN. The median LPN salary is just under $40,000 per year.

RN/Registered Nurse or BSN: Registered nurses are one of the greatest needs in American healthcare. A standard RN degree is a two-year associate’s degree. Almost all (if not all) RN programs require students to have first earned a CNA license. After learning how to become a CNA, students can pursue their degree at a variety of settings. Community colleges, technical colleges, and online campuses may offer a two-year RN degree.

A BSN is a bachelor’s of science in nursing degree. It is a four-year degree that expands on what students learn in a two-year program. Students also learn more about patient and peer communication, leadership, and problem solving. These skills can be beneficial for nurses who want to advance in their field. Furthermore, the four-year degree allows nurses to work in more specialties. Most nurses start out working at a hospital; however, with experience and seniority, they can move into specialty fields, clinics, and home care situations. The median salary for a registered nurse is just under $60,000. Registered nurses with a two-year degree can expect to earn less, while those with a four-year degree can typically expect to earn more over the course of their career.

Please click on the nursing degree below that you are interested in for more posts and information on that degree.

CNA Degree

LPN Degree

RN Degree

NP Degree

Online Nursing Degrees

Other Nursing Certifications