Want to know What education is needed to become a nurse? Then, you are welcome!
There may be different educational options for becoming a nurse. Therefore, it is necessary to know the academic requirements of this registered nursing, job responsibilities, type of nursing degree and license requirements. So in today’s post, I explained in straightforward language (focus keyword) and discovered how to be an RN (registered nurse) by exploring it.
Essential information: What education is needed to become a nurse
Nurses perform various tasks ranging from providing primary health care to assisting surgeons in critical and advanced ways. Those who have a strong desire to become a nurse have to program different nursing degrees based on their career goals and level of care. Here are basically their three main sections.
Under her auspices, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) provide primary care under the supervision of registered nurses and doctors. The registered nurse (RN) then takes care of the patients, provides assistance to the patients’ families, and assists the physicians in the treatment. And finally, this additional education is an advanced practice to be more expert as a registered nurse.
Let’s find out about career options and salary information, including the degree required to become a nurse.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is also known as Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVNs). And at the same time, it is supervised by registered nurses. They monitor and measure patients and assist in patient care and treatment—also do extra work such as collecting laboratory test samples. LPN works in general healthcare as most are not specialists.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in the decade 2020-20-200, the number of jobs for licensed practical nurses increased by 12%. The idea is that this is faster than the average growth of all professions. Until 2018, the average median wage for licensed practical nurses was $ 46,240 (Ever wonder how much it will be in 2021?).
Registered Nurses (RNs)
The Registered Nurse (RN) coordinates the care and treatment of patients. They work with other health professionals and doctors to administer medicine to patients, monitor their progress, and educate their families on managing patients’ illnesses. In addition to hospitals, RNs must operate long-term healthcare facilities, patients at home and outpatient healthcare centres.
According to the BLS, the average annual salary for registered nurses was $ 71,730 (and that was as of 2016). Thus, researchers estimate that job opportunities in registered nursing will increase by 15% due to the growing demand for healthcare services.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)
Four types of advanced practice registered nurses are:
- Nurse Anesthetist
- Nhurse practitioner
- Nurse midwife
- Clinical nurse specialist
These individuals need advanced experience and education. And must complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing such as critical care and may offer a specialized study program such as women’s health or public health. Although they perform the same duties as registered nurses, they can work more independently. Even primarily responsible for patient care.
The expected job growth for APRNs, according to BLS, is 31% from 2016 to 2026.
And as of 2018, their average salary was $ 113,930.
Types of nursing degrees: What education is needed to become a nurse?
Educational programs in this field can usually be found in nursing schools in both private and government colleges, technical schools and universities. Some high schools and hospitals also offer them. In addition to the liberal arts course, students must take prerequisite courses in fields such as biology, chemistry, physiology, and physiology for the nursing program. All nursing programs will have a clinical supervisory component. So you must pass a licensing exam for graduates to start working.
Associate of Arts in Nursing
Two-year Associate of Arts in Nursing (AAN) degree programs provide general registered nurse education through anatomy, mental health, physiology, and pharmacology and nutrition courses. Students also have to endure practical laboratory and clinical instruction. And need to gain experience with their patient care and other related healthcare work.
Science associate in nursing
Associate degree programs for registered nurses can usually take 2-3 years to complete. So this Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree is awarded by Nursing School and Program Community College. These programs were actually coordinated with the hospital and therefore provided training in nursing fundamentals, pharmacology and microbiology very simply. ASN programs are suitable for those who are willing to take up hands-on careers and administrative. On the other hand not interested in going into research or teaching positions.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Those interested in career-enhancing clinical experience and flexibility can graduate in Nursing (BSN). These 4-year programs create potential RNs for nursing jobs and managerial, research, clinical, and teaching positions. The BSN program will include adult healthcare, health assessment and community health courses,
So in most BSN programs, students need to gain experience in clinical settings later on.
Master of Science in Nursing
The Master of Science in Nursing program prepares nurses to become nurse administrators; advanced practice registered nurses, family nurses, and nurse educators to become practitioners. Most master’s degree programs in nursing focus on advanced nursing practice, management skills and specialization areas such as women’s critical and health care or public health.
So the last thing I want to say is that what kind of nurse you will depend on what kind of nurse you will be.
Hopefully, this blog post has been useful in figuring out what education is needed to become a nurse. Happy Learning!
READ ALSO: What is the purpose of education?
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