Careers in health care professions like nursing require specialized knowledge and training. One should undergo proper training before he or she can take the licensure exam and practice the profession. There are three different registered nurse training programs available, all having their advantages and disadvantages.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A degree in Bachelor of Science in Nursing or BSN is the most ideal path to take on your way to become a professional nurse. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing takes four years to complete. It is longer than the other two training programs but it is the most complete. Around 60% of health care students take up this specific nursing program.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A degree in Bachelor of Science in Nursing or BSN is the most ideal path to take on your way to become a professional nurse. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing takes four years to complete. It is longer than the other two training programs but it is the most complete. Around 60% of health care students take up this specific nursing program.
Out of the three registered nurse training programs, it is the most comprehensive, preparing you for work in different settings and application of your nursing education. When you take up BSN, you are trained to handle all situations and settings whether it is in the hospital, community, doctor's office or home health service.
Most employers look for BSN graduates because they are equipped with all the skills needed in the practice. Because of the complete training taken from the program, BSN graduates are given more independence when it comes to decision making and often awarded supervisory positions compared to graduates of other training programs. The BSN program also serves as a great platform for professional advancement and prerequisites to higher degrees including a Master of Science in Nursing and Doctoral Degree in Nursing.
Accelerated BSN Degree
If you are a graduate of a different degree but want to switch your career path to nursing, you can take an Accelerated BSN degree. This registered nurse training program is considered a fast track nursing program lasting only a little over a year. But before you are accepted to this program, there are several prerequisites to meet, including social sciences, liberal arts, mathematic and natural science subjects. Students must also have a GPA of at least 3.0 in order to qualify. Because it is a fast route to a BSN degree, the subjects are more rigorous and demanding compared. They must also complete the same number of clinical hours required in BSN programs.
Associate Degree in Nursing
This registered nursing training program is the shortest among the three, taking only two to three years to complete. The subjects are lesser compared to a BSN or accelerated degree, but graduates of an Associated Degree in Nursing are still eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination or NCLEX. Taking up this program can become a stepping stone to greater nursing careers. Community colleges and junior colleges offer this program. If you want a fast and easy path to nursing, an associate degree is perfect for you.
I was able to do the RN to BSN Online thing. I can tell you from personal experience that there are two things to consider if you are thinking of doing it. First, find a school that has a traditional campus that also offers an online program. That way in the future when you send your resume out those that are still closed minded about online education will not be able to determine just from your resume how you got a degree. Second, if you are not a strong self starter do not do an online program. When you are at home and have all the distractions of your normal life available to you it can be hard to sit there and read four chapters, or to write a paper. I got my degree with Jacksonville University (http://www.jacksonvilleu.com). There are lots of choices out there now. Take your time and find the right one for you.
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