- An Associate of Science in Nursing degree is the fastest way to become a nurse. These programs are 2-year programs and admission is competitive. Although nurses graduating from these programs begin with excellent salaries, their job advancement may be limited compared to that of a 4-year degree nurse.
- The 4-year degree program to become a nurse allows a student to graduate with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. Entry to these programs are often dual tiered; so, a student must first complete a year or two of prerequisites before applying to the nursing school. A BSN is required for many graduate level nursing programs.
- Individuals with degrees in non-nursing fields may be candidates for an accelerated nursing program. These programs allow graduation after 1 year with a BSN and are often tied to Master's degree level nursing programs, allowing a person to graduate with a Master's in nursing in only 3 years.
- All nurses must take the NCLEX-RN, a national test administered to all graduating nursing students, and must successfully complete this exam before practicing or applying to graduate school.
- Each state controls licensing of nurses and each has its own standards for licensing. Nurses must maintain their state licensures to legally practice, and many states require continuing education to maintain state licensure.
- Many specialties of nursing have certificates granted by national organizations, which are not required but make a nurse more competitive when applying for jobs. Examples of certification areas include pediatrics, oncology, psychiatry and family practice.
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