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Registered Nurse Training: How to Select the Right Nursing School
Registered Nurse Training:
How to Select the Right Nursing School
Are you considering registered nurse training? According to statistics,* registered nursing is the largest healthcare occupation, accounting for 2.6 million employees nation-wide.
However, before you start on the path toward this fulfilling profession, there are a variety of important factors to consider when it comes to your post-secondary education. There are many different registered nursing schools available, and before you choose one, it's a good idea to consider which one matches your educational and career goals. Here are some factors to consider.
Program Before School
Before you choose a registered nursing school, you must first decide on a program. No matter how prestigious or high quality a school is, if it doesn't offer a registered nursing program that matches your career goals, it's not the right school for you.
Part of choosing the right program is choosing the appropriate education level. Registered nursing programs are typically offered at the diploma, associate's degree, and bachelor's degree levels.
- Diploma - usually takes three years to complete, and tends to focus on hands-on, career-oriented skills that prepare you for entry-level positions.
- Associate's Degree - can be a two-year or four-year program, and usually requires prerequisite courses to be completed first. Typically provides both hands-on and theoretical training, as well as a selection of general education electives.
- Bachelor of Science Degree - an in-depth, four-year degree that can also prepare nursing students to continue their education at the graduate level. Usually includes hands-on clinical training, as well as a strong focus on nursing theory and research.
- Master's Degree - this graduate degree in nursing usually takes between one and three years to complete, following the completion of a bachelor's degree, and a registered nursing licensure examination. Many graduate programs are aimed at preparing you for a specialty. Common nursing specialties include clinical nurse, nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner, and nurse midwife.
Consideration of Accreditation
Many employers place a high priority on the accreditation of nursing schools. Typically, when a school receives accreditation from a national accrediting organization, it means that their nursing program follows a recognized and industry-accepted curriculum. Aside from national accreditation, some schools may have also received approval from a state board.
Certification Preparation
In order to become a registered nurse, and successfully find employment, you must first take—and pass—the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN) from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). This nationally-recognized exam helps to ensure you have the necessary skills and knowledge to complete industry-standard nursing duties. Therefore, it is important to make sure your registered nursing training covers the material the NCSBN expects you to know. Many registered nursing schools will include NCLEX-RN preparation as part of their program curriculum.
Now that you've considered some of the most important factors about registered nurse training, your next step should be to begin researching schools. Check out this list of registered nursing schools and take your first step toward a rewarding career in healthcare today!
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, web site accessed on Oct. 12, 2010.
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