While you can enter the nursing field with only an associate degree, you really need a bachelor nursing degree or a Master’s of Science to get far.
Careers in the medical field are not just financially rewarding; a medical career can be personally fulfilling as well. A nursing degree is a top choice for those who are looking to enter into the medical field.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states this career path is growing faster than average, with an estimated demand increase of 26 percent by the year 2020. An associate degree is required for entry into the field, so becoming a registered nurse can be seen as a fast track to entering the world of medicine.
Finding out how to earn a nursing degree is the first step. While you do have to attend college for nursing, nursing programs are quite short in duration. The shortest nursing degree programs lead to a career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or associate degree nurse (ADN).
If you are willing to dedicate a bit more time to training, Bachelor of Science in nursing programs (BSN) can usually be completed in around four to five years. Master's degrees in nursing (MSN) typically require two additional years beyond the BSN degree.
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Many nurses begin their careers by working as an LPN or ADN while taking additional coursework to get a BSN or MSN degree.
Although it is possible to take some of your nursing classes online, there are not accredited online nursing degree programs that deliver 100 percent of the required coursework via the Internet. This is because nurses must undergo some hands-on training.
In fact, the majority of nursing degree programs require participants to complete a specific number of hours of clinical work in a variety of settings, ranging from hospitals and doctor's offices to nursing homes and assisted-living facilities.
If you have what it takes to complete the nursing degree requirements, you can sit for the exam that governs the particular nursing degree that interests you. These exams vary based on the credential and are sometimes referred to as nursing boards.
Registered nurses must pass a national licensing examination. This exam, which is given in every state, is the National Licensing Examination, or NCLEX-RN. Upon successful completion of this exam, you may practice nursing in your state.
Due to the aging of the Baby Boomer generation, as well as an increased emphasis on preventative care, the nursing field is set to see an explosion of growth in the next decade or so, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The median wage of a registered nurse is around $64,000 annually, or around $31 an hour. Nurses who specialize in a particular field, such as OB/GYN nurse or surgical nurses, can earn even more.
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