Nursing is a growing industry with good career prospects. There are so many colleges and universities around the world that are offering some type of nursing degree.
If person is considering a career as a nurse, there may be many options for them to choose. The following information can help people better understand the different types of nursing courses and degrees, as well as the types of jobs and salaries they can get from each course and degree.
The (CNA) Certified Nursing Assistant
Certification Program Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) usually graduates from high school and then completes the certification program at a local community college, university, nursing home, or hospital.
The American Red Cross is another CNA-certified course provider, and people can also find many options online. A complete CNA plan usually takes one to two months. At the end of their studies, people must take an exam to obtain a state certificate.
CNA plays an important role in patient care, but please be aware that this role may be physically demanding. The nurse helps to lift and move the patient. Also help patients to eat, dress, bath and go to the toilet or home care.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of nursing staff is $28,530 per year. More than 1.5 million people are employed in this industry, and it is expected that the demand for CNA will grow at an above-average rate in the next ten years. (1)
LPN and LVN
Certification programs Licensed practical nurses (LPN) or licensed professional nurses (LVN) receive more specialized training than nurse assistants’ colleges and even some four-year colleges.
A typical course includes approximately 40 hours of coursework. After completing the program, person must pass the National Commission Licensing Examination (NCLEXPN) to work in a health center.
LPN sometimes performs tasks similar to nurses, such as helping patients bathe or dress. Other tasks may include checking blood pressure, changing bandages, keeping medical records, and communicating with patients and their families.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that the average salary of a licensed nurse is $46,240. Nearly 725,000 people are employed in this field, and it is expected that employment opportunities will increase by 12% in the next ten years. (2)
Associate of Nursing (ADN or ASN)
To become a registered nurse (RN), people must have at least an Associate of Nursing (ADN) or Assistant Nursing Research Assistant (ASN). It usually takes two years to study in an adult education center or a technical college.
Some four-year schools may also offer two-year elementary school courses. All nurses must perform supervised clinical duties in order to gain practical experience in practice. The minimum requirements to become a registered nurse, many hospitals choose to hire nurses with a bachelor’s degree. All registered nurses must complete NCLEXRN before being hired.
Registered nurses often supervise nursing assistants and nursing staff, so this job usually requires some leadership skills. Other duties include assessing the health of patients, keeping medical records, taking medication, operating medical equipment, performing diagnostic tests, and informing patients and their families of their medical problems.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of registered nurses is $71,730. Note, however, that undergraduate nurses are more likely to receive higher salaries. Nurses and job prospects are much higher than average (increased by 15% in the next ten years).
Bachelor of Nursing (BSN)
Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) is a four-year degree preferred by most hospitals than nurses. They need courses in all disciplines to develop communication skills, social understanding and scientific knowledge.
In addition, person will gain extensive practical training by using simulators and performing clinical tasks. Person must pass NCLEXRN before he or she start to become an RN.
Obtaining a Bachelor of Nursing instead of an associate degree may provide more leadership and career opportunities, and person are more likely to find a job in a hospital that specializes in areas such as public health, newborn care, addiction, or genetic screening.
If person have an associate degree and want to continue their BSN education, most nursing schools have degrees from LPN to BSN. They may also find that the employee is paying for additional training as well. In another area, many medical schools have accelerated courses, so they can get a BSN in less than two years. The average salary of nurses is $71,730 per year, but BSN nurses may be at the higher end of the salary level. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost in Virginia is $78,390.
Master of Nursing (MSN)
If he or she is a BSN nurse and want to pursue their career, the Master of Nursing (MSN) is the right choice for them. It usually takes about two years to complete a degree, and they can develop into an expert in gerontology, obstetrics, home care, pediatrics, or women’s health.
After completing the program, person will most likely need to take a national certification exam. Become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). Can usually operate independently of a doctor, prescribe medication, order tests, and diagnose health problems.
The exact details of a job will depend on state law. In general, their expertise makes them more independent than registered nurses with BSN. APRN’s career prospects are good, partly because they often fill the gap created by the shortage of doctors.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage is $113,930 per year, and employment forecasts predict a 31% increase in the next ten years. (1,2)
(DNP) Doctor of Nursing Practice
If people are interested in health management, research or professional clinical practice, they need to obtain a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Graduation is an obligation that can take five years or more to complete, but many DNP programs contain important online components and can be balanced with nurse training.
DNP diplomas usually provide a healthy six-figure salary and good career prospects.
Ph.D. In Nursing
Candidates for medical sciences. (Ph.D.) Unlike DNP, it usually requires a lot of research, including writing a paper. It is very suitable for nurses who are interested in nursing practice theory.
This program may be more difficult to customize than the DNP program, although it is possible. As a DNP, this usually takes five years for a PhD. This degree provides a wide range of employment opportunities in the fields of hospital management, higher education, and politics. (1,2,3)
References:
- https://teach.com/online-ed/healthcare-degrees/online-msn-programs/types-of-nursing-degrees/
- https://www.allnursingschools.com/how-to-get-into-nursing-school/degree-options/
- https://www.thoughtco.com/types-of-nursing-programs-4685873
