Prior to becoming an RN, you will need to take care of a variety of Registered Nurse school requirements. First, check out the time and curriculum prerequisites for the various programs and decide what best meets your needs. Second, have you satisfied each of the initial requirements for that program? Though jobs in nursing are growing right now, you've got to be ready to do the required steps to get one of those jobs.
There are 3 different ways to become an RN: through a 2 year Associate of Science Degree in Nursing program, a four year Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) program, and, less commonly, a hospital based diploma program.
The core academic prerequisites are often identical, whether you decide on the ADN or the Bachelor's Degree program. You will want to build a strong foundation in science through physiology, chemistry and biology curriculum. More than likely, you'll also have to take courses in subjects like psychology and communications, together with nursing specific courses in clinical practice and theory. Additionally at the end of both, you'll be ready to take the NCLEX-RN certification exam.
Even though the first couple of years are exactly like those of an Associate's Degree program, the school requirements for the Bachelor degree are much more in depth. This particular degree program is a couple of years longer than the ADN program and in those 24 months, you will be studying a much wider variety of specialized topics.
The BSN offers even more career opportunities to RNs compared to an Associate's Degree. Even if, you decide to first get an Associate's Degree, it is not difficult to return to school and get a Bachelor's Degree. And actually, most schools have accelerated programs for individuals that have a degree. RNs with an Associate's Degree might also learn that employers will finance continued education and they can continue to work while going to school for a BSN.
The hospital based diploma program could be compared to an apprenticeship. Students will be working in a hospital in the guidance of professionals. Virtually all of their learning is going to come from real-world experience. This program will usually last about 2 or 3 years and may even require some basic course work.
Although the nursing field is growing and there are a variety of opportunities available, nursing programs ordinarily do not grow at the exact same speed, and so there are a limited number of spots available at the nursing schools. Because of the limited number of available spots, several individuals will find themselves on a waiting list.
The requirements for most programs will be a high school diploma and scores from tests like SAT, or ACT. A Bachelor degree program will likely require an entrance essay and provide letters of reference. Preference commonly is given to applicants with higher GPAs. For people who have already graduated from high school without taking many science courses, it will be smart to take a basic biology, chemistry, or first aid course.
While looking at prerequisites, and deciding about your future as an RN, keep in mind that a nursing career is going to take life long learning. The field of nursing is constantly changing and you'll be required to enroll in continuing education classes on a regular bases to learn about the most current technologies available. Meeting each of the Registered Nurse school requirements is just the beginning of the road to being an RN.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.articlelog.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites