Want to be a nurse? Here’s what you need to know to get your career off the ground.
Nursing is a challenging and fulfilling profession, and the demand for qualified personnel continues to grow with every passing year. Thinking about pursuing a career in nursing, but not sure where to start? First, you’ll want to consider the different levels of training and education that are available so you can plan your academic path accordingly.
How much education do I need to become a nurse?
The quickest way to get started working as a nurse is by completing a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certificate program. However, it’s important to note that LPN programs will only prepare you for the most entry-level nursing positions, which have limited earning power and far fewer opportunities for advancement.
To be truly competitive, you’ll need to become a registered nurse. This can be accomplished through a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program or a four-year Bachelor of Science (BSN) program. While you absolutely can get hired with an ADN alone, you should know that taking the extra time to complete a BSN degree can dramatically improve your chances of getting hired after graduation and will have a major impact on your ability to move into higher-level nursing positions. Having a BSN has become so valuable, in fact, that many RNs—even those with several years of experience working in the field—are making the decision to go back to school and complete their undergraduate degree.
I’m interested in pursuing a BSN. What now?
If you’ve got what it takes to go after your professional goals, we’ve got a program that will help you get there. Our four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is designed to prepare you for success in the nursing field. Highly qualified instructors with extensive clinical experience will guide you through every stage of the curriculum and help you build the knowledge you’ll need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) after graduation.
Ready to take the next step toward a brighter future? Find out more about the Nursing (BSN) program at Baker College.
