Tips On Becoming A Registered Nurse (RN)

If you are looking or are interested in working in the medical or health care field as an RN (registered nurse) there are a few different paths that may work for you. These paths to becoming a registered nurse may vary based on your goals set for your career and/or your current educational and financial situation.

If you want to be an RN and want to start working as soon as possible, then you should research some schools and/or hospitals that offer RN diploma programs or an associate degree in nursing which would qualify you to be an RN after completion of required exams. These types of program can get you working more quickly then a four year bsn degree, but your career growth option could be limited. For example you may not be able to enter into a management role unless you later return to school in your career to complete an rn-bsn degree program for a university.

Another way to become an RN is the by going to a university and earning a BSN or Bachelor of Science in nursing degree for the University’s school of nursing. This type of a degree may typically take four years to complete and you would then likely have the needed education if you decide to apply for a management position later in your career.

Lastly is a nursing degree program geared towards people who already have a BS degree, but the degree in not in nursing. There are some bridge to BSN track programs from some universities that may be able to allow people an easier path to becoming a registered nurse that can be quicker then completing a more traditional nursing program.

What ever decision you are leaning towards you should make sure to do your due diligence and research multiple nursing school programs to compare the cost, length, and type of the programs. Also keep in mind if you decide on an associate degree in nursing or a nursing diploma program you can later complete an rn-bsn degree either online or off-line if you choose.