Nursing School Programs and Degrees Available
There is great diversity in nursing school programs and nursing education that prepares nurses for licensure. There are 6 types of nursing education programs that are available to students. Each have set requirements as to length of the nursing school programs, the purpose and scope of nurses training.
Types of Nursing School Programs and Scope of Duties:
1. Practical or Vocational Nurse Programs
Credentials: LVN or LPN License
Length of Program: 9-12 months
Nursing Training Classes delivered via high school, hospitals and vocational technical schools.
Scope of nursing duties: basic technical bedside care, hospitals, nursing homes, home care and office in LPN positions.
2. Hospital Diploma Programs
Credentials: Prepares candidate for RN license
Length of Program: 2 to 3 years
Nurses training classes delivered by hospitals and sometimes in conjunction with colleges
Scope of nursing duties: basic RN positions, hospitals and agency care
3. Associate Degree Nursing Programs
Credentials: Prepares for RN license
Length of Program: 2 years
Nursing training classes delivered by Community and Junior Colleges
Scope of Associate Degree in Nursing: Basic technical care in RN positions, primarily institutions
4. Bachelor’s Degree Nursing School Programs a.k.a. Baccalaureate Degree Nursing Programs
Credentials: BSN Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing & Prep for RN License
Nursing school provided by colleges and universities
Length of Program: 2 to 4 years depending on type of option – mobility option 2 years
Nursing School Program delivered by Universities
Scope of nursing duties: basic professional practice as RN, management, community and public health, prepares for graduate school and certification.
5. Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN)
Credentials: MSN – Master’s in Nursing
Length of Program: 1 to 2 years beyond RN programs
MSN educational requirements delivered by Universities
MSN scope of duties: Advanced clinical practice, management, education and leadership positions.
6. Doctoral Degree in Nursing (PhD, DSN, DNSc, DNP)
Credentials: PhD, DSN, DNSc, DNP
Length of Program: Varies 2 to 3 years beyond BSN and MSN
Nursing school requirements for Doctoral nursing degrees delivered by Universities
Doctoral Nursing scope and practice: Advanced nursing for research, clinical practice and leadership positions.
Step your way through Nursing School Programs to Success!
As you make your way through the nursing school programs and certifications you are afforded the opportunity to continue your education and employment opportunities in various nursing specialties. Starting with LPN and LVN certification, you can step your way up the nursing ladder by continuing your education.
Further accelerating the process is flexible nursing education, mobility, and distance learning nursing school programs. Distance and mobility (online nursing programs) are now available. The trend in nursing school programs online is bolstered by the success of these programs, the ever increasing needs of nursing students, nursing shortages and of course the worldwide acceptance of electronic learning technology.
There’s never been a better time to enroll in nursing school programs. The demand for your nursing skills is high and the number of qualified and certified nurses is not keeping pace with the baby-boomers and retiring professional nurses.
