As a CNA, you can gain experience in the industry while you pursue your studies toward licensure as an RN. Then follow one of several paths to become a registered nurse. Decide on the educational pathway you wish to pursue to become an RN.
The shortest route is a two-year associate degree from an approved nursing program at an accredited community college. Others require you to start at the beginning. Or instead of going the two-year route, complete a three-year hospital-based RN diploma program from a teaching hospital, or earn a bachelor of science in nursing degree from a traditional four-year college or university.
Complete your studies. Keep reading to learn more about what it takes to get into nursing school and some ways to increase your chances of getting in.
While certified nursing assistants CNAs and registered nurses RNs often work in the same environments such as hospitals and nursing homes, they have different responsibilities. CNAs typically work under RNs, and when it comes to caring for patients, they do a lot of the physical labor. RNs often do tasks that CNAs do, but they tend to have more decisions to make, as well as more flexibility in terms of where they work. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing is the most comprehensive type of undergraduate nursing degree.
The nursing curriculum typically consists of three to four years of classroom instruction, lab work, and clinical training. What distinguishes a BSN degree from other undergraduate nursing degrees is the focus and amount of science courses required to complete the degree. BSN curriculums typically include extensive coursework in math, natural sciences, social sciences, nursing theory, nursing process, and other general science topics relevant to nursing practice.
In addition to these core courses, BSN students will gain experience in communication, evidence-based practice, and leadership. Nursing assistants enrolled in a CNA to RN Bridge program can complete the program in as little as one year, but most programs take between 18 and 24 months to complete.
Nursing school admission has become very competitive in recent years, with colleges and universities becoming more selective about prospective students.
When applying for college, you should do everything you can to make your application stand out. Having your CNA credential and hands-on experience caring for patients can help set your nursing school application apart from others.
This opportunity is often restricted to those who have had some experience in the profession, such as those that already have some experience as a CNA. The process of accreditation is meant to assess the quality of an academic program to determine if it is meeting state and national standards. Non-accredited colleges and training programs should be an enormous red flag for students and nurses pursuing higher education.
The two primary accrediting bodies in the U. Another method of pursuing an RN degree is to "test out" of required prerequisite courses. Many times, nurse assistants who have been at the bedside for several years or more have gained the essential knowledge needed, and therefore taking certain prerequisite courses are unnecessary.
There are a few test prep programs available, such as the one by Achieve Test Prep. Returning to school is a momentous decision. Often, those looking to advance their education or degree are already working or raising families. Therefore, some level of flexibility is needed to make it work. Thankfully, in today's digital age some RN courses can be completed online. While the clinical portion of the nursing program needs to be on-site, nursing theory and prerequisites can be done via distance learning.
Even for those looking to "test out" of certain courses have an advantage, as test preps can be done online or via a "hybrid" option. Cost depends on the school, program, state, and even city.
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