Essential Information
Nurses perform numerous tasks, from providing fundamental healthcare to assisting surgeons with advanced and critical procedures. Those interested in becoming a nurse, can pursue several degree programs and courses for nursing based on their career goals and level of care they hope to provide. There are three main categories of nurses. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) provide basic care while supervised by registered nurses and doctors. Registered nurses (RNs) care for patients, provide support to patients' families, and assist doctors in medical procedures. Additional education can lead to further specialization as an advanced practice registered nurse.
Nursing Requirements
| Nurse Type | Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) | Registered Nurses (RNs) | Advanced Practice Nurses (APRNs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required Education | Postsecondary certificate | Associate's or bachelor's degree | Master's degree |
| Other Requirements | LPN license | RN license | RN license and APRN certification or licensure |
| Job Growth (2016-2026)* | 12% | 15% | 31% |
| Median Salary (2018)* | $46,240 | $71,730 | $113,930* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Let's look a little bit closer at the career options and salary information, along with the degrees required to be a nurse.
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
Licensed practical nurses (LPN), also known as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), are supervised by registered nurses. They measure and monitor patients, assist in patient care and treatments, and collect laboratory test samples. Most LPNs work in general healthcare and don't specialize.
For the decade spanning 2016-2026, 12% job growth is expected for licensed practical nurses, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is faster than the average growth for all occupations. As of 2018, the annual median wage for licensed practical nurses was $46,240.
Registered Nurses (RNs)
Registered nurses (RNs) coordinate the treatment and care of patients. They work with doctors and other health professionals to administer medicine to patients, monitor their progress, and educate their families on how to manage the patient's illness. In addition to hospitals, RNs can work at long-term health care facilities, outpatient health care centers, and at patients' homes.
According to the BLS, the median annual salary for registered nurses was $71,730 as of 2018. The expected job growth for RNs from 2016 to 2026 is also faster than average. Job opportunities in registered nursing are expected to grow 15% due to the increasing need for health care services.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)
The four types of advanced practice registered nurses are:
- Nurse anesthetists
- Nurse practitioners, nurse midwives
- Clinical nurse specialists
These individuals require advanced education and experience and must complete a graduate degree in nursing with a specialized program of study such as women's health, critical care, or public health. Though they perform the same duties as registered nurses, they work more independently and can be primarily responsible for a patient's care.
The expected job growth for APRNs, according to the BLS, is 31% from 2016 to 2026. Their median salary as of 2018 was $113,930.
Types of Nursing Degrees
Educational programs in this field are typically found in nursing schools at both public and private colleges, technical schools, and universities. Some hospitals and high schools offer them as well. In addition to liberal arts courses, nursing programs require students to take prerequisite courses related to the field such as biology, physiology, chemistry, and anatomy. All nursing programs contain a supervised clinical component, and graduates of these programs must pass a licensing exam in order to begin work.
Associate of Arts in Nursing
Two-year Associate of Arts in Nursing (AAN) degree programs provide general registered nurse education and training through courses on anatomy and physiology, mental health, pharmacology, and nutrition. Students may also undergo practical laboratory and clinical instruction, receiving hands-on experience with patient care and other related health care tasks.
Associate of Science in Nursing
Associate's degree programs for registered nurses typically take 2-3 years to complete. Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree programs are offered by community colleges and nursing schools. These programs, which can be administered in coordination with hospitals, provide training in nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, and microbiology. ASN Programs may be a good fit for those who want a hands-on career and are not interested in pursuing administrative, research, or teaching positions.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Those interested in greater career flexibility and additional clinical experience can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). These 4-year programs prepare prospective RNs for nursing jobs as well as managerial, clinical, research, and teaching positions. BSN programs may include courses in adult health care, health assessment ,and community health. Most BSN programs require students to acquire experience in clinical settings.
Master of Science in Nursing
A Master of Science in Nursing program prepares nurses to become nurse administrators, advanced practice registered nurses, nurse educators, and family nurse practitioners. Most master's degree programs in nursing emphasize advanced nursing practices, management skills, and areas of specialty such as women's health, critical care, or public health.
The education needed to become a nurse is highly dependent upon what type of nurse you want to become and can range from associate's to master's degrees.
