RNs can choose to advance their career by pursuing a master's degree.
Registered nurses (RNs) can complete their degree in as little as two years. However, several longer-term RN schooling options exist for nurses who hope to further their career or specialize in a certain area of nursing. Advanced doctoral studies provide even more educational options for RNs. Due to the variety of degree programs and specialty areas, RNs have a significant number of career path choices.
Schools
Many community colleges offer programs in registered nursing. These programs take two to three years to complete and typically culminate in the student earning an associate degree of nursing (ADN), which qualifies them for entry-level employment in the field. Some hospitals offer a nursing diploma program, which generally are three years in length. RNs can also attend four-year universities to pursue a bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN). Some nurses earn their ADN in order to secure a position at a health care facility that provides tuition reimbursement for their employees, allowing them to work toward their BSN. Earning a master's degree can lead to higher pay and more specialized roles, such as the four types of advanced practice nursing roles: nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse-midwife and nurse anesthetist.
Coursework
All nursing programs require students to complete basic science courses in areas such as anatomy, chemistry, microbiology and physiology. Additionally, nursing students need to take psychology and nutrition courses. Nursing courses will cover the technical skills, record documentation and patient assessment. There may be general education coursework requirements as well, such as basic English and math courses.
Clinicals
Nursing programs require students to complete a set number of hours of clinical assignments. These assignments usually take place in hospitals, although some programs also offer clinicals in nursing homes, home health agencies and other health care facilities. During their clinicals, RN students have the opportunity to rotate through a number of medical departments, such as pediatrics, maternity and surgery.
Licensure
Once they have completed their initial RN studies, students are required to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). If they successfully complete the exam, students will be awarded their RN license. Some nurses are required to obtain additional licensing for the state in which they intend to practice. Nursing students should contact their state board of nursing to find out if additional licenses are required.
Advanced Study
Doctor of nursing degree programs are also available for RNs who have already completed a master's degree and are trained as an advanced practice nurse. Doctoral studies differ from bachelor's or master's programs in that they are less focused on clinical experience. These programs, which typically involve three to five years of full-time coursework, are usually research-based. Graduates of a doctor of nursing programs may go on to administrative or research positions in the field.
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