Different degree/diploma programs

What courses should I take in High School?

Nursing schools require a high school diploma and a sound academic standing especially in high school English, Algebra, Chemistry and Biology. Physics and Psychology also may be required - if they are not offered in your high school, consider taking these courses the summer after high school at a local community college. An understanding of computers and technology also is a great asset.

• Virtual Career Counseling – State of Connecticut Department of Administrative Services website
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing – Education
• Know how 2go Connecticut - Department of Education and Higher Education website for students thinking about college, what action students need to take. Has an excellent source page for financial aid

College Journey:

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) - a two-year program offered at many community and junior colleges. Some hospital schools of nursing and universities offer ADN degrees.

Positives:

• More affordable
• Shorter program
• After graduating, you will be eligible for NCLEX and after passing, able to work in hospitals and inpatient/outpatient facilities.

  Negatives:

• BSN degree is in more demand – in the future that may be what employers are looking for.
• Less opportunities or career choices than BSN
• Sometimes are paid less than BSN
• May have less clinical learning experience

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - a four-year program offered at colleges and universities around the country.

Positives:

• More content in the education – liberal arts and professional content
• Prepares you for advancement
• Future employers will be looking for this
• Need this if you want to pursue a future master’s degree
• May positively impact wage earning

  Negatives:

• Costs more
• Longer program

Hospital Diploma - a two- or three-year program based in hospital settings. Many diploma schools are affiliated with junior colleges where students take basic science and English requirements and may lead to ADN.

Positives:

• More clinical hands on work
• Easier to adjust to hospital positions after receiving license

  Negatives:

• If you want to pursue a future degree, you’ll have to take many credits that ADNs or BSNs have already taken
• Not many of these types of programs available

Other Nursing Programs:

Licensed Practical Nurse: LPNs care for the sick, injured, convalescent, and disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses. They provide basic care, taking vital signs, temperature, blood pressure, and pulse, and assist with bathing patients, monitoring catheters, and applying dressings.

Positives:

• Most LPN programs are about a year long and are offered by technical and vocational schools.
  

  Negatives

• Less career possibilities
• Most likely a lower salary
• RNs supervise LPNs, therefore have less independent practice.

NCLEX Fact Sheet This is the National Council Licensure Examination. It is a standardized test that each state board of nursing uses to determine whether or not you are prepared for nursing practice.

State of Connecticut licensure sites:

RN Licensure

LPN Licensure

Additional Points of Entry:

Accelerated Programs: (Accelerated BSN, Accelerated MSN) Many colleges offer nursing programs for students who already have a Bachelor's Degree or even a Master's Degree in a field other than Nursing. These programs, which are often of shorter length than generic programs, are ideal for individuals who are looking to do something more meaningful with the education that they already have, or for those who have graduated college and found that their degree does not afford as many opportunities as they had hoped, but are unenthusiastic about returning to school for four additional years.

Degree Completion Programs for RNs: (RN to BSN/RN to MSN) These programs are offered for nurses with diplomas and ADN degrees who wish to complete a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program in nursing. Many programs are offered online and in flexible formats designed for working nurses.

Master’s Degree: (MSN) Master's degree programs prepare nurses for more independent roles such as Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse-Midwife, Nurse Anesthetist, or Nurse Psychotherapist. Master’s-prepared nurses serve as expert clinicians, in faculty roles, and as specialists in geriatrics, community health, administration, nursing management, and other areas.

Doctoral Degree: (PhD, EdD, DNS, DNP) Doctoral programs prepare nurses to assume leadership roles within the profession, conduct research that impacts nursing practice and health care, and to teach at colleges and universities. Doctorally-prepared nurses serve as health system executives, nursing school deans, researchers, and senior policy analysts.

Post-Doctoral Programs: Post-Doctoral programs provide advanced research training for nurses who hold doctoral degrees.