A nursing degree focuses on providing students with the opportunity to hone the critical thinking and clinical judgment skills they will need to practice as nurses. These programs give studentsn education in medical terminology and equipment, with many also including hands-on clinicals that prepare students for their future careers.
School of nursing means a nursing education program preparing persons for licensure as a registered nurse or a practical nurse. A Nursing school is a type of educational institution, or part thereof, providing education and training to become a fully-qualified nurse. The nature of nursing education and nursing qualifications varies considerably across the world.
History of Nursing Schools
United Kingdom
Florence Nightingale was one of the pioneers in establishing the idea of nursing schools from her base at St Thomas’ Hospital, London in 1860 when she opened the ‘Nightingale Training School for Nurses’. Her intention was to train nurses to a qualified level, with the key aim of learning to develop observation skills and sensitivity to patient needs, then allow them to work in hospital posts across the United Kingdom and abroad. Her influence flourished and nursing is now a course taught at a number of British universities. The University of Manchester was one of the first English institutions to offer the course at degree level.
Entry levels for nursing courses, sought by most universities, are often five Standard Grades/GCSEs, including English, maths and a science (preferably biology), and two Highers/A-Levels. Mature students, over the age of twenty-one, have the option of entering upon completion of a college access course, and experience in jobs such as being a health/nursing assistant are also worthy for consideration into the course.
Currently, nursing is a three-year course in the UK with a balance between course work in classes and practical placements in a health care setting. The first year is foundation, where students learn anatomy and physiology and basic health care. In Second Year, students then split into one of four chosen branches– adult nursing, paediatric nursing, mental health or learning disability nursing– that they wish to specialise in and nursing placements usually involve working within the chosen branch area (for example, paediatric student nurses would only be sent to paediatric units) learning skills essential to that setting. Students complete their course after their Third Year, with the choice of undertaking degree essays during that final year or graduating with only a diploma. Those studying midwifery follow a different pathway, specialising in this area from the first day of First Year. Newly qualified nurses then have to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council in order to apply for jobs and legally practice.
United States
Yale School of Nursing became the first autonomous school of nursing in the United States in 1923. It had its own dean, faculty, budget, and degree meeting the standards of the University. The curriculum was based on an educational plan rather than on hospital service needs. In 1956, the Columbia University School of Nursing became the first in the United States to grant a master’s degree in a clinical nursing specialty.
Pre-requisites often include math, English, and other basic level courses. Expanded courses in biology, anatomy and physiology are required. Core coursework includes anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology. Additionally, a strong emphasis is placed on procedural education such as insertion of intravenous and urinary catheters, sterile dressing changes, proper administration of medications, physical examinations, and other vital skills. After the first semester basic skills are obtained, students rotate through Obstetrics, Mental Health, Medical Surgical, Oncology, Critical Care and Pediatric Units to get a holistic view of nursing and what it encompasses. Many nursing students and nursing schools use medical and healthcare educational software as a study or training aid.
In the United States, students graduate from nursing education programs qualified to take the national licensing exam for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs).
Degrees Granted
- Diploma in Nursing
- Associate of Science in Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Doctor of Nursing Science
Immediately after graduating from nursing school (Diploma, Associate and Bachelor’s), each graduate is expected to take and pass the National Council Licensure Exam, or the NCLEX-RN.
Distance Education
Historically, those who wanted to attend nursing school needed to live near a nursing school or relocate, at least temporarily, to attend one in another community. Fortunately, prospective nursing students have many more options today, in large part due to the growing numbers of online nursing programs. Innovative online nursing programs have made it possible for students to take classes from home or work. The distance education format creates a community of learners from across the country and affords busy adults the opportunity to pursue a formal academic degree without having to leave their jobs, families, and communities to attend classes on campus.
Types of nursing degrees: 6 different degree levels to know
1. Diploma in Practical Nursing (PN)
Earning your diploma in practical nursing is the fastest way to jumpstart your nursing career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). LPNs provide basic nursing care and work closely with registered nurses (RNs) and physicians in a wide variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, doctor’s offices, nursing homes, hospice and urgent care clinics.
Demand for LPNs is expected to grow by 5% from 2022-2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.*
The average annual wage for LPNs is $60,790 per year ($29.23 per hour).
Many nurses start out by becoming an LPN before choosing to advance their education and nursing career through an associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree program.
Compare LPN vs. RN and discover the main differences so you can better determine if you’d like to start out as an LPN or start working towards becoming an RN right away.
2. Associate in Nursing (ASN)
You can become a registered nurse (RN) in just two years with your associate degree in nursing (ASN). RNs are the first line of care in many healthcare settings, and they are in increasingly high demand as healthcare organizations strive to accommodate a growing patient population.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts 6% employment growth for registered nurses from 2022-2032.
The average annual wage for registered nurses is $94,480 per year ($45.42 per hour). Registered nurses also have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of nursing, such as pediatrics, labor and delivery (L&D), neonatal (NICU), oncology, surgical/perioperative or acute care.
3. Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN)
A bachelor’s degree is becoming the new educational standard for registered nurses, as hospitals and other healthcare organizations respond to the Institute of Medicine’s call to increase their bachelors-prepared RN staff to 80 percent by 2020.
The average salary for an RN with a BSN will typically trend higher than salaries for RNs without a bachelor’s degree. Earning a BSN vs. an ADN/ASN also opens the door to advanced educational opportunities and career growth down the road.
Is your goal to become a registered nurse (BSN)?
Earning an associate degree or bachelor’s degree in nursing is the biggest step towards becoming an RN. There are a few more steps to take after graduation, including passing the NCLEX-RN and meeting the board of nursing requirements in your state. Learn how to become an RN and become a difference maker in healthcare.
How long it takes to become a nurse can vary widely depending on your prior education, the degree you choose to pursue, and how quickly you’d like to progress through a degree program.
After earning your BSN and becoming a registered nurse, you can reach the next level in nursing by earning your master’s degree.
4. Master’s in Nursing (MSN)
Some nursing specialties or management roles require additional training and education. Earning your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) allows you to advance your nursing career and expand your scope of practice. Here are three common MSN specialties:
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse who is educated at the master’s level or higher, and represents a step up in responsibilities and autonomy compared to registered nurses. NPs provide an advanced level of care that includes health promotion, health prevention, wellness and disease management, as well as diagnosis and treating acute, chronic, and episodic illnesses.
Demand for nurse practitioners is expected to increase by 45% from 2022-2032, much faster than average for all occupations.
The average salary for nurse practitioners is $128,490 per year ($61.78 per hour), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
You cannot practice as a nurse practitioner without a degree – you will need to earn an MSN to become a nurse practitioner of any kind. There are more nurse practitioner specialties you can pursue; learn more about all of Herzing’s nurse practitioner degree pathways.
Nurse Educator (NE)
Nurse educators are essential for ensuring that the RN workforce can meet the healthcare needs of current and future generations. As registered nurses return to school and new students seek entry to ASN or BSN programs, colleges and universities are under increased pressure to find qualified faculty to educate and train future nurses.
Nurse educators also serve an important role within the hospital system. Their depth of knowledge and experience in the field means that they understand how to convey critical and lifesaving information to other nurses and can help improve processes to mitigate risks to the patient, nurse and hospital.
An MSN-NE degree can prepare you for educator roles in both academic and clinical settings.
Nurse Leadership and Administration
Healthcare organizations need experienced nursing leaders to help them navigate changes in technology and the healthcare landscape. An MSN in Nurse Leadership can help you advance to a variety of management roles, from overseeing a nursing unit to leading the entire nursing department. Possible job titles in nursing administration include Chief Nursing Officer, Director of Nursing, or Healthcare Manager. Learn more about how to become a nursing administrator and what it takes to reach the upper levels of the nursing profession.
Employment for health services managers and executives is expected to grow by 28% from 2022-2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
BLS data also shows that medical and health services managers earn an average annual wage of $134,440 per year ($64.64 per hour). Discover the average salary for nurse administrators and clinical healthcare managers across the U.S.
5. Post-master’s nursing certificates (PMC)
Master’s level certificates allow working nurses to build on their graduate education with more specialized knowledge and experience.
For example, a Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate prepares APRNs to become board-certified family nurse practitioners. A Post-Master’s Nursing Educator Certificate allows individuals with an MSN to become certified for educator roles.
6. Doctoral degree
You can earn the terminal degree in nursing by enrolling in a doctorate in nursing program.
There are a few different types of doctoral degrees in nursing, including the Doctor in Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) or Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS or DNSc).
We offer the practice-focused Doctor of Nursing Practice, in which students are trained to translate evidence from the research and put it into practice. DNP students must complete a minimum number of clinical hours and a scholarly project.
You can earn a DNP and expand your knowledge of advanced nursing across all disciplines. Our Post Master’s DNP program is designed for MSN or PMC-prepared RNs looking to reach the top of the nursing profession. We also offer online BSN to DNP program options across several different specialties.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Program
How can you choose a nursing school? Here are some factors to consider:
- Length: Typically, you can get a licensed practical nursing credential in one year. For an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, you will spend 18-24 months in your program and graduate as a registered nurse. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing typically takes four years, though accelerated programs do exist.
- Classroom structure: Do you want to study online, in a lecture-based classroom, with large or small classes? Find a classroom structure that fits your ideal learning format.
- Specialties: If you know what specialty you want to focus on in your nursing career, such as pediatrics or surgical nursing, make sure the school can support you.
- Location: Consider where the school is located and what opportunities, including job opportunities, are nearby.
- Accreditation: Make sure the school is approved by the Board of Nursing in the state where you want to work and ensure the program’s accredited, which can impact your financial aid options.
- NCLEX first-time pass rate: Find out the school’s first-time pass rate for the NCLEX. A high number will show that they prepare their students well.
- Rankings: You shouldn’t choose a nursing school based on rankings alone, but you can use this factor to help you make your final decision if all other factors are equal.
What to Expect in Nursing School
Once you choose a school, what should you expect once you start? First, you may have to do a nursing school interview, where the school will ask you several questions about your goals. These questions help them determine if you are a good fit for their nursing program. Come into the interview prepared but not scared.
Next, you can expect quite a bit of reading. In addition to the textbooks for your program, you’ll need to read research papers and articles to help you learn all you can about nursing and healthcare. You’ll practice reading patient charts during your clinicals as well.
Finally, be prepared to study hard. Many nurses find they must learn a new way to study once they enter nursing school because of the rigorous nature of these programs, so be ready to work as you pursue your goals.
Types of Nursing School
Vocational Nursing Degree Programs
Vocational nursing programs, usually called Practical Nurse study programs, you’ll find offered at the community college, technical school, and vocational nurse training schools. The Practical Nurse programs prepare you for entry-level nursing jobs in a limited environment. For example you may have little opportunity to work in a critical care area or ICU. Use this to get a head start in the industry, then take your degree training to the Associates or Bachelors level for greater career mobility and increased scope of practice.
Undergraduate Nursing Degrees
Most popular nursing degrees by far are the two-year Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) and the four-year Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN). These degrees are both entry-level but offer great career mobility. ADNs study most commonly in a community college setting and the emphasis is on practical skills. At the BSN level nursing students are given a balance of didactic and practical skill work.
Both degrees transition easily upwards—RN to BSN offers ADN nurses the additional 2 years of study to earn their BSN and the BSN-to-MSN is a fast-track to a Masters in Nursing.
Graduate Nursing Degrees
An increasingly common degree is the Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN). This level of study indicates an RNs intent to pursue more advanced nursing practice. Most university nursing schools offer the MSN in combination with a slew of specializations. Common advanced practice degrees include MSN Nursing Anesthetist, Nurse Midwife, Nurse Practitioner, and Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Specialized Nursing Degree Strategies
Non-degree nursing courses and accelerated degrees are popular nursing strategies.
- Accelerated BSN and A-MSNs provide second-degree students with opportunities to fast-track degrees to nursing degrees. This gets you on the job faster, building logically and practically off of previously earned degrees.
- Non-degree nursing courses are offered at most schools of nursing, albeit with limitations. Find out how to use these courses to your advantage.
Choosing the Right Nursing School
Choosing the right nursing school to attend is imperative to getting top nursing jobs. It is no wonder that so many potential nursing students invest a substantial amount of time and effort into finding the nursing school that offers the greatest number of opportunities to learn new nursing concepts and receive the most opportunities for advancements in the nursing field.
With the shortage of nurses in the United States, it is important that more people take an interest in this field of healthcare. Those who design nurse education programs must create highly informative, rigorous training programs to suit the changing needs of the technological advancements in the healthcare field.
Nursing School Information
Nursing school is not for everyone. Those who choose to become nurses should expect to dedicate a tremendous amount of time to studying nursing information and participating in clinical experiences to keep up with the changes in the nursing industry. Knowing what to expect from nursing school is imperative to the success of nursing students.
To enroll in a nursing program, it is generally required that students hold a high school diploma or GED to begin the program. Students can choose to attend vocational schools, nursing programs, 2-year colleges or universities, or 4 year colleges or universities, depending of the level of nursing education that the students desire.
The degree options that students are granted upon graduating from the various nursing programs that there are to choose from include a Diploma in Nursing, Associate of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD), or Doctor of Nursing Practice.
In addition to earning specialized degrees, nurses can also specialize in specific area of nursing to optimize their marketability in the nursing industry. A few of the specialty areas include forensic nursing, burn nursing, geriatric nursing, legal nursing, oncology nursing, medical surgical nursing, and mental health nursing. With a master’s degree in nursing, it is possible to become an Advanced Practice Nurse and hold the title of Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Midwife, or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Nursing programs consist of a combination of coursework and clinical experiences. The coursework may consist of basic courses—such as biology and anatomy- and core coursework that may consist of pharmacology and physiology. The courses that students take in nursing school will teach them about sterile dressing changes, inserting catheters, medication administration, physical examinations, and other vital nursing skills.
Graduates of nursing programs must pass the licensing examination to become licensed nurses. Nurses working in the United States must take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become Registered Nurses (RNs) or Licenses Practical Nurses (LPNs). Those who become licensed nurses have the greatest opportunities in the nursing industry. After graduating from nursing programs, it is necessary to complete continuing education hours to maintain the nursing license. Each state has specific guidelines to maintain a nursing license so nurses must check with their Board of Nursing to determine the requirements.
Nursing School Program Types
Nursing programs come in a variety of types to suit the needs for everyone who wants to study nursing. These unique programs are designed around the schedule of the each student so that each one can meet success in the manner that suits each individual best.
Nurses must choose to either earn a diploma, associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in nursing to become nurses. Most nursing careers begin with a diploma, associate’s, or bachelor’s degree in nursing. The time it takes for a student to complete nursing school varies greatly, but generally speaking, it takes less than a year to earn a diploma, 2 years or less to earn an associate’s degree, 4 years or less to earn a bachelor’s degree, and 2 years or less to earn a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing.
Most employees prefer nursing professionals with a minimum education of a bachelor’s degree, but students should not be discouraged from earning a lesser degree. Many nursing professionals begin their nursing careers by earning a nursing diploma and continue taking classes to earn advanced degrees. All that matters is that students start somewhere to begin their nursing degree. You can see a articles about the levels of nursing degrees in our online database.
Nursing students can choose between earning their degree full-time or part-time from a number of nursing schools in the country. They also have the opportunity to choose between accelerated, advanced, dual, joint, and online nursing programs. Here is the outline of options that nursing students have when choosing nursing programs.
- Full-time – Attending nursing school full-time can help nursing students complete their program in less time. It usually takes 4 years to earn a bachelor’s degree, but it may take less time if students attend summer sessions and intersession courses to help student earn their degrees faster. This option is best for those who are only focuses on attending nursing school.
- Part-time – This option allows those who are working full-time or part-time to achieve their dreams of attending nursing school. Part-time options are designed to accommodate those with complex schedules. Part-time programs offer the option to attend school during the evening and on weekends to earn a nursing degree.
- Accelerated – Accelerated programs are designed for those who want to fast track their nursing education. Generally, those who currently hold some type of education degree can benefit from this program option. Students complete this type of nursing program in a fraction of the time it would take to earn the nursing degree in the traditional manner. The programs are rigorous and advanced, and the students complete the programs in 12 to 20 months.
- Dual – These programs allow nursing students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s, or a master’s and doctoral degree in nursing simultaneously. These intensive, accelerated programs generally take 5 years to complete. Graduates are extremely marketable upon graduating from dual nursing programs.
- Joint – These programs combine a nursing degree with a degree in another area of healthcare such as health administrations and public health. This type of nursing education usually combines master’s level degrees, and they are designed for those who want to work in administrative positions in the healthcare industry.
- Online – These programs offer nursing students the option to earn their degrees online. Some programs are offered completely online, while others offer a combination of online and traditional on campus courses. Many of these programs help nursing students earn their degrees in less time.
Nursing School Educational Requirements
Nursing schools may require that incoming students hold a GED or high school diploma. They also require that nursing students participate in a college track high school education program to gain acceptance to nursing school. These programs contain nursing school prerequisite course such as chemistry, biology, and physics in which students generally must earn a “C” average or higher.
Schools generally require that incoming nursing students have taken the ACT or SAT before getting into nursing school. Each college or university has a specified score that students must make on the ACT or SAT to get accepted into the program. Some schools may require that students take a placement examination in math, English, and reading as an academic requirement.
Additional considerations that potential nursing students must prepare for are criminal background checks. Students may be rejected for admission if they do not pass criminal background checks. Information regarding recent physical examination records must be submitted before students enter a nursing program. Drug screenings may also be a requirement to get into nursing programs. Testing positive for drugs will prevent students from entering a nursing program.
Students are required to maintain a certain GPA throughout their nursing program after gaining acceptance into the program. Usually a 2.5 is the minimum GPA for these programs. Nursing programs are extremely competitive so it may be necessary to gain higher scores to get into advanced nursing programs and to compete for nursing jobs after graduation.
Nursing students will also be required to complete a certain number of clinical hours to complete their nursing program. Each program has a minimum number of hours that students must complete for the nursing program. These experiences are completed under the supervision of doctors and other licensed medical professionals.
For a more defined set of requirements to get into nursing school, students should check the requirements in their respective states and check with the specific nursing school in which they plan to enroll. Students should begin determining this information well in advance of applying to a nursing school.
Nursing School Health Requirements
The overall health of students is also important when applying to nursing schools. It is important to be in the best shape possible when handling patients because they depend on nursing professionals to help them restore their health. Nursing students must be free of infections and communicable diseases because this can have an impact on consumers, students, and others that are part of the nursing program. Students must not have any psychological conditions or disorder that threatens their ability to perform their jobs with the highest level of skill and precision.
Students must complete a physical examination before getting into nursing school. The tests that students must take include CDRL, urine analysis, complete blood count, and RPR. Students must repeat the physical examination every year that they are in nursing school. Additionally, students may have to take an X-ray, TB skin test, and other tests to prove that they are in good physical health.
Students are also expected to have their immunization records up to date. They may be expected to have current vaccinations for rubeola, polio, rubella, mumps, varicella, and Hepatitis B. Some programs may allow students to sign a waiver to waive the Hepatitis B immunization. All documentation of medical records, immunization, and laboratory tests must be submitted before students can be admitted into the nursing program.
Nursing students may also be required to have current CPR certification in order to be admitted into a nursing program. In order to complete the clinical component of the nursing program, students must have proof of liability insurance before completing the clinical aspects of the program.
Nursing School Application Process
The application process to get into an undergraduate nursing program may include the following: a completed application, including transcripts, medical records, background check, and test scores; interview; and application essay. Other requirements may be needed so students should check with their respective nursing programs to determine the specific requirements. Students should also know the deadline dates to complete the application process to get into nursing school.
Those who wish to get into a graduate level nursing program may have to complete the above requirements and some additional steps to get into a nursing program. Students may also be required to submit curriculum vitae or resume, statement of purpose or another application essay, proof of current RN license, GRE scores or other test scores, and other pertinent documentation. Recommendation letters may also be required to get into a graduate level nursing program. International students must meet the above requirements and provide a valid visa and financial certification (proof of funding) to get into nursing school.
Students should check with their respective schools to determine the application process and the supporting documentation needed to earn a spot in one of many accredited nursing schools around the country. The State Board of Nursing is also an excellent source of information about the state requirements to get into nursing school.
The choice to attend nursing school is one of the biggest choices that students will ever make in their lives. It is important to understand what the journey to becoming a licensed nurse will consist of so nursing students are fully prepared for the journey. Getting into a state approved, accredited nursing program will make a huge difference in the nursing experience. Even with the nursing shortage, the nursing industry is still very competitive and challenging.
Students have many choices when it comes to getting into nursing school and choosing the right program options. Completing nursing school will not be an easy task, but as long as students know what to expect, the journey can be easier. See our section about nursing school classes to learn more about the classes you can expect to take.