Nurse

• Must have a high school diploma or GED to embark on this career.
• You can start directly in a registered nurse (RN) program, or you may want to start in a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or certified nurse assistant (CNA) program. Because LPN and CNA programs require less education, you can start working sooner. Many nurses who do this continue their education and earn while they learn.
• Master’s degree required to advance to higher levels and management.

• State-certified training program, 100 hours that cover daily hygiene, bedside care, vital-sign measurement, common health problems and chronic illnesses.
  • Programs at community colleges, vocational and technical schools, and in hospitals and nursing homes
• Pass competency exam.

• 1 year accredited nursing program (technical schools and community colleges)
• Get licensed by passing the National Council Licensure Examination or NCLEX-PN.

• 2 ways:
  • Bachelor’s degree of Science in Nursing: Includes general studies and nursing education while focusing on leadership development, 4 years.  
  • Associate’s degree in Nursing: Includes nursing education, 2 years
• Get licensed by passing the National Council Licensure Examination or NCLEX-RN.

• RN qualifications and experience
• Master’s degree in nursing
• If you want to work as an APN in specific area (clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist), you must get a master’s degree.  
• If you want to work as an educator in a hospital setting, nurse leader, administrator, executive, it is highly recommended that you receive a master’s degree.

• Look for practical training including working with patients.
• Not all nursing college degrees are created equal, some are not well received by hospitals and other employers. Do research!
• Must be accredited by National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

• Take classes in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, psychology, behavioral sciences, and communications
• Volunteer in a hospital so you can see if this is something you enjoy doing.
• Shadow a nurse.
• Develop soft skills such as leadership, teamwork, and collaboration
• Learn about the importance of bedside manner and how to improve it
• Consider an exercise routine where you can build up the strength and stamina needed to pull long shifts
• Read up about the job responsibilities for each role, along with any areas you might want to specialize in. The sooner you can pin down exactly what you want to do, the more efficiently you can plan out your journey to get there
• Map your career goals and educational milestones in advance, and have a backup plan
• Decide if you want to pursue a CNA or LPN certification, an RN role via associate or bachelor’s degree, or an APRN position via a master’s
• Review job ads well ahead of time to see what additional qualifications may be needed, so you can tailor your studies accordingly
• Volunteer with local healthcare-related community organizations
• Apply for healthcare internships to build up your resume
• Participate with professional organizations related to your field (see our Resources > Websites section for links)

"Explore medical terminology or healthcare related volunteer/entry level job opportunities. Go to job fairs and talk to the healthcare booths. Talk to healthcare providers in your life. Pick their brains! If you’re already in college, look at the classes needed to apply to get into the nursing program and make those your highest grades ever! " Natasha Ruiz, Nurse Practitioner

• 1% with HS Diploma
• 37% with Associate’s
• 42% with Bachelor’s
• 10.1% with Master’s
• 3.3% with Doctoral