Registered Nursing (RN) School

As you research RN schools, here are some important questions to ask:

• Is the school accredited?
• Does the school prepare you to get your nursing certification?
• Does the school specialize in a particular type of nursing?
• What class schedule options are available – days, evenings, weekends?
• Does the school document your course hours?
• Does the school assist in work placement?

There are a number of different paths to a registered nurse career:

• ADN (2 years) – Offered by community and junior colleges, the Associate's Degree in Nursing option is the fastest route to becoming a registered nurse. When you graduate, you can apply for an entry-level nursing position and begin earning valuable experience right away.
   
• BSN (4 years) – Offered by colleges and universities, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree prepares you for a number of nursing career options. BSN nurses can work in any health care setting, including critical care, ambulatory care, public health and mental health. A BSN is also a prerequisite for most advanced nursing certifications and degrees.
   
• Diploma (2 to 3 years) – Offered by hospitals, often in cooperation with local community colleges, diploma programs prepare students to work in hospitals and other inpatient settings.
   
• RN-to-BSN (2 to 3 years) – These programs, also known as Bridge Programs, are specifically designed to help RNs who have associate's degrees or diplomas earn BSN degrees. They are structured for working nurses and offer flexible class schedules, as well as credits for work experience.
   
• Accelerated BSN (1 to 1.5 years) – If you already have a bachelor's degree, an Accelerated BSN program will allow you to apply some of your college experience toward the general education requirements of a BSN degree.

After completing any of these programs, you will need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Nursing degree education requirements vary based on state, so make sure you research the requirements in your state by contacting your state board of nursing.

RN school combines classroom instruction with supervised clinical experience in hospitals or other health care facilities. Basic coursework for an aspiring registered nurse includes the following:

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Microbiology
• Chemistry
• Nutrition
• Psychology
• Nursing practice and theory

ADN and BSN students are also required to take general liberal arts courses.

Accreditation is a guarantee that a program meets nationally established standards for nursing education. Independent national organizations accredit registered nursing schools through a rigorous application process, and accreditation must be renewed every 5 to 10 years.

Most states require you to receive your nursing degree from an accredited institution in order to become licensed, and you must also attend an accredited institution to be eligible for most financial aid programs.