What can you do with a nursing degree?

Is a Nursing Degree Hard?

There are three main types of nurses: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Vocational Nurse (VN), and Registered Nurse (RN). Essentially, an LPN and VN are the same. An LPN will earn a certificate or diploma in an approved educational program. LPN training programs are often found in technical schools and community colleges. Typical LPN/VN programs take approximately one year or less.

An RN will have additional training and education beyond the LPN level. Registered Nurses are required to attain either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN). There are some accredited vocational training programs, usually offered in conjunction with hospitals and other medical facilities.

Yet, by and large, RN programs will be offered at a college or university. Thanks to an abundance of accelerated programs available, it is possible for students to become an RN in just over a year. You can also explore taking accelerated nursing programs online if you have a bachelor's degree.

All nursing candidates must take (and pass) their respective licensure exams. In addition, states have different requirements for potential nurses beyond the required education/training and examination. Most notably, candidates must pass a criminal history background check.

Getting a Degree in Nursing

Licensed Practical Nurse, Vocational Nurse

An LPN/VN has hands-on training to accomplish a wide variety of basic nursing tasks. They may have additional on-the-job training and skills based on their place of employment and daily patient needs. Basic LPN nursing tasks include:

• Change bandages
• Monitor blood pressure
• Collect blood samples
• Collect urine samples
• Address patient concerns

Additional training and skills will vary and are determined by the specific job. LPNs can be found in a variety of settings including:

• geriatric nursing care facilities
• hospitals
• jails
• schools
• surgery centers
• physician offices
• home health care

An LPN working in the senior community will have different daily tasks (and skills) than an LPN prepping for elective or emergency surgery.

An LPN completes approximately one year of training and is required to pass the NCLEX-PN exam to be eligible for licensure.

Remember that becoming a nurse requires education (certificate from a completed training program) and licensure (from passing the required exam).

• Nursing Assistant - Provides basic care and helps patients with activities of daily living. Median annual salary: $31,000.
• Medical Assistant - Complete administrative and clinical tasks in hospitals, offices of physicians, and other healthcare facilities. Median annual salary: $36,000.
• Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse - Provides basic medical care for patients in various settings.  Median annual salary: $49,000.

Registered Nurse – RN

Becoming a registered nurse requires both education and licensure. An RN completes an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. An RN must also pass the NCLEX-RN exam to be eligible for licensure. ADN and BSN represent nursing education requirements, and RN represents nursing license.

Please note it is not possible to complete an RN program completely online. Students already licensed as LPN/LVN may have the opportunity to do a bridge program. LPN to BSN bridge programs are designed to accommodate working professionals. A student will put in additional clinical hours in a setting other than their workplace, yet most coursework may be available online.

RNs perform technical nursing skills such as changing bandages, monitoring blood pressure, collecting blood and urine samples, and addressing patient concerns. In addition, RNs offer more complex technical nursing skills, including CPR and basic life support (BLS).

An RN has countless opportunities for specialty certifications. Although specialty certifications are not required, these hard-earned credentials demonstrate that a nurse has knowledge and significant experience in a particular nursing specialty. To read more about nursing specialties and advanced nursing studies (such as Master’s and Doctoral programs) click here.

• Registered Nurse - Provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions. Median annual salary: $75,000.