What is the bare minimum of schooling I need to become an RN?

Question

What options as jobs fields are available to me as an RN?

Answer 1

There are currently three main routes to becoming an RN. These are as follows:

Associate degree: taught at community and junior colleges 18 months -2 yrs prerequisites and 2 years in a nursing program. Upon completion receive an Associates degree (ADN) in Nursing. These graduates must pass the NCLEX to work as an RN but can work for a short time as a graduate nurse until they take and pass or fail the NCLEX. After becoming an RN they may work in any area of nursing but require additional education to move into advanced practice.

Diploma programs These are virtually non-existant in this day and time. They are hospital based programs and usually take about 3 years to complete. Once the program is completed the graduates need to take the NCLEX to be an RN (Registered Nurse).

Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) program- this is the University based program consisting of 2 years of prerequisites and 2 years of upper level nursing courses. Upon graduation must take NCLEX to be an RN. May work in any area of nursing except advanced practice. There are some positions which require a BSN for the job, so ADN and diploma graduates do not qualify.

BSNs may move into an MSN program to become an advanced practice nurse (nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist, or nurse midwife). There are some ADN to MSN programs and ADN to BSN programs to allow ADNs to move up.

EDIT: Please note that there are many "2 year" RN programs, but they all have prerequisite classes and those take usually 18-24 months to complete.

Please also note that competition for any RN program is very competitive at this time.

Answer 2

To the two individuals who found what I wrote inaccurate, I hope you realize that Yahoo Answers is an international site. Calm down and don't be ignorant. Unfortunately, even though I am on Yahoo Canada, answers are not posted exclusively for the Canadian site. If you read through my response I clearly stated that thorough research has to be completed to inform oneself of the prospective post-secondary education needed. Next time all you have to do is read critically. You have the right to voice your opinion, but do it so that the individual who posed the question can gain understanding from what you have to say. There are a significant amount of information on the internet regarding obtaining a RN degree. Whether you are from the United States, Canada, etc. Also call up local colleges and universities and request further information.

The minimum education to become an registered nurse is a university degree in nursing, or BScN (Bachelors of Science in Nursing). This is a four year program offered through universities. You may have to do some research on some of the prospective schools as some universities have a three year program for current registered practical nurses/licensed practical nurses who want to bridge to the BScN program. Some colleges offer this program, too, as they realize that the role of the RPN/LPN has changed from what it previously entitled. They have collaborative program with a university. So, you are looking at 3-4 years full time in a post-secondary institution (college/university). To answer the second part of your question, as a RN graduate and even past that; the opportunities as a RN is endless. Good luck.

Answer 3

in basic terms an Estimate: To become a RN you need to end extreme college at age of 18, end a 4 3 hundred and sixty 5 days Bachelor degree in well being Care age 22, end a million-3 years of hands on journey and extra guidance age 25. So i'd say between 24-25.

Answer 4

Thinking of going into the field myself... From what I see, the local community college here has an associates for RN, and with the prereqs, i'd be looking at 3 years or so full time... After i graduate, the opprotunities seem about endless...Pediatrics, OR, ER, ICU, NICU, or i could work in a nursing home/ home health care, school nurse, or continue for my masters and become a nurse practitioner or teach nursing...this is what i've picked up, and i believe it to be rather accurate information.

Answer 5

BS that's bull sh__t. Every community college offers a 2 year RN program.

What country are you people in???

Answer 6

I agree with the other person where are you people from? You can go to a 2 yr program.