Education Needed to Become a Nurse

Katnip, RN · Nov 11, 2004

I think most, if not all colleges and universities accept a GED.

As far as education, at this time, New York is only considering looking at requiring a BSN.

Now, as far as nursing, there are several ways you can go:

LPN-usually through a vocational school, but some community college programs might have courses for that as well.

RN-you can go to a community college, take a year of prereqs, science, math, English, etc and then 1-2 years of nursing courses. At least the CCs around here have one year of prerequesites.

Diploma program-3 years taught through a hospital rather than getting a degree from a college or university, though some classes may be taken at a nearby college. Harder to find these days, but often they have very good education.

BSN-2 years of prereqs plus 2 or more years of nursing courses. Required if you ever want to get a master's degree.

Once you've graduated, you take a national NCLEX exam to get your license. Then you have earned the title of LPN or RN.

As far as most jobs, there is no difference between any of the options. A BSN may be required for a few positions, mostly supervisory or managerial.

You are NOT out of your league here. There are many, many nurses who started out from where you are. If you want it badly enough, you'll be able to do it.

purplemania, BSN, RN · Nov 11, 2004

I agree with the above post, with one exception. There is a big difference in the responsibility of the RN versus the LPN. Both may do similar tasks, but the RN is required to do the physical assessment. Many states restrict what an LPN may do. The BIG difference is pay. On average, in my area, RN's start at $10/hr more than LPN's and the top pay may not have a ceiling, depending on the job. Also, we are not hiring LPN's anymore, because they are not allowed to do as much as an RN (give blood, access central lines, etc.) and slow the RN down. I encourage you to get your RN. I also encourage you to go to the schools and talk to the Dean of Nursing and to the Financial Aid people. You might be eligible for enough grants, etc. to help you get a BSN (really only a few months longer in the program than for ADN) and start making more money right away. GOOD LUCK>

tiggerroo · Nov 11, 2004

cyberkat- thank-you for your kind words.

I know it is going to be hard and long years before I become a nurse. But yes I do want it bad enough because I want to make something of myself. I want to show people that you can do anything even if you have a child and never even graduated high school. It's a matter of how badly do you want it.

UM Review RN, ASN, RN · Nov 11, 2004

You can do it, kiddo. Just hang on, because it's quite a ride!

loriangel14, RN · Nov 12, 2004

Hey hang in there! I went back to school to get my registered practical nursing diploma ( I'm in Ontario) at 38 with no high school diploma. I had to do some upgrading but it was not as hard as I thought. I know it is different in Canada for requirements but you should be ok as long as you keep slogging away at it. Be proud of yourself for wanting to improve yourself! You will be an inspiration to your kids. Best of Luck.

SN Mommy · Nov 14, 2004

Find your local community college and then find the adult education dept. My school's adult education is WONDERFUL! and FREE! They can give you some assessments to see where you stand. They can give you training to get your GED. They help you find your learning styles. Once you get your GED you can take placement tests, which they also can prepare you for. If you DO need developmental courses (and many people do) my school offers flexible schedules for those classes. I think some of it you can even do at home or online.

But definitely get some assessments to see where you stand! I am a GED student and with some studying over the summer (esp in Algebra, I got a textbook on Ebay that went along with the mathmax.com website) I was able to place out of the developmental courses and have had a very successful first semester and plan to start a BSN program next fall (if I get accepted of course! which I've been told I have a good chance)

Don't let your limited education hold you back. You sound like a bright and motivated person in your post! Just think you could have your degree in your early twenties! I wish I had started when "I" was 19 and married! But guess what? I'm 28 and I'll graduate when I'm 31..so better late than never right?

But seriously, it can all be overwhelming. Seek out the adult education center, they are a tremendous and often under sought resource!

INTENT TO BE A NURSE · Jun 29, 2007

I am trying to get some kind of direction for myself as I start my nursing education. I'm a full-time working mom/wife. At this point in my life I have opportunity to finally start going after my dream of becoming a nurse. I am hoping to start my education on-line. Does anyone know if this is possible. I have a high school diploma and a lot of will. Thanks for any input you may have for me.