What degree do you have?

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I was reading this article on Yahoo! about the top high-skill jobs that don't require a college degree, and RN was the #1 spot with annual salary $67000 and projected growth of 26%. I'm a LPN, so I know that's college diploma, but I thought RNs needed an associates or bachelors DEGREE (or higher). Am I right? Just wanted to make sure. Thanks!!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Keep in mind that many RNs have graduated from three-year diploma schools of nursing, so these nurses are not considered college graduates due to not having earned a degree.

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Don't believe the hype. I guess with a source with an exclamation point as part of its name (Yahoo!) is going to specialize in hype and gloss over the facts. Become a nurse! Make lots of money! Lots of adventure! I could have fun thinking of some more.

The vast majority of us have some sort of college degree. The diploma grads are few and far between.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
I was reading this article on Yahoo! about the top high-skill jobs that don't require a college degree and RN was the #1 spot with annual salary $67000 and projected growth of 26%. I'm a LPN, so I know that's college diploma, but I thought RNs needed an associates or bachelors DEGREE (or higher). Am I right? Just wanted to make sure. Thanks!![/quote']

Well, there are Diploma Nursing, Associate Degree Nursing, and BSN programs for RNs. Same entry level practice, same salary...even that salary is dependent on where you live, and may not look NOWHERE near 67,000 starting out as it would for another area, some areas that is annual income after a certain number of years. That's the only fallacy of a Yahoo! article.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

I forgot to add I have a BSN...was a LPN first

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I don't know where everyone is from but I'm pretty sure Diploma Nurses are extinct here in NY. As well, hospitals barely want ADNs here and it's also hard enough for BSNs to get hired from what I understand. I went with the BSN and I'd recommend anyone else do the same to keep up with healthcare growth trends.

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Specializes in Medsurg/ICU, Mental Health, Home Health.

Where I work (a Magnet facility, 1000 beds, teaching, etc.) Diploma RNs, BSNs and ADNs are paid the same.

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At my last hospital job you got a hiring bonus for every degree you had. For my MN I got a cool $800 ... and that was years ago. And looking just at starting pay is short-sighted. You'll have more chances at advancement (and the money that goes with it) the more education you have. It's a long career. Think ahead.

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Specializes in MDS/ UR.

I was next to one of the last classes graduated out for a three year diploma. I immediately was able to go on to a BSN after that. I have always felt like I got a better base for being a nurse because of the combination of educational opportunities I had. I wouldn't have traded my paths for anything. I doubt there are but a few 3 year schools left.

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I have a bachelors. I think I am the only one on days with a bachelors. The other nurses have associates or diplomas from hospitals. Also because we are magnet, unless you already work there (like as an aide) they won't hire you without a bachelors and you have to get one within x amount of years, unless you're already grandfathered in.

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Specializes in Pedi.

I have a BSN as do the vast majority of nurses I worked with in the hospital.

Technically there are still some diploma schools around but they are few and far between.

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Where I work (a Magnet facility, 1000 beds, teaching, etc.) Diploma RNs, BSNs and ADNs are paid the same.

wow that's interesting..

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