The Requirements

Because there is a wide variety of nursing jobs out there, you’ll need to make sure to pursue the correct qualification for the nursing role of your choice.

There are, however, some basic requirements that all prospective nurses must meet

regardless of their chosen area of expertise. These include:

Attending nursing school. While the minimum education requirements for nurses vary according to state, it usually involves completing a nursing certificate or diploma
Gaining work experience at a clinic under the supervision of a registered nurse
Passing the national registered nurse examination known as the NCLEX-RN exam

Let’s take a look at the various study opportunities that await you should you decide that becoming a nurse practitioner is the career path for you! Fortunately, there are a whole host of online nursing school options available to you should you wish to exercise caution during the coronavirus pandemic.

Online Nursing Degrees

With remote work becoming the norm, there are a whole host of respected colleges and universities that offer you the opportunity to pursue an online nursing degree:

The University of Texas at Arlington

This university offers an online accelerated bachelor of science in nursing program for applicants who hold a degree in another field. This degree has an affordable tuition fee of $17,850 and can be completed in as little as 15 months.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent

If you’re an already-qualified nurse who is looking to extend your skillset, then this is the program for you! This accelerated BSN degree is offered 100% online and costs just $9,000 to complete. What’s more, there is no application fee or any hidden costs.

Southern New Hampshire University

This New England-based university offers a wide range of online nursing degrees, including an accelerated BSN degree, a Master’s in Nursing, and a Postgraduate Patient Safety Certificate.

Diploma In Nursing

If you’re looking to delve into the world of nursing as soon as possible, then you might want to consider a diploma in nursing. While this is one of the lower nursing qualifications, a diploma in nursing is much quicker to complete than most degree options and will allow you to get hands on experience much sooner than your counterparts who choose to pursue a degree.

Associate Degree in Nursing

This degree is built to provide you with a solid foundational knowledge of nursing and takes just two to three years to complete. While not as comprehensive as higher degree options, an associate degree will enable you to take the NCLEX-RN examination.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

While this degree takes approximately four years to complete, the Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing typically gives you a better chance at securing a nursing job than people with an associate degree, not to mention a higher salary. What’s particularly appealing about the BSN is that it involves a wide variety of courses which will give you more insight into the specific area of nursing that you would eventually like to specialize in.

Accelerated Nursing Program

Do you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field of study? Then it’s your lucky day! An accelerated nursing program allows you to complete your degree in a shorter time frame than those who pursue the regular option. This is because you may receive credits for some of the coursework from your prior degree. As a result, you may be able to complete your BSN in as little as 12-16 months! What’s more, by completing an accelerated program, you prove to potential employers that you are equipped to cope in the fast-paced environment of nursing.

Master Nursing Degree

Conclusion

This higher level degree enables you to take courses designed to help you develop skills in specialty areas of nursing, or even take your general nursing skills to a level beyond that of bachelor’s degree graduates. Typically, a Master of Science in Nursing requires that you first obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

Now that you know what steps you have to take in order to become a registered nurse practitioner, you can begin working towards your dream of helping to save those in need!