According to a study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, we will be 800,000 nurses short by the year 2020. Now is an ideal time to attend an accredited nursing program.

There are three primary nursing education programs that will prepare you to take the State Board of Nursing Licensure Examination: an associate's degree in nursing (ADN); a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN); and a hospital school diploma nursing program.

Which Nursing Program Is Right For You?

Associate's Degree in Nursing. These programs are usually available at community colleges, pairing general studies with nursing education. They prepare graduates to deliver patient care by providing a variety of clinical nursing experiences. After the prerequisites are completed, most students complete the nursing program in two years.
Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. This degree program combines behavioral, biological, and physical sciences with general humanities education in a four-year degree program. Found online and at traditional colleges and universities, these programs offer experience in real-life settings and prepare students for both the RN exam and study at the master's degree level.
Diploma Hospital School Nursing Program. This certification is earned in hospitals; it frequently includes academic courses in the sciences, as well as English. These programs offer clinical nursing experience, along with classes in the principles of nursing care, humanities, and science. While these classes may not be eligible for college credit, graduates may be able to receive some credits towards their BSN degree by taking exams.

Selecting a Nursing Program

Regardless of the program you choose, the most important step in selecting a nursing program is attending a school that is approved by your state. This ensures that you will be able to take the state licensure examination. You can obtain a list of accredited schools from both the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing.

About the Author
Amy Fanter is a freelance writer based in Reno, Nevada.

Animation

Make your art come to life! Find an animation school that offers the training you're seeking. Choose from programs throughout the U.S. and set your imagination free today!

Automotive

Get the training you need to start your career as a mechanic or technician! Then go to work in the automotive and motorcycle industries.

Education

Become a teacher and change lives everyday. Get your teaching certification, a Master's in Education (MaEd), or earn continuing education credits.

Fashion Design

Learn about fashion schools and chase your dreams in New York, Paris, or Milan! Start a career as a designer, patternmaker, illustrator, or buyer.

Seeking certification or a degree in programming, IT, or networking? Learn more about schools offering technology degrees in your town or online.

Interior Design

Become an interior designer and decorate homes for a living! Get the information you need about degrees or certification in interior design or decoration.

Medical & Health Care

Get your training in nursing, therapy, dental or medical assisting, medical coding or billing, and more. Find a school for any of these medical degree programs.

Web Design

Find schools offering training in animation, graphics, layout, interactivity, video and other web design basics. Design video games or websites for a living.