{"id":6669,"date":"2020-02-18T08:30:46","date_gmt":"2020-02-18T13:30:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/?p=6669"},"modified":"2024-12-17T10:01:58","modified_gmt":"2024-12-17T15:01:58","slug":"types-of-nursing-programs-to-pursue","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/types-of-nursing-programs-to-pursue\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Types of Nursing Programs You Can Pursue Today"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re a motivated person with a passion (and compassion) for helping others in need, you may be considering a career as a nurse. Often referred to as the \u201cbackbone\u201d of our healthcare system, nurses help to save lives every single day \u2013 sometimes before the rest of the country has gotten out of bed! Nurses are driven and caring people who work with patients of all ages and abilities. It takes a special kind of person to become a nurse. But did you know that there are many paths to becoming one?<\/p>\n

When someone wants to become a lawyer, they must first attend law school. A hairdresser must attend beauty school. There are many careers in this country that require the same path for everyone, from start to finish. But you\u2019re not<\/em><\/strong> everyone. You have dreams of pursing a nursing career. The good news here is that there are many options when it comes to nursing school<\/a>. The right educational path for you will depend on your goals, your schedule, your needs, and your interests. Read on, as we explore five types of nursing programs you can pursue today.<\/p>\n

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  1. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN<\/a>) is often considered the fastest route to get in the nursing field. This is typically a two-year program that is the minimum amount of schooling required to become a nurse. Once a student earns their ADN, they are qualified to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), which is required to pass in order to become a licensed registered nurse.<\/p>\n

    At Goodwin University, you can complete your ADN \u2013 and become a nurse<\/a> \u2013 in as little as 20 months part-time.<\/p>\n

    Once you have passed the NCLEX and are licensed as an RN, you may choose to hit the ground running and work on a hospital floor or in another healthcare facility. You may also choose to pursue your Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Nursing. If this is something you are interested in (and there are many good reasons to earn your BSN<\/a>), see the next item on this list for the next part of your journey.<\/p>\n

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    1. RN-to-BSN<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      With the increased demand for nurses with a BSN, many RNs today choose to earn their bachelor\u2019s degree \u2013 and if not right away (through a direct-entry program) they will do so through an RN-to-BSN program. According to the Connecticut Nurses\u2019 Association (CNA)<\/a>, BSN education is now the expectation (and is becoming required for many careers).<\/p>\n

      RN-to-BSN programs<\/a> (such as the one at Goodwin University) are designed for busy, already-working RNs. This type of program can be completed in as little as 16 months part-time. Courses can also be taken online to help accommodate a busy schedule for those working 12-hour, overnight shifts at a hospital. Some of these courses include:<\/p>\n