| So you've decided on a career in nursing, but you don't | | | | ensures that you will continue working for them for a |
| quite know where to start. What type of nursing | | | | specificfied period of time.) |
| degree is best for you? What type of nursing school | | | | Another way to do this is by getting an Associate's |
| should you go to? | | | | Degree in Nursing, which takes two years, or a |
| There are two basic types of nursing degrees: A | | | | Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, which takes |
| degree in Licensed Practical Nursing, (called Licensed | | | | four years. These are available at many two-year |
| Vocational Nursing in some states) and a degree in | | | | community colleges and four-year private and state |
| Registered Nursing. | | | | colleges. Many private for-profit career schools are |
| The LPN degree can be a good starting point for your | | | | opening up these days which offer two-year |
| nursing career. You need a high school diploma or | | | | Associate's Degree in Nursing Programs. |
| GED to be accepted into an LPN school. Many | | | | Once you get an Associate's Degree in nursing you |
| community colleges and technical schools offer LPN | | | | are a Registered Nurse. If you want to earn more |
| degrees. Not many four-year state universities offer | | | | money and increase your hiring potential, you can |
| them. Some private, for-profit schools in your area | | | | working while taking classes part-time to get a |
| probably offer them as well; Galen, Kaplan, Keiser, and | | | | Bachelor of Science Degree in nursing. Often your |
| the University of Phoenix are all examples of these | | | | employer will pay for some or all of your educational |
| types of schools. | | | | expense. |
| LPNs earn less than registered nurses and work under | | | | If you want to be a manager, you will most likely have |
| the direction of registered nurses. Some hospitals will | | | | to have a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing, and many |
| not hire LPNs and only hire registered nurses. | | | | facilities will require a master's degree in nursing. |
| If you want to progress into a managerial position as a | | | | So which option is better for you? There are a |
| nurse, you will want to become a registered nurse. | | | | number of considerations, such as how quickly you |
| One way to do this is by becoming an LPN first and | | | | want to get your degree and start working. An LPN |
| then, while you are working as an LPN, taking an LPN | | | | degree will get you working more quickly. However, if |
| to RN program online or at your local community | | | | you know that you want to progress further in your |
| college. The advantage to this is that you will be | | | | career, possibly into a management position, and you |
| working and bringing in a salary, and also, your | | | | have the time, money and ability to go to school for |
| employer will very likely help pay for your continuing | | | | two to four years, you may want to consider obtaining |
| education (usually in return for signing a contract that | | | | a degree in registered nursing instead. |