I've been exploring various career paths outside of a traditional college degree, and nursing came up. Is nursing considered a trade job, or does it require a different set of training or education? Any insights would be helpful!
The nursing profession is usually not categorized as a "trade job" due to the level and nature of the training that’s required. While trade careers refer more to skilled labor jobs that require specific vocational skills—typically acquired through vocational schools, apprenticeships or on-the-job training—nursing often demands a higher degree of formal education.
In most cases, to become a Registered Nurse (RN), an individual must complete a nursing program and obtain either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution. In the United States, after graduating from one of these programs, prospective nurses are required to pass a standardized national licensing exam called the NCLEX-RN to become licensed as an RN.
However, for folks interested in nursing, but seeking less rigorous academic requirements, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) might be a viable option. These roles often require a diploma or certificate from a state-approved program which generally takes about one year.
Nevertheless, regardless of the path taken, nursing also requires hands-on clinical work and lifelong learning to stay abreast of changes in healthcare methods and technology. Therefore, although it's not classified as a trade job, nursing is a vital, challenging, and rewarding profession that merges distinctive vocational skills with formal education.
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