Nursing school after college?

Hey everyone! I'm interested in nursing as a career, but I'm a bit confused about the process. Do I go to nursing school after completing my four-year degree, or is it a separate program altogether? Could someone please clarify this for me?

Hi there! Nursing education can be quite flexible, and there are various pathways to become a registered nurse (RN). To give you an idea, here are three common options:

1. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): This is a two-year program offered at community colleges. After completing the ADN and passing the NCLEX-RN, you'll become a registered nurse. Many RNs with an ADN eventually choose to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through a bridge program (RN-to-BSN) while working.

2. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): This is a four-year degree offered at universities. When you finish, you'll need to pass the NCLEX-RN to become a registered nurse. Having a BSN helps in career advancement and is becoming the preferred credential for many hospitals and healthcare organizations.

3. Accelerated/Second-Degree BSN: If you already have a non-nursing bachelor's degree, you can opt for an accelerated BSN program, which typically takes 11-18 months to complete. Afterward, you'll be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and become a registered nurse.

The right choice for you will depend on your educational background, career goals, and personal circumstances. Keep in mind that nursing education doesn't end with the initial degree. RNs are encouraged to pursue further specialization, certifications, and advanced degrees (such as Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice) throughout their careers to stay competitive and enhance their expertise.

So, to answer your question, it depends on your current educational situation and career goals. If you're starting from scratch, you can pursue either an ADN or BSN directly. If you already have a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field, an accelerated BSN program might be more suitable for you.