Become a Nurse: LPN, RN, and Nursing Scholarships

Become a Nurse: LPN, RN, and Nursing Scholarships

A comprehensive guide to pursuing a nursing career, covering educational paths from CNAs to doctoral programs, job outlooks, and available scholarships.

Choosing a career in nursing offers many benefits, including job stability, potential for specialization or diversity within the field, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to the lives of others.

Nurses are among the career professionals most in demand in the United States today. This is the result of a number of factors, including the aging of the U.S. population, changes in health care practices, and a shortage of qualified PhD-level nursing faculty.

Having a nursing degree can open up a variety of career options. Jobs vary widely and depend on:

• the length and focus of one's education,
• the type of work experience one has, and
• the license or certification one holds.

Nursing careers are projected to grow faster than most other careers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the most stable employment for this occupation will be found in home health care services, private physician offices, nursing care facilities, and other outpatient service locations. Positions in typical hospital settings may experience slower growth due to the high cost of inpatient services that has led to earlier discharges. Technological advances have also allowed for long-term care to take place outside of the hospital setting.

Keep in mind that if you are beginning your career, there is currently a shortage of trained and qualified nurses as well as teaching staff. Plenty of jobs will continue to become available as experienced professionals leave or retire from this occupation. Look at your career with a futuristic outlook versus just the short term, and be sure to design your educational goals accordingly. Salaries range from about $42,000 to $90,000 per year, depending on the career path you choose.

What qualifications do I need to become a nurse?

Do you enjoy science? Would you like to have a flexible schedule? Are you nonjudgmental, empathetic, and a good listener? There are many different ways to become a part of the nursing profession, and specific jobs can vary widely. Before choosing this career path, you must consider:

• the area or specialty in which you would like to work,
• the level and focus of the education you wish to pursue,
• the type and years of work experience you will need,
• the time you want to spend to achieve your goal,
• the license or certification you will need, and
• the financial resources available to help fund your education.

State boards of nursing determine which programs are acceptable, or accredited, so it is always wise to check with your state's board to get a full list of acceptable programs before making a choice.

The following information outlines the types of training or educational requirements needed to be an RN (registered nurse) or LPN (licensed practical nurse) and scholarships that may be available.

Certificate Program: This type of program prepares the student to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or nursing aide. This option requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Nursing assistant students are required to complete a 75-hour training course, often taught at a community college, and to pass a competency exam such as the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP). These programs are often available at nursing homes, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. Make sure the program you enroll in is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accredited Commission (NLNAC). Upon completion of training, nursing assistants are skilled at tasks such as walking, feeding, and bathing patients and generally work under the supervision of a registered nurse. There are strong prospects for those seeking employment since this occupation is expected to grow faster than many other nursing fields. You might even be able to get scholarships for this type of program.

Vocational Training: Taking a vocational training educational path will enable you to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a licensed vocational nurse (LVN). Training is often available through vocational schools, hospitals, or community colleges. The training can take as little as one year to complete and requires a high school diploma or its equivalent for entry. Professionals at this level typically work under the direction of a registered nurse (RN) or physician. LPNs and LVNs are directly involved in patient care and perform tasks relative to the scope of their training and experience. These tasks range from simple to complex procedures, including administering medications, recording chart information, assisting in surgeries, patient care planning, and providing first aid and other basic care.

Both the LPN and LVN designations are considered entry-level credentials. Upon completion of training, students are required to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). LPNs and LVNs must also be licensed by the state in which they work.

Once you have this certification, you may wish to consider additional training to become a registered nurse to increase your skills and earn a higher salary.

College or University Diploma: Students who desire to become registered nurses (RNs) should investigate college and university programs. These are more intensive and require a minimum of two to four years to complete. When comparing the associate degree option to a bachelor's degree RN program, it is important to consider your long-term career aspirations.

Associate degree nursing programs can be more affordable and are often found at community or junior colleges. These programs offer a two- to three-year curriculum that prepares nurses to provide direct patient care in a variety of settings. There are also hospital-based programs affiliated with junior colleges that offer a hospital diploma, where students earn an associate degree along with a diploma in nursing.

A bachelor's degree program (BS/BSN) is typically found at a college or university. This diploma affords a student a wider range of career options and prepares you to practice in diverse health care settings. It also provides the greatest opportunity for career advancement and is required if you wish to pursue a master's degree. A BSN is usually required before you can sit for the RN exam. Many scholarships are available at this level.

The most important role of a registered nurse is to ensure the safety and well-being of patients. RNs work not only as patient advocates—planning and implementing care for the sick—but also to promote the continued well-being of healthy individuals through patient education and counseling. RNs perform a wide range of duties and often supervise the work of nursing assistants, orderlies, and LPNs or LVNs.

Students in this group are required to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The NCLEX-RN test is a comprehensive, computer-based test designed to measure skills and knowledge in relation to the demands of the job.

Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN): With a master’s degree, you can work toward an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) credential to become a Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse-Midwife, and more. Those with a bachelor’s degree in nursing or an RN degree may continue their education to specialize or provide services similar to physicians, such as prescribing medications and diagnosing illnesses. An MSN takes approximately two years to complete and opens up opportunities in advanced clinical practice, research, nursing informatics, and health care business management. A generic master’s degree in nursing is also offered for those who have a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field.

Doctor of Nursing Programs: Those with a master’s degree may pursue advanced training through a doctoral degree. The demand for this type of degree is expected to be very high. You have the option to enter programs for a Doctor of Nursing (ND), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Nursing Science (DNSc), or Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD). Each requires an additional three to six years of study and may require a clinical defense or dissertation upon completion. Those who pursue this option may become leaders in the health care industry, conduct clinical research, or work as health care administrators. This educational path requires a significant commitment.

Scholarships

Nursing scholarships are available through a variety of sources. They may be awarded based on financial need, merit, or an obligatory service requirement. Some scholarships come from universities or private foundations, while others come from the U.S. government, military programs, or professional associations. Certain scholarships may require you to perform a specific type of service in a certain health care environment for a specified amount of time in exchange for financial assistance. Do your homework, as many scholarships require you to be accepted or enrolled in a specific type of program.

As you can see, there are an enormous number of opportunities for nurses and several factors to consider when deciding what type of career to pursue. Your decision will dictate your particular educational needs and requirements.

Once you have determined the program that will meet your career objectives, you will want to find a school—whether a traditional facility or an online university—that meets those needs. This will require research and careful assessment. Be sure to visit prospective schools, meet with faculty, and sit in on classes when possible. This will provide firsthand experience regarding the fit of a particular school or program. This is also a good time to check enrollment requirements and meet with a financial aid counselor.

The effort you put forth researching options—such as working as an LPN, RN, or nursing informatics specialist—and planning a path of study are invaluable steps in reaching your goal. Remember that each state has different requirements for licensing and testing. Be sure to check with the state licensing board where you want to work. The journey to become a nurse will undoubtedly be one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding journeys of your life.