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Washington, D.C. RN Certification and Schools

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February 12th, 2010

RN Education in the District of Columbia

In Washington, D.C., RN schools provide education programs that are approved by the District of Columbia Board of Nursing.  In general, registered nurses may graduate from two types of nursing programs, either a bachelor’s or an associate’s degree program.  Typically the associate’s degree programs may be found in two year institutions such as junior colleges and community colleges.  Bachelor degree programs can be found within four year colleges and universities.  It is generally accepted that the more education that the nurse has, the greater opportunity for advancement.  In addition, a bachelor’s degree allows for the opportunity to later earn a master’s degree. 

Recently, more non-traditional type education programs have begun to develop.  These include transitional-type programs that allow those who have earned an associate’s degree to earn a bachelor’s degree.  Another type of educational program that has recently developed is the entry-level master’s degree, whereby students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in another area can then enter a master of nursing program.

While there may be much diversity in the types of nursing educational programs, all programs teach similar content in a similar manner.  All programs will have a combination of classroom and clinical instruction.  Typically, in addition to the nursing-specific content courses, classes will include material such as anatomy and physiology, chemistry, biology, microbiology, nutrition, and psychology.

Through campus or online programs, aspiring Registered Nurses in Washington, D.C. / District of Columbia may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the district, including the Washington Hospital Center, George Washington University Medical Center and Providence Hospital.