Registered Nurse Degree

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February 1st, 2010

What are the prerequisites to beginning a registered nurse degree program?

The primary requirement to enter a registered nursing degree program is a high school diploma. Most programs also require a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score with successful completion of specific high school course studies such as biology, chemistry, English, social studies, and algebra.

What student resources are available?

The National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) was founded nearly 60 years ago and has approximately 50,000 members nationwide. Registered Nurse Degree

Its goal is to mentor nursing students through their professional development by promoting responsible leadership, ethics, standards, and skills. NSNA members have access to student leadership opportunities, resources and tips on passing the NCLEX-RN exam. They also offer a career center with employment opportunities for new graduates and nursing students. Membership to NSNA is available through their website: www.nsna.org. Learn more about the registered nurse schools.

The Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association (FNSNA), part of the NSNA, was organized for charitable and educational purposes only. It provides scholarships and grants to qualifying students. Since 1974 the FNSNA has awarded over $2 million dollars in nursing scholarships. Information and applications for grants and scholarships are available on their website: www.nsna.org/foundation/

What degree is required to become a registered nurse?

Those desiring a career as a registered nurse are required to earn a degree or diploma and pass a licensing exam called the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). There are three different ways to become eligible for the NCLEX-RN: a bachelor’s degree, an associate’s degree, or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Each program differs in length, cost, and level of immediate job qualification.
Preferred by most leaders in the field of nursing is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, also referred to as a BSN or Baccalaureate degree. This four-year degree is obtained at a college or university. It is the most expensive path, but produces higher salaries upon employment and greater opportunity for advancement into administrative and leadership positions.

Learn more about the registered nurse salary.

An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a two-year degree commonly earned at a community college. Unlike the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the Associate Degree focuses less on theory and rapidly applies and prepares individuals for employment. Careers can be obtained more efficiently with this degree; but salary, advancement opportunity, level of care, and authority is significantly reduced.

Most limiting of these is the Diploma in Nursing which is a two-to-three year training program at a hospital school of nursing. Essentially, it’s on the job training that prepares students for hospital or inpatient facility work by focusing on clinical experience. This method was popular pre-1970 and has since lost its demand. While still available, there are less than 100 schools offering such courses.

When choosing a path prospective students shouldn’t be discouraged by the limitations of an associate’s degree or diploma. Resources aren’t always available to immediately pursue a four-year degree, so these paths are available as a more affordable alternative. Many students get their foot-in-the-door by earning an associate’s degree or diploma, getting licensed, and securing entry-level jobs with tuition reimbursement benefits. They can then apply for an RN-to-Bachelor of Science in Nursing program with the help of the financial aid offered through their employer. These programs provide registered nurses at the diploma or associate’s level with an opportunity to advance towards a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Many programs are offered online and are readily available across the country. According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, in 2006 there were more than 629 RN-to-BSN programs in the United States.

What types of courses are required for a nursing degree or diploma?

Courses vary by institution, and naturally a bachelor’s degree involves a broader range of study than does an associate’s. Students earning their Bachelor of Science in Nursing spend the first two years covering prerequisites including biology, chemistry, math, statistics, and psychology. Nursing classes such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, ethics, nursing research, and clinical experience fill the third and fourth year. As each semester progresses, clinical hours further replace lecture hours. An Associate Degree in Nursing is condensed down to only two years, and lacks many of the theoretical courses required for a Bachelor degree. Diplomas are earned through 2-3 years of hands-on experience, usually in a hospital based nursing school.

What is the cost of tuition?

According to estimates by collegeboard.com, in-state tuition for the BSN ranges from $18,326 a year for a public college or university, to $37,390 for a private institution. An associate’s degree at a public college averages $14,054. Those interested in a nursing diploma can expect to pay around $8,000 – $10,000 a year.

Is student aid available for registered nurse programs?

The current nursing shortage has opened a window of opportunity for students interested in entering the workforce as a registered nurse, or existing nurses interested in continuing education. In fact, several national and state programs have been designed to supply health care in facilities with a shortage of nurses.

Learn more about the registered nurse career path.

The Public Health Service Act supplies a competitive program called the Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program, or NELRP. Primary qualifications include a state Bachelor Degree in Nursing, Associate Degree in Nursing, Diploma in Nursing or a graduate degree from an accredited school of nursing in the United States. The NELRP assists with reimbursing outstanding qualifying educational loans for the respective nursing degree. If an applicant is accepted, the program repays 60 percent of the loan balance in exchange for two years of service at a facility with a critical shortage of nurses. Coincidentally, the recent signing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, or “Recovery Act” of 2009 has added substantial additional funding to the NELRP. Interested applicants can find more information at http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/nursing/loanrepay.htm.

Certain states, such as Florida, also provide funding plans known as “loan forgiveness programs” to encourage qualified nurses to seek employment in areas of the state where critical shortages exist. For example, the Florida Legislature established the Nursing Student Loan Forgiveness Program (NSLFP) in 1989 which assists in the repayment of nursing education loans. Additionally, colleges, universities, and local communities offer assistance in the form of scholarships, work study programs, and loans.