In this article we will be looking at the prerequisites for nursing careers in the United States. If you are at all interested in the medical or nursing fields, it is important to have a good background in biology, physiology, math, and health sciences. Any type of nursing degree that you achieve, will be based on a foundation of these things, and the subsequent grades that you get in these subjects. If you plan ahead wisely, you will be ready to enter nursing school without any trouble.
There are many factors that can influence how long it takes to get a degree. This will depend on the school you choose, the background and grades you have achieved, and which degree you eventually want to obtain.
The 3 General Prerequisites
The three prerequisites for nursing, common to all nursing degrees are:
- That you have completed high school, or have obtained your GED
- That you have completed the courses necessary for the degree desired satisfactorily
- That you have passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become licensed.
Job Description
Nurses work with, and under the supervision of healthcare physicians and personnel. They are responsible for helping to diagnose, treat, and educate patients about their individual health concerns. There are increasing levels of education to the nursing degrees which may be attained, and depending on which type of nurse you would like to become, the length of education varies.
Certification and Degree Options
Many nursing classes are offered on line, but when choosing a school to attend, make sure that it is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). Below is a brief outline of nursing certifications and degrees to obtain with varied prerequisites for nursing:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – also called Nurse’s Aides, Patient Care Technicians, Home Health Aides, requires completing a 2 week course, usually offered by the American Red Cross, or hospital programs. You must be 18 years of age, not pregnant, or not ill with any communicable diseases, and no felony record. A certification test must be passed with 80% correct in order to be legally certified.
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) – This is a one year-full time program, combining classroom and clinical study, which is a foundation for continuing nursing education, and preparation for passing the NCLEX-PN to be a licensed nurse. You must have a high school degree or GED, foundations in biology, science, math and english, and be CPR certified in most cases. The fundamentals of medicine, anatomy, physiology, and bedside manner are subjects of some courses focus.
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – typically takes 2 years to complete, and is a foundation for further study. The associate degree in nursing can help you to be admitted to nursing school to become a Registered Nurse, and builds clinical experience in which to give you a firm foundation for continuing education. You must have a high school diploma or GED, possibly a high grade point average, pass health screening requirements, and be vaccinated for hepatitis B.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – requires 4 years of education, yet most schools offer an accelerated program for students who are already practicing Registered Nurses. You must meet the minimum grade point average requirements for most schools. General nursing education, and more specific nursing courses and clinical work are offered, widening the areas or facilities in which you may work, as well as possibly increasing your salary.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – usually requires 2 additional years in the area in which you prefer. This degree is achieved if you already meet the Registered Nurse requirements, you have obtained your bachelors degree, and you have letters of reference in order to be accepted to the program. You may want to continue to this degree if you want to work in research, or teach nursing classes to others.
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), must be passed in order to become a licensed nurse anywhere in the United States. Candidates must apply and register for this exam, which is multiple choice, and can last up to 6 hours. It is computer administered, and the nursing candidate will receive the results approximately 1 month after completion.
The test includes questions on medical terminology, scientific and healthcare definitions, pharmacology, laboratory techniques, and safety. The focus is to test is your ability to make correct decisions pertinent to patient care, often in critical scenarios.
If you enjoy working with people in need of care, have a good background in the sciences, and love to learn, then nursing may be for you. It is a career that actually changes people’s lives, and if you enjoy making a difference, do not be scared away by the tests or nursing school applications.
It is a very worthwhile career that you can build upon continually. The biggest prerequisites for nursing are taking on the responsibility of learning, and truly caring for others well-being.
Insider Tips Video For Prerequisites
Check out this video from Heather a real nursing school graduate. She has some great tips on the prerequisites needed for a career in nursing.