The medical field is one of the fastest growing sectors in the job market today. The United States is largely populated by a generation that’s just about to retire, and as the generation gets older, they will get ill, needing medical care. There are so many of them, the current medical situation isn’t adequate to care for them. This is why more companies are looking to hire nurses, and why more people are going to medical school to become nurses. You will, however, have to obtain a college diploma or an equivalent certificate before you can become a nurse.

Before you can become a fully registered nurse (RN) a lot of education is required. First, you’ll need either a (high school diploma) or an equivalency certificate (usually a GED). Even community colleges want to see you’ve completed at least a high-school level education.

The shortest path to becoming a nurse – and the most popular – is to get a 2-year college degree. This degree, known as an Associate of Nursing or ASN degree, is awarded by community colleges or nursing schools. Some four-year colleges do offer this, but not all of them. A nurse with an ASN may apply for a license to become a RN. You will have to complete some prerequisites before a license can be obtained.

There are hospital diploma programs available for those wishing to become nurses as well. These classes are between 30 and 60 credit hours in a variety of subjects such as: anatomy, nutrition, and microbiology, as many other subjects. The whole process takes about three years.

ASN and diploma programs are the quickest ways to obtain a nursing degree. There’s also the benefit of being more “hands-on” than other types of nursing education. Students spend a bit more time actually “doing” as opposed to just “learning”.

There is also the option of getting a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which is a four-year degree obtained at accredited colleges. It prepares nurses for higher level education. In the first two years, students usually complete the requirements that ASN and diploma program graduates have to fulfill. Afterwards they spend another two years participating in various nursing courses.

The Community College of Allegheny County offers a flexible Associate of Science Degree in Nursing Program (ADN). It can be completed in the shortest time possible, just two years, even though it’s a part-time class! They have staff nurses to help teach the classes, and offer a great perk: they have both day and evening classes available. The classes provide theoretical components and laboratory components. Once completed, the course gives you enough experience to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam, and once you pass, you are ready to take an entry-level position as a staff nurse!

Before you begin schooling, decide which route to take so you don’t end up wasting time. Remember to work hard or you can buy fake certificates and see what happens.


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