Many community colleges throughout the United States offer programs in nursing that will help prepare students for the NCLEX exam, which is a required part of the process for becoming a registered nurse. Most community college nursing programs allow students to earn their bachelor's degree, which is enough to begin a career as a registered nurse. Without a bachelor's or master's degree in nursing, some graduates many find it difficult to find a high-paying job. However, for students who are looking to make a fast career change or begin working as soon as possible, these schools are very attractive.
Undergraduate colleges or universities typically offer a four-year program in nursing, which leads to a bachelor's degree. Students who enroll in this type of program will take general education courses to get a background in a variety of subjects. They will also take part in courses specific to the field of nursing, which will help prepare them for the NCLEX exam. Earning a bachelor's degree tends to offer a higher earning potential than an associate's degree, but bachelor's degrees also cost more to obtain. Students should weigh the pros and cons of every type of school before enrolling.
Although it is not necessary to complete a master's degree in order to become a registered nurse, many students pursue this advanced degree. A master's degree in nursing can help students grow professionally, leading to more career opportunities and higher earning potential. Many graduate school programs in nursing take two years to complete on top of the four years it takes to complete a bachelor's degree. Prospective students should make sure that they have the time and money to devote to the extra schooling and should also research programs carefully before enrolling.
Online colleges present an attractive option to many students, especially those who are already working and do not want to leave their current career in order to pursue a degree in nursing. Online colleges offer the advantage of earning a registered nursing degree from home while maintaining current career obligations. Many online programs pride themselves on the lower cost of their tuition, flexible scheduling and superior learning resources. Prospective students should research each online program they are interested in to learn more about its individual accreditation, benefits and drawbacks.