Training to become a CNA, sometimes called patient care assistants or state-tested nurse aids is often provided on the job. CNAs work under an RN or LPN and provide direct patient care.
Both an LPN or licensed vocational nurse must complete a one-year program and became licensed. An associate's degree takes two years of training and allows the recipient to become a licensed registered nurse.
Many paths lead to a bachelor's degree in nursing. For nurses possessing an LPN or RN license, it may be a good idea to enroll into a program that takes some of your previous coursework into consideration. These are often called an "LPN to BSN" or "RN to BSN" programs. The RN to BSN program can take four semesters, or about two years of study. A nurse can also enroll in a four-year BSN program with no prior training.
A master's degree (MSN) takes 1.5 to 2 years of additional coursework after a bachelor's degree. RNs may enroll in programs designed to speed through the BSN to MSN programs without overlapping coursework. After the master's degree, further specialization, such as becoming a certified nurse mid-wife, nurse anesthesiologist or nurse practitioner is possible.
Nurses with master's degrees may pursue further studies to obtain a doctorate degree. Taking four to six years after the master's degree, a doctorate in nursing focuses on becoming a clinical researcher. Others with a doctorate in nursing enter hospital administration. The doctor of nursing education, doctor of nursing practice and doctor of nursing science degrees all specialize in preparing leaders in various nursing fields.