A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is an interdisciplinary degree requiring four years of study. The program may be divided into two parts--the first two years require the completion of prenursing and general education coursework, while the final two years focus on clinical rotations and nursing coursework.
An ADN and Diploma are the same programs except with different names. Both require two years of study, though the difference between an ADN/Diploma and BSN program is the course of study. An ADN/Diploma program does not follow an interdisciplinary curriculum plan and saves time by focusing on nursing coursework.
No matter the program of study, all nursing graduates must take the NCLEX-RN and receive a satisfactory passing score in order to attain registered nurse licensure status.
There are various certification levels for nurses interested in surgical nursing. Those seeking nurse practitioner status must fulfill the requirements of a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. Only those who hold a valid registered nurse license and a BSN degree are eligible for admission.
Most surgical nursing certification boards require that the nurse hold a valid registered nurse license and two years work experience with at least 2000 hours in surgical nursing.