Nursing graduate education requires previous training and experience in the field. There are three essential ways to undergo this training. Students earn a bachelor's of science in nursing, a BSN degree that takes four years to complete. Students can also earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN), which takes about two to three years to complete. Lastly, students may earn a diploma, which are administered by hospitals. All three of these graduates can begin working as a staff nurse.
Licensure is important to graduate nursing school education. Without a license, graduates cannot go on to practice in hospitals and provide advanced care. Every U.S. state requires that students graduate from an approved nursing program and pass the national licensing examination, called the National Council Licensure Examination or NCLEX-RN. Without a license, graduate nursing students cannot practice medicine, which is essential for becoming an advanced nurse practitioner.
Most nurses who want to advance into higher positions need to earn a master of science in nursing. They also may acquire a master's degree in health services administration. Graduate nursing students learn advanced knowledge of nursing, which allows them to become assistant unit managers or head nurses to senior-level administrators. Management courses teach them how to manage a nursing staff or take on administrative roles at hospitals. These courses teach negotiation skills, good judgment, leadership and communication.
Master's degrees in nursing are also required for advanced practice nurses. These courses focus on providing direct patient care, expert consultations, administering anesthetics, surgical care, therapeutic remedies and emergency services. Nurses also specialize in women's health through graduate nursing programs. These advanced practitioners go on to provide gynecological exams, family planning service, prenatal care, midwife practices and neonatal care.