To qualify for an associate's degree program, you will have to meet several different standards. Most importantly, you will have to prove you meet the academic standards the institution has set. Two-year programs, or associate's degrees, are slightly less competitive than other more intensive studies but nonetheless will examine your grade point average (GPA) and the coursework you have previously done--whether in high school or in college--looking for previous work in areas such as chemistry and algebra, as well as more standard courses like English. Certain schools may also have standards set for background checks and drug screenings although this varies by institution. Associate's degrees normally qualify you to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Four-year programs in nursing normally provide their students with the opportunity to become Registered Nurses (RNs). Because of the greater length of the programs and the higher salary for RNs, as compared to LPNs, admissions standards are higher for these programs. Admissions committees will look for candidates who have done coursework in high school in classes such as geometry, chemistry and biology; candidates who do not meet these standards may still be admitted but on a "pre-nursing" track.
Master's degree programs in nursing qualify students to become more specialized nurses, such as nurse practitioners. These programs last two years and may qualify participants to become board-certified in a particular area. The qualifications for a master's degree in nursing are therefore very strict. Normally, students will need to be currently practicing as RNs, as well as having completed their bachelor's degrees in nursing. Admissions committees examine factors such as exam scores, GPAs and course prerequisites, looking for coursework in classes like statistics and research.
For nurses who are already practicing, numerous continuing education courses exist at nursing schools to help keep their skills up-to-date and relevant, to offer refreshers in certain areas or to cross-train nurses in a new specialty. The standards for these courses vary widely, but normally you must already be an RN to participate.