At Minneapolis Community and Technical College and Springfield (Mass.) Technical Community College, nursing students have the option of receiving a diploma or an associate degree. One year of nursing education, requiring the completion of 36 credits, earns a student a practical nursing diploma. Two years of nursing education, requiring the completion of 73 credits, earns a student an associate degree. Students can also earn a nursing assistant certificate after the completion of 16 credits. However, after graduating with an associate degree, a student may pursue a more advanced nursing education at an affiliate institution offering a four-year, bachelor-degree program.
To graduate from nursing programs at technical colleges, a nursing student must meet and maintain a number of requirements. Nursing students must maintain CPR certification status (American Heart Association or American Red Cross-Professional Rescuer), pass a criminal background check, complete and submit a health examination and immunity form, pass the National Council Licensure Examination and obtain a license in one's state of residence. Students must also meet grade standards and consistently operate according to high technical standards.
Nursing students who graduate from nursing programs at technical colleges can work in a number of institutions such as hospitals, medical offices, nursing homes and insurance and dental offices. Job opportunities will continue to grow in these areas as the demand for medical personnel increases.
At most technical colleges, the tuition for the associate degree nursing program ranges from $3,000 to $20,000, depending on the type of college. Private institutions are more on the expensive end. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2010, the average salary of registered nurses is a little more than $60,000 a year. Some RNs make up to $80,000 a year.
The future of nursing holds great potential. The Obama administration's passage of the health care reform bill opens the door for continual growth and excellence. According to the American Association of College of Nursing, the demand for nurses will constantly increase in the 21st century, giving nurses more authority in the areas of medical practice, teaching and research.