NURSING DEGREES IN THE USA
(and their requirements)

To earn an LPN license, you must pass a state administered nursing examination, called the NCLEX-PN. To sit for this exam you must follow one year of training in a registered Hospital, Vocational or accredited institution of higher education. The requirement for admittance are the same than for the Registered Nurse (RN)

Registered Nurse (RN)

To earn an RN license in America, you must pass a comprehensive nursing examination, called the NCLEX, which is administered by each state. But to qualify to sit for the NCLEX exam, you must first complete an accredited nursing education program called an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). This programs lasts generally two years. The prerequisite varies but generally are for foreign educated students:

• High School Degree  (equivalency must determined by a credential evaluator like AUAP)
• TOEFL test > 500 (paper) or 173 (computer) most of the time for foreign language speaking applicants
• Completion of sciences and math courses during high school

Superior degree of 4 years of studies after High School same requirements than the RN pre requisite. Generate higher salaries. Numerous possibilities while working to do accelerated RN to BSN programs.

Master ofScience in Nursing

A masters degree is an 18-24 month program that allows a nurse to specialize in a particular area - such as an area of advanced clinical training or research. Some students take on joint degrees in related fields like business administration, public health, or hospital administration. Most people working towards an MSN already have a BSN, but there are accelerated programs for ADN nurses to earn a BSN and MSN in one shot, or for non-nursing college graduates. Typical requirements include a BSN from an accredited nursing school, an RN license, minimum GPA and GRE scores, and some period of clinical work experience. Doctorate in Nursing   represent 3 to five years of full time studies in specialized fields.
 

Specialties

Many other specialties certificates are available for already registered nurses (RN) such as
Nurse-Midwife, Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist, Health Care Administrator, Nurse Administrator/Nurse Manager, Nurse Case Manager, Nurse Educator.