Most people get into nursing because they want to help others, which can certainly be its own reward. However, nurses who want to progress their healthcare careers so that they can pursue more specialized interests or find better employers are still in luck. Attending a college of nursing to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or even a more advanced degree, provides a straightforward pathway to a more rewarding career.

What Is Nursing School?

Schools like Felbry college of nursing are specialized educational institutions that focus on giving students the knowledge and skills they need to excel in their careers as healthcare providers. Most of them provide a variety of programs to fulfill different needs, which means that people who want to jump into clinical practice as quickly as possible by becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or attending a traditional BSN program, a college of nursing is the best place to do it.

Types of Programs Offered

There are three commonly held types of degrees in nursing. Each of them requires a different amount of schooling and clinical practice. They include:

1. LPN Programs

LPN programs offer students the opportunity to start working as soon as possible. These certification programs don't technically offer degrees. However, they can be completed in around a year, and many LPNs go on to transition to careers as registered nurses (RNs) while they practice.

2. Associate Degrees

An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) requires two to three years to complete. These degree programs prepare students to become RNs. However, not all career paths will accept an ADN, even when a nurse has a nursing diploma, as well. Thankfully, unlike LPN certification courses, ADN programs give students transferrable credits that can later be used toward obtaining a BSN.

3. Bachelor's Degrees

Obtaining a BSN takes more time than completing an LPN program or getting an associate degree, typically requiring at least four years of traditional schooling. Getting a BSN gives RNs the opportunity to pursue a greater range of career paths, though, which makes it an excellent investment. Nursing colleges often offer RN-to-BSN programs that make it easier for working nurses to obtain these more advanced degrees.

Career Options for Nurses

There are many different career paths for nurses. Some people choose to work in specialized settings like schools or long-term care centers. Others opt to become travel nurses, filling in where they are needed most. Nurses who go on to obtain advanced degrees or certificates can also work in roles that don't involve clinical practice such as medical consulting, nursing research, or informatics. Post-graduate degrees and certifications also allow nurses to become educators, administrators, or directors.

Just obtaining a BSN is a great way to open up career opportunities. With a BSN, LPNs, and RNs with only an ADN can become:

• Staff nurses

Emergency room nurses

Critical care nurses

Pediatric nurses

Psychiatric nurses

Public health nurses

These jobs are often unavailable to nurses who have only attended certification programs and have only a nursing diploma.

There's No Better Time Than Now to Get Started

Ready to start a new career in nursing or to pursue a more advanced degree while remaining in clinical practice? There's no better time than now to investigate colleges of nursing and submit applications.