Basic Nursing Degrees - Which Is Best For You?

So you've decided on a career in nursing, but you don't quite know where to start. What type of nursing degree is best for you? What type of nursing school should you go to?

Basically, there are only two types of nursing degrees: one in Licensed Practical Nursing which is also referred to as Licensed Vocational Nursing in some areas, and another in Registered Nursing. The LPN degree can be a good starting point for your nursing career. You need a high school diploma or GED to be accepted into an LPN school. Many community colleges and technical schools offer LPN degrees. Not many four-year state universities offer them. Some private, for-profit schools in your area probably offer them as well; Galen, Kaplan, Keiser, and the University of Phoenix are all examples of these types of schools.

LPNs earn less than registered nurses and work under the direction of registered nurses. Some hospitals will not hire LPNs and only hire registered nurses.

If you want to progress into a managerial position as a nurse, you will want to become a registered nurse. Of course, being an LPN first is a good step towards earning that RN degree. You can already complete an LPN degree in about a year, get a job, and then take online LPN to RN programs while working. This means that you'll already be earning while studying to become a registered nurse. Plus, some employers may offer to help defray the cost of your continuing education, provided you stay with them for a number of years

Another way to do this is by getting an Associate's Degree in Nursing, which takes two years, or a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, which takes four years. These are available at many two-year community colleges and four-year private and state colleges. Many private for-profit career schools are opening up these days which offer two-year Associate's Degree in Nursing Programs.

Once you get an Associate's Degree in nursing you are a Registered Nurse. If you want to earn more money and increase your hiring potential, you can working while taking classes part-time to get a Bachelor of Science Degree in nursing. Often your employer will pay for some or all of your educational expense.

If you want to be a manager, you will most likely have to have a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing, and many facilities will require a master's degree in nursing.

So which route is best? It all depends on your circumstances. Would you like to earn a degree faster and start working right away?. An LPN degree is the shortcut to a healthcare-related degree. However, if you know that you want to progress further in your career, possibly into a management position, and you have the time, money and ability to go to school for two to four years, you may want to consider obtaining a degree in registered nursing instead.