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When you decide to become a nurse, you may be so excited about getting started that you sign up for the first school that you find. This can be a very expensive mistake, both in terms of time and money. It's essential to find a school that will get you the degree and certification you need to work as a nurse.
There are many nursing schools out there that can help you get the nursing degree you need. However, they are not all created equal. Many online universities and colleges are not a path to a career; instead, they are a way to line the pockets of the people who run the colleges. Many of these schools are not accredited.
An accredited nursing program is one that is recognized by the state in which it is based. The state board of nursing is an entity that exists in every state, and it serves to regulate nursing licenses and the places that give out nursing licenses. They determine whether or not each nursing school offers an education that teaches students everything they need to know to work as a nurse. If a state board of nursing does not accredit a nursing program in their state, it means that the program is not recognized by them. Many online nursing schools fit into this category.
Getting your nursing degree from a non-accredited school can have long-term effects on your nursing career. It may hinder your ability to get a job. However, many people who graduate from non-accredited schools can still find good nursing jobs. After all, a non-accredited school does not necessarily have a low quality of education; it may have excellent teachers and a great curriculum. A school can be non-accredited due to a technicality or non-relevant reason.
However, it can hinder your ability to progress in your career. If you plan on stopping at your current level of nursing, that's not a problem. It is a problem, though, if you plan on going on to a BSN degree or a MSN degree. Most schools that offer either of these degrees do not accept students who have a nursing degree from a non-accredited school.
To ensure that the school you are going to is accredited, look up the state board of nursing for the state you are living in. You can look for a list of approved schools. The list should include all of the approved schools in the state, including their location and what degree they grant students. You can then decide which nursing school is right for you.
