Nursing Career Options: How to Prepare for a Career in Nursing

Nurses play a major role in caring for patients in healthcare settings. They are responsible for observing patients’ medical histories and symptoms, establishing plans for treatment and providing emotional support for patients and their families. Accordingly, an individual planning to pursue a nursing career opportunity must have specific training to fulfill this role. Here are some of the key requirements for nursing training.

Entry Level Education and Licensure

In order to become a nurse, you must first earn an entry-level degree. There are multiple nursing career options, which require varying amounts of education depending on the level of licensure you want to earn.

Advanced practical nurses (APNs) require a master’s of science in nursing, while registered nurses (RNs) require a bachelor of science in nursing. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), who work under the supervision of RNs and physicians, are required to complete LPN training, which typically consists of a one-year-long program.

After completing your education and training, you must take an exam to earn your nursing license. Like many other professions, nurses must earn their licenses in the state in which they work.

Advanced Education to Boost Nursing Career Opportunities

Your nursing career options can be expanded through additional education. Nurses who want to enter certain specialized fields may choose to earn a master’s degree. Roles that generally require a master’s degree include:

Nurse practitioner
Clinical nurse specialist
Nurse-midwife
Nurse anesthetist
Nurse psychotherapist

Earning a doctoral degree provides additional nursing career opportunities. Potential roles for healthcare professionals with a doctoral degree in nursing include:

Health system executive
Dean of a nursing program at a college or university
Medical researcher

Additional Certification

Nurses who want to specialize in particular areas are also often required or encouraged to seek out additional certifications in order to display their clinical competence. For example, nurses specializing in neuroscience can earn a certification from the American Board of Neuroscience Nursing. Nurses may also be required to become certified in advanced cardiac life support and/or pediatric advanced life support, depending on their position.

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