How To Become a Nurse Researcher

Nurse researchers work in hospitals, medical clinics and research laboratories to conduct research at a nursing level. They create and design their own studies and seek out and analyze data within those studies before reporting and sometimes publishing results. This is a highly specific category of nursing with various additional training in research methodology and tools used to perform research. The data collected can be used to save the lives of patients and make medical professionals’ lives easier on the job.

The Different Education Pathways

To become a nurse researcher, one of the following forms of education must be completed:

Online Options

Some institutions allow for online learning during the graduate level programs for this career path, while others are stricter on in-class learning. Nurse researchers may not perform as many hands-on tasks as other forms of nursing, but they have a general background as a registered nurse, which means that the same foundation of nursing must be earned before continuing into their selected career path.

Getting Licensed

The NCLEX-RN national licensure examination must be passed in order to work as a nurse within the United States. Additional levels of certification may be required depending on what state and medical facility you choose to work through.

Prerequisites for Study

A minimum prerequisite of a 2.0 GPA is required for students from high school entering into an undergraduate level education. A 3.0 GPA may be required for graduate level programs, or universities with higher standards for learning.

Program Accreditation

Accreditation is an important factor in choosing a nursing school; The United States Department of Education, The Accreditation Commission for the Education of Nurses, or The American Association of Colleges of Nursing are good resources for more information on whether or not your educational facility is accredited.

Getting Certified as a Nurse Researcher

The NCLEX-RN national licensure examination must be passed in order to work as a nurse within the United States. Additional levels of certification may be required depending on what state and medical facility you choose to work through. The categories used to determine whether or not a nurse meets the qualifications to work within the research field are decided nationally and include the following criteria:

The Cost of Becoming a Nurse Researcher

The cost of tuition for nurse research positions varies throughout each state and educational facility. It also fluctuates based on which academic program is being completed. University admissions offices have information on these rates, and may be able to better direct you toward exact prices.

Scholarships for Nurse Researchers

Financial aid can be found through grants, student loads and scholarships. One scholarship that nurse research students may wish to apply for is the After College AACN Scholarship Fund, which provides $10,000 to a student pursuing professional nursing.

Working as a Nurse Researcher