Find the Right Degree To Start Your Nursing Career

NurseJournal Staff
By
Updated on August 30, 2021
A smiling young woman listens attentively during a discussion with her classmate and professor. She is sitting in the classroom and working on a medical training assignment with her classmate. Image credit: SDI Productions / E+ / Getty Images

Get personalized degree or certificate recommendation

Get personalized degree or certificate recommendation

Learn about career path and advancement opportunities

Learn about career path and advancement opportunities

Takes less than five minutes

Takes less than five minutes

The demand for nursing professionals is high. Despite an enrollment increase in entry-level programs in recent years, the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) reports the potential number of new nurses still isn’t enough to meet the projected demand for nursing services.

There are multiple paths to entering the nursing profession. Prospective nursing students who want to work as registered nurses (RNs) often enroll in an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program, or enter an accelerated program with the relevant coursework completed. Those who want to gain experience in the nursing or healthcare field might start with a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or licensed practical nurse/licensed vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) program.

Prospective students interested in entering the nursing field need to consider several different factors when determining their educational path. Unsure about where to begin in your nursing journey? We’re here to help.

A mid-adult African-American nurse looks to camera on the hospital ward, with a patient and relative in the background. Image Credit: sturti / E+ / Getty Images

Image: sturti / E+ / Getty Images

Now Is the Time To Enter the Nursing Profession

Featured Image: SDI Productions / E+ / Getty Images