The standard Registered Nurse education includes courses in medical theory and the general sciences, as well as practical, hands-on training with live patients. Each state has its own requirements for the number and type of units that a student must complete, as well as the number of training hours that must be logged in order to earn a degree. This article discusses the general graduation requirements for RN programs in California and strategies that a student can apply in order to begin his or her career as a Registered Nurse more quickly.
Registered Nurse Education in California
Because the state is projected to have historically-high demand for new health care professionals in the coming decade, California’s registered nurse education system has grown to become one of the largest in the country. With no fewer than 144 accredited nursing schools in California, students up and down the Golden Coast have a wide range of educational options available to them.
Best of all, the state also ranks among the national leaders in financial aid for college students. Whether you are interested in attending online nursing classes at a private school, or attending one of California’s renowned community colleges for nursing, there is a good chance that financial assistance is available to help cover your tuition and other associated fees.
Educational Requirements to Become an RN
Regardless of the state you live in, there will be two main steps required to become a registered nurse: earn a degree from an accredited nursing program, and pass your state’s licensure examination. Nursing programs in California offer several different types of degrees which qualify their recipient to sit for the state’s licensing test:
- An LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) diploma or certificate
- An associates degree in nursing (ASN or ADN)
- Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN)
The graduation requirements for each degree program will obviously vary somewhat, but it can be generally stated that:
- LVN diplomas require a demonstrated proficiency in hands-on skills learned during the course with a minimum of theoretical study necessary
- Associates degrees require completion of theory, basic skills and practical skills courses
- BSN and MSN degrees have the same requirements as the associates degree, but with a far greater number of general education classes required, and more focus placed on specialized skills
Completing Your RN Training Quickly
If you are anxious to get started in your career as an RN, you are undoubtedly wondering “How long does it take to become a nurse?” In order to start out as a Registered Nurse, instead of an LVN, the answer is probably two years. This is the amount of time required to earn an associates degree – the lowest level of degree accepted for NCLEX-RN test takers.
While it is also possible to become an RN after beginning your career as a vocational nurse, this route requires you to complete an LVN to RN bridge program after you’ve spent some time working in the field. In the end, however, it all boils down to how quickly you can prepare yourself for the licensure exam. Regardless of how quickly you finish your Registered Nurse education, you will still need to pass the NCLEX-RN to become a nurse.
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