Education & Training Requirements for Nursing

Nursing education in the US is offered by community and private colleges, universities, and hospitals in every state, and includes distance learning classes. Each state has its own Board of Nursing, which regulates licensing requirements and continuing education programs, so it is important to choose a state-approved educational facility. If you are thinking of becoming a nurse, start preparing in high schook by taking math and science courses.

Licensed Practical Nurse

• A Licensed Practical Nurse, known in some states as a Licensed Vocational Nurse, works in hospitals and nursing care facilities performing everyday basic nursing tasks. The education process can be completed in one year at a hospital, technical school or college. Subjects include biology, anatomy, physiology, nutrition and psychology, math for medical professionals and pharmacology. In addition, the LPN might complete classes in special care for patients of varied ages and mental capabilities, intravenous therapy and CPR. At the end of the course, LPNs must pass the NCLEX-PN computerized exam in order to become licensed. Universities and colleges throughout the US offer a combination of online and hands-on campus programs for nurses to upgrade from LPN to RN.

Registered Nurse

• Registered nurses work more closely than LPNs with medical patients. In addition, RNs earn more, and their training is longer. You can become an RN in three ways. An Associate's Degree in Nursing requires two years at a community college. ADN subjects include anatomy, physiology, psychology, sociology, and microbiology, plus obstetrics and pediatrics and patient diagnosis. A Diploma in Nursing takes three years of study at in-house hospital nursing programs, which include the subjects required for the ADN, plus family and adult health and nutirition, patient care and human development. A BSN is a four-year bachelor of science degree. All the science subjects for the ADN and DN courses are taken, plus holistic medicine, community health education and pharmacology. An RN has to pass the NCLEX-RN exam before becoming licensed.

Advanced Training

• To earn a Masters of Science in Nursing, you must first earn a BSN and then complete three or four semesters of full-time study in which the subjects are varied according to each person's specialization area. A master's degree allows advanced practice nurses to work as certified midwives, certified nurse anesthetists and certified nurse practitioners.

Accelerated Nursing Programs

• Accelerated nursing programs are offered in some states for undergraduates in other fields who wish to change their vocation to nursing. Twelve to eighteen months of training in the science and medical subjects that they have not previously taken is required.