How to Earn a Nursing Degree

There are different types of nursing degrees. A vocational nurse, known as a Licensed Practical Nurse (L.P.N), or a Licensed Vocational Nurse (L.V.N.) is one. There are three ways to become a Registered Nurse (R.N.)--either through an associate's degree program, a bachelor's degree curriculum or a second degree program. A second degree program fills in the gaps from a previous bachelor's program not in nursing. It completes the nursing requirements leading to a bachelor's in nursing and an R.N.

Things You'll Need

• A degree in nursing

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Instructions

• 1

  Earning a diploma as a licensed practical nurse will take about one year. The L.P.N. program concentrates on the more practical aspects of taking care of patients, such as giving medications and treatments. An L.P.N. cannot do patient assessments. An L.P.N. generally works in hospitals. The L.P.N. will assist the R.N. and physicians.

• 2

  Earning a nursing degree from an associate's degree program can take 2 to 3 years. Many junior or community colleges offer associate's degrees in nursing. Courses include microbiology, anatomy and sometimes specialized nursing courses, such as geriatrics and pediatrics. There are also clinical components to the program. It will lead to an associate degree's in nursing and an R.N.

• 3

  Earning a bachelor's degree in nursing is generally a four-year program. Courses are more in-depth and include pharmacology, anatomy and chemistry, among other scientific courses. Additional courses include critical thinking skills, communication, leadership components, nursing theory and research. There are also health-assessment courses in addition to basic nursing skills in the clinical component. The program will lead to a bachelor's degree in nursing and an R.N. The bachelor's degree program is the most versatile and will provide the widest variety of choices. An bachelor's degree provides the most flexibility in practice choices for an R.N.

• 4

  Completing a second degree program will build on a previously earned bachelor's degree. Many second degree programs will give credit for previous courses and will add those necessary for the bachelor's degree in nursing. Courses will include the sciences, such as chemistry, biology and pharmacology. There are also courses in critical thinking and nursing leadership. A clinical component to learn basic nursing skills also is part of the program, which will lead to a bachelor's degree in nursing and an R.N.