Types of Nursing Certification

Nursing is an ever-growing, recession-proof field with many opportunities for specialization. The type of nursing that's right for you depends on your interests, how long you want to go to school, and how much responsibility and/or pay you expect.

Nurse's Aids/Assistants

• Being a nurse's aid requires only completion of a 6- to 12-week certification program. Nurse's aids do a lot of "hands-on" work with patients.

Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse

• LPNs/LVNs need to complete a 1-year certification at a college or vocational college. Like nurse's aids, they do a lot of hands-on work, but they have more responsibilities and receive higher pay.

Registered Nurse

• An RN must complete a 2-year associate's degree in nursing or get a Bachelor of Nursing degree from a 4-year college. There are many job opportunities for RNs.

Master's or Doctoral Programs

• Master's and doctoral degrees can give RNs the chance to develop mastery in specific areas, such as public health, nursing administration or pastoral ministry.

Additional Certifications

• RNs can continue to develop their skill set and earning potential by achieving certification in specialized areas, such as emergency nursing, anesthesia, rehabilitation or oncology.