This is a great time to go back to nursing school. Whether you are thinking about a career in nursing, or on the fence about upgrading your nursing education, stop hesitating and start your application. With the demand for dedicated and well-qualified nurses on the rise, a nursing career means that you will join a stable and exciting profession with excellent opportunities for career advancement.
In the 21stcentury, a nursing career means that you obtain your four-year bachelors degree in nursing. Most hospitals and other employers now prefer a bachelors in nursing degree to other levels of accreditation or education. In years past, as long as each nurse was an RN, meaning they passed the national licensing exam, this was the credential they needed to work in hospitals. This is no longer the case.
Currently 39% of all nurses are graduates of a four-year program, and that number is increasing. While 58% are still graduates from community colleges, industry watchers are now suggesting that 80% of all nurses obtain a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Currently, of the three million registered nurses, only 50% of working nurses have acquired that qualification level.
Given the increased need and the demands on nurses to increase their educational level, community colleges and four-year institutions have linked up to provide more nursing students with the opportunity to complete their studies. Yet, for many students and nurses, many in their thirties, the option to take additional time to pursue full-time programs is still a worry. The demands of school and life are tough for many returning students. However, with help from universities and the promise of a great future, and many online nursing programs popping up across the US, the benefits of completing a four-year bachelor’s degree far outweigh the potential downside on your path to enjoying a long and successful career in nursing.
