About Practical Nursing Degree Programs
Students wishing to major in nursing have many options. One degree option, Practical Nursing, takes less time to achieve and is in high demand across the country. The need for nurses continues to rise as more and more baby boomers reach retirement age and encounter health issues.
Practical nursing training takes about one year of education. Programs are available online. However, in-field practicums increase chances of acquiring a job after graduation. A regular brick and mortar school offers hand-on experience in the medical field. Ensure the school that you chose is licensed and certified in the state you are practicing in.
Getting into a Practical Nursing Program
Take higher level math and science classes in high school. This includes biology, chemistry, algebra and geometry. College entrance exams rely heavily on these courses when testing for admission. An anatomy class gives a step up when applying to a nursing program. Some schools offer medical programs at their high schools offering a nurses aid certification upon completion of the program. Older adults applying to nursing programs can include work experience and any classes previously taken for admission criteria. Also, studying in advance for college placement exams and SAT of ACt tests help confidence during testing, possibly resulting in a higher test score. Contact your school of choice for information about entrance exams and needed test scores.
Cost of Programs
Compare costs of different programs. A cheaper option for nursing education is a junior college or local nursing school affiliated with a hospital. Technical schools and trade schools might cost more. Take into consideration costs of nursing supplies and uniforms when applying for a Practical Nursing program. These costs can be calculated into a school loan as educational expenses.
If nursing is your dream job, being a practical nurse or licensed practical nurse might be the career choice for you. As baby boomers age, nurses will continue to be needed across all areas of medical care. Many practical nurses continue their education obtaining a registered nurse degree, which opens the door to even more career options.