A How to Guide on: Becoming A Nurse

Nursing is a healthcare profession in which a person is trained to assist doctors by promoting and maintaining the health and well-being of patients. It is a very popular career for many hard working scholars, as there is high job flexibility, strong job satisfaction, high demand, and a good salary. Like any other profession, the steps to becoming a nurse can be a challenge, as it takes years of schooling and experience. But with strong enthusiasm, the ‘challenge’ would be an enjoyment!

Nursing prerequisites are often listed as the following: Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Statistics, English Composition I and II, College Algebra, and of course electives. While some nursing programs require more or less, it's best you check with your individual school to find out the pre-reqs. You can become a nurse in one of many ways. Many people get their ADN or their BSN. Your ADN, associates degree in nursing, is often a 2 year program at a community college. If one decides to go this route, you will usually go one year of pre reqs and then 2 years of the nursing program at community college. You will then be able to work as an registered nurse (RN). Your BSN, bachelors of science in nursing, is usually 2 ½ years- 3 years at a university, After taking your required pre reqs you will then complete the BSN program. The only difference is that ADN allows you to get to work faster and is usually cheaper. You can work with an ADN while obtaining your BSN degree online. After finishing your actual nursing program one must then take the NCLEX, national council licensure examination. Upon passing the NCLEX, you will then be licensed as a nurse. Good luck in your future endeavours.