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Health & Fitness

Is a Nursing Program Right For You?

By Daniel Gerger, President, Adult Education Advocates,

For many adults who return to school, the primary motivation is to change careers. Nursing is a field that is growing rapidly, and many adult students are seeking a nursing degree to find a fulfilling job with long-term potential. Nursing is the largest health care profession in the United States, with more than 3 million registered nurses employed around the country, and the federal government is projecting the need for 1 million new and replacement RNs by 2018. 

What degree do you need to enter the nursing field?

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The most popular route to a career in nursing is an earning an associate degree in nursing from an accredited school and then passing the national licensing exams for a registered nurse. There are more than 800 associate degree nursing programs in the nation, and many are at two-year community colleges. Many four-year universities with health science programs also offer associate degrees in nursing. It generally takes about two years to complete an associate degree in nursing. A more entry-level diploma degree can qualify you to become an LPN, or licensed practical nurse. This program of study usually takes about a year and qualifies the nurse to work under an RN or physician. Hospitals and the military also offer training programs for those who wish to become registered nurses.

What kind of advanced degrees are available to nurses?

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A bachelor's degree in nursing is the next level of education available to nurses. Often an RN with an associate degree can go back and complete a B.S. or B.S.N., and the education may be paid for by their employer. Master's degrees and Ph.D.s in nursing are available at many universities across the country. These programs prepare nurses in specialized practice areas or for management careers or jobs in nursing education. Advanced degrees can lead to careers as nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives and certified registered nurse anesthetists, among others.

Where can I find specialized nursing programs for adult students?

Among the innovative approaches to nursing education is the accelerated degree program for non-nursing graduates. These programs allow students with undergraduate degrees in other areas to transition into nursing, and generally offer a second baccalaureate or master's degree at the end of the program. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing maintains a list of accelerated degree programs in each state.

Is financial aid available for nursing students?

Like all adult students, nursing students in accredited programs taking a minimum number of credits are eligible for the full range of state and federal grants and loans. In addition, however, aid may be available to nursing students who agree to serve in areas with shortages of health care workers. In exchange for a minimum commitment of two years of service in designated areas, the federal NURSE Corps Scholarship Program pays tuition, fees and other reasonable costs, and potentially could pay the student a monthly stipend as well.


Enrolling in an accredited program for nursing offers many benefits to someone wishing to launch a new career. With so many options, students should be sure to research schools carefully to ensure that the program is the best fit for their goals.

Daniel Gerger is the President of Adult Education Advocates, an organization that helps adults make the transition back to college. 
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