If you have been thinking about a career in nursing, you are not alone! The field of nursing is expected to grow 9% between 2020 and 2030, which is faster than average for all occupations*. In fact, the American Nurses Association states that by 2022, there will be far more registered nurse jobs available than any other profession.**
As you explore more into the field of nursing, you may have many questions about what it takes to become a registered nurse. What is the time commitment? How do I choose the right nursing school? What are the different job opportunities?
Whether you are going to college straight after high school, or you are looking to make a career change, pursuing a career in nursing is a big decision and requires dedication and passion.
Check out the below list of things to consider when choosing a nursing program that meets your needs and goals:
Step 1: Select which type of nursing degree is right for you
To become a registered nurse, you must have a college degree in nursing. You can choose between an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Both degrees will lead you on the right path to becoming a registered nurse, so choosing which program is right for you depends on your career goals and how much time you are willing to commit.
An Associate Degree in Nursing is typically shorter and would be ideal for someone who is looking to get into the workforce quickly. At Swedish Institute, our Associate in Applied Science degree (AAS) can be completed in as little as 20 months. Upon successful completion of your degree, you will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure – Registered Nurse Examination (NCLEX-RN). Graduates who pass the NCLEX-RN will earn the title of licensed RN and can begin their career as a Registered Nurse.
Step 2: Find the right nursing school for you
There are a lot of options when it comes to selecting the right college and more specifically, the right nursing program. There are several things to consider when selecting and applying for nursing school:
Accreditation – it’s important that you research and find programs that are accredited. The importance of accreditation is to ensure that the nursing education programs are being held to common standards of quality. The AAS degree program at Swedish Institute, for example, is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Enrollment Requirements – Most nursing schools will require an essay, background check, in addition to passing an entrance exam. At Swedish Institute, all nursing applicants must take and pass a qualifying admission exam to be considered for the program. For more complete information on the requirements for Swedish Institute’s Nursing program, you can reach out to our admissions department at 866-673-6148
Length of Program – how much time are you able to commit to your nursing education? How quickly do you want to get into the workforce and start working towards your career, helping others, and providing for your family? Also, how quickly do the programs offer nursing classes? At Swedish Institute, the Nursing program is a 68-credit course that is available in a 5-semester (20 month) sequence. Swedish Institute’s Nursing classes are offered during the day allowing you to complete your training in as little as 20 months.
Class Size – be sure to consider what type of learning environment you will thrive in. Do you see yourself in large lecture halls, or do you prefer small classes with more personal attention from your instructors and more hands-on learning? At Swedish Institute, we offer small class sizes taught by experienced faculty with decades of experience in Nursing and Healthcare. In our nursing classes you will learn practical skills and knowledge to prepare you for a variety of job functions including recording patient’s medical histories and symptoms, operating medical equipment, administering tests, planning patient care and dispensing medications along with other skills.
Clinical Experience – nursing education is not just about the material you learn inside the classroom, but also about getting real-world, hands-on experience. Nursing clinicals take place in a real healthcare setting where students get firsthand experience of what it is like to work as a registered nurse. This is also a great way to network with healthcare employers for when you graduate and are looking for employment.
Step 3: Becoming a Licensed Registered Nurse and Employment
After you graduate from nursing school and have your degree, you must sit and pass the NCLEX-RN exam and meet all your state’s licensure requirements. The NCLEX-RN is a national exam required to become a registered nurse to determine if it’s safe for you to begin practice as an entry-level nurse.
After you pass the exam and meet your state’s requirements, you will officially be a licensed registered nurse! With more than 500,000 seasoned RNs anticipated to retire by 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the need for 1.1 million new RNs for expansion and replacement of retirees, and to avoid a nursing shortage.** Many nurses have said that one thing that surprised them about becoming a nurse is the different kinds of job opportunities. A nursing degree can lead to employment in hospitals, doctor’s offices, to being a traveling nurse, or even working in education. With additional schooling, nurses can also become specialized in various areas of healthcare. Click here to see the variety of healthcare settings that Swedish Institute Nursing alumni have gone on to work after graduating,
Unlike some Nursing schools, the curriculum of our Nursing program at Swedish Institute is specifically designed to prepare you for your career as a Registered Nurse from day one. Your nursing classes will integrate knowledge and principles of writing, oral communication, mathematics, and behavioral and biological sciences. From working on your patient-care techniques to reading lab results, our instructors and faculty help train you for real-world experiences. So if you are looking at Nursing Schools in the New York City area, look no further than the Nursing Program at Swedish Institute!