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Focus on Majors: Nursing

Imagine saving lives before you've even hit your mid-twenties – that's what a career in nursing could offer you. From helping deliver newborns to supporting patients through their toughest battles, nursing puts you at the heart of healthcare's most meaningful moments.

The nursing profession offers strong job security and competitive pay. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Employment Projections 2022-2032, the Registered Nursing (RN) workforce is expected to grow by 6% over the next decade, expanding from 3.1 million to 3.3 million nurses.

The duties of a registered nurse include treatment of patients, education of both patients and the public about medical conditions, and providing advice and support to the families of patients. Some RNs specialize in a specific type of care.. There are three main paths to becoming a registered nurse: a bachelor's degree (BSN), an associate's degree (ADN), and a diploma from an approved nursing program. The BSN offers the most career opportunities and the ability to pursue advanced degrees leading to nurse practitioner roles.

Diploma programs, typically hospital-based, are three-year vocational programs focused on clinical work. ADN programs at community colleges take two to three years, while BSN programs at universities require about four years. Many nurses start with an ADN and later pursue a BSN while working. All three paths qualify graduates to take the national licensing exam NCLEX-RN. Once licensed, a nurse is eligible for employment as an entry-level staff nurse.

RN-to-BSN programs allow practicing nurses to earn their bachelor’s degrees, thus making them eligible for higher-level nursing positions. A bachelor’s degree would be necessary for administrative and teaching positions, as well as for advanced practice positions such as nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner, and clinical nurse specialist. The advanced nursing practice specialties also require additional study leading to a master’s degree.

Nursing education programs include classroom instruction in such areas as anatomy, physiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology, microbiology, and nursing. Supervised clinical experience is provided in hospital settings and generally involves rotations in pediatrics, surgery, psychiatry, and maternity. Nursing programs have found themselves becoming more and more competitive, with high grades in high school or the first two years of college becoming a necessity. Experience in a healthcare setting also may be considered in the application process.

Healthcare experience can strengthen applications along with test scores. The national average acceptance rate for nursing schools is 66%, though rates vary significantly by institution. Here is a comprehensive list of direct admit programs and the passing rates of the NCLEX exam - Direct Admit Nursing Programs.

High school students determined to pursue a BSN might consider direct-entry nursing programs at schools such as Boston College, Arizona State University or Texas Christian University. These programs allow students to begin pre-nursing classes immediately and start clinical rotations in their second year. Some institutions, such as Regis University, guarantee nursing school admission to pre-nursing students who meet specific academic requirements.

To become a competitive applicant, students should take the most challenging high school curriculum they can manage successfully. With nursing education becoming increasingly selective, strong academic preparation is essential for gaining admission to these programs.

 

Photo by Laura James: https://www.pexels.com/photo/crop-nurse-in-mask-and-gloves-with-papers-6098054/