Learning The Education Requirements For Nursing

By Natasha Bloch

Becoming a nurse is one of the most financially and personally rewarding career choices one can make these days. The problem is that colleges and universities that offer nursing programs have made admission highly competitive. This is why recognizing the prerequisites for nursing is critical.

Each school that offers this type of program has its own requirements that must be met before you will even be considered for admission into the program. However, there are certain universal requirements as well as similarities in the individual requirements.

A high school diploma with proof that a person has taken an emphasis in life sciences and mathematics is one of these requirements. Chemistry can also prove helpful. A GED may be acceptable as long as the applicant can prove sufficient knowledge of requisite course material.

Accredited colleges and universities offer specialized course materials that help develop the necessary skills one will need in order to practice as a nurse. Anatomy and physiology and pharmacology are two of the most critical courses. In addition, students will take theoretical and practical training in selecting injection sites, starting IVs, and other skills they will need. They will also be required to memorize the standard dosage of common medications in order to avoid mistakes when administering medications according to doctors' orders.

Schools offer degrees that range from the two-year Associate of Science to a PhD in nursing. Despite this range of degrees, those wishing to practice as nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX). There are two different test administered. One is for those wishing to attain the rank of LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) and the other is for those with the education level to become RNs (Registered Nurses).

There are certain specialties available within the field of nursing. These include nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner, and others. Each of these specialties has its own course requirements that must be met in order to become licensed to practice them.

Regardless of the level of nursing one practices, the states are unanimous in requiring nurses to take a certain number of hours of continuing education courses each year in order to keep their licenses. This requirement is intended to ensure that professionals remain up to date in their skills and familiar with the latest practices in their field.

Understanding the prerequisites for nursing is important in order to determine whether this is a career option you wish to explore further. It is also important to those already practicing as they will have to continue their education in order to maintain their licensure.

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