Serena
If I want to officially work as a certified nurse, should I go into a 2-year or 4-year program?
Since the Beginning of the year, I have been receiving college acceptances. I got one from Alfred State that says I was conditionally accepted into their 2-year nursing program. But my godmother and other nurses that I have asked says that I should go for the 4-year program because it comes with a higher degree. But I was worried that I would be passing up an opportunity that was given for me to enter a nursing program. #nursing #healthcare
2 answers
Teresa Bentley
Teresa’s Answer
Dear Serena, You can take the NCLEX exam and work as an RN with either an ADN (Associates degree in nursing) or a BSN ( bachelor's degree in nursing). But- many hospitals require a BSN. I actually graduated from nursing school in 1986 and began practicing as an RN without my BSN for many years- I am now a manager of a unit and a BSN was required- so I had to go back to school while working full time. I now have my BSN. I think that it would have been better if I had gone straight thru and gotten the 4 year degree at the beginning. You can still be successful with an ADN-- It just will not open as many doors. If you get a full scholarship to attend a 2 year degree, you might consider the possibility of taking your two years and then taking an RN to BSN program.
Thank You!
Serena
Maisha Guillory
Maisha’s Answer
More employers are looking for Bachelors prepared nurses...so go for the 4-year program.