5 answers
Ashley
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
3
Questions
Updated
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What colleges will better nurture me to become a pediatric nurse?
Hello, I am a 10th grader. Right now, my school has stressed the importance of knowing what to do after highschools. One thing I'm struggling with is the factors that take place when picking a college, when picking classes, when picking a job, etc.
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5 answers
Joseph Ford
123
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
I see your in Minnesota. The University of Minnesota has a highly rated Pediatric program for what your interested in. Also though your only in 10th grade look into Childrens Simulation Center they have a volunteer program.
William Nwaogu
Construction, CAD and BIM
156
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
William’s Answer
Visit collegeboard.org for programs in Pediatrics in your area.
Lisa Thomas, EdD
Education Consultant and College Advisor
7
Answers
Richmond, California
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Hi Ashley,
It sounds like you are beginning to feel the early stages of college and career decision-making. There are tons of nursing schools and programs across the US, and I can understand why it may be hard to figure out where you need to start.
By the way, the USA desperately needs more nurses, so Kudos to you for your interest in this area!
STEP 1: The choice of schools depends on you, the State you live in, and what you want to practice. Do you know the differences between the types of nursing programs, licensures, and degrees (CNA, LVN, RN, BSN, MSN, etc.) and which ones you can do right out of high school if prepared? It's about your goals, interests, etc.
If your answer is NO, then you would start by looking up these different levels of nursing degrees or programs (use the abbreviations above). Some students can become a CNA- a Certified Nursing Assistant (it takes a few months to become certified) while still in high school (if your school district or State allows it). You can start working with patients with this certificate. While other students are sure about the type of license, certificate, and degree they want after doing a general Google search. Hint Hint: Do a Google Search!
Also, depending on your State of residence, most students can become an RN- Registered Nurse and obtain either an Associate Degree (from a community college in 2yrs if adequately prepared in high school). Or, students can enter into bachelor's programs at the university in 4yrs (becoming an RN at the BSN level with the same RN license). Both are RNs, both need the same license, and both have to pass the same licensing exam and can do the same things, but the BS-Nursing (BSN) is prepared at a higher degree level. You can look up the differences and the time to complete each program in your home state.
STEP 2: Once you know about these programs or degrees, you can start looking around to see which schools are near you and attend an information session or open college tour day to visit that campus and program. You can sign up by visiting the school's website and registering for orientation, college visit, and tour with their admissions office.
STEP 3: To see how successful these programs or degrees are, you can ask them two important questions. The first is how should you prepare to enter their program and, the second is how many students pass the license exams for the RN (NCLEX). The answer to these questions will tell you how well they prepare their students to pass this licensing exam, for example.
These are just some steps necessary to learn more about this field, the types of programs, degrees, licensure, and opportunities available to you in your area and beyond. Your high school counselor and parents/ adult in your life may be able to assist you to sign up for these college events and attend in-person or virtually. Some schools may also provide a scholarship to cover the visit's cost (i.e., Fly-In Programs). These events will also help you with your college essays if you decide to pursue a higher degree (BSN).
I hope this helps!
Lisa
It sounds like you are beginning to feel the early stages of college and career decision-making. There are tons of nursing schools and programs across the US, and I can understand why it may be hard to figure out where you need to start.
By the way, the USA desperately needs more nurses, so Kudos to you for your interest in this area!
STEP 1: The choice of schools depends on you, the State you live in, and what you want to practice. Do you know the differences between the types of nursing programs, licensures, and degrees (CNA, LVN, RN, BSN, MSN, etc.) and which ones you can do right out of high school if prepared? It's about your goals, interests, etc.
If your answer is NO, then you would start by looking up these different levels of nursing degrees or programs (use the abbreviations above). Some students can become a CNA- a Certified Nursing Assistant (it takes a few months to become certified) while still in high school (if your school district or State allows it). You can start working with patients with this certificate. While other students are sure about the type of license, certificate, and degree they want after doing a general Google search. Hint Hint: Do a Google Search!
Also, depending on your State of residence, most students can become an RN- Registered Nurse and obtain either an Associate Degree (from a community college in 2yrs if adequately prepared in high school). Or, students can enter into bachelor's programs at the university in 4yrs (becoming an RN at the BSN level with the same RN license). Both are RNs, both need the same license, and both have to pass the same licensing exam and can do the same things, but the BS-Nursing (BSN) is prepared at a higher degree level. You can look up the differences and the time to complete each program in your home state.
STEP 2: Once you know about these programs or degrees, you can start looking around to see which schools are near you and attend an information session or open college tour day to visit that campus and program. You can sign up by visiting the school's website and registering for orientation, college visit, and tour with their admissions office.
STEP 3: To see how successful these programs or degrees are, you can ask them two important questions. The first is how should you prepare to enter their program and, the second is how many students pass the license exams for the RN (NCLEX). The answer to these questions will tell you how well they prepare their students to pass this licensing exam, for example.
These are just some steps necessary to learn more about this field, the types of programs, degrees, licensure, and opportunities available to you in your area and beyond. Your high school counselor and parents/ adult in your life may be able to assist you to sign up for these college events and attend in-person or virtually. Some schools may also provide a scholarship to cover the visit's cost (i.e., Fly-In Programs). These events will also help you with your college essays if you decide to pursue a higher degree (BSN).
I hope this helps!
Lisa
William Nwaogu
Construction, CAD and BIM
156
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
William’s Answer
These are among bests of Specializations in Nursing:
Emory University
Duke University
University of Rochester
New York University
Walden University
Emory University
Duke University
University of Rochester
New York University
Walden University
Sheila Bolanos DNP, NP-C, FNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
2
Answers
Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Go for a highly-rated nursing program within your area, such as The University of Minnesota or nearby states. Based on my experience, it is better to go for a brick-and-mortar nursing school because some employers can get very selective in that area and you want to stand out among applicants. In addition, you should shadow a pediatric nurse or a pediatric nurse practitioner in a clinic or hospital to understand what to expect in those careers. Take one step at a time. Good luck.
Thanks for the advice.
Ashley