How
to become a Registered Nurse
Registered nurse preparation: Three educational paths exist to become a registered nurse
(R.N.). These include the two-year associate degree program, the three-year diploma
program, and the four-year baccalaureate program.
Entrance requirements for nursing schools vary. All three programs may require one or more
standardized entrance exams such as: the "Scholastic Aptitude Test" (SAT) of the
College Entrance Examination Board; the "American College Test" (ACT) of the
American college Testing Program; the "Pre-Nursing and Guidance Examination" of
the National League for Nursing; and the "Entrance Examination for schools of
Nursing" of the Psychological Test Corporation. Each school establishes its own
admission score.
Each program requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Applicants must meet the
same institutional requirements as all entering students. Generally, this means that
applicants must have units in the following subject areas: English, math, science and
social studies. In addition, some programs may have a foreign language requirement.
Exceptions to these requirements for all three programs are common and applicants must
make individual inquiries school by school.
Consider Approval And Accreditation
In selecting a school of nursing, the student should ascertain whether the school is state
approved. This insures that the program meets the minimum legal requirements set by that
state for that preparation of nurses for licensure. Only graduates of state approved
programs are eligible to take the state licensure examination. The National League for
Nursing (NLN) is the national accrediting agency for most nursing education programs,
recognized by the council on Post Secondary Accreditation and U.S Department of Education
and by the nursing profession itself. The graduate from an NLN accredited school is more
likely to receive credit for previous educational experiences when applying for further
study.
For any type of nursing program, one should select a program that is state approved and
accredited by the National League for Nursing. The NLN maintains lists of accredited
schools. A list may be obtained (for a nominal fee), by writing to the National of
Nursing, 350 Hudson Street, New York, N.Y. 10014. It is wise to examine several programs
before selecting one. Additionally, it may be advantageous to apply to several programs
since competition for admission can be stringent.
Who is a registered nurse in the US?
REGISTERED NURSE (R.N.): A graduate of a state-approved school, either from a two-year
associate degree program, a three-year diploma program, or a four-year baccalaureate
program, who has passed the state board licensing (NCLEX-RN) examination for R.N.'s.
License must be renewed periodically, with continuing education a legal requirement for
license renewal in certain states.
Who is a registered nurse in other countries?
A registered nurse is a nurse who is fully and unconditionally licensed to practiced
nursing in his / her country.
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