If you want to become a working nurse in as shortest time as possible, become a CNA is the way to go. If you have a year to spare, become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) is probably one of the best options. Click here to read about CNA job descriptions to see if you even want to become one. CNA is a very physically demanding job with very little perks. LPN is probably the one I suggest you look into very carefully.
LPN offers a decent salary and it takes about one year to finish. Once you become LPN, you can become RN or BSN by taking classes online. It won't be easy but it offers a very bright future in nursing if you do not have time or money to spend 4 years colleges right now.
There are two different accredited online LPN to Registered Nurse programs available; the LPN to RN degree program and the LPN to BSN program. The LPN to RN program leads to an Associate degree in Nursing (RN), while the LPN to BSN leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
After finishing the Associate in Nursing Science degree (commonly called ADN program) and passing the NCLEX-RN exam graduates are RN’s. The Associate degree in Nursing provides the fastest route to becoming an entry level RN.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN degree) graduate is also a Registered Nurse but the BSN degree provides the educational preparation for nurses to practice with more independence in diverse settings, both within hospitals, and beyond.
Nurses with an BSN degree can practice at a higher level, with greater autonomy and responsibility. Additionally, a BSN degree is also the foundation for future nursing education such as Nursing Masters degree programs (M.S. in Nursing), and Nurse Practitioner programs.
I believe this article will explain both programs and be helpful to you: Which Nursing Program Should You Choose: LPN-to-RN or LPN-to-BSN?
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A patient would not mind receiving care either from a BSN or RN especially if he does not know the difference between the two.
BSN is the key to fastest career advancement and not to mention respects among your peers.
If you're not yet having a degree in RN, you will not be able to find a 100% online nursing program. State requires that you have clinical training before it will allow you to take NCLEX exam to qualify you as a nurse.
If you are an LPN it will take you 2 years to become RN then you can go on and study by taking classes online to become BSN while working as RN.
If you are working as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN), it is a very natural progression to move from LPN or LVN to registered nurse (RN).
Many online RN to BSN programs come about over the years to provide RNs with ADN or Associate’s Degree in Nursing, however only a few of them were accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education or CCNE. Accreditation is important to any coursework to attest the quality of education being given by the institution.
Top Online RN to BSN Programs