Start A Nursing Career
Learn about the many ways you can train to become a nurse in Alberta. Program options are developed to give students choices in what, where and how they want to study.
There are several types of nurses, and a variety of nursing training programs, making it important for you to research your options until you find the one that’s right for you. Post-secondary institutions work together to design training programs that give you flexibility and choice in your learning options.
There are 4 types of programs for professional nurses in Alberta:
Please note there are also allied health professions, such as paramedics, diagnostic imaging technologists, medical laboratory technologists, medical radiation therapists or respiratory therapists, which might be of interest to you. Visit OccInfo to research these options.
Adn Programs In New York
One of the quickest routes to becoming an RN is to earn an Associate’s Degree in Nursing . This degree program lasts just 2 years, making it ideal for those who want to enter the workforce as soon as possible. It is typically offered at smaller colleges, such as community and/or technical schools.
New York boasts over 60 schools with ADN programs located in all regions of the state.
Nursing Arts & Science Transfer As
The field of nursing includes a number of different career paths. For some, earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing will allow them greater involvement in patient care, including healthcare administration, research or clinical teaching positions. The Nursing Transfer, A.S. will allow you to transfer to both in and out-of-state four-year colleges to complete your degree.
Loading… in the AACC College Catalog.
Note: this degree is offered through the Department of Biology. Questions should be directed to the Science office at 410-777-2260 or science@aacc.edu.
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Where Can I Go To College To Become A Nurse
If you have no nursing experience and want to enter this field, nursing school at a local community college may be your best option. Many community colleges offer hybrid or blended online nursing aide programs, nursing diplomas and associates in nursing that prepare students to be a Licensed Nurse Practitioner .
Complete Prerequisites For An Adn Or A Bsn
Whether nursing students choose an ADN or BSN degree, they must complete liberal arts, math, and science prerequisites. Common prerequisites for nursing school include basic anatomy, physiology, biology, psychology, and anatomy. Nursing schools often require that incoming students earn a minimum “C” grade in these courses.
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Practising As An Rn Or Rpn In Ontario
Becoming a member of the College is a legal requirement for anyone who wishes to practise nursing in Ontario.
Only members of the College can practise nursing in Ontario and use the titles nurse, Registered Nurse , Registered Practical Nurse , or Nurse Practitioner .
It is illegal for anyone to practise nursing or use any of these titles in Ontario without a valid certificate of registration issued by the College.
Your status as an RN or RPN informs the public that all individuals who identify themselves as nurses have the knowledge, skill and judgment required to provide safe and ethical nursing care.
The majority of successful applicants enter the General Class, the most common class of registration for nurses in Ontario.
Applicants who wish to begin nursing before they receive the result of their registration examination also have the option of applying to the Temporary Class, provided they meet the requirements for that class.
Enroll In Nursing School
Once youve decided which degree path youd like to pursue, its time to find a nursing school that aligns with your goals and enroll in a nursing program. Weve covered how to get into nursing school before, but heres a brief summary.
After graduating high school, youll need to research different nursing programs and then complete an applicationtypically requiring you to round up some letters of recommendation, write the requisite essays and more. Youll also likely need to take the Test of Essential Academic Skills exam and prepare for your entrance interview.
It may sound like a lot is required of you right from the get-go, but when you break each step down and tackle it one piece at a time, youll start to see your path toward nursing success take shape. The time and effort put into each phase of your process are important factors that can help you get into the school youve set your sights on.
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What Does A Registered Nurse Do
Registered nurses play key roles in patient care, ensuring patients receive timely and professional medical attention.
In addition to assessing how patients are doing and recording their observations on medical charts, common responsibilities of a registered nurse may include administering medicines and providing approved treatments, collaborating with doctors and other nurses to coordinate care, performing diagnostic tests ordered by physicians and nurse practitioners, and communicating with family members about patients.
Registered nurses sometimes work in specialized areas of healthcare, including emergency medicine, pregnancy and delivery, neonatal care, and geriatric services.
Best Nursing Schools In New York
Selecting the best nursing school in New York can be difficult. To make the process easier first look for a school that supports students towards licensure and beyond. A great way to measure this is through NCLEX-RN “pass rates.” We have ranked the top 50 nursing schools in New York by analyzing current and historical NCLEX-RN “pass rates”, meaning the percentage of graduates who pass the exam, out of the 101 RN programs in the state. Programs reviewed include schools that offer an Associate in Nursing , BSN, or Direct-Entry MSN Degree.
For more information on our top nursing school rankings, see our Methodology Page .
See Our list of the Best Nursing Programs in New York
The state of New York is on track to becoming one of the top regions in the country for nursing employment. In fact, a report by the Center for Health Workforce Studies states 80% of deans and directors of nursing programs report “many jobs” are available for newly trained RNs. With the Bureau of Labor Statistics listing the mean average salary for an RN in New York at $85,610, an education in the field is more than just a wise career choice it’s a lucrative one as well. The total number of RN graduates in NY is doing so with the BSN degree and the percentage is growing over time.
For RN bridge programs visit:
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Suffolk County Community College
Suffolk County Community College is home to an associate degree nursing program designed to prepare students for entry into nursing practice. Those enrolled can choose from daytime or evening courses, and required classes include Adult Physical Health Nursing, Maternal/Child Health Nursing Care, and others.
Licensure And State Authorization
Once the student has completed the Associate in Science Degree in Nursing program and has successfully obtained certification in Hawaii by the Hawaii Board of Nursing, s/he will be eligible to obtain a state license, which will allow the licensee to practice nursing in the State of Hawaii. Kapiolani Community College may not be able to confirm whether a particular program meets the professional licensure requirements outside of the State of Hawaii. Kapiolani CC recommends the student contact the respective professional licensing board to determine the licensure requirements in the state in which the student lives.
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What Are My Career Choices
Nurses are employed in a variety of health care settings, such as: long term care facilities, hospitals, home health agencies, clinics, schools, physician and dentist offices, industrial settings and rehabilitation agencies. Graduates of the program are eligible to continue their education and complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing through completion programs in surrounding four year universities.
Phillips School Of Nursing
Phillips School of Nursing at Mount Sinai Beth Israel offers two nursing programs for adult learners: the Accelerated Bachelor of Science as well as the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion program . These programs take just 15 months to complete and blend classroom learning with hands-on labs and simulations.
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Disadvantages To A Community College Nursing School
If theres any disadvantage to attending a community college for a nursing degree it could be this:
The nursing industry is wide open to people from every walk of life. You have few prerequisites to this course of study. At the same time youll discover your classmates may comprise a diverse cross-section: college-age students, career-changers, older studentsall of whom study on different levels. If youre sharp as a whip you might be frustrated with the pace of some courses. At the same time, it could be you struggling with the coursework.
Consider checking out your regional community colleges for the available nursing programs.
This Is What Guides All Of Our Work
Our values will help to guide, unify and lay the foundation of success for the new organization that is reflective of its stakeholders and goals as one nursing regulator in Nova Scotia.
Accountability
- Being courageous and committed to making evidence-informed decisions.
- Being accountable and responsible for the decisions we make.
Transparency
- Engaging in a participatory, collaborative and respectful way.
- Disseminating clear, relevant and useful information and guidelines.
Integrity
- Being truthful, honest and engaging in respectful dialogue.
- Performing all activities in a fair and consistent way, precluding bias against anyone.
Agility
- Anticipating and responding with an open mind.
- Fostering a mindset of collaboration, openness, and innovation.
Relational
- Cultivating and sustaining relationships by being respectful, inclusive, genuine and consistent.
- Behaving in a manner that encompasses diversity and reflects professionalism.
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Advantages Of Bsn Programs
BSN programs are a great way to go about getting your RN license. Many people like taking the direct 4-year route, with the end result being increased job opportunities and salary potential. This type of degree is also very adaptable to wherever you are in life, with accelerated and RN to BSN options widely available for those who want to start a second career or nursing or advance an existing nursing career.
What Kind Of Nursing Degree Can You Get At Community College
Community College Nursing Programs. The Associates Degree in Nursing, or the ADN, continues to be one of the most popular avenues to a solid career as a nurse. Community colleges across the country remain the stronghold for delivery of these programs. But besides the ADN degree track most community colleges also provide a practical nurse program.
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Getting A New York Nursing License
New York State requires candidates to meet certain criteria, as well as provide specific information when applying for licensure either by examination or endorsement.
If applying by examination you must meet these criteria and provide the following information:
- Be of good moral character
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Graduated from a state-approved school of nursing – official transcripts sent to the board directly from the school
- Disclosure of Social Security Number
- Register for the NCLEX – obtain a passing score
Licensure by endorsement requirement includes ALL of the above information, as well as:
- Verification of licensure from originating state – via request or NURSYS
Learn more about NY RN license information at the New York State Education Department.
Working As A Registered Nurse
Nursing students find positions through their schools or other popular job boards. Nursing organizations, such as the American Nurses Association also offer career centers where members can find open positions. RNs earn a mean annual wage of $80,010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many earn more when they find jobs in the top nursing industries, such as business support services, the federal government, and pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing. These fields pay RNs an annual mean wage of $92,110-$106,670. See the top paying careers for RNs on this page.
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Accelerated Nursing Programs In New York
Candidates holding nursing or other degrees are being sought after by employers, which makes the decision to attend a 10 to an 18-month full-time course that much easier. Programs are offered as on-campus, full-time commitments, as the course load and clinical hours require the candidate’s full focus, which means full-time outside work is not recommended. There are required courses that will have to be completed prior to the start date of the degree program. Additional courses will add to the overall time frame and can contribute to an increase in overall tuition. For more information on tuition and entrance requirements, contact the institution you wish to attend.
Bsn Programs In New York
For more advanced nursing opportunities, a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing will be needed. This program lasts the traditional 4 years and is typically offered at larger universities. Accelerated BSN programs and RN to BSN programs are also widely available.
Over 55 schools in New York state offer at least one version of a BSN program.
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What Does A Nurse Do
Nursing is a broad field in medicine that comprises a variety of different roles with different experience and education levels. Nurses are often on the frontlines of patient care and provide healthcare, treatments, and management of the entire patient experience. You probably interact with a nurse when you go for your annual health checkup, as they often take your general health measurements , and administer shots. In some cases, a nurse may even perform the same responsibilities as a doctor. The job requires both strong medical knowledge as well as empathy, respect, and compassion to help ensure the patient gets the best care possible.
Nursing has many specializations and levels of study. These include:
Licensed Nursing Assistant / Certified Nursing Assistant
LNAs complete approved nursing assistant programs and then pass knowledge and skills evaluations. The minimum age to become an LNA is 16-18 years old, so some students get certified and work part-time as a nursing assistant while still in high school.
Licensed Practical Nurses
LPNs work under the supervision of RNs, APRNs, or medical doctors to provide basic and routine care to patients. This job requires graduating from an accredited LPN program, usually two years at a technical school or community college.
Registered Nurse
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses / Nurse Practitioner
Earn A Bsn Or An Adn Degree
A four-year BSN degree offers an in-depth education in multiple disciplines and training in leadership, interpersonal communication, and clinical nursing. A two-year ADN degree covers nursing fundamentals and offers the fastest track to becoming a registered nurse, aside from an accelerated BSN program which lets those who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field graduate in as little as one year.
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Opportunities For Further Education
LPNs could study to become a RN.
The Post-LPN Bachelor of Nursing program at Athabasca University helps you segue from a LPN to RN eligibility. Its a 120-credit degree 30 credits for LPN coursework and 90 credits for course work . Some students can receive up to 45 transfer credits towards their course work, depending on their prior education.
What Does A Community Health Nurse Do
In addition to the traditional role of providing direct patient care in a clinical setting, Community Health Nurses work to educate and empower individuals and groups to take responsibility for managing their health. They often serve as public education resources about specific diseases or conditions, like the importance of breast cancer screening or the dangers of smoking.
CHNs collaborate with other health professionals, educators, and members of the community to plan and implement community-level public health initiatives that address social determinants of health. These nurses serve as an important resource for families, educators, and patients, and help bring about a better understanding of community health issues.
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Nursing Jobs And Salaries
Depending on your certification, nursing careers may include fields like:
- Acute care
- Long-term care institutions
- Hospitals
Licensed nurses may also serve as practitioners, educators and managers in the health field. Nurses also have options in the travel & tourism industry, as travel nurses are often in high demand.
Salaries in the field increase with experience. Registered nurses can expect starting salaries from $45,000 to $50,000 per year, and those that have a specialty like critical care, could start at $60,000 or more. Practical nurses have lower starting salaries, at around $43,000 per year.
Community Health Nurse Salary
Community health nursing is an area of specialization for registered nurses , which means that their salaries are generally similar to that of other RNs. According to employment and wage data published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for registered nurses across a variety of specialties was $80,010 in May 2020.
Registered nurses in the bottom 10% of all earners reported salaries of approximately $53,410, while those in the top 10% earned more than $116,230 per year. These salary figures are based on over 500,000 RNs who responded to the BLS survey.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming A Registered Nurse
Becoming a registered nurse typically requires either an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing. Admission requirements for these programs often include a minimum GPA, completion of prerequisite classes, and standardized test scores. Pay close attention to admission requirements for individual programs, as these can vary from school to school.
It depends. While full-time learners can earn an associate degree in about two years, bachelor’s programs typically take four years.
After completing all degree requirements, prospective RNs must then study for and pass the NCLEX-RN examination before applying for licensure in the state in which they plan to practice. Some students decide to pursue an ADN first so they can begin work more quickly, then complete a bridge program as a working student.
Yes. By pursuing an associate degree in nursing, you can meet minimum requirements for licensure and begin work in about two years. That said, more and more employers now look for job candidates who possess a bachelor’s degree. Completing these programs typically takes around four years, but graduates are prepared to provide more robust patient care. Students deciding between an ADN or BSN should review job postings in their area to learn about hiring requirements of nearby employees. If most require a bachelor’s degree, a BSN may provide a better investment.