Are you considering a career in patient care? Nursing is a highly rewarding profession for anyone who enjoys contact with patients to support their care and improve their wellbeing.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6% by 2032, while employment of licensed practical/vocational nurses is projected to grow by 5%.
Quick facts:
- Median annual wage for registered nurses was $86,070 in May 2023.
- Median annual wage for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses was $59,730 in May 2023.
Nursing Education: Selecting Your Program
If you are considering a career in nursing, there are various entry-level professional pathways available. There are several types of nursing qualifications, each following a distinct set of educational requirements.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), sometimes called Nurse Aide, helps patients with their daily activities and monitors them for vital signs. CNAs work under the supervision of a registered nurse in a variety of settings, most commonly in nursing and residential care facilities, hospitals, and in-home health care. CNA training typically lasts 4 to 12 weeks and is open to high school diploma or GED (General Education Development) holders. CNAs must pass a competency test to enter the workforce.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), in most states, or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), in Texas and California, provides basic hands-on patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse or a physician. LPNs monitor patients and their medical records and administer first aid. In some cases, LPNs may assist with minor surgeries, administer injections, or monitor catheters. LPN/LVN training requires 1 to 2 years of training at a vocational, technical school, or college. Some hospitals may also offer LPN training. Graduates of the LPN/LVN program sit the Nursing Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN), as they must hold a license to enter the workforce.
Registered Nurse (RN) provides and coordinates patient care, patient education, and emotional support. Graduates of the RN program sit the Nursing Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), as they must hold a license to enter the workforce.
There are three types of programs that prepare for licensure as a registered nurse.
- Diploma in nursing - requires two years of training in a hospital school of nursing.
- Associate’s degree in nursing - requires two years of community college or university education and includes anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and psychology.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - requires four years of university or college study and includes additional courses in nursing theory, research, leadership, and other advanced subjects. Some colleges and universities also offer bridging BSN programs for graduates of the LPN/LVN, diploma, or associate’s degree RN programs.
Beyond entry-level nursing programs there are also advanced degree programs such as Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DPN), and a Doctorate (PhD) in Nursing.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) includes career paths such as Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Midwife, Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, or Clinical Nurse Specialist. It prepares for advanced roles and leadership positions in the nursing profession.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the highest degree for nursing practitioners, widely preferred for administrative and educational positions. Both BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP programs exist.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) focuses on research. It requires 4-5 years of study composed of two years of courses and the remainder of the time spent on research and thesis writing.
Certification: State Licensure Process
All candidates for the profession must sit relevant licensing examinations, which are managed at the state level within the United States.
Institutions offering recognized programs prepare students for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) NCLEX® examination for registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/VNs). According to NCLEX 2024 data, the top five countries where first-time internationally-educated candidates came from are: Philippines, India, Kenya, Nepal, and Ghana, with a passing rate just under 53% in the RN exam.
Selecting the institution
In July 2020 the U.S. Department of Education introduced a regulation requiring institutions offering nursing programs to disclose to prospective students if the program meets the licensure requirements in their state. This regulation is required of any institution program that participates in Title IV HEA funding. Title IV of the Higher Education Act (HEA) provides authorization for federal financial aid programs for students. Among other details, Regulation 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v) requires the institution to provide the student with a list of all states for which its curriculum meets the licensure requirement.
Prospective students to nursing programs in the United States should check with relevant bodies whether the institutions are properly accredited to offer the programs. To sit the NCLEX exam, prospective U.S. candidates should have graduated from a board-approved program. Boards of Nursing (BON) in each U.S. state can provide this information. Foreign-educated nurses can contact the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) to inquire about the prescreening process. Local state BONs can also provide further information on licensure.
Resources
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) plays a key role in regulating and improving the nursing profession. All state boards of nursing in the United States are members of NCSBN. The NCSBN website provides additional information on nursing education and licensure requirements by state.
If an international applicant has been educated in their home country in the field of nursing, many state boards of nursing may require a foreign credential assessment report. These reports will compare the foreign nursing credential in the home country with a comparable credential in the United States. ECE offers credential evaluation reports for nursing students. This will include a course-by-course evaluation of the student's nursing program and an equivalency statement. The State Board will use the report to determine an applicant’s admissibility or eligibility to work as a health care provider in the United States. ECE always recommends that an applicant educated abroad consults with their intended state board first before requesting an evaluation report. Find out more about ECE credential evaluations here.
A Rewarding Profession
Nursing is a fulfilling career for those passionate about patient care and improving the well-being of others, with strong job prospects as employment for registered nurses is projected to grow by 6% and for licensed practical/vocational nurses by 5% by 2032. Aspiring nurses have various educational pathways, including becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), and Registered Nurse (RN). Advanced degrees such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) offer further specialization and career growth, providing diverse opportunities within the healthcare field.