Nursing degrees

There are various levels of nursing degrees available.  Each leads to different types of nursing jobs available and different salary expectations.

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) is the minimum nursing course level.  It usually requires about 1 year to complete and has both classroom and practicum components.  These nursing courses can be difficult to get into, as there are fewer students slots available than there are students trying to enter the course.  Requirements for the LPN or LVN vary from state to state.

Most LPN and LVN jobs are in nursing care facilities where the nurse will generally provide direct patient care including wound dressing, intake-output measurements, basic phlebotomy and taking of vital signs. 

The employment picture for LPN and LVN jobs is expected to decrease during the coming years as the population ages and requires more specialized care.  In 2002 the median salary level for an LPN/LVN was $31,000+.

There are three ways to receive a Registered Nurse nursing degree.  Some hospitals offer a Nursing Diploma program; an Associate of Nursing degree can be obtained—usually from a community college; or the four-year college course leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.  In addition, Registered Nurses are required to pass a competency exam in the field, which is offered by the National Council Licensure Examination—NCLEX-RN exam.

Registered Nurses are one of the best job opportunities in the foreseeable future.  Demand for qualified personnel in all areas of specialty continues to rise, but particularly in any specialization dealing with aging or elderly population.  The major difficulty with the nursing career is the problem finding a school with openings for the program.  Waits of 1-2 years to enter the nursing matriculation are not unusual.

Salary expectations for a Registered Nurse are in the range of $48,000-$69,000 in 2002.