There are many different types of nursing accreditation out there which can make the entire profession a bit of a minefield to navigate. The different levels of nursing accreditation take different lengths of time to complete, cost varying amounts and require different backgrounds, experiences and abilities to learn.
If you are going to become a nurse then you need to know which Nursing degree is right for the type of nurse you want to be. This article is designed to help you understand the different types of nursing accreditation and select the right one for yourself.
Basic Nursing Accreditation
At the most basic level is the Certified Nursing Assistant which is a relatively short course that can be done for minimal or even zero cost, particularly with CNA training online that gives you a good foundation and some practical experience. With this qualification you can at least work in your chosen field and gain experience as you study for a different form of nursing accreditation.
Nursing Accreditation : Associate’s Degree (ADN)
The Associate’s Degree in Nursing, or ADN is a two year course that you can get from most community colleges or vocational schools. If you check out the ones in your local area you are bound to find one offering it. The ADN is the minimum requirement for you to become a Registered Nurse, but many employers want a higher level of education, the BSN for a lot of the Registered Nurse nursing roles.
Nursing Accreditation : Bachelor’s Degree (BSN)
The Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN) is required by many of the nursing careers. A BSN is typically a four year degree from a university or college and can be undertaken part time or distance learning. Many mature students will work whilst studying for this nursing accreditation.
The BSN, like other nursing degrees, combines classroom learning with hands on training referred to as clinicals. These clinicals allow students to gain actually hands on experience working with patients in a hospital and getting used to the job. This is a vital part of this nursing accreditation and ensures you are ready for the job when you start work.
You must always ensure you obtain your BSN from an accreddited nursing training provider. If it is not from a recognized training school then you may find yourself unable to get a job because the degree will not count towards state nursing accreditation.
Nursing Accreditation : Masters’s Degree (MSN)
The Master of Science degree in Nursing (MSN) requires you to have a BSN before you start, through some training providers allow you to combine a bachelor and masters program. If you are keen to become an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN or APRN) then you need to have this nursing accreditation.
Advanced Practice Nurses tend to have more authority in the workplace, are given more autonomous jobs and will usually earn more than a regular Registered Nurse, making this nursing accreditation worth it for someone seeking to advance their career.
Some of the MSN training programs allow the student to focus on specific specialities of nursing such as clinical nursing, forensic nursing and more.
In order to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) you will require a master’s degree. In most cases an MSN is undertaken whilst working as a nurse and require around 1 to 2 years of additional coursework to obtain. Many employers will assist with the cost (or pay for it outright) of a master’s degree in return for a commitment from yourself to work with them for a period of time after you’ve completed your studies.
You need to ensure the your MSN comes from a properly accredited training program. Remember that it may not count towards your nursing accreditation if your training providor isn’t recognized by the appropriate authorities.
Nursing Accreditation : Doctorate Degrees
The highest nursing accreditation you can obtain is a doctorate level degree which requires you to have a bachelor’s and also a master’s degree. Once you have your Doctorate Degree you may find yourself being referred to as “Doctor Nurse”!
There are two different nursing doctorates offered. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is focused on the clinical side of nursing where as the Doctor of Nursing Science (DNSc or DSN or DNS) which is the preferred choice of those who want to become researches or to teach nursing programs.
Finding Out More About Nursing Accreditation
There are many places you can find out about nursing accreditation, including your local colleges and universities. You can also check out your state nursing accreditation body as they will provide you with details of accredited nursing training programs.
Other resources include:
NLNAC – Find Accredited Nursing Education Programs
American Association of Colleges of Nursing – AACN
With these resources and this information you are now ready to find out more about your nursing accreditation and start training towards a rewarding new career.
