Nursing Training: A Closer Look at the Road to Becoming an RN
Nursing is such a huge and exciting field. No matter how much you know—there’s always more to learn, and the best nurses approach their careers with that mentality. If you get excited about the prospect of becoming a registered nurse (RN), you might well be wondering what exactly your nursing training will look like.
What kind of courses will you take? How long will you be in school? Is a Nursing school much different than other college programs? Sometimes being able to picture the journey up close can help you make important decisions. If you are curious about nursing training, read on and get a closer look at the road to becoming an RN.
Nursing training: Programs and courses
No matter which path you choose for a degree in Nursing, your core curriculum will include courses on a variety of essential nursing topics. Nurses need to know about quality and safety assurance in nursing, for example—and they also need to know how to administer IV fluids. This mixture of both theoretical and practical knowledge makes nursing training a little more interesting than your average college program.
Whether you pursue an Associate’s degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), you will have to pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Nursing programs of any kind need to teach students the fundamental material they need to pass that test.
After that, the courses you take in a Nursing program will vary depending on the path you choose. Let’s take a closer look at two popular options.
The Associate’s Degree in Nursing route
The Associate’s degree in Nursing (ADN) is the shortest path to working as an RN. It appeals to students who want the minimum credential they need to start working as an RN as quickly as possible. ADN programs from career-focused colleges can be completed in as few as 18–24 months.* The ADN route is a great option for those who many not be able to commit to the time and financial investment a BSN requires.
These programs will have a blend of general education (math, language, social science) and Nursing courses. This ensures Nursing students have a well-rounded education while still providing an in-depth understanding of how to complete important nursing duties.
This foundation of hands-on nursing knowledge gives ADN nurses the ability to complete a BSN program online if they do decide to return and pursue a Bachelor’s degree later on.
Specific Nursing training courses for the ADN
Rasmussen University’s Associate’s degree in Nursing program includes Nutritional Principles in Nursing, a course that introduces students to chemical processes that occur on a cellular level related to nutrient intake. Emphasis is placed on the body’s ability to meet basic health and wellness needs as it pertains to a diverse set of clients across the lifespan.
Another important course is Professional Nursing 1, the first of a two-course series that teaches students to build a skill set to meet health needs and exercise clinical judgment as a nurse. This class involves theory, lab and clinical components. Students must demonstrate their proficiency in all knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to provide safe, quality care to complete the course.
