Registered nursing schools are schools which have been registered with the relevant organization that is responsible for the nursing schools in a particular country or area. Such a nursing school will be seen to have benefits that will be better than those schools that are not registered.

It includes registered nursing degrees, RN to BSN programs, RN to MSN programs, licensed practical nursing schools, CNA training, and Parish Nursing. Aspiring nurses should make detailed inquiries before enrolling at a nursing school, as there are some universities offering nursing programs that are not registered or affiliated. Enrolling into registered nursing schools ensures that potential healthcare employers, graduate schools, and nursing professional organizations legitimately recognize the coursework, diplomas, or degrees earned.

Getting a relevant degree: Working as a LPN (licensed practical nurse) does not require an academic degree, but the prerequisites for registered nursing are higher: In order to become a registered nurse you have to complete a relevant program in an accredited nursing school, which will give you an academic degree in nursing. The nursing degree you get may be one of the following options:
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN). This is the degree of preference most hospitals want their RNs to have. If you want to have career advancement then this is the degree of choice for you. People should get a BSN degree if they want to further enhance their career. The BSN degree has more units than other shorter basic nursing degrees and has courses in leadership and management. This course prepares students also for administrative nursing. There are also accelerated BSN or MSN programs for people who have already finished a bachelor’s degree in other fields.

Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN). This is often the stepping stone for a nursing career. This is a two year course that covers all the basics in nursing. Students learn how to take care of patients and the basics in nursing. A lot of people go into this program and start their career with an Associate Degree in Nursing. After graduating in the program, you can then take an exam that you need to pass in order to become a Registered Nurse (RN). Later in your career you can take a RN-to-BSN bridge program to complete your bachelor’s degree.

Diploma in Nursing (this is a degree awarded by some hospital-based schools, similar to the ADN degree). Other professionals who want to go into the health care profession can also take up accelerated degree programs. There are now BSN programs that are offered to people who want to take up nursing as their second profession. The accelerated program takes about 2 years and it’s offered only to those who have bachelor’s degree.
Once you have your academic degree, you should pass the National Council Licensure Examination to become a Registered Nurse (this exam is also called NCLEX-RN). Upon completion of this exam you can work as a registered nurse.

Learn more about Registered Nursing Schools.