How to Become a Nurse in Texas
To become a registered nurse (RN) you need to complete an accredited nursing program and pass the national licensing examination for registered nurses - the NCLEX-RN. There are five types of nursing programs to become a registered nurse:
Nurse Diploma programs are provided by hospitals and last up to three years. Some nursing diploma schools are affiliated with community and junior colleges which allow students to complete their basic English and science requirements.
Associate Degree Nursing programs (ADN) are offered by junior and community colleges as well as by hospital schools of nursing. ADN programs take two years to complete and graduates can work in many different areas of nursing. ADN programs have the advantage of being the fastest way to becoming a registered nurse while providing hands-on clinical experience and affordable tuition costs.
Bachelor Degree Nursing programs (BSN) are four-year college or university nursing programs which include two years of nursing courses. BSN graduates are increasingly preferred for more independent nursing positions such as leadership, management or community health. A BSN degree is generally required for acceptance into Master's Degree in Nursing programs or other advanced degree programs.
Accelerated Bachelor's Degree programs which are also referred to as second-degree BSN programs are for individuals with a Bachelor's Degree in a discipline other than nursing. Second-degree BSN programs take 12 to 18 months to complete and are offered by colleges and universities.
Accelerated MSN programs are for individuals with a Bachelor's Degree in a discipline other than nursing. Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs take around three years to complete.
To become a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) you must complete a state-approved vocational nursing program and pass the licensing examination for vocational nurses - the NCLEX-PN. LVN certification programs last up to one year, include both classroom study and supervised clinical experience, and are offered by vocational schools, community and junior colleges, high schools and hospitals.
LVN to Diploma and LVN to RN fast-track programs are quick way for vocational nurses to become professional registered nurses. There are two types of LVN to RN programs: LVN to ADN programs lead to an Associate Degree in Nursing while LVN to BSN programs lead to a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing. Completion of any of the three programs allows vocational nurses to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination.
RN to BSN programs are for registered nurses who want to pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. Diploma and ADN prepared nurses benefit from the fact that previous courses are taken into consideration for advanced placement in the program.
To become a Texas certified nurse aide (CNA) you must complete an approved nurse aide training and competency evaluation program and pass the competency evaluation program examination.
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