According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nursing is one of the occupations with the largest economic growth projected through 2020. Over 300,000 new positions are expected to be added, leading to a 20% growth in employment. With the Nursing shortage going on right now, they are in desperate need for new Nurses in the workforce. People will always have a need for the care of their health, and with a growing and aging population, the Nursing industry may grow even larger with a demand for more and more skilled professionals. Combine this with recent advantages in medial technology, and Nursing may become one of the most attractive, promising career choices available to graduates today.
CURRICULUM
Much the same as the other degrees, Nursing curriculum include core subject areas including English, Math, and Science. Once these are complete, a student can expect to move on to the more advance Nursing classes core to their specific degree. It is to be noted that Nursing degrees are going to be heavily included in the Science field which can include classes such as Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, and much more. If you see yourself taking care of others and being a naturally caring person, then a degree in nursing might be right for you.
CAREERS
Under the umbrella of Nursing, there are a wide variety of potential career paths and venues graduates could pursue. Because the scope of Nursing encompasses so many different areas of practice and different employer types, the career possibilities could be seemingly endless. Some choices available to individuals who hold nursing degrees include the following, but keep in mind that various positions may require graduate degrees while others only require undergraduate degrees. It is important to research prior to making any decisions. Some of the careers that are included in Nursing are, Forensic Nursing, BSN, Nursing Assistant, Pediatrics Nursing, NICU Nursing, and much more.
DEGREES
Students seeking to achieve a degree in Nursing will have the choice to go for an Associate’s degree all the way through to a Postgraduate degree. Depending on the degree level chosen, courses and curricula learned may vary. An Associate’s degree usually takes two to three years to complete however, some schools offer accelerated programs. The Associate’s degree is usually a popular pathway for students looking to become a registered nurse. A Bachelor’s degree in Nursing will typically take four years to complete but some schools offer bridge programs that will reduce the time to get the degree. A Bachelor’s degree is usually a good fit for students looking to advance their careers and education. Depending on the program selected, a Master degree in nursing typically takes about 18 months to three years to complete. A Master’s degree is typically for nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse midwives among others.
