Guide to Entry-Level Nursing 2020-2030
Interested in nursing but feeling unsure about how to begin your journey in this field? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the different nursing career options, educational prerequisites, financial aid possibilities, and the job and salary outlook.There are various ways to kickstart your nursing career, whether it’s getting a license or certificate right after high school or pursuing an associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degree. Your choice will depend on your interests, educational background, and salary expectations.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts positive employment prospects for all nursing careers in the coming decade. Nurse assistants can anticipate an 8% job growth from 2020 to 2030, while licensed practical and licensed vocational nursing roles are expected to see a 9% increase. Registered nurses can look forward to a 9% growth.
Guide to Starting a Nursing Career
This guide is designed to help you get started on your nursing career by covering license and education requirements, financial aid options, and potential career paths.
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A Guide to Getting Financial Help and Scholarships for Nursing Students
Types of Entry-Level Nursing Positions
Not all nursing roles demand a two-year or four-year degree from a college or university. For those eager to enter the workforce sooner, there are training programs leading to licensure or certification. These programs often require less time and financial commitment compared to traditional postsecondary degrees. You can embark on a nursing career after completing a nursing assistant program, which takes about 12 weeks, or a one-year training program for licensed practical and licensed vocational nursing.
1. Nursing Assistants
Nursing assistants (NAs) are among the fastest-growing entry-level nursing positions that don’t necessitate a degree. NAs perform routine healthcare tasks, from recording patient vital signs to assisting with personal hygiene. They find employment in various settings but frequently work with the growing elderly population in nursing homes and home healthcare.
Prospective NAs with a high school diploma or GED can join the workforce after finishing a 1-3 month training program and passing a state certification exam. Those who pursue specialized training may earn the restorative nurse assistant (RNA) certification. Many CNAs/RNAs progress to become licensed registered nurses after gaining practical experience and moving into associate or bachelor’s programs.
2. Licensed Practical or Licensed Vocational Nurses
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), also known as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in some states, can enter entry-level nursing jobs relatively swiftly. Becoming an LPN or LVN typically requires a high school diploma or GED, successful completion of a 1-2 year accredited program with 700-1,000 hours of clinical experience, and a passing score on the NCLEX-PN exam.
LPNs and LVNs work under the direction of registered nurses and physicians. They assist with procedures, monitor treatments and medications, maintain patient records, and often provide daily patient care, including bathing and dressing. While they may secure positions in hospitals and clinics, they often find employment in nursing homes and residential care facilities.
3. Registered Nurses
Registered nurses (RNs) work in various settings, from hospitals and clinics to residential care facilities and schools. They provide and coordinate treatment, conduct and interpret tests, and educate patients and the general public about healthcare issues.
Several pathways can lead to an RN license. A nursing diploma from a hospital-administered program or an associate degree in nursing (ADN) provides the quickest route to entry-level RN positions. Most students complete these programs in two years or less before taking the NCLEX-RN exam, a requirement for state licensure. Earning a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), which also prepares graduates for RN licensure, typically takes four years. However, many schools offer ADN-to-BSN and other accelerated programs that shorten the time to complete a degree.
Types of Entry-Level Nursing Degrees
While students can fulfill licensing and certification requirements for NA and LPN/LVN roles in two years or less, a college degree opens up broader career opportunities. Earning an ADN or BSN degree doesn’t require prior nursing experience. Both degrees prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN license and entry-level positions, and provide the necessary foundation for pursuing more advanced educational options.
The higher the degree you attain, the more opportunities for advancement in the nursing field. A BSN degree, in particular, serves as the academic foundation for a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctorate in nursing. These advanced degrees equip learners for specialized advanced practice nursing, which offers some of the highest-paying and most sought-after nursing roles.
1. Associate of Nursing Degree (ADN)
The ADN curriculum includes courses in nursing fundamentals, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and nutrition. Like most two-year, 60-credit associate degrees, the ADN also includes general education requirements that can often be transferred to four-year bachelor’s programs. Many students enter nursing positions immediately after earning their ADN and successfully passing the NCLEX-RN exam, while others continue their education to earn BSN and graduate degrees.
RNs who hold ADN degrees find ample employment opportunities in various healthcare settings. Depending on the specific work environment, their roles may include collecting patient histories, conducting physical exams and diagnostic tests, administering medication and treatments, and collaborating with doctors and other nursing supervisors.
2. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
As nursing roles evolve in today’s healthcare landscape, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing has begun advocating for the BSN as the minimum degree requirement for RNs. While the ADN still leads to numerous job opportunities, employers increasingly prefer hiring BSN graduates for entry-level positions. The BSN serves as a prerequisite for advancing into leadership roles and serves as a stepping stone for graduate programs in advanced practice nursing.
A BSN typically requires students to earn 120 credits over four years. RNs with nursing diplomas or ADNs may be able to earn their bachelor’s degree in just two years. In addition to the general education and nursing courses included in the ADN, the BSN curriculum enables students to take courses in clinical specialties such as pediatric or geriatric nursing.
3. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Earning an MSN is the minimum educational requirement for advanced practice registered nursing (APRN). APRNs, some of the highest-paid nurses in the field, receive specialized training and certifications in population areas like pediatrics, women’s health, or medical areas such as mental health or acute care. APRNs can also pursue nonclinical roles in health management and nursing education.
An MSN may take up to four years to complete. However, bridge MSN programs allow students to shorten the time needed to earn their master’s degree, depending on their previous degree and license status. Direct entry programs, designed for students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees and no prior nursing experience, may take 1-3 years. RNs with a nursing diploma or ADN may complete an RN-to-MSN program in 2-3 years. Most BSN-to-MSN programs take two years.
*Bridge programs still require degree candidates to complete the curriculum required of RNs before obtaining an MSN. Typically, the first year of a two-year bridge program covers the BSN/RN curriculum, concluding with the NCLEX exam. The second year focuses on the MSN/APRN curriculum and practicum hours.
Job Prospects for Entry-Level Nursing Careers
The job outlook in the nursing field continues to outpace the national average for all occupations. Attaining a nursing assistant certificate offers the quickest route to a nursing career. The BLS projects around 174,000 job
openings for NAs over the decade, primarily in residential care facilities and home healthcare. NAs earn less than nurses with college degrees, with an average annual salary of $29,640.
LPNs and LVNs work in similar settings to NAs, as well as in outpatient facilities. By the end of the decade, LPNs/LVNs are expected to fill 787,400 positions. Their median salary of $47,478 ranks higher than NAs but not as high as those with ADNs or college degrees.
RNs can anticipate approximately 175,900 job openings each year through 2029, with a median annual salary of $73,300. RNs who hold a BSN or graduate degree experience better job prospects and salaries than those who enter the field with a diploma or ADN. Employers generally prefer RNs with some work experience and/or an in-demand specialty, such as gerontology.
Financing Your Nursing Education
Don’t let concerns about the cost of a nursing education discourage you from pursuing your career aspirations. There are numerous financial aid opportunities available to support deserving students at every degree level, including short-term NA and LPN/LVN programs. Nursing students can apply for federal and private loans, scholarships, and grants that do not require repayment. Some schools offer work-study programs to help students offset tuition costs.
The search for financial aid begins with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines your eligibility for federal loans, loan repayment plans, and assistance for military personnel and veterans. Certain grants and scholarships provide funding for specific nursing programs or specialties, while others offer assistance based on factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, or geographic location.
Frequently Asked Questions About Entry-Level Nursing
1. What is an entry-level nurse?
Entry-level nurses start their careers after completing a certificate or licensing program, a nursing diploma or associate degree, or a college degree. These nurse training programs and degrees do not require prior nursing education or work experience. Thanks to the continued demand for healthcare professionals, entry-level nurses find ample job opportunities as nursing assistants (NAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), and registered nurses (RNs).
2. How can I get a nursing job with no experience?
While not mandatory for all positions, some employers prefer hiring nurses with experience. Nursing students can enhance their employability by volunteering at local hospitals or clinics or pursuing internships while completing their studies. New nurses entering the job market should consider taking entry-level positions to gain experience, even if these roles don’t align with their long-term career goals.
3. How much does an entry-level nurse earn?
Nursing salaries vary significantly based on factors like the level of education, years of work experience, and geographic location. Generally, the higher the degree you hold, the higher your salary. The top-earning nurses often possess MSN degrees and hold certifications as APRNs.
4. How can I survive my first year in a nursing job?
New nursing professionals experience substantial job-related stress as they transition from the academic setting to real-world practice. First-year nurses can take proactive steps to cope with the challenges by participating in volunteer or internship experiences prior to entering the workforce. Once employed, they should network with more experienced nursing colleagues, develop their time management skills, and prioritize work-life balance by practicing self-care.
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