Deciding What RN Training to Pursue

If you are interested in becoming a nurse or expanding your nursing skills, you need to decide how you want to go about it. The following questions may help you decide what RN training you need to pursue:

• Do you need to maximize your earning potential? If you need to get a nursing job ASAP, consider starting training to become a nurse's aide or an LPN/LVN (licensed practical/vocational nurse). Most of these programs can be completed in about a year and you'll be able to get a job directly after.

• How much schooling do you already have? If you are already an LVN/LPN or nurse's aide, maybe going to a community college and getting your associate's degree in nursing would be an appropriate choice. If you already have an associate's degree, consider enrolling in a RN to BSN completion program.

• How flexible is your schedule? If you need to keep working and don't know if a traditional classroom setting will be appropriate for your learning, consider enrolling in an online program.