Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an RN?- What types of classes will I have to complete?
- Do nurses have to become licensed?
- What work environments do nurses work in?
- What is the job outlook for nurses?
- Are there areas of nursing in which to specialize?
How long does it take to become an RN?
The length of time it takes to become an RN varies. Once a student has completed the prerequisites for the program and has been accepted, he or she will complete a minimum of two years of additional schooling in the nursing program.
What types of classes will I have to complete?
Student nurses spend their time in both classes learning the theory behind nursing and in clinical's learning the practice of nursing. The courses required to become an RN include pharmacology, clinical concepts, anatomy and physiology, case management, psychology and informatics among others.
In order for a student to become licenses as an RN, he or she must complete clinical rotations. These rotations allow the student to interact with patients in a hospital or clinical setting to gain "hands on" experience in treating patients. Students will also gain this experience using simulation labs.
Do nurses have to become licensed?
Absolutely! In the state of Texas, nurses are licensed by the Board of Nurse Examiners.
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What work environments do nurses work in?
The work environment for nurses varies. Many nurses choose to work in a hospital setting while others choose to work in smaller clinics.
Hospital nurses spend their day providing bedside care to patients, administering treatments and medications, implementing nursing care plans and monitoring diet and activity.
Clinic nurses prepare patients for exams, dress wounds, administer medications and sometimes assist with office management.
Nurses are also needed in the areas of research and education.
What is the job outlook for nurses?
Due to the nation-wide nursing shortage, the job outlook for nurses is great. Now is definitely a good time to become a registered nurse. You can read more about the job outlook for nurses by going to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Handbook - Registered Nurses.
Are there areas of nursing in which to specialize?
Of course!
Nurses can specialize in the areas of family practice, psychiatry, pediatrics, geriatrics, surgery or maternity.
RN's can also elect to further their education and become Nurse Practitioners, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists or Clinical Nurse Specialists.
Many doctoral programs are also available for RN's to further their education. Several universities offer Ph.D., Doctor of Science in Nursing (DSN), Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS or DNSc) or Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) programs.