Healthcare is a booming field, and growth is expected to continue for a while. If you’re interested in being a part of this dynamic industry, consider becoming a nurse. At Barton College, we have a range of degree programs in the world of medicine, and we have helped many students pursue their dreams of working in nursing.
Working as a nurse can be very fulfilling. Before you start down this road, it’s essential to know what types of nurses you want to be and what it will take to get there. Here’s a look at some of the significant types of nursing licenses and certifications and how to pursue them.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
In addition to offering a BSN degree program for entering freshmen, Barton also offers a RN-BSN program that allows students with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing to transfer to Barton College to complete their BSN degree seamlessly. This program is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Graduates are prepared to work in various healthcare roles as part of multidisciplinary teams.
The curriculum includes a mix of nursing and science courses to build a strong foundation for nursing practice. Our faculty is dedicated to helping students reach their educational goals.
Master of Science in Nursing
One popular choice is the MS in Nursing offered by Barton College. This degree prepares students for roles as administrators or educators in the nursing field. The program is also accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
The MS program requires two years of full-time study. Admission criteria include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with a GPA of at least 3.0, transcripts reflecting this, at least one year of clinical practice, and a valid, unrestricted nursing license.
If you meet these requirements, we encourage you to submit a graduate application and begin your journey toward earning an MS in Nursing.
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are one category of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, or APRNs. This group also includes certified nurse midwives and certified registered nurse anesthetists. Clearly, this level of qualification is much more demanding and comes with more responsibilities. NPs work independently (although some states require physician oversight), and they are able to make diagnoses, prescribe medications, and construct treatment plans.
To become an NP, students must first go through all the steps required to become an RN. Once they are licensed as an RN, they must complete a Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Upon completing their degree, they will take the National Nurse Practitioner Board certification exam. Then, they can apply for licensure in their state.
Explore a future in nursing at Barton College
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in nursing, we invite you to come see what we have to offer at Barton College. We strive to support our students and help them prepare for success in their chosen fields. Our goal is to help our students develop the skills they need to thrive in every way–academically, personally, and socially. We provide flexible schedules and online classes to help you fit your goals into your busy schedule. For more information, we invite you to contact us today!
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