The answer to the question “What education is required to be a nurse?” varies depending on the qualifications you want to get. In the United States, there are several degrees of junior medical staff. A CNA program lasting from a few weeks to a few months may be sufficient for entry-level medical personnel. However, you can also gain a bachelor’s degree for the RN status and higher.

Education Required to Be a Nurse: Career Progression

The difference between various nursing qualifications is in the scope of responsibility that varies among healthcare professionals. The education required to be a nurse varies depending on the level and status of nursing personnel. A higher status requires more training (see how long is nursing school for details).

• CNA is the lowest level of nursing staff, so nurse education requirements are minimal. You must complete a special CNA program to become certified as a CNA.
• LPN or LVN. To become an LPN or LVN, individuals are required to complete a Licensed Practical Nurse Program.
• RN. To become an RN, you must complete one of the next programs: Associate Degree in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and then pass the NCLEX-RN exam. And obtain a license.
• APRN. To reach these degrees, you need additional education and a master’s degree (MSN) or higher.

What Qualifications Do I Need to Nurse?

Nurses’ educational requirements may vary from state to state. Still, obtaining a US RN license is the primary demand. You can gain it after nurse required education and practice in the LPN degrees, or special bridge programs allow you to move from one level to another. Obtaining a bachelor’s or master’s in medicine is optional, but it may help you to further your career.

What Skills Are Required to Be a Nurse

Each nurse education level has its admission, which is the scope of duties and responsibilities. CNAs provide primary patient care, such as bathing, dressing, taking vital signs, and moving patients. APRNs have more advanced skills and responsibilities. They have duties of taking care, diagnosing, and treating patients, and they may even provide some types of medical care without the supervision of a doctor. But for all levels, soft skills required will be empathy, communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and resilience.