If you are interested in becoming a nurse in New York, then you have some decisions and a lot of work ahead of you. Of course, with a secure and well-paying career just a few years away, it will definitely pay off. The first step to becoming a nurse is to find a nursing program in New York. Let us help you get started.
Before you can select a New York nursing program, you must decide what type of nurse you would like to be. There are generally three types of nurses in the United States, a licensed practical nurse (or LPN), also known as a licensed vocational nurse (or LVN), a registered nurse (or RN), and an advanced practice nurse ( or APN) . LPNs generally require the least amount of education (18 months to 2 years), but they also make the least money ($49,000 per year on average in New York State).
The job of an RN is the most popular choice among nurses today; it is the largest healthcare occupation in the US. This is primarily because it is a high-paying job ($82,000 on average in New York) and only a two-year associate’s degree is required for employment. However, some men and women choose to complete additional school in order to be competitive in the field. Sometimes they may choose to earn a bachelor’s degree. With further study in a New York nursing program, you can essentially earn more money and are more likely to land a good steady job.
You have even more options when selecting a New York nursing program. You can choose to become an Advanced Practice Nurse (or APN). This type of nurse has advanced education and can provide primary health care, mental health services, and can diagnose medical conditions and prescribe medications. In this sense, APNs are similar to doctors. APNs may also care for pregnant women and deliveries as certified nurse midwives. Most APNs have a master’s degree and earn around $95,000 per year in New York.
Once you decide what type of nurse you would like to be, you can enroll in a New York nursing program. There are a couple of different options when it comes to nursing programs. You can choose to go to a nursing school, where teachers specifically teach and train people to be nursing professionals. Or maybe you’re interested in attending a traditional college that offers a nursing major. You might even be interested in completing some of your studies through correspondence or on the Internet.