Types of Nurses

There are two major categories of nurses: Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and Registered Nurses (RN). In some states (California & Washington), LPNs are called Licensed Vocational Nurses or LVNs. LPNs can work in a doctor's office or clinic, long-term care facilities, and hospitals. They must be supervised by either a Registered Nurse or physician. LPN training is usually a 12-month program through a community or technology center. In Tennessee LPN programs are based in the Tennessee Technology Centers located throughout the state. Following the completion of coursework, students must successfully complete the Practical Nurse Licensure Exam (NCLEX-PN) in order to obtain their LPN nursing license..

Registered Nurses provide and supervise patient care delivery in many healthcare settings. RNs have critical roles in hospitals, clinics, health departments, surgical centers, physician's practices, long-term care, rehabilitation care, insurance companies, school systems, and employee health in many industrial settings. There are three educational pathways to becoming a RN: a 2 year Associate degree through a college or university, a 3 year Diploma Program (usually associated with a hospital), or a 4 year Baccalaureate Degree through a university. In Tennessee, only Associate and Baccalaureate degree programs are available through many state and private colleges and universities. Following the completion of coursework, students must successfully complete the Registered Nurse Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN) in order to obtain their RN nursing license.

Advanced practice or graduate degrees such as a Master of Science in Nursing and a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing offer RNs with the ability to further specialize in some aspect of nursing practice, research, or nursing education. These educational programs are generally pursued after a RN has practiced for a period of time and has determined a specialty area of interest. Graduate programs will vary from two to four years in length depending the ability to attend school full time or part time.

If you are considering a career in nursing, ideally your should plan your high school education to include courses in science, math, and health. If you are considering the RN role, you should choose the additional "college prep" courses.

Next: Suggested Preparatory Courses