What Are the Most Common Nursing Career Options?

If you're serious about becoming a nurse and have done some research about the industry, then you'll know that it is one of the best places to be in at this time. You should also be aware that as an aspiring nurse, you have many career nursing options to choose from.
Now the path you opt to take would have a significant impact on your nursing career in general - the costs of nursing education, the income you can expect, and future career advancement opportunities. That said, it's time to learn some basic information about the 3 most common nursing career options that would-be nurses are more likely to take more than other routes: LPN, RN, and BSN.
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Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
A degree as a licensed practical nurse or LPN is one of the quickest ways to joining the nursing industry. Most LPN programs run for no more than 12 to 18 months, and in that short span of time, students will be able to learn basic patient care training as well as knowledge on the areas of anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. An LPN program can cost around $40,000 and allows you to earn a steady income while maybe continuing towards a BSN degree.
Registered Nurse (RN)
There are several degrees you can take that will qualify you to sit for the NCLEX-RN and obtain a license in registered nursing, namely the nursing diploma, an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN). The cost for studying to become a RN can be anywhere $40,000 to $60,000 depending on which route you opt to take.
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Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN)
Another popular option for starter a career in this industry is via a BSN degree. This degree takes at least 4 years to complete and is considered as the entry-level for "professional" nursing practice. This means that while all RNs can qualify for jobs in hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care facilities, BSN graduates may have the most potential to move on to more lucrative and/or administrative positions.

The above options given are for those who have yet to enter college or university and start a career. For those who are simply after a career change and have already completed basic academic coursework, obtaining a nursing degree can be done with shorter nursing courses and online nursing programs.
A nursing career offers many choices and the more time and effort you give in getting to know which option best fits you, the better your chances are for success in this industry.