I have  a general Associates in Arts Degree, and I just switched my major and want to go into nursing. However, I don't know if I need go back and get a Associate Degree in Nursing. Anyone Know? Suggestins?
137458
Try visiting  www.discovernursing.com - you'll find tons of information there on nursing.\n\nDespite prior statements,  you do not need a BS to be an RN.   There are two-year RN programs and RN bridge programs for persons  who have an LPN/LVN.   The push MAY be for RNs to have a bachelor's degree,  but the  reality is that there is such a shortage of nurses  willing to work  in NURSING (yes, nurses work in  fields outside of active nursing),  that states/countries are creating  avenues to bring  in more  nurses quickly.\n\nWhat you can do with a nursing certificate/degree will depend upon the state/country you live in.  Generically, you could go back and do a 1 year nursing certificate program and become an LPN/LVN.  Or, you could pick up the sciences and other pre-reqs you need and complete a 2nd associates--the outcome could be an LPN/LVN or an RN depending upon the school/program you enter into.  Or, you could transfer to a university and pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing.
60605
You can contact a nearby state college or if you do not want bothered by them begging you to sign with them-contact a nearby hospital ask the nursing staff-I found what school I needed and what field I would like to do for know and How to get there by a local Hospital (nursing staff and nursing home)The college seem to just want me to sign with little answers.Also online nursing classes in the search engine and just start reading away.
628359
My hope is that your question was sincerity and not derogatory.  I take the risk and answer base on sincerity. \nBenefits of an AA Degree\n\nReduces cost to University and Colleges (C/U)\nGive you a degree if you had to drop BA degree program due to crisis\nAllow transfer to about almost any C /U since you have over 60 credit hours\nSeveral students may not have the GPA or test scores to enter as a freshman but once they have an AA degree it make it easier.\nA nurse with AA degree makes more money than some professors with PhD\nSame with AA degree in computer information and technology\nMost of all most people can not afford to attend a C/U for 4yrs and this give them the only opportunity to get an AA to up their salary and a sense of hope in a career.
61309
Not so sure about that. The nurses I know are fairly burned out after a few years. If you intend to go into health care administration I think you would eventually like to get an MBA. R.N. is a certification rather than a degree. In some states people with Associates degrees are able to apply to become a registered nurse. I believe you take the NCLEX. Anyhow, RN's are in demand for a reason, there's a high turn over...and it's hard work. Nobody wants to deal with a "code Brown" at 3am. If you TRULY want to be a nurse, go ahead and go for the RN. But know what you are getting into. Some people love the field. If you want to be on the business side, apply to B-school, and get an MBA. Only a fool goes into medicine, doctor or nurse for the money.
631891
That would vary widely based on where you are, and what type of organization you work for (private vs. public hospital, insurance company, etc.)  Also, with an associate degree, you're not going to get far, you'll eventually need a bachelor's or even higher.
129303
Yes, Virginia, Associate's Degrees are real degrees.  I have an Associate's Degree, but I didn't stop with it.  It's not useless and it's not necessarily "just a certificate".  It is a degree and having a degree comes certain rights and responsibilities.  Holding a degree gives people a sense of accomplishment. Often people who earn an Associate's degree will not stop, but are building blocks in obtaining higher levels of education.  Having an Associate's degree is much more than most people in the US hold.  Sometimes in certain fields, an Associate's degree more education than is necessary.  Trade and technical schools generally offer the widest selection of certification programs that are available.\n\nTo exand a little bit more, I have an Associate's degree in Business Management, a Bachelor's degree in History and a teaching certificate.  I obtained my certificate as part of my 4-year (which really amounted to 6 years LOL) degree.  Having my Associate's degree actually does more for me than my 4 year degree!
438146
The only thing I can say is keep your eyes on the prize!  You want that second degree for some rational reason, or you wouldn't be putting yourself through the stressful (yet gratifying) pursuit of higher education.  I got through nursing school (my 2nd degree and 5th and 6th years of consecutive college) by knowing that I was getting married as soon as it was over, and I was going to work in a pretty cool field.  I was so sick of school when I was done, but so glad it was over with.  I had a nice 3 year break to work full time before I became a full time student again for my masters degree.  It's daunting and stressful, but I really want it, so I work for it.  You have to do what you have to do.  If you really do feel burned out, you probably aren't learning the material well, and the whole point of school is to learn, not just go through the motions.  Just be sure that it is ok to miss a semester with your program.  I know some programs have a pretty strict schedule from semester to semester and it can set you back pretty far if you take one off (like a spring class is a prerequisite to a fall class, etc).  I liked the advice someone else gave about working in a field related to what you're studying.  Not only will it help you realize if you still really want to pursue it, but it gives you real world views on the field and something to put on your resume.  Then again, if you feel the only way to spend your time off is something fun and crazy like backpacking through Europe for a few months, more power to ya!  You're only young once.  Good luck with your decision!
199650
How could one learn nursing from a web site?  Don't you have to actually do the work, in person, on patients?  I could see if some of the academic credits were available on line, but not the entire RN program.  I, for one, would not like to be tended by a nurse who had not learned "hands on," as it were.
354362
OK, I have a lot to say about this, so please give this a read. \n\nI have three college degrees. One is an associate's (I went to a community college), one is a bachelor's, and one is a master's. I didn't decide on my major until my junior year of college, and even then, I wasn't sure if I made the right decision. \n\nDO NOT let anyone tell you that you have to decide right away. You don't. Declare yourself a liberal arts major and take as many different classes as you can. Take what sounds interesting. Take internships. Take as much as you can! The only way to find out what you want to do is explore and experiment. \n\nAnd you don't have to know what you want to do for a living right out of high school OR college. I'm 28, and I've just decided what my "calling" is. It took me a long time, but I finally made it. \n\nBut I also want to go back to school for more education in areas where I didn't get to take classes. So, please, explore and don't let anyone pressure you into choosing a major.\n\nBy the way, I majored in English, and the only reason I did it is because I love to write. I didn't make the decision for careers because I'm certainly not making a lot of money off of my writing. :)\n\nGood luck, and my best to you with whatever decisions you make!
235170
Can't you get financial aid?  I go to a public university in NC, and live on campus which hikes the price, and about 1/3 of my aid comes from grants about the rest from stafford loans.  \n\nYou can always go to community college first, where you'll also be eligible for financial aid, and it is a LOT cheaper.  You can then transfer and get a semester or two taken out towards your degree.  If you can you should try to graduate in 3 or 3.5 years.  It's not that hard to do, but if you plan well, you can save yourself lots of money.\n\nAlso, make sure you know what you want to major in before you go.  If you change your major a bunch of times you can prolong your stay.  You should also ask yourself is college worth going through?  A lot of community college degrees like nursing will get you a job before a B.A. in History will.
655574
a Bachelor of Arts degree
559042
Most Associates degrees take 2 years and Bachelor's 4 if you take a full load of classes each term.  That said I don't think you have anything to lose by taking a program that allows  for credit transfer.  Even if you do not go right away for the 4 year degree you may be able to apply your course work to a 4 year degree in the future.  Most school will allow for transfer of credits from another school if it has been completed within the last 4 years.
609797
I worked in the admissions office at a community (junior) college.  All you need is your GED to get the associates degree.  The diploma programs are certificates in a specific program field (such as fashion, interior design, entrepenuership) which takes less than a year to complete.  You do not want this because an associate degree is looked upon more favorable by employers- and even better, a Bachelor's Degree.  Just take the core classes need to get the associates and then decide later if you want to transfer to a four year college or university.  As long as you don't transfer out of state any four year college will take your associates degree and start you off as a junior.  I encourage you to keep going.  It will be worth it in the end.
138084
I'm a nurse at UCI medical center. \nNurse = RN\n\nAt times, I am forced to say I'm an R.N. because nursing assistants, medical assistants, etc. tend to say they are a nurse. No disrespect to them.\n\nThis profession wants a change to where the term "nurse" should be said with pride. I have answered questions to what I do and a follow up question is, "Are you a full-blown RN?" My argument is that a nurse is an R.N.\n\nSo, the answer to your question is a nurse is an R.N., but you may want to ask if they are a CNA (certified nursing assistant), LVN or LPN (licensed vocational nurse or licensed practical nurse), or an R.N. (registered nurse).\n\nWe, nurses, want that term back, so that we can say it again with pride. We went to a lot of schooling for this and it upsets me when I hear a non-R.N. say they are a nurse.
40018
If you work and take 15 credit hours a semester it will take you 4yrs.  If you take only 6 credit hours a semester it will take about 8yrs.\n\nI think the guy above me means CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) and there is a reason why the course is only a year long... you go all day and when you graduate you wipe butts for 15 bucks.  I recommend you become an RN...the higer your education, the more you are paid and the less messy work you do.
545567
You have a leg up in some ways on those who weren't nurses. I know that in med school I have a huge leg up on other people because I not only have my BSN but also an AAS is Surgical Technology.  If you meet the prerequisite requirements for whatever type of program, be it MD, DO, or NP, you'll have little issue getting in.  However, med school is much harder in some ways than nursing school was.
486994
An Associates Degree (in the Arts, Sciences, Fine Arts) takes two years.  Usually only junior/community colleges offer it as a degree.\n\nYou can also pick up professional certifications (IT networking, medical technician, electrician) from vocational schools or community colleges in 1-2 years usually.\n\nIf the job you want requires a Bachelor's though, you're probably going to have to get it one way or the other (online courses or evening from an accredited university might be the way to go).  Co-op's are available at a number of corporations so you can complete your studies over time and work with them in the interim.