If you’re ready to launch your nursing career, you might want to think about enrolling in one of these programs.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 13% growth rate for the sector through 2031, which is substantially greater than the average for all jobs. Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing fields in the nation. Among others? The baby boomers, one of the biggest cohorts in American history, are getting older. As a result, there could be a greater demand for healthcare services and a continuing need for skilled healthcare workers. Fortunately, many major healthcare professions’ training programs might be finished in a year or less, enabling nursing students to complete their education relatively fast and contribute to meeting the rising need.
Numerous statistics highlight the need for healthcare professionals: For instance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 85% of persons over 65 have at least one chronic health condition. And at least two chronic health issues affect 56% of those over 65. As a result, there is a great demand for healthcare.
According to Jenna Liphart Rhoads PhD, RN, CNE, assistant nursing professor at the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay, the need for competent nursing practitioners has been rising for years and will continue to do so as the baby boomer population matures.
Furthermore, she adds, “nursing jobs continue to change and broaden beyond bedside/acute care to preventative health and education roles.
Additionally, baby boomers will begin to leave the workforce during the following ten years. As the youngest members of this generation near retirement age by 2029, there may be gaps in the labor force. This generational transition is expected to have an impact on a number of fields, including nursing. Present-day registered nurses (RNs) are divided roughly in half by their age. This combination of elements makes the present a fantastic moment to start your educational endeavors.
Take a look at these courses that may be finished in one year or less.
Home Health Aide
Program duration: 4-6 weeks | Median Salary: $29,430
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, home health aides are expected to have a 25% rise until 2031. Although there are full semester alternatives available that span for many months, other programs may be finished in as little as 4 to 6 weeks. The abilities you need to help individuals with activities like eating, dressing, and other everyday hygiene duties in their homes should be included in your program. Additionally, you’ll learn how to collect vital signs and keep an eye on patients’ safety.
Certain states do not demand certification. When it is, you will have to finish at least 75 hours of instruction in a state-approved program. Local home health agencies, hospices, health services organizations, or even internet providers may provide programs. If you decide to enroll in an online program, bear in mind that you will need to complete some clinical training in person. Most states demand a minimum of 16 hours.
Home health aides frequently perform the following duties:
- Providing company and assistance
- Assisting clients with bathing and dressing
- Arranging for transportation
- Helping with household chores like washing or dishes
- Making and keeping appointments
- Buying food and other basics
- Preparing meals that satisfy a client’s dietary and cultural requirements
- Taking vital signs
- Helping clients with easy workouts
- Notifying nurses of any client changes
- Taking on any additional care responsibilities a supervisory nurse assigns
Next steps for advancement: You may decide to enroll in a school to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) while working as a home health aide. This will allow you to assume greater responsibility, manage nursing assistants and aides, and maybe increase your pay by half.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Program duration: 1–4 months | Median Salary: $30,310
CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants) finish state-approved programs to obtain their certification. Depending on your state, programs may take as little as 75 hours or as many as 180. The length of your program will also vary based on the state’s requirements and its structure, but the majority may be finished in 1 to 4 months. Hospitals, community colleges, nursing facilities, and health authorities all provide nursing assistant training programs.
People who wish to enter the healthcare sector swiftly might consider CNA or home health aide training programs, according to Rhodes. “They enable individuals to enter the healthcare system. Many certified nursing assistants and home health aides eventually enroll in nursing school and can gain knowledge that is beneficial to their education.
The educational foundation you need to care for patients in hospitals and other institutions is provided by nursing assistant programs. You’ll talk about things like:
- Medical terminology
- Patient movement and body mechanics
- Basic patient assessment
- Basic wound care
- Infection control
- Patient rights
- Communication
- Taking and recording vital signs
- Caring for patients’ daily needs such as bathing
Once you have certification, you’ll have a lot of chances. Through 2031, the BLS expects CNA employment to expand by 5%. Jobs are available at hospitals as well as skilled nursing institutions, rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, and more. You will do regular activities at work like:
- Ensuring patient rooms are clean and well-stocked
- Helping patients with daily hygiene such as bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom
- Helping patients eat and recording amounts if needed
- Transferring patients from beds to wheelchairs
- Transporting patients throughout the facility as needed
- Taking and recording patient vital signs
- Dressing patient wounds as instructed by a nurse
- Reporting any changes in patient status to a nurse
- Performing any other patient care tasks directed by a nurse
“CNA jobs are often physically and emotionally demanding and are best suited to those who enjoy working with people and want to make a difference in others’ lives,” Rhoads says.
Next steps for advancement: By being certified as a pharmaceutical aide, CNAs can expand their work options and pay potential without having to change professions (CMA). This enables you to report patient changes to the rest of the team and legally give some drugs. You might finish a medication aide course in as little as six weeks before sitting for the MACE certification exam, depending on the criteria of your state.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Program duration: 9–18 months | Median Salary: $48,070
Compared to CNAs, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) do more complex tasks. You’ll spend at least nine months in school, but your pay and level of responsibility may significantly increase. You’ll perform duties including administering medicine while collaborating closely with physicians and licensed nurses. You’ll frequently be in charge of CNAs and home health aides. Additionally, there will be lots of chances because the BLS anticipates a 6% job increase for LPNs until 2031.
LPN programs, according to Rhodes, “enable students to enter the healthcare field faster than RN schools and are perfect for those who prefer working with people in a busy setting.” “Becoming an LPN would open up the option for a larger variety of positions and a higher-paying employment than (that of) an assistant. LPNs typically have a larger area of practice and more autonomy.
Before you may become an LPN, you must enroll in a nursing program that has been authorized by your state and obtain a license. Each state has its own requirements for LPN license. LPNs are referred to as Licensed Vocational Nurses in Texas and California (LVNs). Technical colleges and community colleges both offer LPN programs.
Programs can range in length from nine months to 18 months. Typically, clinical training makes up around 60% of LPN programs. You might be able to finish the balance of your education online through several programs. To obtain your LPN license and start looking for work, you must take and pass the NCLEX-LPN test offered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
When working, you’ll perform a variety of recurring duties like:
- Administering patient medications and treatments
- Interviewing patients about medication history and current symptoms
- Monitoring patients after treatments
- Drawing blood for lab work
- Administering vaccines
- Updating and reviewing medical records
- Administering breathing treatments
- Preparing IV medications
Next steps for advancement: LPNs can generally transfer their curriculum credits toward the requirements for an associate degree in nursing, which can be completed in as little as one year. You’ll be able to pay less for education, take on more responsibilities, and offer yourself the possibility to considerably enhance your income.
SEE ALSO: Study Nursing in USA for International Students
Registered Nurse (RN)—Accelerated Program
Program duration: 1 year or a little longer | Median Salary: $77,600
Getting your registered nurse (RN) license usually takes more than a year. However, you might be able to obtain your license more quickly through expedited programs. These initiatives aim to solve the nurse shortage and increase the number of experienced RNs working in the field of healthcare.
An accelerated program does not accept everyone. Before you may start, you must already hold a bachelor’s degree in a different discipline. You can utilize the credits from your existing bachelor’s degree toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through your accelerated RN program (BSN). It’s crucial to keep in mind that in order to qualify for a BSN, your present bachelor’s degree must have had enough scientific and humanities courses.
Your BSN can be obtained by concentrating only on nursing credits and clinical practice for a full year thanks to your expedited RN degree. It’s crucial to keep in mind that these programs are rigorous, demanding, and have severe prerequisites.
Because fast-track RN programs only provide nursing courses, Rhodes explains that all nursing prerequisites must be satisfied before enrolling. Students are strongly advised against working while in school due to the demanding nature of fast-track RN programs.
A fast-track program, however, will enable you to obtain licensing rapidly. The specific prerequisites for these programs vary according on the institution delivering them and the state’s RN licensure laws. To apply for a license in your state, you must first pass the NCLEX-RN test.
Your everyday employment responsibilities after receiving your RN license might change based on your expertise. Your nursing expertise can be concentrated by choosing a speciality. Below is a brief summary of a few well-known RN specialty.
Cardiovascular Nurse What You'll Do: Cardiovascular nurses assist patients recuperating in cardiac rehabilitation centers as well as those who are severely ill in cardiac care units.
Community Health Nurse What You'll Do: Public health experts include community health nurses. In this position, you'll look for local health problems while also treating patients.
Emergency Room Nurse What You'll Do: In crowded hospitals, emergency department nurses are on the front lines. In a hectic setting, they handle accidents, injuries, and acute diseases.
Geriatric Nurse What You'll Do: Geriatric nurses concentrate on treating patients who are older. You'll concentrate on issues that older folks frequently deal with, such diabetes and heart disease, in this position.
Home Health Nurse What You'll Do: Patients are seen by home health nurses in their homes. Your days will be spent visiting to various areas in your neighborhood to administer prescriptions, wound care, and other treatments.
Labor and Delivery Nurse What You'll Do: Birth and labor During labor, nurses tend to moms and newborns. You will be the one who spends the most time with the woman throughout labor and delivery, giving care and support.
Legal Nurse Consultant What You'll Do: Legal nurse consultants use their nursing expertise to offer legal advice. You will have the opportunity to represent those who have been hurt in accidents or crimes in this position.
Neonatal Nurse What You'll Do: Critically sick neonates are cared for by neonatal nurses. Providing care for newborns who were born prematurely or with medical issues will be your responsibility in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
Obstetrical Nurse What You'll Do: Obstetrical nurses assist expectant mothers, expectant mothers-to-be, and new parents. You will perform the duties of support, care, treatment, and education in this capacity.
Occupational Health Nurse What You'll Do: Making the workplace safer is the job of occupational health nurses. In this position, you will ensure that a company's employees can perform their jobs without running the risk of harm to their health or safety.
Oncology Nurse What You'll Do: Cancer patients receive attention and specialist medical treatments from oncology nurses. You'll inform patients' family about the illness and provide them with assistance.
Operating Room Nurse What You'll Do: Before, during, and after surgical operations, operating room nurses assist in providing patient care. You'll assist in getting patients ready for surgery and respond to any queries patients' families may have.
Rehabilitation Nurse What You'll Do: Nurses that specialize in rehabilitation assist patients while they recover from sickness, surgery, or accident. To care for and treat patients, you'll collaborate with physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other experts.
School Nurse What You'll Do: Students' health is under the care of school nurses. You'll maintain student health records and watch after their overall growth.
Trauma Nurse What You'll Do: Immediately following accidents, trauma nurses assist patients. Working with patients who have experienced major accidents and require immediate life-saving treatment is a part of this position.
