Nursing School - How to Bypass Nursing School Waiting Lists
Nursing is a profession with great hours and good pay, but unfortunately, the profession is very popular, and many nursing schools have waiting lists that are two to three years long.
It is no surprise that nursing is popular, nursing jobs will be in strong demand to 2014 and beyond, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics. Because of the shortage of nursese, employers often pay signing bonuses of $2,000 to $10,000.
If you are motivated to become a nurse, there are several approaches that allow you to avoid long nursing school waiting lists. This article will discuss the quickest and least expensive approach and will point you to other options.
Nursing Jobs - The Nursing Career Ladder
Fortunately, the nursing profession offers job advancement at a steady, manageable pace. You can start out as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), move into a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) position, and then work your way into Registered Nursing (RN) job, and beyond.
Starting out as a CNA is also a fast, inexpensive way to find out if nursing is the right career for you.
Many nurses enjoy flexible working schedules, often working 3, twelve hour shifts each week. With a schedule like that, there is plenty of time nursing school to attain the next nursing job in the career ladder. In addition, while you are working as a nurse, many employers will help pay for nursing school.
How to Become a CNA
Entering the nursing profession as a Certified Nursing Assistant is a relatively easy route to take. If you already have a high school diploma or a GED, there are several paths to getting the training and experience you need to become a CNA. You can attend CNA classes at a community colleges and vocational or adult schools. Some hospitals still offer CNA programs but they are few and far between. Classes generally last 6 to 12 weeks or a minimum of 75 hours of instruction. Some states require more hours and programs range from 75-150 hours.
The quickest route into nursing is through a vocational school, but that is also the most expensive route. Waiting lists for Certified Nursing Assistant programs are either non-existent or very short.
Advantages of Becoming a CNA:
1. In a relatively short period of time, you can enter the nursing profession
2. While you work as a CNA, you can apply to a Community College or Vocational School to become an LPN
3. You can gain experience as a nurse, gain an understanding of where you would like to take your career
4. You will know nursing from the ground up
5. With the experience you gain, your application to any school will be considered more seriously because you have already demonstrated your commitment and passion for nursing.
6. It is the least expensive route to becoming a nurse
Disadvantages of Becoming a CNA
1. You must juggle work, school and other commitments such as family
2. There are limits to the care that a CNA can give. If you want to provide more care to those in need, you will need to wait until you gain your LPN or RN license.
3. It may take a little longer to accomplish your ultimate career goal
One pragmatic way to start nursing school in the next month or so is to consider earning your CNA certificate.. Learn about other ways to attend nursing school with no waiting lists, find listings of all nursing schools, and all nursing jobs in the United States. Learn All About Nursing Schools.