Prerequisites

Nursing schools require a high school diploma or general educational development (GED) diploma. High school courses that are most relevant to nursing are math, science, English, sociology and psychology.

Degrees

Nurses can hold many different titles. A licensed practical nurse (LPN) may only complete two years of schooling. A bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) generally takes three or four years to earn. A registered nurse (RN) can hold an associate LPN, bachelor's or master's degree in nursing (MSN). The RN title is awarded to a nurse after he takes the state's certification course.

LPN

An LPN degree program usually requires less general-education coursework than the BSN or MSN program. General-education coursework is usually completed in the first year, with nursing courses taken during the second year. Nursing courses include basic anatomy and sciences, in addition to practicums in administering medication.

BSN

The BSN degree usually entails two years of general coursework, with years three to four devoted to nursing classes. BSN programs focus on higher sciences, psychology and sociology as well as more in-depth medical training.

MSN

MSN courses are generally built around the BSN and LPN training coursework. MSN nursing is generally completed after the BSN degree is attained.

RN

RNs take the state certification for nursing after completing an LPN, bachelor's or master's program. Some hospitals only hire nurses with bachelor's or master's degrees.

Source:

Basic Nursing Info

Coursework Info