What Does A Nursing Degree Look Like In 2023?

Key Takeaways

The world is waiting patiently for your skills to make the healthcare world- and the world in general- a brighter place. Why not take the plunge and commence your nursing degree today?

For nurses, every day brings a new adventure. Your adventure begins with your nursing degree.

Your journey to becoming a nurse will be slightly different depending on your situation- your location, college, the type of degree you choose, and other factors will make your experience unique. But in general, here’s what you can expect from a nursing degree in 2023.

Entry Requirements

Applying to study means a whole lot of official documents. The college or university website will probably have a list of their required documents. These may include:

  • Proof of identity, such as birth certificate or passport
  • GPA scores
  • Official school records
  • Personal essay or letter
  • Proof that the application fee has been paid
  • Letters of recommendation. Usually, these will be written by your teachers or any past employers.

Entry requirements will differ slightly depending on the college. Generally, you will need a GPA of 2.5 or higher. You’ll also need to be able to read, speak, and write in the language you’re studying.

Types Of Nursing Degrees

There isn’t just one path to becoming a nurse. Some people earn a bachelor’s degree in a different subject and switch to nursing later. In this case, you would apply for an ABSN- An accelerated bachelor of science in nursing. This is a business-savvy way to obtain a nursing degree in 2023 because it is a cheaper and faster alternative to a four-year degree.

Aside from on-campus residency, you can complete an ABSN almost entirely online! That means you have more free time and flexibility in your studies. An accelerated BSN generally takes 11-18 months and can actually provide more job opportunities than an associate’s degree.

What Do You Study?

A global pandemic has brought a massive shift in the world of healthcare, and life for nurses now is quite different from what it was ten years ago. However, the process of obtaining your nursing degree is fairly similar.

As a nursing student, you may choose a specialization or concentration, but your options will differ from school to school. Options may include adult health, pediatric, mental health, obstetrics and gynecology, geriatric health, community health, oncology, emergency, pharmacology, or leadership.

The option you choose will alter your experience. But, for the most part, all nursing degrees are preparing you to work in a busy environment, often under pressure and sometimes dealing with upsetting or traumatic situations. Your studies will likely include biology, nutrition, human development, psychology, statistics, ethics, and management skills.

These skills, in addition to hours spent on residency working on practical skills and adjusting to life in hospitals and other medical practices, will prepare you for anything life throws at you.

The best-accelerated nursing programs will offer a wide range of experiences to round out your degree. In addition to academic coursework and in-class lectures, you want to choose a degree that offers opportunities to connect with experienced nurses, researchers, and leaders as well as stimulated exercises in class and supervised work experience in the field dealing directly with patients.

Once your studies are complete, the world awaits you. You can work with people of all ages and backgrounds, supporting and uplifting them during the most difficult times of their lives.

Nursing

Why Study Nursing?

Nursing is a job that has been around for centuries and will probably never go away. Everyone everywhere needs healthcare, and in many ways, nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system. They are needed in almost every situation, through wars, pandemics, births, deaths, and everything in between.

This is a career that transcends time and geography. Your skills as a nurse will be highly in demand all over the world. Imagine being able to travel anywhere on Earth and find suitable work. Nursing is not a job that you need to worry about becoming obsolete.

The nursing shortage has forced governments everywhere to consider incentives to bring in more nurses, so there are all kinds of benefits waiting for potential nurses. Healthcare jobs generally mean higher pay, flexibility, and ample opportunity for advancement in your position.

Nursing means connecting with people and filling their cups every single day. This is the perfect job for those who are caring and compassionate. Work is never boring, and though you may witness upsetting moments, you’ll sleep well knowing you helped someone. You’ll be there for your patients through highs and lows, forging bonds and gaining a perspective that will shape your future and how you view the world.

Getting your nursing degree is an experience you’ll cherish forever. College is one of the most significant times of a person’s life, and you can spend yours connecting with other future nurses and healthcare workers who are just as passionate and empathetic as you. You’ll learn skills that can apply to situations outside of a medical setting. 

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