What Are Your Most Cost-Effective Paths To A Nursing Career?
by Julia Gregory
If you're interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare industry, you may be wondering where to begin -- particularly if your grades in high school or college weren't great and you live in an area where competition for nursing school spots is cutthroat, or if you don't feel comfortable taking out thousands of dollars in student loans and would prefer to pay for your degree as you go. Fortunately, there are a number of different paths to a nursing career that may be less expensive and offer more actual nursing experience than going straight from high school to nursing school. Read on to learn about two degree programs that can help put you on the path to a nursing career while giving you the credentials to command a competitive salary in the meantime.
Certified nursing assistant (CNA)
Taking the necessary examinations to become a CNA could be a great way to allow you to work a full-time job to earn the money for nursing school, while also helping you gain practical experience in the field. CNAs often perform home health care for patients who are recovering from surgery or otherwise homebound, or may work in a nursing home or assisted living facility. In most states, you'll be able to take the test to become a CNA after a very short training period offered through your high school or local community college. After you've passed your CNA exam, you should be able to obtain the associate's degree needed to become a registered nurse (RN) in only another 12 to 18 months. Because you can often take the necessary classes for this degree online while gaining the hands-on hours through your regular job, you'll be able to complete your RN degree at your convenience and without the need for substantial student loans.
Phlebotomist
Another way to gain the experience necessary to command a higher salary while getting a taste of the nursing career is to train to become a phlebotomist. Phlebotomists can be employed by hospitals, urgent care centers, and blood donation organizations, and are primarily responsible for drawing blood from patients, labeling tubes and bags, and helping prepare blood draw sites. You'll be able to gain the necessary skills and certifications to work as a phlebotomist in only 6 to 16 weeks, and this direct patient experience will help you obtain your online nursing degree more quickly than going straight from college to nursing school.
Contact a school like MedStar Academy for more information.
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About Me
The decision to move one of my parents into assisted living was one of the most difficult I have ever made. I had extreme feelings of guilt that led to me being at the facility with my parent practically around the clock. It took a few months before I realized that I could not let my own life fall apart from the guilt I was feeling. I also learned that my parent was fine without me constantly hovering around. Since that time, I have had several friends express similar feelings of guilt. I started this blog to help others in the same situation understand not only their feelings about assisted living, but those of their parents.