Nursing Education and Training Key Terms

Learn about nursing education specialties and options

Nursing education is a specialty where people can learn and work with people on a daily basis. Nurses are in high demand in a variety of medical specialties, and those wanting to work in health care will find a number of options for nursing education and training. Depending on what type of certification a person wants, nursing training can take anywhere from 18 months to four years or more. Types of nursing range from a nursing assistant to holding a master's degree in nursing.

 

On-the-job training

Most jobs in any industry provide a certain amount of on-the-job training. In nursing, on-the-job training can take place very quickly by integrating classroom knowledge into the workplace. This type of training works best by providing a nursing student an entry-level position while the student is also attending classes for the next level.
Try: The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services outlines the type of training expected for a CNA, or certified nursing assistant. This include classroom hours and a minimum of 100 on-the-job training hours.

Registered nurse (RN)

A registered nurse is a trained nurse that provides a significant amount of support for doctors in hospitals and clinics. RNs can have a specialty. RN training is offered through associate's degree courses or a bachelor's degree to earn an RN license.
Try: The Bureau of Labor Statistics offers information on the job of registered nurse, including training requirements, expected salary and projections of demand in this field.

Continuing education credits (CEUs)

Continuing education credits, or CEUs, are available to nursing professionals in order to progress from an entry-level job to a specialty. Continuing education classes offer all types of nursing specialties, including diabetes care, drug dependency and other areas of medicine. Some states require nurses to earn a number of CEUs per year.
Try: Net CE offers a variety of continuing education classes for nurses and other health care professionals. The Web site also lists requirements for CEUs by state.

Licensed practical nurse (LPN), licensed vocational nurse (LVN)

A licensed practical nurse has a similar job as an RN, but there are subtle differences that affect salaries and job responsibilities. In most cases, LPNs are under the supervision of an RN. LPNs are also not able to administer specific drugs or give IVs to patients.
Try: All state licensing boards, such as the Oregon State Board of Nursing, offer information on the requirements a person needs to meet in order to qualify for RN or LPN licensing in a specific state. Rasmussen College offers information on the differences between the roles of an LPN and an RN.

Certified nursing assistant (CNA), nurse aide

A certified nursing assistant is an entry-level nursing job that requires relatively little training. This job allows CNAs to work closely with patients by assisting in basic patient care, which can include transportation and food service.
Try: Health Careers Futures outlines the career of the CNA, including expected salary, demand for the position and training needed.

Travel nursing

Travel nursing is a type of nursing that allows a licensed nurse to work for a number of different facilities throughout the United States. Nurses can choose the location and type of facility where they want to work. Travel nursing provides short-term positions for facilities that are in need of skilled nurses.
Try: Travel Nursing offers nurses interested in this type of work answers to commonly asked questions about choosing a travel nursing company to work for.

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