The Benefits of Obtaining Your Nursing License at Community College

by A Guest Author

Nursing is often considered a labor of love.

Certainly it is a job, like any other, that offers challenges, rewards, and a paycheck in exchange for time served.

But there is a human element that is missing from other occupations, even those that are service-based.

Although waiters deal with tough customers, for example, they aren't really catering to people who are frightened and in pain, who need more than just a menu of options and someone to bring them their choice on a tray.

Nurses must not only aid those in need, but often they are called on to provide emotional support in addition to their skill and knowledge of medical practices.

In short, nursing takes a particular type of person that is not easy to come by.

But if you number yourself among this particular breed of smart, motivated, and compassionate individuals and you're looking for a way to obtain licensure so that you can start helping people, you might want to consider the benefits of taking courses at community college first.

First, there is one small caveat you need to be aware of: completing a nursing program won't actually result in obtaining a license to practice.

Licenses are issued by the state board of nursing only when applicants have met all requirements, including not only appropriate coursework and clinical hours, but also a qualifying score on relevant examinations.

This includes a national test known as the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination), although in some states further testing is also required.

Of course, your time spent at a 2 year community college nursing program will help you to obtain the credits and clinical hours needed while preparing you for associated testing.

But what makes this avenue preferable to other types of schooling?

For starters, it's bound to be significantly less expensive than programs at four-year colleges and universities, or alternately, institutions that are specific to nursing.

Although you may be interested in a bachelor's degree or higher, there's no reason you can't save some money by starting out at the community college level, where you'll receive the same initial coursework.

And if you don't need four years of education for the type of job in nursing you're pursuing, this is a great option.

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) can generally prepare in only a year, while a Registered Nurse (RN) can obtain licensure in as little as two years (with an associate's degree).

Further, attending a community college will provide you with all kinds of perks that other institutions may not be able to offer.

For one thing, it will keep you close to home.

But in addition, a local school may give you a decided advantage when it comes to clinical hours due to arrangements made with local hospitals and private practices.

Community colleges often have closer relationships with local businesses and organizations, which means that they could offer students more options in this arena than larger schools.

You can always go on to a baccalaureate program at another school or pursue a master of nursing online, but starting at community college could provide you with all kinds of benefits, including a shot at licensure after only 1-2 years of schooling.

This post was written by A Guest Author

This post was written by a guest author. If you have high quality, useful information to share with students, send us an email or click Write For Us to learn more. And in case you're wondering - yes, you can promote yourself in this fancy author byline.

{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }

Neil Jain October 13, 2012 at 6:02 am

I’m thankful for the article.Thanks Again. Keep writing.

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Nurse To Be October 16, 2012 at 3:33 am

As a Newbie, I am always browsing online for articles that can benefit me. Thank you

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Amy T. October 24, 2012 at 6:57 am

I had spent a good deal of my time looking for someone to explain this subject clearly and you’re the only one that ever did that. Kudos to you! Keep it up

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Chad Agrawal October 24, 2012 at 10:20 am

Hey Amy, thank you very much.

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angel girl February 5, 2013 at 12:52 pm

Having read this I thought it was really enlightening. I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put this information together. I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worthwhile.

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Laurice Jenkens February 14, 2013 at 2:14 am

Great article. I’m experiencing some of these issues as well..

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