Education and Training for Nurses

Aura M Guzman

EGCC

MGT 210

Professor Karen Spindler

02/18/2024
 Education and Training for Nurses

Assignment

Education, Certification, and Licensure Requirements for Various Nursing Roles

Nursing encompasses a range of roles, each with distinct educational paths, certification

requirements, and licensure processes. Here, we outline the requirements for becoming a

Nurse, Advanced Practice Nurse (APN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Medical Assistant (MA),

and Medication Assistant, along with their starting salaries.

Nurse (RN):

Education and Training: Registered Nurses (RNs) typically pursue a Bachelor of Science in

Nursing (BSN) degree, which takes about four years. Alternatively, an associate degree in

nursing (ADN) or a nursing diploma may also qualify one for RN licensure.

Certification and Licensure: After completing their education, RNs must pass the NCLEX-RN exam

to obtain licensure. Additional certifications may be required for specialized practice areas.

Starting Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for

registered nurses was $75,330 in May 2020.

Advanced Practice Nurse (APN):

Education and Training: APNs, such as Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs),

typically hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

degree.

Certification and Licensure: APNs must obtain national certification in their specialized area of

practice and licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in their state.

Starting Salary: The median annual wage for nurse practitioners, according to the BLS, was

$111,680 in May 2020.

 Education and Training for Nurses

Assignment
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN):

Education and Training: LPNs complete a one-year practical nursing program, which includes

both classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice.

Certification and Licensure: LPNs must pass the NCLEX-PN exam to obtain licensure. Licensure

requirements vary by state.

Starting Salary: According to the BLS, the median annual wage for licensed practical and licensed

vocational nurses was $48,820 in May 2020.

Medical Assistant (MA):

Education and Training: Medical assistants typically complete a one-year certificate program or

a two-year associate degree program in medical assisting.

Certification and Licensure: Certification is not always required but is preferred by many

employers. The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential is offered by the American

Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

Starting Salary: The BLS reports that the median annual wage for medical assistants was $35,850

in May 2020.

Medication Assistant:

Education and Training: Requirements for Medication Assistants vary by state regulations, but

they often undergo training programs covering medication administration and patient safety.

Certification and Licensure: Some states require completion of a training program and passing a

competency exam.

Starting Salary: The starting salary for Medication Assistants can vary depending on location and

employer, but Glassdoor reports an average salary of $31,000 per year.

 Education and Training for Nurses

Assignment

In conclusion, the nursing profession offers diverse career paths with varying education,

certification, licensure, and salary prospects. It's essential for aspiring nurses and healthcare

professionals to understand these requirements as they navigate their careers in healthcare.

References:
 Education and Training for Nurses

Assignment
 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook

Handbook, Nursing: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm

 BLS, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse

Practitioners: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-

and-nurse-practitioners.htm

 BLS, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational

Nurses: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-

vocational-nurses.htm

 BLS, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical Assistants:

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm

 Glassdoor: https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/medication-aide-salary-

SRCH_KO0,14.htm