Learn How to Become a Nurse in Florida
Are you ready to launch your nursing career? Do you love helping people, offering support and assistance, and being a part of important medical care?
If so, there’s no reason to delay any longer in getting started toward your career as a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN). HCI’s nursing degree and diploma programs prepare you for all stages of obtaining and using your nursing degree.
What Kind of Nursing Degree is Right for You?
You’ll want to begin your nursing education with a degree program. First, decide whether an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree (ASN or BSN, respectively) is right for you.
The ASN degree program offered by HCI will prepare you for the National Council Licensing Exam (NCLEX), which you’ll need to become an RN. This 72-credit degree introduces and familiarizes you with the care environment, critical care concepts, professional development as a nurse, and technical nursing skills.
The BSN degree program at HCI also prepares you for the NCLEX, as well as readies you to become a nurse with a greater level of professional eligibility. This 120-credit degree builds on topics covered in the ASN program. And while you’re earning your BSN, your ASN allows you to begin work as a nurse so you can get right to building that important hands-on experience before you even complete your education.
At HCI you’re able to complete your degree without spending 5 days per week on campus. Our hybrid-structured programs let you learn by studying and completing coursework online as well as in the buildings to suit your work and responsibility schedule.
The Next Steps
You may also choose a nursing certificate to add to your education, in which case you’d add or focus your studies to a specific area. You might choose this path if you want to be a pediatric nurse, oncology nurse, or anesthesiology nurse.
Once you’ve completed a degree program, you’ll need to report your data to the state licensing board and obtain the information you’ll need to take the NCLEX for the credentials you’re seeking—certified nursing assistant (CNA), RN, or LPN. NCLEX is issued by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
