Medical - Nursing
Nursing
Nursing is an exciting and growing career that cares for individuals, families, and communities. Nurses have an important role in healthcare, by providing health services in hospitals, clinics, schools, long-term care facilities, and community health centers. The profession of nursing offers a stable job, with many different career paths, and pays well.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
LPNs are responsible for basic medical and nursing care that promotes the comfort of patients. This includes helping patients bathe or dress, discussing health care plans, and reporting the status of patients to registered nurses and doctors. Becoming an LPN usually takes one year to complete.
Nurse (RN)
RNs are responsible for assessing patients, developing care plans, administering medications, and coordinating healthcare services. Becoming an RN can take 2 – 4 years depending on the nursing program you apply to.
Specialized Nursing Roles
Different specialized nursing paths include:
- Pediatric Nurse: Providing care to infants, children, and adolescents.
- Geriatric Nurse: Caring for elderly patients and addressing age-related health issues.
- Obstetric and Gynecological Nurse:
- Providing care to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and reproductive health.
- Psychiatric Nurse: Working with individuals experiencing mental health challenges and disorders.
- Nurse Educators: Teaching nursing students or current nurses the knowledge and skills to perform their jobs.
- Nurse Administrators: Lead, manage, and oversee medical clinics,hospitals, or departments within medical facilities.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
These nurses have additional education and training, such as a Master’s or Doctoral degree. This allows them to take on more specialized roles, such as:
- Nurse Practitioner (NP): Diagnosing and treating patients, prescribing medications, and promoting preventive care.
- Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM): Providing care to pregnant women and assisting with childbirth.
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): Administering anesthesia during surgeries and procedures.
REGISTERED NURSE (RN)
Registered nurses provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions. They work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, home health care services, and nursing care facilities. Others work in outpatient clinics and schools.
DEGREE/CERTIFICATION NEEDED:
- Bridge Program (LPN to BSN) or BSN
NEARBY EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS:
- Avila University
- Donnelly College
- Johnson County Community College
- Kansas City Kansas Community College
- Mid-America Nazarene College
- Missouri Western State University
- Park University
- Research College
- Rockhurst University
- University of Missouri - Kansas City
- University of Kansas
- University of St. Mary’s
- William Jewell College
Length of Training
2-4 years
Continuing Education Required
Yes
Median Annual Wage (KC Metro)
$65,160
Annual Job Openings in Kansas
2,875
Projected 10-Year Job Growth
6%
Scholarships available through AcruxKC
LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE (LPN)
Licensed practical nurses provide basic nursing care in nursing homes and extended care facilities, hospitals, physicians’ offices and private homes.
DEGREE/CERTIFICATION NEEDED:
- Postsecondary nondegree award
- Practical Nursing Certificate
- Practical Nurse License
Length of Training
1-2 years
Continuing Education Required
Yes
Median Annual Wage (KC Metro)
$46,660
Annual Job Openings in Kansas
1,505
Projected 10-Year Job Growth
5%
Nurse practitioners
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced nurses who can diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and provide comprehensive care. They work with healthcare teams to deliver primary and specialized healthcare services, focusing on prevention, management of chronic conditions, and promoting overall health.
DEGREE/CERTIFICATION NEEDED:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Clinical experience as Registered Nurse
- Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice with a nurse practitioner specialization
- Pass national certification exam in nurse practitioner specialty
NEARBY EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS:
Length of Training
7-8 years
Continuing Education Required
Yes
Median Annual Wage (KC Metro)
$119,849.60
Annual Job Openings in Kansas
231
Projected 10-Year Job Growth
40%
Nurse Anesthetist
Nurse anesthetists are specialized Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who focus on administering anesthesia to patients during surgery. They work closely with the surgical team, ensuring the safe and effective use of anesthesia medications and monitoring patients' vital signs to maintain their comfort and well-being.
DEGREE/CERTIFICATION NEEDED:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Clinical experience as Registered Nurse
- Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice with an anesthesia specialization
- Pass national certification exam for nurse anesthetists
NEARBY EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS:
Length of Training
7-8 years
Continuing Education Required
Yes
Median Annual Wage (KC Metro)
$181,147.20
Annual Job Openings in Kansas
68
Projected 10-Year Job Growth
40%
Education and licensing pathways may include:
- Obtain a License Practical Nurse license, Bridge to an associate degree in nursing (AND), and then obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
- Earn your associate degree in nursing (ADN) and complete a bridge program to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Go directly into a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- After earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), nurses may go on to obtain a specialized certificate, or master’s, or doctoral degree.
Nursing Specializations and Certifications:
Nursing allows you to specialize in an area of your interest. There are many different types of nurse specialties that range from critical care nursing, oncology nursing, emergency room nursing, operating room nursing, hospice, and many more. Each specialty provides the nurse an opportunity to become certified in their expertise through studying and tests. The exciting part is you get to choose the option(s) that meet your interests and passions.
Start Your Journey:
Starting a career in nursing is an exciting journey that offers many different opportunities. Through nursing, you can earn a great living and contribute to the betterment of healthcare and humanity.
