Can I get nurse certified instead of degreed?

To become a registered nurse (RN) in the United States, you need to complete a nursing education program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). There are two main types of nursing education programs:

* Diploma programs: These programs are typically offered at hospitals and are typically three years long.

* Associate degree programs: These programs are offered at community colleges and are typically two years long.

After completing a nursing education program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. If you pass the NCLEX-RN, you will be licensed as an RN in your state.

There is no way to become a nurse certified without first completing a nursing education program and passing the NCLEX-RN. However, there are many different nursing certifications available that you can earn after becoming an RN. These certifications can help you to demonstrate your expertise in a particular area of nursing.

Here are some of the most common nursing certifications:

* Certified Registered Nurse (CRN): This certification is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). It demonstrates that you have met certain competency standards in nursing.

* Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP): This certification is offered by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). It demonstrates that you have the skills and knowledge to provide primary care to patients.

* Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): This certification is offered by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA). It demonstrates that you have the skills and knowledge to administer anesthesia to patients.

These are just a few of the many different nursing certifications available. If you are interested in pursuing a nursing certification, you can find more information on the websites of the organizations that offer them.