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| | | A nurse's duties range from treating patients and performing diagnostic tests to educating the public. A Registered Nurse has completed the required educational courses and passed the national exam. The two routes to nursing are an associate degree in nursing (AND) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Other than purchasing a uniform and stethoscope, a degree in nursing costs the same as the same degree in most other fields. With equal experience the starting pay scales will differ only slightly, however bachelor degree holders will have more advancement opportunities over time. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Earning a bachelor's degree at a public college or university averaged $20,000 -$27,200 for the four-year program during 2006-2007 for in-state residents and $36,000 -$99,200 for students from out of state. However some public schools like the Ohio State University College of Nursing offers a bachelor's program for fall 2008 at lower rates around $3,000 per 12-units or $9,000 for three quarters. Four years of tuition at private institutions averaged $80,000 during 2006-2007. For the 2008-2009 school year, in Oakland, California will charge nursing students in the bachelor's program $32,500.
- A two-year associate degree through a community college averages $4,600 for in-state students according to the American Association of Community Colleges. Tuition for students from out of the area runs $10,000 -$21,600 for two years. For 2008-2009, Normandale Community College in Minnesota offers an associate degree in nursing for about $7,800 for the two-year program.
Additional costs: | - Online registration is available for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. Cost for the test is about $200 and is taken after completion of formal training.
- Books can run about $1,000 -$3,000 per year, depending on whether or not they are purchased new or used.
- Uniforms and work shoes cost about $160 -$300.
- Check individual school websites for required acceptance fees that may range $80 -$600, a part of which may be credited to tuition depending on the school.
- Hospitalization insurance or proof of individual coverage must be maintained by each student at a cost of around $1,600, depending on the school.
Discounts: | - Nursing positions are expected to grow through 2018, according to the American Hospital Association which also estimated 100,000 vacant positions in 2007 for nurses. As a result, there are a variety of scholarship, grant and loan programs available. A Nursing school scholarship applicationmay be downloaded through the US Department of Health and Human Services.
- Filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid is required before receiving most scholarships or financial aid. Federal student aid grant information is available online.
- A listing of financial aid resources is maintained by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
- Federal work-study programs are designed for students with financial need.
- The Health Resources and Services Administration offers a loan repayment program for nursing school graduates.
- The National Student Nurses Association maintains a website for discovering scholarships .
Shopping for nursing school: | |
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Article updated January 2009 |
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