If you are actively considering a career in the nursing field, it is important to know that there are several fantastic degree programs available to you to help you jumpstart your career of helping others. These degree programs vary and can last between one and four years. However, the differences in years often correspond to the difference in the degrees themselves. BSN programs usually last four years while some nursing diploma programs can last two to three years.

The associate's degree in nursing is probably the most widely acknowledged two-year nursing degree available. This degree program is popular due to the fact that it allows nursing students the opportunity to start working sooner, rather than having to wait four years to have a hands-on position in a hospital or doctors office. The curriculum of the associate's degree program is composed of more technical skills and actual application in comparison to other nursing degrees. Other nursing degrees will focus on the theory of nursing instead of skills and application. It is often the focus on the technical skills and applications that allows two-year nursing programs graduates to obtain employment so quickly.

Many community colleges as well as other universities and schools offer the two-year associates degree in nursing. Unfortunately two-year programs for nursing are seldom available online. However, some community college programs may offer a distance education portion of the program, but a great deal of traditional training is still required due to the hands-on nature of the curriculum. The popularity of the two-year degree also stems from its appeal to those new to the field of nursing. Since many associate degree programs require internships and rotations, graduates usually have a foot in the door to many local hospitals and other healthcare facilities when they have completed their program. Two-year degree programs often offer financial aid and, in some cases, scholarships that are specific to nursing degree students.

Currently most four-year nursing programs require that you are a certified RN before you can enroll in the BSN programs. However, many associate degree programs only ask that you have obtained your high school diploma or GED before accepting you. At the completion of the associate's degree program, students become a certified RN. Due to this, many nurses are comfortable in stopping their education there and living the life as an RN. If they choose to continue their education in this field, their options increase dramatically. Although, many RNs choose a specialty and gain the appropriate certificate, few find the need to gain a four-year degree as opposed to the two-year degree.

There has been much speculation about whether medical facilities and the health care industry, as a whole, will move towards requiring all nurses to have a BSN before practicing. However, due to the ever increasing need for nurses, this movement has never really been instituted. Over the years, there has been no real consensus on whether two-year or four-year nurses make more money. Many even argue over the actual difference in nursing information taught, noting that the major difference is in the extracurricular and general knowledge courses taught, such as English and Philosophy. Many will agree that to ensure a proficient two-year associate degree program, one must choose an excellent nursing school, with an impressive history of students passing the NCLEX exam. While those considering a management position will need to obtain another degree at some point, candidates who want to start working as soon as possible should really consider the associates degree for nursing.

Associate degrees, or two-year nursing programs, are usually the stepping stones towards successful nursing careers. These programs prepare students for work by teaching the technical skills needed in the field of nursing. Graduates of the two-year programs can start working as an RN immediately after graduation and certification. Two-year programs are great for those who are new to the field of nursing, with enrollment requirements that can easily be obtained. Even though there are a few other nursing degree programs, the two-year degree is one of the most popular and are typically required before you can obtain additional degrees.

If you are considering a career in nursing, than you should strongly consider looking into a two-year nursing degree program available in your area. Do your homework and make sure that the program that you choose has a good record of students passing the NCLEX exam as this will help you make your decision much easier.