Two-Year Nursing Degree Programs

Florida ranks as the region's top producer of Associate's degrees. Think of all the community college scattered throughout the state. Even more impressive is Florida's national ranking, which is 2nd behind California. Florida residents have several options to choose from when looking for a two-year college, and these community colleges offer academic programs for many high-demand occupations. One of the most prominent Florida professions that are pursued at the community college level is nursing.



Many of the Florida community colleges offer an Associate of Science degree in nursing. Generally, a two-year nursing degree allows the graduate to take the national exam to obtain a Registered Nurse license. The full-time program prepares the student to work in a nursing position and helps to prepare him or her for further nursing studies (Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Doctoral) through a university program.



A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a health professional who works under the direction of a registered nurse or a physician. A two-year LPN program can help prepare a student to become a professional registered nurse. Licensed practical nurses provide support through basic bedside care. They are tasked with completing preliminary analysis work, such as measuring and regarding a patient's vital signs like weight, height, blood pressure, and pulse.



Students of the practical nursing program can look forward to fundamental courses that rival that of a registered nursing program. The practical nursing curriculum can include math, anatomy, pharmacology, and nursing courses. Medical terminology is a significant course for any student of nursing. Florida community colleges provide students with an assortment of instruction, including classroom, campus lab, and clinical facilities.



Students seeking a short-term education in nursing may want to research a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant. This nursing program, which generally runs five to six months at a community college, is typically offered in two courses. During the half-year course, students learn about basic nursing. Upon successful completion, the student must pass the Florida certified nursing assistant examination to become a certified nursing assistant.



Students who have recently relocated to Florida and have some nursing education credits under their belt may be able to transfer their credits to a Florida community college nursing program. This type of transfer is usually permissible for students pursuing an Associate's degree in the field. There are generally guidelines attached to advanced placement into an Associate's degree program, so it is wise to learn all the facts before making the commitment.



Florida community colleges can require certain stipulations to enter into any nursing degree or certification program. Conditional acceptance into a Florida nursing program can include satisfactory fingerprint and criminal background check, medical examination, proof of immunization, and verification of Hepatitis B immunization. Qualifications are usually visible on the program application.