What does graduate school
signify for registered nurses?
You have recently graduated
from a college or university school of nursing program and have written your
certification exams. Congratulations! You are now officially certified as a
registered nurse. Now what?
Your entire nursing career lies
ahead of you. Maybe there is another alternative that you might like to
consider. Have you ever thought about pursuing a higher level of academic
achievement by enrolling in graduate school? You have many options to consider.
What is graduate school and
what does it signify for registered nurses?
"Graduate school (or grad
school) is a school that awards advanced academic degrees, such as doctoral
degrees with the general requirement that students must have earned a previous
undergraduate (bachelor's) degree." (1)
Many registered nurses are
thankful to have completed their nursing degree programs and want to proceed
directly into employment. Some are weary of studying and need a break. Others
prefer to work and pay off student loans or other debts. A few registered
nurses choose to expand their horizons by traveling, while others are excited
about getting married and starting their families.
Registered nurses may not
realize that they do have other options, but there may be a few who have
already started making plans to attend graduate school.
The registered nurses, who
should seriously consider applying for graduate school, are those who are truly
excited about studying and have set a goal, with respect to the direction of
their future studies and potential lifetime careers. These registered nurses
will invariably opt for higher levels of academic achievement and will be
serious about entering into a specialized realm of inquiry. They will
invariably succeed.
Some registered nurses may
choose to become nursing professors or instructors. Others might prefer to do
advanced research, in specific areas of nursing. A few may be interested in
other medical fields like genetics. Some may decide to pursue an entirely
different realm of inquiry of interest, like psychiatry or psychology,
religious studies or philosophy or something that they have already
attained some degree of expertise in prior to enrolling in nursing school.
Registered nurses should be
aware that attending graduate school will require at least one or two more
years of study, in order to obtain a master's degree. It will take from two to
six years of study, if one opts for entrance into a doctoral program. Some
graduate students may choose to start on a master's degree level and switch
into a doctoral level of graduate studies, at a later date.
To be admitted into a graduate
school program, a registered nurse must have relatively high academic standing,
as well as be considered a suitable candidate for entrance into the program.
Note that graduate schools receive many applications from students, all around
the world. Only those students who have the highest academic standing are
accepted. Visa students from other countries, who do have a high academic
standing, may be given preference with regard to admission, depending on the
college or university.
A written proposal or original
research paper may be requested, for consideration with regard to acceptance
and admission into a graduate degree program. This will demonstrate the
prospective graduate student's tentative area of interest and inquiry. During
the course of a graduate student's studies, this will become one of the major
components of his or her Master's Degree or a Doctorate Degree, as it is
gradually expanded to become a thesis or dissertation that is researched,
presented and defended. .
Graduate studies often lead to
other certificates or professional degrees. For example, graduate studies may
involve mentoring under-graduate students. This entails tutoring students,
marking papers, attending and assisting the professors with student
examinations and leads to certification as teachers for advanced learners.
Note that in order to qualify
for a graduate program, there are other pre-requisites, depending upon what
type of graduate school program, a registered nurse chooses to attend. A three
year bachelor's degree in nursing may not suffice, in order to qualify for some
graduate schools. A fourth (or honors) year of college or university may be
necessary. If one is changing faculties, further upgrades may be necessary in
order to qualify.
Normally, graduate students are
pursuing the same area of academic interest as in their undergraduate years,
but not always. On the doctoral level, the horizon or academic pursuit can be
expanded to include a residency program in another area of interest that
requires participation and research, beyond the level of the college or
university offering the graduate program.
In graduate studies, there is a
high academic cost factor to take consideration. Depending upon the kind of
program, there may be student loans, bursaries or grants that are available.
Graduate students can apply to be employed as teaching or research
assistants for professors. Some universities may waive tuition fees for
doctoral students.
Another requirement for
entrance into a graduate school program may be that of being or becoming fluent
in a foreign language. Entrance examinations may be required, depending upon
where the graduate program is offered. Several letters of reference regarding
candidate suitability, may be needed for admission.
For any registered nurses
seriously considering graduate school level studies, more strength and power to
you. It may not be an easy road to follow, but know that in time, you will be
rewarded for your efforts.
Do serious online research and
make inquiries regarding possible graduate schools that offer studies in your
specific area of interest. Choose a graduate school that will give you the kind
of education and experience that you are seeking and then, enjoy your
new experience.
Congratulations on having the
courage and tenacity to continue your studies.
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