These 4 options allow you to customize your training to your goals!

By Yahoo Education Staff

There are many reasons to pursue a career as a registered nurse - the opportunities are plentiful, the salaries are generous (a national average of $65,130, according to the U.S. Department of Labor estimates), and few jobs have such a positive influence on people's lives.

But then there's the matter of training, and where to start. Should you get an associate's degree? A bachelor's degree? Or is a diploma program the better option?

It really depends on you.

Learn more about local and online Nursing schools.

While each program leads to the same place and qualifies students to take the required national licensing exam, the programs and benefits differ.

Check out the options for your journey toward an RN career below.

Associate's Degree in Nursing

Associate's degrees in nursing are offered online, as well as at community colleges and career schools. These programs take two to three years to complete.

The Coursework: Nursing associate degree courses cover anatomy, biology, and nursing skills. Nursing programs also include hands-on clinical training, in which students learn and practice job duties such as taking vital signs and interacting with patients. Students enrolled at a community college are also usually also required to take some liberal arts classes.

The Benefits: An associate's degree in nursing can be the fastest way to start gaining on-the-job experience and earning a salary. Plus, employers often offer tuition reimbursement for working nurses who want to pursue further education toward a bachelor's or master's degree.

Find Nursing associate's degree programs in your area.

Bachelor's Degree in Nursing

The bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) typically takes four years to complete. Some organizations, such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and individual workplaces, require their RNs to hold a BSN degree.

The Coursework: The first two years are usually focused on completing the school's general education requirements and taking science and introductory nursing courses. The last two years involve preparing students for the day-to-day duties of an RN with clinical work and more intensive nursing courses.

The Benefits: Although it takes longer to complete, having a BSN degree gives students the opportunity to work towards an advanced degree, which is a requirement for nurse practitioner and nurse-midwife positions. In addition, RNs who hold a BSN often have more opportunities for administrative and managerial positions.

Find BSN programs near you.

Second Degree BSN and Accelerated BSN Degree

Second degree and accelerated BSN degree programs are ideal for those who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field, but want to transition into nursing. Because these programs build on your previous education, they take less time to complete than a traditional bachelor's degree program - only 12 to 18 months for accelerated programs.

The Coursework: Students' previous coursework fulfills basic requirements, allowing the programs to focuses mainly on nursing-specific skills and knowledge such as disease prevention, nutrition, and pharmacology.

The Benefits: These programs are intense, but they put graduates into the workforce quickly and take advantage of previous education, making it a great choice for someone who already has a bachelor's degree and wants to switch careers.

Nursing Diploma

Usually offered by a hospital in conjunction with a school, nursing diploma programs take approximately three years to complete.

The Coursework: Students start in the classroom studying anatomy, biology, and other medical-related courses, and then move to hands-on training, usually in a hospital. Diploma programs don't require unrelated coursework, so the focus is entirely on preparation for a nursing career.

The Benefits: Students spend a great deal of time working directly with RNs on a hospital staff, giving graduates a good idea of what to expect once they become nurses themselves.

No matter which path you choose - associate's degree or bachelor's degree or diploma - whether onsite or online, you'll be well-prepared to start your career as an RN.

Find the Nursing program that's right for you today!