NURSING CAREER PATHS
Nursing offers you the opportunity to
create a career path filled with many
personal and professional rewards. By
planning the path you want to take,
you will understand the requirements
and choices along the way. Consider
the many options in nursing and find a
good fit for you.
What does it take?
To become a nurse, you must com-
plete a state-approved nursing program
and pass a licensing exam called the
NCLEX. All nursing programs require
a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Schools’ entrance requirements vary and
may include a standardized test, such as
the ACT. Recommended high school
courses include science, math, English
and social studies.
Where do I start?
There is not a typical career path. You
can start directly in a registered nurse
(R.N.) program, or you may want to
start in a licensed practical nurse (LPN)
or a certified nurse assistant (CNA) pro-
gram. Because LPN and CNA programs
require less initial education, you can
start working sooner. Many nurses who
do this continue their education and
earn while they learn. Knowing the edu-
cation and license needed for the work
you want to do will help you decide
what type of school to attend.
Questions to Ask
• What are my goals?
• Will I need to work part time or full
time while attending school?
• Do I want online course options?
• What skills would I like to attain?
• What are my strengths/interests?
Visit www.slthealthcareers.com for more information about St. Louis nursing
schools, employers and local scholarships, as well as links to local and national
organizations and resources about the nursing profession.
Certified Nurse Assistant
Most employers require CNAs to complete mandatory training courses with a
passing competency evaluation. Most programs take less than 100 hours and
cover skills for daily hygiene, bedside care, vital-sign measurement, common
health problems and chronic illnesses. In the St. Louis metropolitan area, employ-
ment for CNAs is abundant in long-term care facilities. Hospitals also employ
basic patient care aides who are willing to learn advanced skills.
Licensed Practical Nurse CNA
Most practical nursing programs take less than one year program
and include both classroom and clinicals, which is the
term used for supervised patient care. Coursework includes
anatomy, physiology, nutrition, first aid, administration of LPN
drugs, obstetrics and pediatrics. LPNs typically provide program
the greatest amount of direct patient care. LPNs are
in great demand in long-term care facilities, home care
NCLEX-PN
and clinics. In hospitals, the trend is to use more R.N.s
exam
and fewer LPNs. The demand for LPNs in the
St. Louis area is projected to increase 4 percent
during this decade. BSN ADN
program program
Registered Nurse
There are two basic nursing education programs to become NCLEX-RN
an R.N. Associate degree in nursing (ADN) programs are exam
two-year programs that include general studies and nursing
education. A bachelor degree in nursing (BSN) is a four-year R.N. to
program that also includes general studies and nursing education BSN
while focusing on leadership development. Coursework includes program
anatomy, physiology, nutrition, pharmacology, clinical skills, obstetrics,
pediatrics, community nursing and leadership skills.
BSN completion programs are designed for nurses who want to continue beyond
their ADN degree. Accelerated baccalaureate programs are designed for individu-
als seeking a BSN who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field. These
programs take one to two years. The demand for R.N.s in St. Louis is projected to
increase 17 percent during this decade.
Graduate Education
A master’s degree can prepare you for work as an advanced practice nurse (APN) in
a specific area — clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner or certified registered
nurse anesthetist. Other master of science in nursing (MSN) degree programs
can prepare you to work as an educator in a hospital or nursing school; work as
a nurse leader, administrator or executive; work in public health nursing; or in
health care informatics. Many additional post-master’s certificates and doctoral
programs prepare nurses for other exciting roles and settings.
 Nurses Enjoy Many Career Opportunities
From Boot Camp to P.T. to R.N.
Jean Oxenfeld, St. Anthony’s Medical Center
“Becoming an R.N. later in life wasn’t a stretch
for me because I’ve been in the medical field
since I was 18. Immediately after high school,
I went to boot camp and later graduated from the Navy
Hospital Corps school. Then, I was a physical therapy
assistant for 15 years before becoming a registered nurse.
Going to nursing school while working as a PTA got me
where I am today — an R.N. in general medicine. I plan to
continue the nursing career path, wherever it takes me.”
Opportunities Are Unlimited
Linda Stefano, St. Anthony’s Medical Center
“Starting nursing school with three small
children and limited finances is a testimony
to my passion for the profession. Because I
worried about committing to four years of school, I started
out as an LPN. Taking advantage of tuition reimburse-
ment, I earned associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees
in nursing. I’ve worked in a skilled nursing facility, on a
general hospital nursing floor, in critical care nursing, on
a step-down unit, in both hospital and college nursing
education, in a public health clinic, at an urgent care center
and in a doctor’s office. Each area offered new challenges
and taught me new skills. I enjoy the fact that opportunities
in nursing are limitless because no patient and no job are
the same.”
Persistence Pays Off
Barb Renner, BJC Corporate Health
“For more than 20 years, I worked on the
prerequisites for nursing school. In December
2004, I began the nursing program at the
University of Missouri – St. Louis, with classes held at
St. Charles Community College. The BJC tuition reim-
bursement plan helped make my dream a reality when
I graduated this year. Soon, I’ll begin classes to earn my
master’s degree. Why stop now?”
Early Dreams Can Be Fulfilled
Jason Stacey, St. Luke’s Hopsital
“In high school, I took a course called orien-
tation to health occupations. I enjoyed it so
much I knew I wanted to get into health care
at age 17. I became a CNA, and I found that experience so
fulfilling I became an R.N. I’ve spent my entire nursing ca-
reer at St. Luke’s, and now I’m an associate head nurse. By
taking advantage of the hospital’s loan forgiveness program,
I was able to make the dreams of my youth a reality.”
Blessed By Career And Family
Marsha Harwood, SSM St. Mary’s Health Center
“I began my first career in medicine working
as an EKG tech. Later, I became a medical
assistant and a paramedic. Then, I stayed
home with my children during their grade school years and
eventually began taking a few prerequisites throughout sev-
eral semesters. At age 40, I entered nursing school — one
of the most rewarding achievements of my life. Now, I
work full time as a cardiac R.N. I truly love seeing patients
recover and regain good health.”
Second Career Is Extra Rewarding
Tara Reddy, R.N., St. John’s Mercy Medical Center
“I graduated with my first bachelor’s degree in
1997, then returned to school nine years later
for my second career — nursing. The BSN
accelerated program at St. Louis University appealed to me,
and now I work in a medical intensive care unit. The work
is very satisfying, and my employer offers a fantastic loan
forgiveness program.”
It’s Worth the Climb
Chris Kamp, Saint Anthony’s Health Center
“I started as a CNA when I was 16. At 20,
I became an LPN and worked for two years
before attending R.N. school at Lewis and
Clark Community College in Godfrey, Ill. I graduated at
age 25. Now, I’m a nurse manager.”
Where will I work?
As these testimonials demonstrate, nursing offers unlim-
ited possibilities. Hospitals, doctors’ clinics, community/
public service, outpatient facilities, nursing homes, rehabili-
tation facilities, long-term care, home health, schools and
colleges, research, insurance and legal settings are just some
of the options available.
Nurses have lots of flexibility in their working hours. A
hospital shift can be 8 to 12 hours. Some nurses work
36 hours in three days or 40 hours in four days and then
have three to four days off. Others may choose to work
part time or only on weekends.
The demand for nurses is projected to remain high. This
leads to job security and advancement opportunities, as
well as attractive salaries and
benefits packages.