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Nursing Diploma

A nursing diploma can open a lot of doors for you in the field of nursing.  Nurses who choose a nursing diploma for their education work in a wide variety of nursing jobs.  Most will become Registered Nurses (RN) practicing as generalists.  Others will go on to pursue additional education and become more specialized nurses, or even advanced practiced nurses such as Nurse Midwives and Nurse Practitioners.

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Work Environment

A nursing diploma will allow you to work in hospitals, clinics, doctor's offices and more.  Often nursing diplomas are offered directly through medical facilities who are training their own nurses, so you can have the valuable experience of learning your craft on site, where you'll be working once you complete your studies and acquire a license. 

Qualifications & Training

Most nursing diploma programs will require you to have a high school diploma or equivalent.  You'll also benefit from any biology or chemistry classes you've taken.  Most of these programs are designed to start your education straight out of high school, so no college classes are necessary but if you have them, they will be helpful and looked on favorably.

After completing your course and receiving your nursing diploma you'll still need to get your license to practice nursing.  You will need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed and begin your career as an RN.  If you are more interested in being a Licensed Practical Nurse, or a more specified nurse, a different license, additional education and certifications, or both, may be necessary.

Job Outlook and Salary Opportunities with a Nursing Diploma

It is because nurses are in such high demand that nursing diplomas and the programs that offer them exist.  Hospitals and other health care facilities started offering diplomas to fill the need for nurses that was not otherwise being met, and also because of the added benefit to them to be training and education their own staff.  Most people who pursue a nursing diploma become registered nurses.  Registered Nurses, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, have an average annual salary of $62,450.  Those with more education or certification will stand to make more.  The top 10% were making over $92,000 annually (according to BLS.gov).