Those who want to specialize a nursing degree in neurology will need to earn a bachelors and masters degree in nursing, pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and work as an RN in a neuroscience department. Once they complete a graduate certificate in neuroscience with at least 4,160 employment hours in neuroscience, they can take the Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse’s exam.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree offers students the opportunity to enter the competitive world of health care with an education enriched with applied theories and practical techniques. This degree is a key resume asset for modern nurses who must provide evidence-based care for diverse patients in very different settings, such as rural clinics and community health centers. The BSN’s curriculum is designed to provide theoretical foundations as well as research-based practices that revolve around human caring, clinical expertise and critical thinking. The nursing degree curriculum covers disciplines that touch on the social, medial, biological, behavioral, biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences. Graduates will be prepared to pass their RN exam and pursue advancing nursing studies.
Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
Anyone who wants to become a nurse will need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX–RN). It is a good idea to take the test as soon as possible after graduation. After you meet the basic eligibility requirements, submit your application to the state’s board of nursing where you want to be licensed. After the application is complete, participants will receive a letter from the board, which is called the Authorization to Test. This official documents means that nursing students can register with Pearson VUE to schedule their exam. You can familiarize yourself with the NCLEX-RN test by reviewing how-to guidebooks and taking practice tests online.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
After earning the RN credential and working as a nurse, a master’s degree should be your next goal. There are many graduate programs that provide specializations in neuroscience. These degrees will provide graduates with a base of knowledge in practical skills with specialized training through applied research and exclusive classes. A Master of Science degree with specialization in neuroscience will teach students how to apply clinical knowledge to meet and manage their client’s needs. Students will engage in advanced clinical practices by analyzing medical problems based on theoretical concepts and research literature. Students will learn how to support and cooperate with neurology professionals and other interdisciplinary team members.
Take the Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Exam
Registered nurses with a master’s degree who have accumulated at least 4,160 of work hours related to neuroscience can take the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses’ (AANN) one and only Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN). This national exam is the professionally recognized certification for advance practice nurses (APN) who specialize in neurological care. Nurses who have not previously neurology can earn a graduate level certificate in order to expand their knowledge and core competencies. These certificate programs should include instruction related to seizures, brain tumors, spinal cord injuries, neurological assessment methods and neurological anatomy and physiology.
Related Resource: Travel Nurse
Those who want to learn more about nursing degree programs, specializations and career paths can visit the American Nurses Association’s Online Journal of Issues in Nursing (OJIN) website to learn more.
