What degree do you need to be a surgical nurse?

All of these paths can help you get an entry-level position as a registered nurse. However, if you want the best opportunities for employment and advancement, you should consider getting a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

If you already have a bachelor's degree in another field, you might be able to qualify for an accelerated BSN program.

You must become licensed in order to practice nursing. The National Council Licensure Examination is the test you must pass in order to get your license. All states require this test, but the eligibility requirements vary by state. You can find out what your state's specific requirements are by checking with your state's board of nursing.

There are two types of certification for surgical nurses. Both are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification:

• The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) leads to a Registered Nurse-Board Certified credential.

• The Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB) leads to the Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse credential.

They both last for five years and have similar eligibility requirements, although ANCC requires candidates to complete 30 contact hours, whereas MSNCB exam has no contact hour requirement. Some schools and medical centers prefer one type of certification over the other.