It’s no secret that BIPOCs are underrepresented in the nursing field. According to a survey by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, only about 20% of registered nurses in America identify as having a minority background, compared to more than 40% in the broader U.S. population. Without a doubt, the best way to combat this disparity is through increased nursing education for People of Color — but which path through education is best?
There are many different kinds of nurses, and accordingly, there are many other avenues a BIPOC student might take to achieve the credentials they need to become a nurse. Each path through nursing education has its advantages and disadvantages, so BIPOC students need to consider their interests and strengths before taking their first steps toward a career in nursing.
Community College
A community college is a popular choice among BIPOC looking for affordable and flexible ways to start their nursing education. Community colleges tend to have much lower tuition rates than universities, and community colleges accept all students — which universities notoriously do not. Plus, a student can gain several types of nursing credentials through a community college education, two of which (Certified Nursing Assistant and Licensed Practical Nurse) allow students to begin earning wages as a working nurse after only a handful of credit hours.
BIPOC should also consider utilizing community colleges to improve the opportunities available to them to earn advanced nursing degrees. An associate degree in nursing (ADN) qualifies nurses for positions within hospitals and doctor’s offices, which may offer tuition reimbursement programs to help nurses earn their bachelor’s degree, master’s, and more. Then again, students applying to a nursing program can improve their chances by having a few college credits.
While taking classes at community college, prospective nurses should put effort into building their network within the healthcare space. For BIPOC students especially, mentorship programs can provide valuable connections with fellow BIPOC nursing students, faculty, and working nurses. One study found that BIPOC mentorship can improve satisfaction by up to 25%, and greater satisfaction can lead to better grades and more advanced education, which in turn provides better job placements and higher lifetime income.
University Degree
While a university education is by no means essential to success in the nursing career field, many nurses choose to pursue more advanced nursing credentials, such as a bachelor’s in nursing (BSN), a master’s in nursing (MSN), or a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP). Interestingly, a report from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing shows that representation of minority students in university nursing degree programs aligns with population trends, suggesting that the nursing field may be moving toward greater racial equity.
There are benefits to continuing one’s nursing education through baccalaureate and higher levels. Nurses with more advanced degrees tend to have more attractive responsibilities in healthcare, such as managing nursing staff or educating fellow nurses. BSNs and above also earn higher salaries than other nurses, often because they can provide more specialized care.
Challenges for BIPOC in university nursing degree programs tend to be similar to those within community college settings. Students often need to engage with scholarship programs to cover high tuition rates, and even then, students may need to look for ways to balance work and school. Work-study programs can help students continue to build their professional networks. Universities can also supply minority students with practical support, increasing graduation rates for BIPOC nurses.
Online School
E-learning is popular within nursing education pathways. Students will encounter a handful of online nursing courses available within community college and university degree programs, and for-profit nursing schools offer many fully online programs. Online education certainly has advantages, allowing students to engage with course materials and complete assignments on a looser schedule. For BIPOC students, who may be balancing education with work and other responsibilities, e-learning can be a lifesaver.
However, despite its reputation, online education is more challenging than learning in a traditional classroom; in some ways, it is much more difficult. Students enrolled in online courses are in complete control of when and how they study, and students who could be more effective at managing their time and mitigating distractions might need help to keep up. BIPOC nursing students with limited personal space at home might want to convert a garage into an office space where they can focus more easily on their studies. Any dedicated at-home study space should have proper lighting, ergonomic furniture, and peace and quiet to ensure comfort and ease of learning.
Conclusion
BIPOC deserve the same opportunities for success in nursing, and success starts with access to a good education. By choosing the right path and taking advantage of available resources, BIPOC can graduate with valuable credentials that will allow them to launch nursing careers fast.
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