DIFFERENCES IN COMPETENCIES BETWEEN NURSES PREPARED 1
The pathways to become a registered nurse are three-fold: a three-year diploma program, a
three-year associate degree program, and a four-year baccalaureate degree program. All nursing
schools teach the students the basic competencies necessary for nursing practice. All graduates
are required to take the same NCLEX_RN licensing exam, regardless of the pathway chosen,
however it has been argued that with a higher level of education it is probable that a higher level
of performance can be achieved.