how to become a school nurse

6 Steps to Becoming a School Nurse

FAQ on Earning Your School Nurse Degree or Certification

School Nurse Salary & Job Growth

A field with growing demands, school nursing is set to grow at a rate of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This rate is faster than that of most careers, largely because of population growth and new school construction. However, applicants should be prepared for competition, as the school nurse schedule is highly coveted. The average salary of a school nurse equals about $20.85 per hour, but this number will vary greatly by state.

Certified school nurses can earn a salary ranging from $33,000 to close to $90,000 in total pay, which includes salary, overtime pay, bonuses and any other cash reward earned during the year. This averages to $55,000 a year.

Comparable nursing jobs include certified nurse assistant (CNA) at an average salary of about $24,000; Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at $40,000 average; primary care registered nurse at $61,000 average; and charge nurse at $64,500 average. CNAs, LPNs and RNs are not required to have a bachelor's degree.

Finding a School Nurse Program

For those interested in the field of school nursing, finding the right school is the first step toward realization of this goal.

When choosing among programs, consider the cost, including tuition, fees, books and housing, if applicable. Some students, depending on their work-life situation, may prefer online classes or a hybrid learning format with both online and in-person courses. Keep in mind that even nursing degrees that are described as completely online will also include clinical experience hours, which must be completed off-campus. Because school nurses require a bachelor's degree, schooling generally takes four years of full-time work. Registered nurses working on their RN to BSN program may complete their bachelor's in two to three years with full-time school work, depending on applicable experience or previous schooling that could count toward graduation credit.

When available, a degree in school nursing should be sought; however, general degrees in nursing and health services may be acceptable for the position. Students should also look into the certificates offered in their field, as these will help establish professionalism and provide a forward career trajectory.

Professional School Nurse Associations & Groups

School nurses should maintain connections with other nurse professionals, and this list of recommended groups ranges from an association for students nurses to national organizations for school nurses and another for state-level school health services administrators. Perks of joining such organizations includes access to scholarships, continuing education resources, discounts, peer-reviewed journals and job searches, to name a few. It's also beneficial to network with other nurses locally to share resources and provide support among professionals.

Resources for School Nurses

Those interested in a career in school nursing can find a wide range of information below, including pay data, loans and scholarships, state-level nursing associations, certification tests and more useful tools.

Become Team

Contributing Writer

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