School Nursing

Learn How to Become a School Nurse

Good health is necessary for students' academic success, so it's important to have health professionals in schools to ensure students' safety and promote good health. School nurses are the front-line practitioners in schools across the country. If you want to learn how to become a school nurse, we have gathered all the education and career information you'll need.

School Nursing: What School Nurses Do

School nursing involves the delivery of emergency and non-emergency health care to students within the educational system. School nurses are in high demand during the cold and flu season, but managing school- and district-wide health initiatives keeps them busy throughout the year. The typical duties of a school nurse include the following:

• Handling minor health problems
• Dispensing prescribed medications to students
• Monitoring student immunizations
• Providing regular vision, hearing and dental screenings
• Teaching classes on health, nutrition and human development
• Implementing individualized health care plans for students with special health needs

School nurses typically work in a medical office where they evaluate and treat students with minor injuries or chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and asthma.

If you learn how to become a school nurse, you will also be required to fill out medical paperwork, and you may attend conferences and school meetings.

Learn How to Become a School Nurse to Earn a Good Salary

The average annual salary for school nurses ranges from $34,162 to $53,986 per year, with the top 90 percent earning $64,206 or more, according to Salary.com. School nursing benefits vary based on the school district in which nurses work. In districts that allow nurses in the teacher's union, nurses typically earn salaries comparable to those of teachers, and they receive the same health insurance and retirement benefits. A common perk for both school nurses and teachers with children is to work while—and only while—their kids are in school, which allows them to spend more time with them when they're not in school.

One way to break into this in-demand field is by substituting for other school nurses. Substituting lets you gain experience and network with other nurses, and shows administrators see how well you perform on the job, all of which can lead to a permanent school-nurse position.

How to Become a School Nurse: Education and Training

Educational requirements for school nurses vary from state to state, so make sure to research your state's laws before selecting a nursing education program. Most states require a bachelor's degree while others require a master's degree in nursing to become a school nurse. Every state requires that school nurses be registered nurses (RNs). See our list of nursing schools to find the right RN program for you.

School Nurse Certification

Certification requirements for school nurses also vary from state to state, with some states requiring national school nurse certification to become a school nurse. The National Board for Certification of School Nurses offers higher level, national certification to RNs who meet the following requirements:

• Hold a bachelor's degree in nursing
• Work in school health services
• Pass a nursing certification exam

School nursing plays a vital role in the health and welfare of students across the country. Learn how to become a school nurse and find a challenging job that offers immeasurable rewards working with kids in your community. Keeping children in good health makes them stronger learners, and that strength builds a greater future for us all.