If your goal is to become a nurse, there are many things to consider. You will surely want to map out a well laid plan as to how you will go about obtaining a nursing degree. You will also need to know what level of nursing you are interested in pursuing. There are many different types of nursing jobs and all require different levels of skill and different amounts of time in school to learn the skills that come with course work and training. If you enjoy going to people's homes and caring for elderly or disabled people, you may want to become an HHA - which is a Home Health Aid. This training is usually only four to eight weeks long and requires class and book work in a training center, followed by a live experience in a health care facility, caring for patients as part of your testing exam. CNA's are Certified Nursing Assistants. This certification can usually be accomplished in one year or less. CNA's generally help higher level nurses with things such as washing and dressing patients, making beds and feeding patients. LPN's are Licensed Practical Nurses. This type of nursing school usually takes about a year. LPN's talk with patients about their problems, take temperatures and other vital sign records such as blood pressure, pulse rate, check heart beats and so forth. LPN's are allowed in most states to give some types of shots and medications, but not all. RN's are Registered Nurses. Registered Nurses have completed four years of college, with intensive course work, training and an internship during the last semester for hands on experience and real world training. RN's administer medicine, give shots and often are in charge of the other lower level nurses in regard to being sure that patients have well rounded care in every necessary area. Once you have decided what type of nurse you want to be, look for courses online that will help get you through the first few semesters of school without having to leave home. Of course, the latter part of nursing school will require your presence and hands-on training, but initial courses can often be taken online.