Find Nursing Schools Online
Congratulations on deciding on a nursing career! You have made a great choose. The healthcare industry is a growing occupational field, and this is particularly true for the nursing profession. Even now, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “[r]egistered nurses (RNs) constitute the largest healthcare occupation, with 2.6 million jobs.”
But if you would like to join this profession, you must meet certain educational requirements. The first step in this process, of course, is choosing the appropriate nursing school.
There are a wide variety of nursing schools to choose from in the United States. Each school, or nursing program, has its own particular career orientation. It is up to you, therefore, to make sure that the nursing school fits into your desired career path.
For instance, the educational requirement needed to become a registered nurse is either a bachelors (4-year) degree, an associate (2-year) degree, or a diploma program administered by a hospital (which typically takes about 3 years to complete). To become a licensed practical nurse (LPN), however, you need only complete a one-year state-approved training program in practical nursing. Your choice of a nursing school, or program, will vary widely depending upon your intended career path.
In order to select the best nursing school—for YOU—you must ask (and answer) these questions:
There are many specialties within the nursing profession. Some of these specialties include:
…and many, many more.
Your choice of a specialty will determine which nursing school will give you adequate training in that specialty.
Before registering at any nursing school, make sure that it is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing and Education. Choosing an accredited nursing school will assure you an education that meets (or exceeds) industry standards.
The approximate number of students, per class, is an important consideration in choosing a nursing school. Small class sizes offer an intimate, more personal learning experience while large class sizes offer diversity. As some people learn better in small classes than in large ones (and vice versa) your choice based on class size is a purely personal one.
Your personal circumstances will determine the convenience (or lack thereof) of the nursing school’s location. For instance, if you have family commitments, you may not be able to relocate to another region to attend nursing school. Therefore, you will want to find a nursing school that is relatively close to your living quarters.
In order to fulfill their educational and occupational goals, many adults now work fulltime while attending college. If you are one of them, you will need to make sure that the nursing school offers classes that fit in with your work schedule. (Fortunately, many schools now cater to non-traditional students and offer evening and weekend classes to accommodate their schedules).
Tuition for nursing school varies greatly depending on the particular program and whether or not it is given within a public or a private school setting. Check with the school to find out what types of tuition payment options are available to you. You may be eligible for federal student loans, grants, or scholarships. If you investigate all of your educational financing options, you should be able to defray some of the cost of their tuition.
Remember…selecting an appropriate nursing school is the first step in having a successful nursing career. Choose wisely.
If you’ve wondered how you can pursue a college education while working or raising a family, you’re not alone. Many University of Phoenix students wondered the same thing, but more than 400,000 alumni are proof that it’s possible.
We’ve empowered students from all walks of life to take control of their educational goals and earn a degree that works for them, personally and professionally.
We’re an accredited university offering on-campus and online college degree programs. Choose from our associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in business, education, criminal justice, nursing, technology and other in-demand fields.
For over 30 years, Keiser University has provided student-centered, quality career education. Keiser University eCampus Online offers degree programs online to prepare students for high-demand professions. Degrees are offered with a curriculum that is in pace with technology and workforce demand trends in business, criminal justice, healthcare and computer technology. Our “one-class-at-a-time” approach allows busy students to focus on their education and balance the demands of work and family.
If you’re looking to continue your nursing education without giving up your passion for helping others, then Brookline College’s Master of Science in Nursing Education program may be the right path for you. The program is specifically designed to prepare you for a role as a nurse educator in a future academic or health care field, focusing on areas of study that include:
If you are driven to pursue a higher standard of success and require flexibility in your schedule to get there, Grand Canyon University, one of the Top 10 Christian colleges, is the right choice for you! GCU emphasizes individual attention for both traditional undergraduate students, as well as the working professional. With our cutting-edge curriculum, you will gain the real-world experience you need to succeed in today’s global marketplace. Online and campus-based bachelor’s and master’s degree programs are offered through the College of Education, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Ken Blanchard College of Business, and the College of Liberal Arts.
Indiana Wesleyan University is an evangelical Christian comprehensive university that is committed to liberal arts and professional education. U.S. News & World Report ranks Indiana Wesleyan University as “one of the best Master’s universities in the Midwest.”
Over 3,200 students live and learn in state-of-the-art residence halls and academic facilities on IWU’s residential campus in Marion, Indiana. More than 80 majors are offered, covering everything from Art to Theology and Ministry. An increasing number of honors students on the residential campus has led to the formation of the John Wesley Honors College.