How to Become a Registered Nurse: the Online Nursing alternative to Traditional Classes
One of the best places to find job security in today’s economically depressed environment is in the health care field. And thanks to modern technology, you no longer have to get onto a waiting list for a demanding curriculum that makes it all but impossible to hold down your current job, if you have one. With online nursing programs you can become certified as an LPN, RN, or even BSN. Furthermore, if you already have a job and are simply trying to enhance your career by going from an LPN to RN or RN to BSN, you can do so without feeling like you need to be in a hurry in order to capture an available job. According to the US Bureau of Labor, demands for nurses are the second highest of any career with projections of continued growth.
Featured Online Schools:
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A Top Pick!
Indiana
State University offers a completely
online program that leads to certification as a Registered
Nurse (RN). Practical Nurses that are licensed are eligible
to enroll. ISU also offers a Bachelor of Science program for
RNs and a Master's program for nurses who have already earned
their BSN degree.
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Walden
University offers an online Master
of Science Degree in Nursing that is available to RNs with
a BSN, AND, or Diploma. This unique program is designed for
nurses who are seeking to pursue more advanced positions in
the challenging health care environment. The program helps
to prepare advanced nurses to work in leadership roles both
in practice and in educational settings.
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Schools: Campus-based and Online:
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Jacksonville
University
As a leader in education, Jacksonville
University offers a fully accredited online program that leads
from RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing. RN and MSN degree
programs are also offered at the campus location of Jacksonville
University.
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National
American University (NAU) offers a program for Rns leading
to a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Students in this
program can complete the RN to BSN program online or at one
of the University's campuses, or a combination of both. Campus
classes are offered at: Brooklyn Center, MN, Independence,
MO, Mall of America, MN, Roseville, MN, Sioux Falls, ND, or
Zona Rose, MO.
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Meeting the requirements to become a nurse
Most people who want to develop a nursing career start with an LPN or “licensed practical nurse” certificate. In a traditional school setting, the LPN is an 18 month to 2 year program. LPNs do a lot of the “grunt” work of nursing; the work with patients is very hands-on, such as bathing, dressing, taking vital signs, changing dressings, and providing basic bedside care. In some states LPNs are permitted to administer injections and medications.
Becoming an LPN has two steps. First you must complete the LPN program usually offered by a vocational school or community college. Then you must take the state licensing exam. Nursing associations have been trying to standardize this exam, so some states currently use a common exam. You would be able to move easily from one state to another for a job with a state that has the common nursing exam.
Requirements for a Registered Nurse
In order to become a Registered Nurse (RN), most people get the LPN first. It is, however, possible to go directly for the RN license. Courses usually take two to three years to complete if you already have the LPN. Then, of course, you must take the state licensing exam in order to actually get the license.
RNs perform a lot of the same duties as LPNs but have more authority and more responsibility. Most hospitals and nursing homes require at least one RN to be present on every shift, and some hospitals prefer to work entirely with RNs, bypassing the LPNs altogether. You need to be familiar with the geographic area you plan to work in. Find out if positions are still plentiful for the LPN before you decide to stop there.
Going for the BSN
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a four year degree and is the ultimate goal for many nursing professionals. This degree is the ideal option if you plan on working in administration later on. Generally, you are required to have not only the RN but also to already be working as a nurse in order to get into an BSN program. By studying online, however, you may be able to accelerate the BSN so that you earn your credits more quickly. As with the other nursing programs, you must take a State Board exam in order to acquire your license.
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