Nurses provide assistance to doctors in a variety of ways like patient care and administrative duties. Many degree programs are available through online study for students with the desire to become a nurse. Education typically consists of earning a one-year certificate or a two-year associate's degree.
One-year certificate programs provide students with the knowledge to be a licensed practical nurse. An associate's degree provides the educational training to become a registered nurse. Students can gain advanced training that enables them to enter upper-level nursing positions by entering a bachelor's or master's of science degree. Other educational programs that are becoming more prevalent are bridge programs. These programs are typically referred to as LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN, RN-to-MSN, and BSN-to-MSN. Bridge programs benefit already working professionals the most because it allows them to complete education online and still keep their job. This is highly beneficial because professionals don't lose seniority as they build their nursing skill set.
In a certificate program student's learn how to become an LPN by completing classroom work related to professional duties. This typically includes working through courses that give students a foundation in medical concepts and patient care. Some skills learned in an LPN program include:
- Recording patients vital signs
- Administering shots
- Caring for a patients needs
Basic LPN online courses in anatomy, biology, nutrition, and pharmacology make the transition into the field easier. Students learn to complete work related duties as they prepare for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. This exam is required to become an LPN.
Registered nurses perform more advanced patient care and medical procedures. Students can enter online programs in a variety of concentrations. Types of treatments, illnesses, and body elements make up specialties. For example, working as a critical care RN that gives medical attention to patients with serious injuries. This type of degree program would be classified as a treatment specialty. Gastroenterology nurses, classified as an illness specialty, treat patients with intestinal disorders. All RN students gain the same basic patient and medical care knowledge. Skills included into most online programs include:
- Educating patients on medical conditions
- Performing diagnostic testing
- Administering treatment like an intravenous line for medication
RN students should expect to complete courses based on microbiology, physiology, epidemiology, and health policy. Education prepares students to enter the field after enabling them to pass the state required licensure exam. The NCLEX-RN exam covers all areas learned at the foundational level as well as specialty areas that students may be completing. Online programs at all levels incorporate clinical based courses. Students will travel to a hospital or clinic near them and practice patient care with a physician.
Students have the best career opportunities when they gain an RN degree through an associate's, BSN, or MSN degree program. Education is available from anywhere allowing students to start education now. Enroll in an accredited online college program and become an LPN or RN. Accreditation is provided by agencies like the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (http://www.nlnac.org/) to schools and colleges that supply students with the quality education they need to succeed.
DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org.
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About this Author
Renata McGee is a staff writer for PETAP.org. Locate more Online Nursing Schools and Colleges as well as Campus Based Nursing Schools and Colleges at PETAP.org, your Partners in Education and Tuition Assistance Programs.
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