Modern nurses follow the footsteps of Florence Nightingale in providing professional patient care in vari-ous work settings such as hospitals, clinics, health care institutions, hospices and offices of individual physicians. They take care of those who are ill, suffering from diseases or injuries and those who are dis-abled. They are often indispensable and assist physicians in discharging vital duties.
Individuals interested in a career in nursing can choose from several nursing degree programs such as Associate, Bachelor and Master’s degrees. Doctoral programs are also available. Other programs include Certified Nursing Assistant [CAN], Licensed Practical Nurse [LPN] and Registered Nurse [RN]. Conven-tional nursing education has also transformed itself through online channels leveraging latest internet technologies.
The Associate degree in Nursing [AND or ASN] is often the stepping stone for students to kick start ca-reers in nursing. The program focuses more on equipping students with technical skills rather than theory. Moreover, it is a shorter duration program spanning 2 years available through campus and online modes. It is often viewed as a money spinner since it allows students to enter the work stream faster. The pro-gram also assists nurses in preparing to take the qualifying exam for Registered Nurses. Course content includes subjects such as anatomy, physiology, behavioral sciences, microbiology and basic math.
Opportunities for career progression greatly depend on the level of specialized education nurses com-plete. A Bachelor degree in Nursing [BSN] provides an edge to employment opportunities and future ad-vancement. Graduates of this program are highly competent and provide professional nursing care in various work settings. The program normally spans 4 years and is available dual mode through campus and online channels. Some elements of the course work are pathophysiology, biochemistry, statistics, as-sessment of health, health care budgeting and health care.
Experienced nurses may look forward to leadership and administrative roles. A Master’s degree in Nurs-ing [MSN] paves the way for crystallizing their aspirations. The program lasts for 2 years and students can pursue it through campus and online modes. Career paths include nursing managers and nursing admin-istrators. The degree equips nurses for advanced roles in various health care settings. Graduates in this program can enter educational channels, collaborate in research and implement advanced practitioner nursing. Subjects include curriculum development and evaluation, leadership and ethics, current health care issues, advanced health assessment, nursing management, health care epidemiology and infection control, to name a few.
License requirements and qualifying exams apply to practice in the field of nursing. Salaries are lucrative and vary on variables such as level of education, experience, location and employer. As per Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses drew median annual earnings of $50,000 in 2004. The top end went up to $70,000. Specialized and formal education like BSN and MSN programs can improve salary ranges even further.
Net to net, nursing is forecasted as the number one occupation, growing faster than average of all occu-pations through 2014. Advanced level of education ensures that nurses stay ahead of their competition and improve their compensation packages, employment opportunities and career advancement.
Find more information about best online universities that offer online nursing de-gree programs in USA at DistanceLearningU.com. Choose the best online nursing programs and online university in your preferred location and start your nursing career now.
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