subject: Enrollment Options for Nursing Career Training Programs [print this page] Enrollment Options for Nursing Career Training Programs
Nursing programs prepare students to enter the industry as professionals. Learning to function inside a clinical setting is a skill set that can be obtained through several schooling options. Students can enter undergraduate and graduate degree programs by enrolling in colleges across the country.
Two main career opportunities exist for students that complete accredited training. Students can study to become licensed practical nurses or registered nurses. Two main differences occur when choosing an educational path to take. The first difference is the educational requirements between the two and the professional duties students will be qualified to perform. LPN training is short and lasts one-year while RN training can last two to four years depending on the chosen program. The schooling options available range from beginner programs to bridge programs. Beginner and the most common training options include:
LPN Certification Programs
RN Programs
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs
Students typically begin their training in one of these programs to enter the field as quickly as possible. Bridge programs take the knowledge that students have received inside programs and apply it to the next educational step. For example, students that have obtained their LPN license can enter an LPN to RN program. Training builds on the basics learned inside LPN programs to prepare students for more career responsibility by giving them a more comprehensive understanding of the nursing field. Other bridge programs include RN to BSN and BSN to Master of Science in nursing programs.
Inside LPN programs training focuses on giving students the knowledge to work under the supervision of an RN or physician. Through course lectures and laboratory work students learn to provide bedside care practices, take vital signs, give injections, manage catheters, treat wounds, and more. Training also covers how to perform various clerical tasks to prepare students to work in medical offices. Pharmacology, biology, nutrition, patient care, and office management courses are some subjects that students will complete. Training ends with students obtaining licensure, which is required to enter careers. The National Council Licensure Examination for practical nurses shows students have the needed knowledge to care for patients.
Entering a RN degree program gives students the option to choose specialties. Concentrated areas are broken down by illness, body system, and treatment. For example, students can work through programs that prepare them to be dermatology nurses. These types of programs teach students how to treat patients that suffer from skin disorders like skin cancer. No matter what specific programs students enter they take the same foundational courses. Courses in microbiology, acute care nursing, clinical nursing, and psychology are all subjects that students will work through. To become a registered nurse students are required to obtain licensure. The NCLEX-RN is taken to qualify students for careers.
Whether students are beginners or already working professionals there are several enrollment opportunities available. Students should find accredited nursing degree programs that match their needs and begin training for lucrative and fulfilling careers. Full accreditation is awarded to quality training programs by agencies like the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) to ensure that you receive the best education possible.
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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