Thinking of a career change? Most people go to college to prepare themselves for their first real job but others head back to switch gears for a new chapter of their life. A few of the perks of heading back to get a higher degree include better career, higher salary, upward mobility and overall happiness with one’s work. Right now you have many options and pathways to obtain a nursing degree. There are traditional bachelors and graduate nursing programs, which are achieved by attending an on-campus location.
Understand Accreditation Before Enrolling
Make sure to check if the program in question is accredited by an approved agency of the US Department of Education. These agencies evaluate whether or not the institution’s program meets the standards of the nursing industry. That is, it is not a “diploma mill” that takes your money and ships you back a paper certificate that carries no value to employers. There are two major accrediting agencies the US Department of Education recognizes and they have a long list of criteria for each institution, including curriculum, student / faculty support services and teaching quality.
The Main Types of Education Environments
Community college or junior college programs are now common. These welcome everyone from the recent high school graduate to the adult learner who is jumping careers. Community college classes are smaller than traditional on-campus institutions and are also significantly cheaper.
Online nursing programs are a fantastic option because the student has flexibility in how they finish their degree. Classrooms are virtual, so you can attend lecture at your own convenience. This works best for adults who are already in a career and do not want to be unemployed, so you can kill two birds with one stone. On-site training is performed through agreeing medical facilities that are partners with the online schools.
Baccalaureate degrees and graduate nursing degrees are earned by attending one of the many hundreds of on-campus schools. There are public and private universities, all over the nation. These have access to top of the line medical facilities and experienced teaching staffs.
Top Online Nursing Colleges
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Indiana State – LPN to BSN. Students interested in continuing their nursing career will find the BSN program at Indiana State University to be a perfect fit. Indiana State University is an accredited university that prepares students with an outstanding and well respected curriculum.
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The College Network – 10 universities offering Nursing Degrees. The College Network is a large collective of respective universities offering various degrees in the field of nursing. Students interested in starting or continuing their career in nursing will find numerous degrees that they are looking for.
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University of Phoenix – RN to BSN. 27 Nursing Degrees. University of Phoenix is one of the largest, private online universities in the world. With vast resources and an outstanding faculty, students will receive the tools and resources to be successful in their chosen nursing field.
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Kaplan University – RN to BSN. 20 Nursing Degrees. Kaplan University offers students the choice of taking 20 accredited nursing degrees in a variety of specialties. At Kaplan University, every student that graduates will be well prepared to start their career in fast growing industry.
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