Best Nursing Schools 2. Rankings. Looking for an affordable education in nursing Youve come to the right place. Weve analyzed thousands of colleges and universities to determine which schools offer solid nursing degrees for students on a budget. Each detailed listing includes information on the schools programs, accreditations, accepted credits and weekendevening classes. Plus, for those new to the field, weve provided a primer on the nursing profession. Here you can discover what type of nurse youd like to be, and what kind of degree you can earn. Albany-Medical-College-New-Student-Orientation-Program.-Team-Building-Albany-NY-70_thumb.jpg' alt='Best College Freshman Orientation Programs' title='Best College Freshman Orientation Programs' />We also take a look at what state and ACENCCNE accreditation means for your school and your career. Licensed Practical Nurse LPNMany nurses find their first job as an LPN. New York Degree Programs. ASA College specializes in offering degree programs that balance traditional academic preparation with professional training and handson. Freshman Requirements for admissions to The University of Texas at Tyler, including admission requirements, high school preparation, minimum high school classes. In Texas and California, youll see this qualification referred to as a Licensed Vocational Nurse LVN. Tasked with basic nursing duties like collecting samples or monitoring vital signs, LPNs or LVNs always work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse RN or a medical doctor. To become an LPN, you must complete a state approved LPN program and successfully pass the NCLEX PN examination. Registered Nurse RNRNs have greater job responsibilities and much more independence than LPNs. As a registered nurse, you may be caring for patients in the ICU or ER, managing nursing care units and working in hospital leadership roles. You can become an RN by earning one of the following qualifications Associate Degree in Nursing ADNBachelor of Science in Nursing BSNDiploma in Nursing. At the end of your studies, you should be ready to take the NCLEX RN examination. Once youve passed the exam, you must then earn your RN license. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse APRNA career rung above RNs, APRNs focus on certain types of specialty care. For example, nurse practitioners take on many of the same tasks as primary care doctors nurse anesthetists are allowed to administer anesthesia. There are four types of APRNs Nurse practitioners. Clinical nurse specialists e. Nurse midwives. Nurse anesthetists. To become an APRN, you must have A valid RN license. A state approved masters degree or DNPValidated clinical hours in your area of interest e. Successfully passed an advanced practice certification exam. LPNLVNSummary You can become a licensed practical nurse by completing an LPN associate or diploma program from a community college, vocational school, university or hospital. This will prepare you for the NCLEX PN exam. Time Commitment An LPN qualification usually takes one year of full time study or two years of part time study. Around one third of your coursework will be done in the classroom e. For added flexibility, you might find LPN courses being offered online. Cannot Install Windows 7 Sdk Install. Note Remember that the LPN is just the beginning. Once youve found a job, you can start looking at ways to gain your ADN or BSN. ADNSummary An Associate Degree in Nursing ADN is designed to train you as a Registered Nurse RN. Time Commitment ADNs are offered by community colleges, vocational schools and universities and typically take two years to complete. Coursework is focused on technical skills rather than theory. Note Many organizations, including the American Nurses Association ANA and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing AACN, are pushing for RNs to hold a BSN. In 2. 01. 0, the Institute of Medicine suggested that 8. BSN by 2. 02. 0 8. So you may wish to consider using the ADN as a steppingstone to a BSN. LPN to ADNSummary LPN to ADN bridge programs are designed to help students with LPN qualifications become entry level RNs. Being an RN will increase both your job opportunities and your pay scale. Time Commitment Bridge programs can last 1 2 years. Instead of having to do the full ADN degree, you will take classes you may have missed in LPN training and engage in practical clinical work. Some classroom courses are offered online. Note Check with your employer to see if you are eligible for tuition reimbursement. Some will sponsor LPNs to become RNs. BSNSummary A Bachelor of Science in Nursing BSN is one of the most flexible and coveted nursing qualifications. In addition to training you to take the RN exam, a BSN provides you with leadership skills and extensive hands on experience in clinical work. Time Commitment BSNs take four years of full time study to complete. Courses are a blend of hard science e. English, foreign language, advanced topics in health care e. Like other nursing degrees, some courses may be offered online in a hybrid format. However, practicals will be conducted at a local hospital or campus. Note Despite the cost and time commitment, a BSN is going to open many doors to career advancement e. In addition, some specialized certifications require nurses to hold a BSN or higher. One fifth of the population is affected by disability, and laws protect their rights as individuals to have access. To be accessible, an environmentwork, home. Reasons Youll Love Freshman Year If youre still a little nervous about heading off to college, check out these 17 reasons youll LOVE your freshman yearLPN to BSNSummary The LPN to BSN bridge program is designed to help licensed practical nurses become RNs with a BSN degree. Interested in greater independence, more career options and management opportunities A BSN is worth investigating. Time Commitment LPN to BSN bridge programs can be completed full time typically four semesters or part time. Through the College Level Examination Program CLEP and DSST, LPNs can earn college credit by demonstrating mastery of prerequisite courses or degree requirements. Admissions-1.jpg' alt='Best College Freshman Orientation Programs' title='Best College Freshman Orientation Programs' />RN to BSNSummary An RN to BSN bridge program allows registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma to apply their prior learning to a BSN. With a BSN, you increase your job opportunities and boost your pay. Time Commitment The RN to BSN program takes about two years. Institutions usually accept coursework from an ADN, but nurses can also earn credits for on the job training or independent study. To make it easier on working nurses, schools often offer rolling start dates. Online RN to BSN programs are also commonly available. MSNSummary A masters degree in nursing goes under a variety of names, including Master of Science in Nursing MSN, Master of Nursing MN and Master of Science MS or Master of Arts MA in Nursing. These degrees are intended to prepare you for specialty roles in areas such as Nursing administration. Family practice. Mental health. Critical care. Pediatric nursing. Public health. Most schools will require you to hold a BSN and a valid RN license. A masters degree is required if you wish to become an APRN. Time Commitment Full time programs take approximately two years to earn. However, since most nurses are working while studying, many MSN degrees are completed part time and online. Best College Freshman Orientation Programs At Ub' title='Best College Freshman Orientation Programs At Ub' />Coursework will be focused on your particular area of interest and most programs will require you to complete a thesis or capstone project. Note Explore funding options. Some employers are willing to partially finance your MSN if you agree to work for them for a number of years. Other MSN Programs. Summary Many universities offer programs that are intended to help speed up the process of gaining an MSN. Some of these include RN to MSN RNs with an ADN can choose to gain an MSN without earning a bachelors degree. This is a good option if you know what you wish to specialize in. Direct Entry This program is intended for students who hold a bachelors degree in a separate field. It will help you achieve your RN before launching you into masters level studies. Best College Freshman Orientation Programs For NursesBest College Freshman Orientation Programs For New StudentsDual Masters One of the most time intensive programs, a dual masters combines a nursing degree with a related field e.