Nurses provide assistance to doctors in a variety of ways, such as patient care and administrative tasks. Many degree programs are available through online study for students who want 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 obtain advanced training that allows them to access higher-level nursing positions by earning a bachelor’s or master’s of science. Other educational programs that are becoming more prevalent are bridging programs. These programs are often 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 very beneficial because professionals do not lose seniority as they develop their nursing skill set.
In a certificate program, students learn how to become an LPN by completing classroom work related to professional duties. This typically includes working on courses that give students a foundation in medical concepts and patient care. Some skills learned in an LPN program include:
- Record of vital signs of patients
- administering injections
- Caring for a patient’s needs
Online LPN foundation courses in anatomy, biology, nutrition, and pharmacology make it easy to transition into the field. Students learn to complete job-related tasks while preparing for the NCLEX-PN licensing exam. This exam is required to become an LPN.
Registered nurses perform more advanced medical and patient care procedures. Students can enter online programs in a variety of concentrations. Types of treatments, diseases and body elements make up the specialties. For example, working as a critical care RN providing medical care to seriously injured patients. This type of degree program would be classified as a treatment specialty. Classified as a disease specialty, gastroenterology nurses treat patients with intestinal disorders. All RN students gain the same basic knowledge of medical and patient care. Skills included in most online programs include:
- Educate patients about medical conditions.
- Carrying out diagnostic tests
- Administer treatment such as an IV for medication.
RN students should expect to complete courses based on microbiology, physiology, epidemiology, and health policy. The education prepares students to enter the field after allowing them to pass the required state licensing exam. The NCLEX-RN exam covers all areas learned at the foundation level, as well as specialty areas that students may be completing. Online programs at all levels incorporate clinical 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 earn 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 such as the Accreditation Commission of the National League for Nursing (http://www.nlnac.org/) to schools and universities that provide students with the quality education they need to succeed.
DISCLAIMER: The above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not represent precise methods, courses, and/or approaches related to ANY of the specific schools that may or may not be advertised on PETAP.org.
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