Nursing Careers

Nursing and health care is a profession filled with many opportunities. Depending on a nurse’s education, experience, and willingness to succeed, a nurse can work in a multitude of industries and environments and with dozens of different patients and technical tools. Few other professions offer this rewarding combination of high tech, high touch, and financial security.

Nurses are in high demand today and is constantly growing, as advances in health care are helping people to live longer; therefore, there are more elderly people who need care. Also, the number of people who are sicker and in need of skilled nursing is growing, especially as the baby boomers begin to retire and require trained health attention, and more nurses are needed outside the hospital environment. Finally, the current nursing workforce is aging. As more nurses retire, more will be needed to replace their expert care. This means that a nurse with a bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN) can easily find jobs right out of college, as these nurses are well trained in nursing theory and in clinical skills.Employers

But, no matter the degree, educated and skilled nurses can find jobs in hospitals, long-term care facility, health clinics, outpatient care and surgery centers, medical offices, home care, corporate health centers, schools and universities, insurance and managed care companies, research centers, in the military or in volunteer organizations such as the Peace Corps, as teachers and in administration or health care management. While cruise nurses fulfill a dream to travel, nurses don’t need to work on cruise ships to see the world. New organizations that offer nurses jobs in different parts of the U.S. or the world are available in month-long to year-long stints. As the nursing profession evolves, nurses could find career opportunities in many other situations as well. Anytime there’s a need to help another individual, that’s where a nurse could help.

Outside of all the different environments for nursing, a nursing career also is partitioned into specialties and sub-specialties that can provide a lifetime of learning for a nurse. In the hospital environment alone, a nurse could work at a patient’s bedside, but that nurse also could find opportunities in operating rooms, trauma centers, or emergency rooms as a surgical nurse, as an X-ray and diagnostics technician, in surgical and recovery units, pediatrics, obstetrics, laboratories, ambulance and helicopter transport, medical records, children’s hospitals and elder-care facilities. Additional certification and leadership skills even allow for nurses to reach the ranks of a hospital’s administration, where program and nurse management is crucial to the success of the organization.

Unlike any other career, nursing provides creative opportunities for those who seek to fill these roles. No matter if you like to work in a confined environment or if you’d rather travel the world, the responsibilities for nurses are the same: nurses are health care advocates who help to shape health policies and healthy lives.

As most will tell you, there is an extremely long waiting list for traditional nursing schools, and online nursing schools have become increasingly respected amongst employers. Considering an online degree program in nursing as an RN, BSN, or MSN would be prudent for individuals hoping to achieve the credentials necessary to jump into this amazing career.

See below for our list of Best Nursing Schools and Health Care Programs.

Registered Nurses

As the baby boomers begin to retire, look for nursing home or elderly care centers, and make use of the U.S. health care system, there is going to be a continued shortage of nurses. The demand for nurses is showing double digit growth, and is already lifting nursing salaries and benefits to among the best occupations in the United States. Many traditional schools have waiting lists that extend as long as one to two years. Studying nursing (RN – Registered Nurse certification or BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing) through an online education can give potential students the ability to jump into this amazing career path while working around your family and career life.

These opportunities, however, aren’t just for college age students. They are for everyone, even professionals who are currently nurses. Many online programs now offer advanced nursing degrees that can lead to administration positions, head nurses, or educational career paths. Nurses can also turn to online classes for continuing education courses.

The Responsibilities of a Registered Nurse

RNs are arguably some of the most important people in hospitals. Their job is challenging, yet extremely rewarding. A typical nurses’ day can entail record keeping, taking a patient’s blood pressure or blood test, checking vital signs, and helping a physician with diagnostic procedures. These are just a Registered Nurses’ general duties, but much more can be expected depending on specialization. The intensive care wing of a hospital will have their own critical care nurses, while infusion-related nurses deal with blood, IVs, medication, and the sorts.

Training and Education Requirements for Registered Nurses

Educational requirements are different depending on what type of nurse you aspire to be and your eventual career goals. Almost all employers will accept an online degree from the schools designated below. RNs can decide between receiving an online Associates of Nursing (ADN) degree, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a basic nursing diploma. Afterwards, all graduates must successfully complete a nationally-required licensing exam, which will eventually bestow a nursing license.

Note: It is suggested that potential nurses pursue a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that job opportunities are more plentiful and better paid with these credentials.

Salary Expectations for RNs

Registered nurses can expect to earn anywhere between $55,000 to over $100,000 (for nurse anesthetists). In 2009, the private sector mean salary was about $65,000, while federal government nurse employees averaged about $73,000. California nurses were the highest paid, earning about $80,000.

Here, we will explore the top online nursing and healthcare degree programs offered by colleges and universities.

• BSN in Nursing
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Certified Nurses Assistant
• MS in Nursing (MSN)
• RN to BSN
• Vocational Nurse
• Nursing Adminstrator
• Home Health and Hospice
• Licensed Nurse

It is always important to ask for as much information from the school as possible before making your final decision. These are a few of the best schools out there, and ones we recommend starting with.

A.T. Still University of Health Sciences

• Certificate in Orthodontics
• Advanced Physician Assistant Studies (M.S.)
• Advanced Occupational Therapy (M.S.)
• Public Health (M.P.H)
• Health Education (M.H.Ed.)
• Health Administration (M.H.A.)
• Geriatric Health (M.G.H.)
• Human Movement (M.S.)

Abilene Christian University

• Nursing (BSN)
• Health Professions Concentrations
• Gerontology

Capella University

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
  
• Ph.D. in Nursing Education
  

Chamberlain College of Nursing

• Associate Degree in Nursing
• RN to BSN Online Degree Program
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• LPN to RN Bridge Program

DeVry University

• Associate Degree in Health Information Technology
• Electroneurodiagnostic Technology
• Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science

Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences

• Associate of Science in Nursing
• Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Associate of Science in Nuclear Medicine Technology
• Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Associate of Science in Pre-professional Studies
• Associate of Science in Radiography
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences
• Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
• Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia
• Certificate in Advanced Imaging
• Certificate in Nuclear Medicine Technology

Grand Canyon University

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure)
• Bachelor of Science in (Registered Nurse – RN to BSN)
• Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration
• Bachelor of Science in Addiction Counseling
• Bachelor of Science in Biology: Pre-Pharmacy
• Bachelor of Science in Biology: Pre-Physician Assistant
• Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging Sciences
• Bachelor of Science in Physical Education
• Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care
• Master of Science in Nursing
• Master of Science in Nursing Education
• Master of Science in Nursing Education – Leadership in Health Care Systems
• Master of Science in Addiction Counseling
• Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
• Post Masters Certificate in Nursing Education
• RN to Master of Science in Nursing
• Bridge to Master of Science in Nursing

Independence University

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
• Bachelor’s Degree in Respiratory Care
• Bachelor’s Degree in Health Services Management
• Certificate Programs in Community Health Education
• Certificate Programs in Gerontology
• Certificate Programs in Health Psychology
• Certificate Programs in Health Care Ethics
• Associate’s Degree in Advanced Respiratory Therapy
• Associate’s Degree in Allied Health
• Master’s Degree in Nursing
• Master’s Degree in Health Care Administration
• Master’s Degree in Health Care – Community Health
• Master’s Degree in Health Care – Wellness Promotion
• Master’s Degree in Public Health

Kaplan University

• Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology
• Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting
• Associate of Applied Science in Medical Office Management
• Associate of Applied Science in Medical Transcription
• BS in Health and Wellness
• BS in Health Care Administration
• BS in Health Sciences
• BS in Nutrition
• BS in Public Health
• BS in Health Information Management
• Master of Health Care Administration
• Master of Public Health

Kent State University

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Accelerated or Second Degree Nursing Program
• Licensed Practical Nurses to Bachelors of Science in Nursing (LPN-BSN)
• Online Registered Nurse to Bachelors of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)

Liberty University

• RN to BSN
• Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.)
• Graduate both within 2 years.

Loyola University

• RN to MSN Bridge
• Master of Science in Nursing

National American University

• Diplomas in Practical Nursing
• Associate of Science in Nursing
• Associate of Science in Nursing Mobility Program
• Bachelor: Generic BSN
• Bachelor: Online RN to BSN
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Norwich University

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• RN to MSN
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Oklahoma Wesleyan University

• RN to BSN
• MBA – Nursing Management

Saint Xavier University

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure)
• LPN – BSN (Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
• RN – BSN (Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
• PLUS Program
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)
• MSN/MBA (a dual master’s degree offered by the Nursing School and the Graham School of Management)
• Certificate in Nursing

South University

• RN to BSN Degree Completion Program
• Accelerated RN to MSN Program
• Master’s of Science in Nursing

Stevens-Henager College

• Associate Degree in Nursing
• Bachelor’s of Healthcare Administration
• Associate of Science: Respiratory Therapy
• Associate of Science: Medical Specialties
• Associate of Science: Surgical Technology

Strayer University

• Master of Health Services Administration

University of Cincinnati

• Associate Degree: Early Childhood Care and Education
• Bachelor of Science in Health Information Systems
• Bachelor of Science in Addiction Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science
• Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
• Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Cosmetic Science
• Master of Science in Medical Education for Health Care Professionals
• Master of Science in Nursing:
  • Adult Nurse Practitioner
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Educator
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Nurse Midwifery
  • Nursing Administration
  • Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
  • Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Vanderbilt University

• Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.)
• Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (MS)
• PhD in Nursing Science
• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Clinical Nurse Leader
• Nurse Practitioner
  • Acute Care
  • Adult
  • Family
  • Neonatal
  • Pediatric
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health
  • Women’s Health
  • Informatics
  • Health Systems Management
  • Nurse-Midwifery
• MSN/MDiv Dual Degree
• MSN/MTS Dual Degree
• Continuing Education

Walden University

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Post-Master’s Certificates in Nursing
• Bachelor of Science in Health Studies
• Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)
• Master of Science in Health Informatics
• M.S. in Clinical Research Administration
• Master of Healthcare Administration (M.H.A.)
• Ph.D. in Public Health
• Ph.D. in Health Services

Western Governors University

• B.S. in Nursing (RN To BSN)
• B.S. in Nursing (Prelicensure)
• B.S. in Health Informatics
• M.S. in Nursing – Education
• M.S. in Nursing – Leadership and Management
• M.S. in Nursing – Education (RN to MSN Option)
• M.S. in Nursing – Leadership Management (RN to MSN Option)
• MBA in Healthcare Management (M.B.A.)