Nursing Degree Online
Nurses represent the largest health care related occupation in the United States, with over 2.6 million registered nurses (RN’s) working in hospitals, clinics, schools and private medical practices across the country. Employment prospects over the next decade for RN’s and licensed practical nurses (LPN’s) are excellent. As the population expands and ages, demand for health care services increases. At the same time, many currently employed in the nursing field are retiring or leaving for other careers, so the demand for new entrants into the field will remain strong. Online nursing schools have programs for continuing education and courses leading to nursing degrees that will help to fill this demand for skilled nursing professionals.
Nursing Degree Online Description
Licensed practical nurses (LPN’s) must complete state requirements in nursing training to receive licensure. A nursing program online is an excellent way for students to complete the academic training necessary for licensure. Online nursing schools offer flexibility in course schedules and offer most of the courses needed to complete the licensure training, but hands-on training in a hospital or other medical setting will be required to complete the program. Most LPN training programs last about one year.
Registered nurses (RN’s) are licensed according to individual state requirements. Most states require a diploma from an approved nursing program (online or on campus), at the associate’s or bachelor’s level. Every state also requires nurses to pass the national licensing examination, known as the NCLEX-RN to obtain RN licensure. A nursing program online can offer many of the courses necessary to complete a nursing education, but practical, hands-on courses in a medical setting are required to obtain the necessary physical skills to fulfill nursing requirements.
Some advanced nursing positions, such as nurse practitioners, nurse-midwives and nurse anesthetists, require at least a master’s degree for licensure. A nursing program online can provide continuing education resources for nurses at any level to keep their nursing knowledge and skills current. For students pursuing a nursing degree online, courses can be very convenient for filling missing requirements that otherwise would have to be taken at a traditional campus program.
Nursing Careers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to increase more than 20 percent in the coming decade. This increase will be driven by growing population and the aging Baby Boomer generation, both of which will increase the demand for health care services.
Jobs will be available in many different nursing specialties, including clinical nurse specialist, medical surgical nursing, emergency room nurse, forensic nursing, geriatric nursing, home health nursing, hospice nurse, legal nursing, midwifery, nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner, occupational health nursing (OHN), pediatric nursing, psychiatric/mental health nursing, school nurse, and rehabilitation nurse. Some nursing specialties require advanced training beyond a bachelor’s nursing degree online, while some positions only require an associate’s degree or other certification. Online nursing schools offer many of the courses required for completion of a nursing degree online.
The growing demand for health care services in the coming years will make nursing a very good career choice for students who enjoy science and health subjects and have good communication and interpersonal skills. Nursing is critical throughout the health care system.