Online Nursing Degree Study Options

The need for medical professionals remains constant and with that comes more opportunities for schooling. The men and women who make up the nursing industry all have one thing in common, a well-rounded education. Many accredited online schools offer degree distinctions for this field that properly prepare students for their role as a nurse within the medical industry.

Nurses perform a wide range of duties in the workplace. Professionals work in a variety of different areas like hospitals, offices, homes, and more. Schooling will prepare individuals to perform multiple tasks like administering medications, giving shots, managing records, dressing wounds and more. Prospective students need to consider what area of the field they want to work in and what functions they want to perform. These first initial steps will prepare students to choose the correct degree program for their career goals.

There are a number of different online nursing programs available to interested students. The most commonly completed programs include licensed practical nursing, registered nursing, a Bachelor of Science in nursing, and a Master of Science in nursing. Students who want to step into the profession quickly usually enter LPN programs. Students will learn basic medical practices like how to give injections, dress wounds, monitor vitals, collect samples, and perform fundamental lab testing. This program typically takes students one year to finish. Individuals working at this level will need to gain a higher education if they want to advance inside the industry.

A bachelor's degree will prepare students to become a registered nurse and a Bachelor of Science in nursing will also prepare students to be a registered nurse. The two education paths are very similar; because of this some colleges and universities are bridging the two programs. The program is commonly referred to as RN-to-BSN. This program is becoming more commonplace because it allows registered nurses to gain more specialized training in the field, which allows them to perform specific duties within different parts of industry. For example, a student can gain specialized training in trauma care. This knowledge will allow them to work inside emergency rooms and intensive care units. Courses for programs at this level of education will immerse students in subjects that include biology, microbiology, nutrition, chemistry, clinical rotations, and more. BSN graduates will be qualified to step into work in specialized careers like oncology, pediatrics, obstetrics, and more.

Master of Science in nursing degree programs allow students to concentrate their studies and allow them to work in specific areas of the industry. Professionals with this schooling are commonly referred to as advanced practice nurses. Most individuals who complete this level of education have some years of work experience and earn further education to qualify for different specializations in the field. This level of education widens knowledge to allow nurses to work in community health systems, elderly nursing, healthcare systems management, and family nursing. Courses will include theory applications, women's health, nursing technology, health policies, and more. Gaining this level of education will provide the most career options and flexibility within the industry.

Don't let your passion for helping others pass you by. Search out an online nursing degree program that fits your schedule and interests. Enter a fulfilling career by enrolling in an online program today.

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About the Author
Renata McGee is a staff writer for PETAP.org. Locate Online Nursing Schools and Colleges that provide the education you're looking for at PETAP.org, your Partners in Education and Tuition Assistance Programs.