Online LPN to ASN Programs
For many looking to move from Licensed Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse, an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing is a great first step. But new nurses often work long shifts on odd days, so finding a continuing education program that fits into your work schedule can be a challenge. Thanks to online learning, now you can find online LPN to ASN programs that allow you to complete your education from the comfort of your sofa, home office, or even during breaks at work, which makes getting your degree easier than ever.
What are the Pre-Requisites?
Before choosing a college, you’ll likely want to take a look at any courses you’ve already taken. Many colleges have pre-requisites before being admitted to an Associate of Science program in the Nursing field. English, math, and writing skills may come under fire before you are admitted. Because open slots at popular colleges can be very competitive, some schools may require a 3.0 GPA or higher in high school science classes to be considered. You may also find schools require having such classes as algebra, chemistry, and anatomy—with some colleges requiring that those classes having been taken at the college level rather than high school. Some colleges will also require you have taken relevant classes within the past five years.
Why Get an ASN?
Because of an increasingly aging baby boomer population, nurses are in more demand now than ever. RNs make, on average, more than $65,000 per year. Jobs for registered nurses are also in heavy supply, making up one-third of the 21.4% growth for healthcare workers expected by the year 2018.
An Associate’s of Science in Nursing is a great first step on the way to your future career as an RN. In order to become an RN, you’ll take the NCLEX test, which ASN degree programs help prepare you to take. In addition, having a nursing degree helps you land jobs, as well as promotions, possibly taking on eventual positions of leadership in medical facilities.
A Few Good School Choices
For those considering whether online LPN to ASN programs are for them, Distance Learning Systems has a compatibility quiz on its site. Based in Indiana, Distance Learning Systems warns potential students, via this test, of the weekly commitment that will be required in order to complete an ASN degree online. DLSI provides study modules and learning materials to help students complete the coursework necessary to get an ASN and move on to excel in the healthcare field.
Depending on where you live, Kaplan University may have an online ASN degree available to you. San Diego and Las Vegas are two cities in which this option is open to you. The University of Phoenix also offers online associate’s degrees with an emphasis on healthcare, preparing you for the NCLEX.
Excelsior College has both Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees in the nursing field. With a focus on adult education, Excelsior not only provides online learning, but also distance learning, allowing those located anywhere to login and take classes. Excelsior is located in Albany, New York.
Rasmussen College offers an Associate’s Degree in Nursing, allowing students to complete courses through its online college. With six campuses in Minnesota, Rasmussen has been approved by the boards of nursing in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Florida.
If you’re looking for online LPN to ASN programs, several options are available to you. Choose an online associate’s degree program that has the online learning method that works best with your busy schedule. Before making your final choice, though, you should check with your state’s licensure board to make sure your chosen degree program will qualify you for the RN license you are seeking.
Please note that the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is called the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) depending on which state you are in.
