Ohio Nurse Aide Training

There is a shortage of nurse aides throughout the United States and Ohio is no different. The population is growing and the state is suffering from a shortage of certified nursing assistants or State Tested Nurse Aides as they are called in Ohio.

Nurse aide training courses are not hard to find in Ohio, but if you are considering this occupation and want information, continue reading and learn more.

 Training in Ohio

Nurse aide training in the state of Ohio is overseen the state health department. The Ohio Department of Health ensures that all CNA training programs have the required numbers of training hours, 75, of which 16 must be classroom hours and 16 must be clinical.  The department does not set guidelines on how long it takes to complete the program and so some nurse training programs in Ohio may be as short as two weeks. Ohio offers a program that allows graduates of the CNA program who pass the exam and go to work as a nurse aide to be reimbursed for their education costs. This is an incentive that has helped to pull many new CNAs into the profession and is designed to help the state with the shortage.

Ohio Licensing

In order to work as a certified nurse assistant in Ohio, graduates of the CNA programs must pass a two-part test. This test is both a written and hands-on skills test that is administered by D&S Diversified Technologies. If the exam is successfully completed, the graduate is presented a state license and can work in state facilities as a registered certified nurse aide. This state certification must be kept up to date every two years. The renewal is completed by presenting proof of employment as a CNA for at least eight hours during the two years prior to the recertification.

Where to Find CNA Certification

Ohio may have a nurse aid shortage but there are ample CNA training programs to choose from across the state. There is no reason that people in Ohio who want to become a nurse aid can’t find training. There are training programs in these places and more:

• Colleges
• Universities
• Nursing homes
• Hospitals
• Other healthcare facilities such as clinics

If this list doesn’t provide a good starting place, the Red Cross or any local medical facility such as a nursing home or hospital, should be able to provide more information on nurse aide training programs that they would consider quality. Job Fairs across the state also offer information on training opportunities.

Online Training

Ohio residents can also take advantage of online CNA training courses. These courses provide the classroom hours and work in conjunction with local medical facilities to provide the clinical hours that are needed. This combination of local training and online training is beneficial for people who have a difficult time with their schedule but want to become a nurse aide.  At the end of the online course, the student will still have to take the state exam for certification. Once this is passed, the student can start working in a medical facility and apply to have their tuition reimbursed.

Schools that Have CNA Training

There are many traditional schools in Ohio that offer nurse aide training. Some of the more notable schools and some that have more than one campus include:

• Brown Mackie College – offers a diploma program in medical assisting
• Fortis College – Medical assistant diploma and an associate of applied business in medical assisting
• National College – Medical assistant training program
• Sanford Brown College – Nurse aide training program
• Lincoln  College of Technology – Medical assistant training program
• Kaplan College – Medical assistant diploma and an associate’s program. This college also has an online presence.

These are just a sampling of the schools that have nurse training programs in Ohio. These schools and many others have more than one location in the state and thus are accessible to everybody. There is no reason an Ohioan can’t find nurse aide training.

The nurse aide shortage in Ohio has spurred the state to offer incentives for nurse aide training in the way of tuition reimbursement that will allow more people to take advantage of an education that moves them into a satisfying career.

Occupational Health Nurse Training

Employees know that their most important asset is their employees, without them, they will have nothing. This makes employee health and safety a vital concern and one that is often addressed by occupational health nurses. These professionals are nurses that observer worker’s in their daily routines and then provide their assessment of hazards and risks that are present and their solutions to the problems they find. Occupational health nurse training is another branch in the ever evolving world of nursing that can take you to new and different professional rewards.

Academic Background

Nurses who work in occupational health start with the same academic background that other nurses have. This simply means that the type of occupational health nurse position depends on how much education and nurse work is in the background. In addition to the nursing degree, there are training classes that provide specific training courses to prepare nurses to further their career and move into the occupational health field. These courses are offered by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and should be considered a necessary stepping stone for moving into the field.

Training

The Occupational Safety and Health courses will train you to identify the various aspects of the Occupational Health and Safety Act that is designed to ensure workplace safety. As the work nurse, you will be required to recognize situations and activities in the workplace that can be dangerous or have long-term health effects that are detrimental.

During these training courses you will learn things such as:

• How to identify hazards in the workplace and how those hazards have an impact on employee health.
• Understand hygiene principals in the industrial world and how those principals relate to engineering and administrative controls.
• Understand the use of personal protective equipment and identify areas in the workplace that need this equipment.
• Understand and have an in-depth knowledge of toxicology and epidemiology

The training that is received in these classes prepares the nurse to become an occupational health nurse.

Licensing

Licensing requirements vary from state to state, but, just as all registered nurses have to be licensed, so do occupational health nurses. After identifying the academic and work requirements that are needed to work with employers and employees you should find out what licensing requirements are for your state and make sure you adhere to them.

Understanding the Tasks

Occupational health nurse training will allow you to take your nursing skills and use them to bring about changes in the workplace to make it safer. You will learn to recognize symptoms of occupational exposure that is causing health problems as well as learning hazard abatement and control processes. Some of the industries that your occupational health training can be used in include:

• Meat packing – handling meat poses a health risk to both the workers and the consumer and so the presence of an occupational health nurse to help identify risks involved.
• Construction – the construction industry has many risky situations that might not be identified unless someone with health training is on the scene.

These are just two examples of putting occupational health nurse training to use, the healthcare profession, manufacturing plants and many other jobs require the presence of a health care agent.

 Daily Activities

Once a registered nurse has the occupational health nurse training completed and they understand the tasks they will be completing, they are ready to move on to the day-to-day aspects involved in working with employers and employees, such as:

• Tracking employee’s medical history from an occupational standpoint.
• Providing pre-employment physicals and interpreting labs
• Assessing medical complaints from employees
• Observing and providing assessment of worker activities and the work environment
• Receiving medical reports from physicians and interpreting those for both employers and employees
• Monitoring worker’s health response to risky situations such as exposure to various toxins
• Managing illness and injury in the workplace and documenting these for record keeping and assessment for prevention of future illness or injury.

These daily activities will vary from one day to another and as an occupational nurse you may be faced with many different tasks.

Occupational nurse training takes the nursing degree a step further and removes you from the medical facility and into the role of liaison between the work environment and the worker who will help keep everyone safe and healthy.

Nurse Triage Training

One of the most stressful and hectic jobs in the medical field would have to be the   emergency room. At any given minute, medical personnel are called on to respond to everything from a runny nose to a gunshot wound to car wrecks and more. Normally, the frontline of the ER is a registered nurse. The nurse assesses the emergencies that come in and basically directs the flow of patients. Nurse triage training is designed to help nurses master the art of assessing patients in an emergency situation.

Education

There isn’t exactly a formal degree in nurse triage; however, there is a certificate that can be applied for and an exam that can be taken after a 2000 hours working in a triage position and having been through one of the many learning classes that can be found online or as an employee offered class in many hospitals.

The very first thing that must be in place is the registered nursing degree. This can be an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing. Once the exam has been taken and successfully passed, the nurse can apply to work the emergency room in triage and also ask about taking the nurse triage training class, if one is offered. Some states require this training in order to work in an emergency room and others do not, it is up to the nursing student to find out if there are requirements.

Duties

While most people immediately think of an emergency room when they think of triage nurses, the training that makes up this field of nursing prepares medical personnel to direct medical efforts in a variety of scenarios, such as battlefields in war, major catastrophes, accidents and other disasters where there are wounded and injured people who need medical help. The triage nurse can step into this chaos and make it somewhat more orderly by directing physicians to the most critical patients first and offering medical help to those that can be helped with minor assistance.

This explanation of triage nursing applies to any area where there are many sick people, including the emergency room. The triage nurse assesses patients in the ER to determine what level of care they need. Training involves learning to recognize critical emergencies and offer treatment, such as a person in cardiac arrest. During the assessment phase, the triage nurse will take vital signs, ask questions and get a medical history, if the patient is able to provide this information. Obvious conditions that require immediate attention are moved ahead and directly to a doctor’s care.

This sorting of patients’ illnesses can be highly stressful and put nurses directly in the line of fire of a patient’s wrath. Everyone who is sick thinks they are the sickest person in the room. An emergency room waiting area can be a melting pot of tempers ready to boil over as patients wait to be seen. This fact alone makes it very important for nurses who want to work in triage to have the proper training so that they can learn how to diffuse these types of situations.

Telephone Triage

Telephone triage is a relatively new but expanding area of nursing. Many doctor’s offices and HMOs are adding telephone triage to their office to help with patients who call and think they have an emergency. The nurse will assess their condition over the phone and make a determination as to whether or not they should come straight in to the office, go to the nearest hospital or if they can avoid the doctor altogether.

Telephone triage nurses typically have a much longer background in nursing, about 5 years. This is because they are assessing patients without being able to see them. The nurse must know which questions to ask and the questions that should follow those based on the patient’s answers. Telephone triage will continue to grow as the funding for healthcare becomes less and people try to avoid office visits when they can.

Nurse triage training prepares nurses to handle an assortment of scenarios and to sort patients based on their assessment of the medical condition presented. While this is a stressful and fast-paced nursing job, many people find they thrive on the ever-changing work day where nothing is the same.

Nurse Assistant Training in Michigan

Nurse assistant training programs in Michigan offer many options for people who are interested in become a certified nursing assistant. These assistants are a vital part of the healthcare community which makes the training they receive very important. In many states, there is one CNA program that is followed throughout the state and then the graduate learns various nuances based on the field of health care they choose to work in; however, in Michigan, there are specific CNA courses to choose from depending on the area of healthcare that is chosen.

Where to Find Training

In Michigan there are two main colleges that offer CNA training, Lansing Community College and Henry Ford Community College. Lansing is one of Michigan’s largest colleges based on enrollment. They offer CNA courses that are less than one-year in length and are part of their rapid entry selection of classes. Henry Ford Community College also offers CNA courses that will have students prepared to enter the workforce as a nurse assistant in a short time frame.

Specialized Nurse Assistant Training

Unlike many other nurse training programs, there are specialized nurse training programs in Michigan that have students ready to enter a particular area and lend their skills to the nurses without having to be completely trained on all of the specialties of that field. The areas of nurse assistant training that can be selected include:

• Acute Care Nurse Training: This nurse aide training program is designed to prepare graduates to enter work in an urgent care facility, an acute care facility, or emergency room as a patient tech or nursing assistant. Students can choose an 8-week daytime or a 16-week evening program where they will have course work that includes laboratory work, clinical experience and lectures. Some of the skills the nurse assistant will learn to perform include: (a) Glucose blood testing, (b) Taking vital signs and recording them properly, (c) How to observer patients for emotional and physical changes and (d) Routine tasks such as transporting, feeding, bathing.

At the end of this training program for acute care nursing, students can take the state examination that allows them to become certified nurse assistants in the state of Michigan.

• Long Term Care Nurse Training: Long-term nurse care training prepares students to work with patients on a long-term basis such as in a nursing home or rehabilitation center. Working with patients for long periods of time requires more training in some areas, such as feeding, bathing, and transporting them from one place to another. The long term nurse assistant training is longer than the acute care nurse training.  This course is a 3-week, 94 hour course with labs, clinical work and lectures. Students learn topics such as: (a) Interpersonal skills and communication, (b) Infection control, (c) Residents rights and respecting those rights and (d) Basic nurse assistant skills such as vitals, blood glucose and more.

The long term nurse assistant course is more in depth and prepares the student to take the nurse assistant exam and become certified once they pass.

• Acute & Long Term Nurse Aide Training: As the name implied, this program combines all of the education of the long term nurse aid with the education of the acute nurse aid and allows graduates to work in long term health care facilities, home health care or acute care facilities after graduation and successful completion of the state exam.
• Nurse Aide Training Certificate: This certificate, offered by the Henry Ford Community College, is an 11-week program that is very in-depth. It includes 90 hours of lectures and theory, 128 hours of lab work and 52 hours of clinical work. This nursing assistant class provides basic nursing skills to students that prepare them to work as a nursing assistant in any medical facility after completion of the course and taking the exam for their certification.

These four options show the varying degrees that the nursing assistant training programs in Michigan offer. Students can choose the minimal course or the more in-depth one and be prepared to work in any field.

Nurse assistant training in Michigan offers more options than many other states’ programs. Students can choose the type of program they want and move into that area of work upon graduation and passing the state certification exam.

Nurse Aide Training Programs

Nurse aide training programs, also known as CNA programs are an ideal way to determine if the nursing field is right for you. The programs are quick, typically between 4 and 16 weeks, depending on how many hours per day the classes are and the facility administering them. Afterwards, graduates can take the CNA exam and start working in various medical fields. Many future nurses started their education with the CNA program so they could get in the field and work while continuing their nursing education.

Where to Find Nurse Aide Training Programs

CNA programs can be found in a variety of places. Training to assist nurses can be completed online; however, if an online class is the route taken, the student should make sure that the Board of Nursing in their state recognizes the online program. Other venues that offer training for nursing assistants include:

• Hospitals
• Nursing homes
• Community Colleges
• Vocational Training Centers
• Red Cross

Medical facilities like nursing homes and hospitals are two of the most common places to take to get an education and become a CNA. This is considered by many nurses to be the best way to get the training because of the intense hands-on, real-life training involved.

Pre-Requisites for CNA Programs

Every state has different requirements that potential students must meet in order to enter the program and take the CNA exam. The most common pre-requisites to attend nurse’s aide programs are a high school diploma or GED. Community colleges and vocational centers may have other requirements which should be identified before committing to the program.

CNA Skills

Many people don’t realize that the nursing assistant is as much the right hand of the nurse as the nurse is the right hand of the doctor. Nurses are often given the credit for doing many of the things that their CNA does for them. The education the CNA receives during their training includes many practices that most people associate with a nurse. Some of the skills that the nursing aide student will learn include:

• How to properly take vital signs;
• How to bath patients properly and discreetly;
• How to change a hospital bed with a patient in it;
• How to use equipment such as lifts, bed scales and wheelchairs;
• CPR;
• How to assist patients in various levels of decline with meals and daily life activities;
• How to properly use gait belts to help patients with walking.

These are just some of the skills that the CNA students learn. It is easy to see that most of the education is hands-on. There is some classroom work to explain why and how to do these things, but for the most part, training is live, which makes the hospital or nursing home an ideal place for a CAN program.

CNA Courses

In addition to learning the skills listed herein, you will also learn many aspects of healthcare that form the basis of your future education in addition to being useful and necessary for the CNA training. These courses include nutrition, anatomy, physiology, and infection control. These may sound daunting and in depth; however, the nurse’s aide does not go into the same depth that the registered nurse. They only learn the basics.

Short Time Frame

Programs for nurse’s aides can vary greatly. However, the CNA program should be 75 hours. This can be a short 4 weeks or stretched out over as many as 16 weeks. As explained before, most of the work is hands on. This work will be supervised by a nursing instructor who will guide you through the different tasks and skills needed to be successful. The short time frame of the CNA program makes it possible for students to be on the hospital floor working while they continue their education to become a registered nurse.

CNAs are a nurse’s eyes and ears. They often spend more actual time with patients and therefore can report any needs the patient may have to the nurse. Training to become a CNA is a short program that can be done in as little as a month if desired. This short time for the training allows the nurse’s aide to start putting the training to work and continue their path to becoming a registered nurse.  

Licensed Vocational Nurse Training

Many people don’t know or understand that there are differences between and LVN or licensed vocational nurse and an RN or registered nurse. In fact, if you are the patient, unless you look at their badges for the credentials you may never know. There is a however a difference although what that exact difference is varies from state to state. Regardless of the slight differences, LVN nursing training can be highly beneficial to the student who wants to pursue a lifelong career in nursing and yet wants to get started nursing quickly.

Some Differences

It is helpful to understand some of the differences between the levels of nursing in order to decide if the LVN track is right for you. Typically, a licensed vocational nurse is not allowed to push IV drugs, this simply means they cannot inject medications into IVs. They are also not usually legally allowed to do patient assessments. Additionally, in many states they are not allowed to work in acute units such as the ICU. These are the major differences that can be found in the two levels of nursing, except of course for the pay difference.

Education

Licensed vocational nurse training can start as early as high school and is also offered in some vocational schools. These courses can be found in technical schools, junior colleges and even offered at times by hospitals. There are also online LVN classes; however, these are usually in conjunction with nearby medical facilities that will monitor testing and provide clinical experience.

The classes and clinical work can take between 9 and 18 months to complete. Once the classes are complete, the LVN or LPN as they are known in some states (licensed practical nurse) can take the NCLEX-PN examination to become licensed.

The student who goes through LVN classes and becomes licensed has more education and skills than the CNA but not as much as the RNLVN courses typically include:

• Nursing Fundamental
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Modern Health Issues
• Nutrition and Diet
• Growth and Development
• Intro to Pharmacology
• Psychiatric Nursing
• Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Maternal Child Health
• Biology, chemistry, algebra and other core classes

These are a sampling of the classes that are part of the curriculum for LVNs. Registered nurses have much more theory or lecture work than LVNs do and are set to move up in their career while the LVN would need to continue their education to progress.

LVN Duties

Completing an LVN program and becoming certified prepares the nurse to work in a variety of medical settings. These nurses work with doctors and registered nurses to provide care and treatment to people in hospitals, nursing homes and other medical facilities. Some of the duties that the licensed vocational nurse will perform include:

• Monitoring patients and recording changes, reporting any  changes to the RN in charge;
• Supervising nurse aids in their duties
• Collect samples such as urine and blood for lab tests
• Take and record vitals on a routine schedule
• Change and monitor catheters
• Change wound dressings
• Massage and give alcohol rubs as needed
• Give injections and oversee oral medications

There are many other duties that you may do as a licensed vocational nurse under the supervision and direction of the on-duty registered nurse.

 Future Endeavors

Earning your degree as a licensed vocational nurse can give you a wonderful, rewarding career in and of itself or it can be a stepping stone to moving on to a degree that allows you to become a registered nurse and beyond, if desired. There are many programs and tracks to take the LVN to the RN without having to start all over again with some of the classes. This is because many of the classes in the LVN program are part of the RN program. This means that the nurse with an LVN license can go back to school and be able to advance themselves into higher positions.

 If you walk the halls of your local hospital you will find many nurses who have been practicing for many years as an LVN and you will also find many RNs who will tell you that they are just as educated and good at their jobs as many registered nurses. Licensed vocational nurse training can prepare you to be one of the many nurses whose life has been devoted to helping others.

Legal Nurse Consultant Training

Medical malpractice is big business in the United States. It is estimated that there are at least a quarter million lawyers that specialize in malpractice cases. This has made the need for legal nurse consultants increase dramatically.

If you are entering nursing school and want to specialize or are a registered nurse who would like to make a change, you should read on to find out how to obtain legal nurse consultant training.

What Legal Nurse Consultants Do

Legal nurse consultant training prepares nurses to work in both the legal community with lawyers or in the medical community assisting with litigation and helping with issues that could become litigious. These nurses may often be called on to testify in court during medical cases. This is when the legal aspect of their training and education becomes obviously important. It brings the education required to be a nurse together with some legal training to create a profession that the courts can call upon to help discern the medical truth in many cases.

Training

The legal nursing consultant is a fairly new field of nursing. The American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants was founded in 1989 to help provide resources and information for people who are looking for programs to help them get involved in consulting as a nurse in the legal field.

The first and major prerequisite for this training is that the person already be a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science degree. The courses of training to be a legal nurse consultant combine paralegal type training with theory and ethics in litigation. The classes can be completed in a short period of time, some in as little as 4 weekend or 42 hours of instruction.

Nurses who wish to expand their role and enter the legal consultant field can find training courses both online and at traditional universities. As this field of nursing has progressed and become more requested, the training programs have become more standardized and certificates in legal nurse consultants are now offered.

Coursework for Legal Consultants

The areas covered when training to be legal nurse consultant vary somewhat from one program to another; however, the basics are the same. You can expect learn some of the following fundamentals:

• History of legal nursing consultants
• Law Breakdown: The 2 major systems, the 3 types of law and the 4 sources of law
• Tort Law
• International Law
• Liability concerns for the medical field
• Identification of legal documents pertaining to evidence
• Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Litigation Damages
• Ethics

This listing of topics is simply a sampling of what is covered in these programs. The idea here is to show how the medical and legal professions are meshed in this one program.

 Using Legal Nurse Consultant Training

Legal nurse consultant training allows nurses to use their medical knowledge and education in a variety of ways. This relatively new field opens many doors to nurses outside of the medical world. Some of the areas that are currently utilizing nurse consultants include:

• Medical Malpractice Law Firms
• Insurance Companies
• Doctors and other Healthcare Providers
• Government Agencies that handle medical issues
• Risk Management Assessment in various areas

There will probably be more areas that this training  will be used in the future as this field is explored by more legal arenas.

Are You a Candidate for Legal Nurse Consultant Training

It is a good idea to carefully consider the various aspects of the legal nurse consultant   before applying for and taking the course. The career is much different than nursing in the hospital or a physician’s office. Some of the aspects that should be taken into consideration include:

• Preparation: Legal nurse consultants often spend a large amount of time reading evidentiary documents such as health records and reports in order to be able to prepare their own report.
• Communication: Testifying in a courtroom is not for the timid person. Taking the stand for one side of a case means being able to be cross-examined by the opposing side.
• Objectivity: Nurses are naturally caring, sympathetic people. Legal nurse consultants have to be objective and look at the evidence, not the person.

These are three areas that should be taken into account when deciding on attending a nurse consultant class, if each one can be answered honestly and the desire to entered remains, then legal nurse consulting could be a good career change.

Legal nurse consulting training has created more professional career options for people who want to enter the nursing field but don’t want to work in a hospital. It has also opened up an avenue for nurses who are ready for a career change.

Funding for Nurse Training

It’s hard enough to make a decision on what school you want to attend and what you want to purse during your college years and then you have to start finding the money to go to school. If you are one of the lucky ones, your parents have your college education shored up in a savings; however, if you are in the majority of students, you have to find other options for paying for college.

You can find the funding for nursing training in many different places if you know where to look. The following information should prove helpful in finding the many different tuition options available.

First Things First

Before you can start searching for tuition to pay for nursing school, you have to decide where you are going to get your training. This information not only determines how much money is needed, it is typically information that is required when applying for funds. There are several options, including:

• Community College: These schools typically offer an Associate Degree or can be the used to take the first courses in a Bachelor’s Degree before transferring to a larger university or college.
• Universities: These are usually selected for students who want to get a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing and to continue beyond the BS.
• Diplomas: Hospitals and medical facilities sometimes have programs that allow people to get a diploma in nursing.

Each of these options has different costs, with the diploma being the least expensive and the BS being the most expensive. Once you have made this decision, you can start your hunt for college money to get your nursing career started.

Financial Aid

The first step any prospective student should take to find available money to pay for nursing school is to turn toward the Federal government. The FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid is an application packet that is available on the web. It is rather lengthy; however, it creates a complete financial picture and returns a FAFSA score which is used to determine your need for financial aid. The Federal Pell Grant uses this number and is most likely the first funding you will receive since it is typically the easiest to get. The amount of the Pell Grant varies and you may need to continue looking for other tuition money.

The FAFSA application process will also give you a list of options that are available to you based on your score, such as Federal Student Loans. These loans have very low interest rates and are based on need rather than credit scores. Once you have explored these options you can look for grants.

Grants

The need for nurses has helped create many options for paying for nursing school, such as grants being offered by different medical venues, such as hospitals. Oftentimes, hospitals or medical facilities will provide grants for nursing school if the student is willing to commit to work in their facility for a certain amount of time. These types of arrangements help hospitals that are in need of nurses attract more employees.

Work Study

Hospitals, doctor’s offices, and other medical facilities may offer work-study arrangements. These arrangements allow employees that want to go to nursing school to do so while they are employed by the facility and at the facility’s expense. These types of arrangements are similar to grants in that the student is required to work for the facility for a set amount of time after graduation or they have to pay the tuition money back.

It isn’t difficult to find funding for nursing training if you take the time to look at all the options available. Nurses are in high demand and the money is out there to get you through school and on your way.

To obtain a nursing school scholarship one must demonstrate excellent academic merits. Since scholarships do not require repayment they are especially competitive and difficult to secure. Scholarships are available from both private and public organizations and the amount of the scholarship can vary greatly. Scholarships should be not be relied upon to fulfill all financial obligations of a nursing program. It is best to apply for several different scholarships and whichever ones you secure will become a nice bonus.

Many students opt to receive student loans to cover the program costs and additional living expenses. Many student loan programs exist and they are relatively easy to secure since they require full repayment plus interest. Student loans are more lenient than other types of debt such as credit card interest or car loans. Many student loans can be deferred for several years after graduation which offers the recipient more flexibility in their repayment schedule.

For nurses who wish to continue working while attending school there are various work-study programs available. The benefit of these arrangements is that the student will graduate with less debt. The consequence of a work-study program is that it will take the student a longer amount of time to complete their degree since they are working simultaneously.

Free Nurse Aide Training

If you want to become a CNA but don’t have the necessary funds to take the course you might be interested in finding free nurse aide training. This training will allow you to start a career path to a satisfying profession that not only provides inner satisfaction but also helps people. So, how do you go about finding free nurse aid training? That depends on your current employment and your desire to find the free money that is out there.

Employer Assistance

If you are currently employed in the healthcare field in any aspect, you may have the perfect opportunity to find assistance with the tuition for nurse’s aide programs. Many hospitals, convalescent facilities and some doctor’s offices will offer to pay for the CNA program if the employee has shown the aptitude to be a healthcare assistant and also agrees to work at the facility for a pre-arranged amount of time. Basically, you agree to work as a nursing assistant after you earn your degree for a few years and in return you get your CNA education free. This is a win-win situation for everyone involved.

If you aren’t already employed by a health care provider, don’t give up hope. Often, hospitals and nursing homes for the elderly find that they are in dire need of nursing assistants and so they will offer CNA classes and certification for new hires. You can usually find these opportunities in the classified ads; however, you shouldn’t be apprehensive about calling local hospitals and speaking with the employment office. These people may be able to tell you if and when they are going to be offering a CNA class and how you go about applying for the class.

State or Federal Funding

There are many state and federal programs that can be utilized to pay for CNA training. There are grants that will allow you to get into the CNA program and fulfill your dream of becoming a nursing assistant. You can apply for these programs on the Internet. Some of them may be based on need and others may be loans that you pay back after you complete your education. The Pell grant is one of the easiest grants to apply for and receive through the government. As a grant, it does not have to be repaid and can make a difference in being able to go to a CNE program and having to wait. Some of the places to look include:

• State Lottery Money – Many states have lotteries today that are being used to fund education.
• FAFSA:  FAFSA is the federal application for government funding. This one application will help with finding funding in various areas of the government. All students should complete the FAFSA in order to find out what they are eligible to receive.

Every state has different programs and funding options available and when combined with Federal possibilities are excellent options for finding free money.

Scholarships and Awards

You shouldn’t overlook the possibility of scholarships and award money to help finance nurse’s aide training. Many people overlook these opportunities because they think only students going to college can get them. However, there are nursing associations and nurse’s aide associations that could have scholarship money available to potential CNA students. Sometimes you can find essay contests that are used to determine who the scholarship money to and in other cases you may find that the awards are based on applications and interviews. Researching this topic on the Internet will provide more information on these types of awards.

Student Aid Office

Before you give up on your search for free money to help you get your CNA certificate you should contact the local CNA program and ask for an appointment with the financial aid office.  These are the people who know how to get funding for classes and can put you in touch with the right people and programs that can help with your tuition. Don’t give up just because you have trouble finding funding on your own, reach out for the resources that are available.

It is possible to find free nurse aide training if you put your mind to doing so and don’t give up on the task. In the end, you will be rewarded with the beginning steps of a rewarding career.

Forensic Nurse Training

As a newly graduated nurse you may not have any specific career goals, you may simply be anxious to get started with your nursing and worry about goals later on down the road. On the other hand, you may know that you want to specialize in a particular field. If that field is forensic nursing you need to have forensic nurse training.

What is Forensic Nursing

Forensic nursing is a new and constantly evolving field of nursing. Nursing graduates who choose to go into this area of nursing can work in a variety of areas including:

• Sexual Assault Examiners
• Domestic Violence
• Expert Witness
• Child or Elder Abuse Investigations Perform death investigations
• Conduct crime scene investigations
• Work with children in schools as a counselor
• Work in prisons with criminals

Many people mistakenly think that forensic nurses deal only with death and dead bodies. However, these nurses work with people to help them through some of the hardest times of their life.

The Forensic Field

Forensic nursing is a combination of criminal law and nursing. It takes the medical background of a nurse and uses that in conjunction with techniques learned from the judicial side of the training to create a field that is used to assist in judicial type situations that have a medical aspect as well.

There are sub-fields within the forensic nursing field that can be selected. This allows nursing students who choose to pursue forensic nurse training to narrow down their training to specific areas of forensic nursing from autopsies to crime scene investigations and more. Deciding which area of forensic nursing to pursue is an important part of making sure that the correct forensic training is obtained.  Two of the main sub-fields are explained in more detail below.

• Forensic Nurse Investigator: After forensic nurse training is complete, the forensic nurse investigator can move into areas such as working in the coroner’s office or working directly with police to investigate criminal scenes. The forensic nurse is called on to collect samples from crime scenes that can be used as evidence, collect blood and tissue for use in the investigation. These nurses may be asked to help with the treatment and investigation of the victims of crimes, such as abuse victims, rape victims, and survivors of many different crimes. Nurses who choose this area will work in a fast paced, high-stressed field that can be very rewarding.

Forensic nurses who work as investigative nurses have to be prepared to work anytime, day or night. Crime scenes don’t wait for the 9-5 shift, they have to be processed as quickly as possible. The nurse investigator has to be able to respond to this pressure, stay organized and focused, keep excellent records and be meticulous when looking for details surrounding crimes, as does anyone who work in criminal investigations and the forensics field.

• Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner: This area of forensic nursing is an important one that requires sympathy and precise attention to detail. Collecting a rape kit from someone who has been assaulted is not pleasant for the victim; it is almost like being violated again. However, may nurses who go into this field say they do so to provide a helping hand to victims of assault in an effort to catch the perpetrator. Nurses who choose this field may also be required to be on call.

These sub fields of forensic nursing are just two of the many areas that academic training and clinical work can prepare nursing students to enter.

Training for Forensic Nursing

The first obvious part of training for a forensic nursing career is the nursing degree. This can take as little as two years or up to three or four depending on the type of degree that is obtained. Once the nursing degree is complete, there are forensic training programs that are offered in both traditional college settings and in online colleges. These programs can take two year or more to complete, depending on what type of degree is offered. Once the forensic training classes are complete, the nurse will be able to provide medical expertise in judicial and criminal situations.

Forensic nurse training provides the judicial world with highly trained medical personnel who can assist with many different crime scene investigations as well as help criminal assault victims get through the medical investigation. Forensic nurses help to put the pieces of the puzzle together so the crimes can be solved and lives can be restored to normal. Like any other nursing career, this offers great satisfaction and makes the job rewarding for many people.

Dialysis Nurse Training

If you want to make a difference in someone’s life, nursing is the ideal career choice and choosing to specialize your nursing can be what makes a difference in someone’s life. Dialysis nurse training prepares nurses to work in dialysis clinics with patients who have kidney failure. This type of nursing is in high demand today and can be more financially rewarding than other nursing areas which is why many nurse are adding dialysis training to their resume.

What Dialysis Nurses Do

A dialysis nurse works in either dialysis units in hospitals or in dialysis clinics where they are the kidney patient’s most direct contact on a regular basis. These nurses perform a range of duties from planning patient care to planning patient diets. Some of the tasks nurses are taught during their time in the dialysis unit include:

• Starting the dialysis machine and monitoring it during the process;
• Planning and implementing care;
• Evaluating and reporting progress to patient’s doctor;
• Supervising diet and exercise routine.

In addition to the tasks, dialysis nurses are often the frontline of communication between dialysis patients and their doctor. As the nurse, you see the patient on a more frequent basis and have the opportunity to notice changes in their health that the doctor needs to know in order to make more informed decisions about their treatment.

Steps to Complete Dialysis Nurse Training

In order to qualify for dialysis nurse training you will need to be not just a registered nurse, but one with an associate degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. You cannot be a dialysis nurse with a diploma only. Once you have your registration you can apply to work in a dialysis clinic and learn the field.

Unlike some specialized nursing fields, there is a certification process for becoming a dialysis nurse. Many dialysis clinics offer their own specialized training which will provide the necessary educational hours required to sit for the Certified Dialysis Nursing Exam which is 15 educational hours.

In addition to the educational hours that are needed, there are 2,000 hours of work with renal patients that must have been completed within the past two years of applying for the exam.

Once the prerequisites have been met, the nurse can take the certification exam and if they pass become a Certified Dialysis Nurse which qualifies them for higher paying job in the nursing field.

In addition to the class work and clinical work involved in dialysis training, you should take into account the challenging stress dialysis work entails. Renal patients are not always the easiest patients to deal with, they are holding on to hopes of a kidney transplant in order to live and may be angry, sad, despondent and more. The dialysis nurse needs to be strong-willed and yet sympathetic at the same time. You have to be able to care for them no matter what they may say or do. If you can do this, you will make an ideal nurse in a renal clinic.

Types of Dialysis Nurses

Once you have your dialysis   training behind you and are certified, you can focus on gaining experience and perhaps moving up in this specialized area. This is one of the most difficult nursing positions aside from the ICU. Some dialysis nurses are content with working in the clinic while others want to continue to grow. Dialysis nurses have many options, including:

• Permanent Dialysis Nurse: This nurse stays at one facility for many years. This offers job security and the opportunity to know the patients as they are often on dialysis for a long time before a transplant occurs.
• Traveling Dialysis Nurse: This nurse goes from one facility or hospital dialysis clinic to another for short periods. The traveling dialysis nurse learns many techniques from visiting many different clinics.
• Acute Dialysis Nurses: These nurses deal with patients whose kidneys have completely stopped working. This nurse is under much more stress and has to be extremely alert to every detail of the procedure.

Each of these dialysis nurses is important to the field and to keeping renal patients as healthy as possible while waiting on a better option. Dialysis nurses are an integral part of the kidney patient’s healthcare.

The kidneys perform a vital function in the human body, the removal of waste that could cause toxic poisoning and ultimately death. When the kidneys start to fail dialysis is the only way to cleanse the body. The machine and procedure use in this are taught during dialysis nurse training which allows nurses to progress to a higher level of nursing. Dialysis nurses help save lives every day.

Vanderbilt University

Nashville-based Vanderbilt University is one of the most sought-after institutions in the nation.  Known for its innovative research programs and projects, the university also has strong ties with the community.  Vanderbilt University awards baccalaureate through doctoral degrees in seven schools including Blair School of Music, School of Engineering, Peabody College (Education and Human Development), Law School, Divinity School, School of Nursing, and Owen Graduate School of Management among others.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degrees

• 1 online masters degree in nursing program
• Campus-based masters through post-doctoral programs
• Flexible and modified scheduling to accommodate busy nurses

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

The nursing school at Vanderbilt University is ranked fifteen in the nation according to U.S. News and World Report.  Though currently only one online course is offered, Vanderbilt University offers many course options and flexible scheduling to accommodate the busy nurses’ needs.  Courses at the MSN level are offered to non-nurses and nurses alike.  For nurses who have already earned their degree without a specialization, post-MSN certifications and paid post-doctoral opportunities are available. Modified block scheduling is available for some courses.  This method utilizes online conferencing, video, and virtual course delivery, in addition to a block of time (usually 5 days including a weekend) to deliver nursing courses.  Doctoral degree programs accept BSN students, and post-doctoral programs are offered for nurses with terminal degree-seeking continuing education opportunities.  The nursing school also offers a wide variety of continuing education courses and options, including conferences, and the ability for nurses to take classes as non-credit for professional development purposes.  The Vanderbilt University nursing program truly offers options for everyone.

Online Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN)

The online Master of Science Degree Program in Health Systems Management trains nurses to provide leadership across a wide variety of nursing settings.  The program prepares nurses for everything from managing a nursing team to making financial and operational decisions. Managed Care Firms, Data Management Firms, and Community-Based Clinics are a few of the places nurses with a Health Systems Management specialization may find employment. Nurses may take a specialization exam in Health Systems Management through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) upon completion of the nursing course. Courses in the program include Management Strategies for Health Care Systems, Health Care Management of Populations, and Advanced Practice Nurse Role within the US Healthcare Delivery System.

Duration and Cost

The program is 39 credits and may be completed in as little as 1 calendar year.  The course may also be completed on a part-time basis.  The estimated course tuition for the program is $42,432.

Faculty

Faculty at Vanderbilt University are nationally recognized in their field and include a substantial number of male faculty members.

Things to consider:

• Clinical practica must be completed as part of the program

Accreditation

Vanderbilt University’s MSN degree programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLCAC) and approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

Address:
Vanderbilt University
School of Nursing
Godchaux Hall 207
461 21^st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 3724

University of Wisconsin Green Bay

The year 1965 was one of celebration for Green Bay, with the Packers winning their first championship, the inaugural campus of the University of Wisconsin Green Bay receiving donated land, and campus construction beginning for the University of Wisconsin Green Bay.  The Green Bay campus of the University of Wisconsin was founded in 1965, with a plan for problem-solving-based, interdisciplinary study.

This regional, public university serves over 6,000 students and is part of the University of Wisconsin system. Programs of study include over 40 undergraduate and graduate programs in addition to 12 pre-professional programs.  Popular majors include Business Administration, Psychology, Human Biology, Human Development, Communication, Elementary Education, Nursing, Accounting, Interdisciplinary Studies, and English.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degrees

• Offers 2 distinct online bachelor degree completion programs, one for nurses residing in Wisconsin, and 1 for nurses residing elsewhere
• Campus-based bachelors degree program
• Campus specializes in RN to BSN education

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

The University of Wisconsin at Green Bay offers 1 online degree completion program, a Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science (RN to BSN) degree in Nursing program. The program also offers a campus-based BSN degree. Students may participate in study abroad programs to learn about health care and health systems in other countries.

Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Nursing

The online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing program at the University of Wisconsin offers the opportunity to engage with peers through distance learning, while also offering a flexible scheduling opportunity for students seeking to earn their degree at their own convenience.  The BSN Home program is for students who desire to study online and live in Wisconsin. For aspiring BSN students outside of Wisconsin, a BSN can be pursued through the BSN-Linc program.  Students in the BSN-Home program may choose the closest institution in the University of Wisconsin network to pursue their studies.  Campuses in the network include Milwaukee, Oshkosh, Eau Claire, Madison, and Green Bay.  Though flexible, the course does have deadlines and requires students to comment on their peer’s submissions and submit online assignments in a timely matter.  Courses in the program include:

• Health Assessment
• Theoretical Foundations of Nursing
• Management and Leadership
• Adaptation to Chronic Illness and Disability
• Global Aspects of Health Care
• Geographic Information Systems in Health
• Women’s Health Care Issues

Duration and Cost

The BSN degree is 120 credits, half of which are typically transferred from previous educational experiences at the associate’s degree level.  Tuition for the BSN Linc program is $405 per credit.  Spring 2012 tuition for the BSN home program is $428 per credit.

Faculty                       

Faculty at the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay are knowledgeable in their areas of expertise and have experience teaching adult learners.

Things to consider:

• The BSN-Home program requires some campus-based course attendance; students in the BSN-Linc program are not required to come to campus.
• Students are required to find and obtain required course materials on their own.
• Clinical is required for the BSN Linc program and may be completed in the student’s home state.

Accreditation

The University of Wisconsin Green Bay is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Universities.  Nursing programs at the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).  The institution was accredited by both NLNAC (National League for Nursing Accreditation Committee) and CCNE and elected to maintain only the CCNE accreditation.

Address:
University of Wisconsin – Green Bay
2420 Nicolet Drive
Green Bay, WI 54311-7001

University of Missouri, Kansas City

University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC) was founded in 1929.  In 1930, the then University of Kansas City merged with Lincoln and Lee University.  Beginning with just 265 students and 17 instructors in 1933, the university now has over 15,000 students and almost 4,000 faculty.  Students are able to choose from over 125 academic areas of study in 3 campus locations.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degrees

• 1 online bachelors degree, 1 online masters degree, 2 online doctoral degrees, and 1 certificate program

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

UMKC offers comprehensive online degrees from the bachelor’s through the doctoral level, both on-campus and online.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

The online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree program is a competency program that focuses on developing leadership skills in nurses including being a manager, coordinator, and designer of healthcare programs.  Programs in the course include Pathophysiology, History of Nursing, and Scientific Inquiry.  Through the Rural Nurse Initiative (RNI) program, certain nurses serving in rural areas can enroll in the online degree program, and receive benefits such as a personal laptop on loan and reimbursement for fees related to a broadband connection to connect to online courses.

Duration and Cost

The degree program is 120 credits.  The total length of the program will vary on the number of units transferred in for the previous studies in nursing.  Students enrolled in online programs pay in-state tuition fees.  The program tuition varies per total credit hours enrolled, and undergraduate tuition is approximately $300-$350 per credit hour.

Online Master’s Degree in Nursing

The online Master Degree Program at the University of Missouri, Kansas City offers a Nurse Educator specialization.  Previous tracks as a Nurse Practitioner have been discontinued and instead, students may now apply for the new BSN to DNP program.

Duration and Cost

The program is 41 credits.  Students enrolled in online programs pay in-state tuition fees.  The program tuition varies per total credit hours enrolled, and graduate tuition is approximately $365-$415 per credit hour.

Online Doctoral Degrees in Nursing

The School of Nursing at the University of Missouri-Kansas City offers a traditional research-based, academic doctoral program and also a practice-based DNP program for nurses interested in remaining in practice after earning their doctoral degree.

Duration and Cost

The Ph.D. program is 49 to 61 credit hours depending on if students hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree program at the time of enrolling in the program.  The DNP program is 31 credit hours.  Students enrolled in online programs pay in-state tuition fees.  The program tuition varies per total credit hours enrolled, and graduate tuition is approximately $365-$415 per credit hour.

Online Certificates in Nursing

The online Post-Master’s Nurse Educator certificate allows nurses to complete nurse educator training after their degree program and prepares nurses to take the Nurse Educator certification exam offered by the National League of Nursing.

Duration and Cost

The program is 12 credits.  Students enrolled in online programs pay in-state tuition fees.  The graduate tuition is approximately $365-$415 per credit hour.

Faculty

At UMKC, 95% of faculty hold a terminal degree in their field of study.

Things to consider:

• Programs may require an on-campus component.
• Some courses may require students to arrange and complete a clinical practicum

Accreditation

The University of Missouri, Kansas City is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.  Nursing programs at the UMKC are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Address:
University of Missouri – Kansas City
School of Nursing
Health Sciences Building
2464 Charlotte St.
Kansas City, MO 64108

University of Saint Mary

The University of Saint Mary was founded in 1923 as a liberal arts college in the Catholic tradition. The University offers a value-based education with equal focus on academics and morality. The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth founded the institution.  Today the University of Saint Mary offers 26 undergraduate and 5 graduate degree programs. Since 2005, The Princeton Review has ranked the University of Saint Mary among the Best Midwestern Colleges.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degrees

• 1 online bachelors degree program in nursing
• 1 campus based bachelors degree program is also offered
• Students may be eligible to obtain credit for life experience

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

Nursing programs at the University of Saint Mary seek to integrate faith, personal values and excellence in academics to produce students who are contributing members to society.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

Not only does earning a BSN offer the opportunity for nurses to offer better patient outcomes and increased quality of care, but also access to more advanced opportunities with a higher salary.  Students in the University of Saint Mary’s online RN to BSN program may have the opportunity to simultaneously earn a certificate in Health Care Management as a stepping to leadership opportunities.

The BSN program focuses on developing critical thinking and decision-making skills in the areas of health assessment, nursing care plan development, intervention implementation, and outcome evaluation.  Mission in Health Care: A Theological Perspective, Nursing as a Profession, End of Life Care, Senior Integrative Seminar and Research in Nursing are some of the courses required to complete the nursing degree.  Students have the option of attending a graduation ceremony on campus, though the entire degree program may be completed online.  The career outlook for nurses with a BSN qualification is very bright, with most openings being available in physicians’ offices, home health care and nursing care facilities.

Duration and Cost

Students can complete their program in as little as 18 months with continuous enrollment.  The total credits required for the bachelor’s degree is 128, 29 of which must be nursing credits.  Students may transfer credits from previous coursework to the program. The most recent tuition fee is $345 per credit hour, and is subject to change.  The amount of credit hours required to complete the program depends on the number of credit hours transferred in.

Faculty

Faculty in the nursing program at the University of Saint Mary hold advanced degrees in their profession and a significant amount of experience (some with 40+years) in the nursing profession.

Things to consider:

• Students must complete a clinical project in the workplace or community.
• Some courses may require proctoring of exams.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the University of Saint Mary is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The University of Saint Mary is accredited by the North Central Association of Schools & Colleges.

Address:
University of Saint Mary
4100 South 4th St
Leavenworth, KS 66048

University of Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh is one of the oldest and most traditional colleges in the United States. Originally founded in 1787 as a small private school in a log cabin, the University of Pittsburgh has grown to 4 regional campuses with over 30,000 students.  Education, engineering, social work, business and information systems are a few of the subjects that students can study.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degrees

• 2 online graduate level programs, 1 master’s and 1 doctoral degree
• Campus based baccalaureate through doctoral level degree programs
• Additional continuing education courses offered online

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

Online Master’s Degree in Nursing

The Masters Degree in Nursing Clinical Nurse Leader specialization allows students to gain the experience and skill necessary to function as a nurse across a wide spectrum.  Students are expected to participate in the rich online learning community available to them, and face-to-face sessions may be required.  Online learning at the University of Pittsburgh offers opportunity for discussion, problem solving, critical thinking, research, and community building.  Students may attend classes on the main campus, and also participate in an online information session.  Courses include Healthcare Outcomes, Research for Evidence Based Practice and Advanced Pharmacology.

Duration and Cost

 The program may be completed in two years on a full-time basis.  It is also an option to study part-time.  Tuition is $11,006 and $12, 694 per term for Pennsylvania residents and non-residents respectively.  The program requires 2-3 terms per academic year.

Online Doctoral Degree in Nursing

The post-masters online Doctor or Nursing Practice program is available only to nurses who have completed a master’s degree. Additional doctoral programs include PhD’s in nursing are available on the University of Pittsburgh Campus.  The program offers the following nine specializations:

• Nursing Administration/Leadership
• Nurse Anesthesia
• Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Medical-Surgical*
  • Psychiatric Mental Health
• Nurse Practitioner
  • Acute Care*
  • Adult*
  • Family*
  • Neonatal*
  • Pediatric*

Specializations noted with an asterisk (*) may require some travel to the Pittsburgh area, though not all specializations do.  Corse courses include Ethics, Grant Writing and Finance and Economics for Health Care Leaders.  The program requires 2-3 terms per academic year.

Duration and Cost

 Most doctoral programs take three years to complete on a full-time basis, depending on the specialization required.  Tuition is $11,006 and $12, 694 per term for Pennsylvania residents and non-residents respectively.

Online Continuing Education Courses in Nursing

The School of Nursing offers several online continuing education courses for nurses to maintain compliance with state requirements. Courses range from 1.5 to 6.5 continuing education credits and have registration fees from $30 to $130 per course.  Course currently are offered are:

• Clinical Ethics for Nurses
• Nursing Preceptor Program
• Introduction to Nursing Informatics for Nurse Educators
• Preconception Counseling for Adolescent and Adult Women with Diabetes
• Addiction Training for Nurses (SBIRT)
• Moving the Classroom into the 21st Century

Faculty

41% of faculty hold leadership positions in national organizations and 76% have received doctoral level education

Things to consider:

• In some cases clinical practicums may not be available in a student’s local community.
• Verify your state is not listed in the state restrictions list for online degree programs.

Accreditation

Nursing programs at the University of Pittsburgh are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.  The master’s and doctoral level degree programs are also accredited by the Council on Accreditation.  Continuing education courses are accredited by American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Address:
University of Pittsburgh
School of Nursing
3500 Victoria Street
Victoria Building
Pittsburgh, PA 15261

University of North Alabama

The University of North Alabama was founded in 1880 as La Grange College.  The university was set up by the Methodist Episcopal Church as a secular institution.  The University of North Alabama identifies itself as the first state-chartered college in Alabama.  Though its roots were as a Southern teachers college, the university now has over 60 undergraduate majors and students from over 50 countries.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degrees

• 1 online bachelor’s and two online masters degree programs.
• Campus based traditional and accelerated bachelor’s degrees are available.
• Federal financial aid and scholarships are available.

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

Nursing programs at the University of North Alabama seek to provide nurses an education opportunity that suits their needs through online, traditional and accelerated programs.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

All courses in the Bachelors Degree in Nursing program are completed online.  Students are required to attend clinical practicums in their local area.  The program accepts up to 30 credits from a previous nursing program.  Core courses for the program include Leadership, Role Theory and Community Nursing.

Duration and Cost

Students in the flex-track (online only) option are waived non-resident fees.  Total credits required for the program are 128, some of which may be transferred from a previous institution.  Tuition is $204 per credit hour, and $2,448.00 per semester for 12 hours of undergraduate tuition.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

Students seeking an online Master Degree in Nursing have the option of pursuing the RN to MSN or general MSN degree program.  Students in the RN to MSN program are awarded both BSN and MSN degrees (this is not always the case in RN to MSN programs) and their course load is reduced by one semester (or 9 credit hours) by earning the degrees in this accelerated option.  The Master of Science in Nursing Degree option offers two specializations—Nursing In Teaching and Learning Environments and Nursing Leadership in Organizational Environments.  All courses are offered online and in asynchronous format, and some courses are offered through Jacksonville State University’s online nursing program. Core courses for both programs include Advanced Nursing Theory, Health Promotion Across the Life Span and Human Diversity and Ethics.

Duration and Cost

Students in the flex-track (online only) option are waived non-resident fees.  Approximately 42 credits are required for the program.  Tuition is $247 per credit hour. Students in the RN to MSN option may have additional undergraduate tuition fees for their coursework.

Things to consider:

• Some courses require on campus proctored exams
• Students must attend clinical practicums in their local area
• Students must meet a 2.5 GPA requirement to be admitted into the BSN program
• A 3.0 GPA is required for admittance into the master’s degree program.

Accreditation

University of North Alabama’s nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing.

Address:
University of North Alabama
One Harrison Plaza
Florence, AL 35632

University of Central Missouri

Founded in 1871 as a normal school for teachers, the University of Central Missouri now offers over 150 degree programs and has over 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students.  Ninety-two (92) percent of students obtain jobs within 6 months of graduation.

Fields of study include nursing, aviation, business and technology.  The university also prides itself in generous financial support and scholarships available to incoming, current, transfer, international and graduate students in addition to federal financial aid.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degrees

• Offers 1 online bachelors, 2 online masters degree in nursing, and several non-credit certificate programs
• FAFSA (federal financial aid) accepted

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

Online programs at University of Central Missouri offer comprehensive learning opportunities for nurses of all levels whether pursuing a bachelor’s degree or post-graduate certification.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

The online RN to BSN offers the opportunity to gain advanced skills and knowledge to pursue career options in settings including public health, home health, nursing management, program planning, and health teaching. Courses in the program including Assessment Across the Lifespan, Advanced Concepts of Wellness for RNs and Socio-Economic Factors Impacting Health.

Duration and Cost

Students can complete the program in 1 to 4 years depending on if they choose to enroll full or part-time. Tuition is $251.30 per credit hour. Approximately 30 credit hours are required for the program depending how many credit hours are transferred in.

Online Master’s Degree in Nursing

Online Master of Science in Nursing degree programs are available with a Rural Family Nursing or Nurse Educator specialization.  While the Nurse Educator Specialization may be completed entirely online, the Rural Family Nursing specialization requires students complete clinical trials in Missouri.  Core courses in the master’s program include Theories of Nursing, Contemporary Issues in Health Care Delivery and Nursing and Nursing Research.

Duration and Cost

The course requires 32 to 44 credit hours. Tuition is $307 per credit hour.

Online Certificates in Nursing

The following non-credit certificates are available to assist nurses in advancing their career education:

• Legal Nursing Consulting- This certificate will assist nurse in providing legal counsel to lawyers on nursing matters. The course is $93 and requires 24 hours of instruction.
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Nursing provides nurses with advanced instruction in key legal and ethical issues to provide better patient care. The course is $149 and has 23 contact hours of instruction.

Both courses may be completed online and within 6 weeks of program enrollment.

Faculty

A faculty mentor assists nursing students in planning a course to meet their individualized goals and needs for the program.

Things to consider:

• The program is only open to students residing in the United States.
• Specific admission application deadlines for master’s program, verify dates an apply accordingly.
• Nursing degree programs are not accredited by a nursing body.

Accreditation

The University of Central Missouri is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The online certificate programs are delivered by ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC which is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Address:
University of Central Missouri
School of Graduate & Extended Studies
HUM 410
Warrensburg, MO 64093

The College Network

The College Network is a private educational company that partners with universities to offer top-notch degree programs and certificates delivered entirely online.  Degrees available range from associate’s to doctoral level and certificate programs.  Areas of study available include health care, nursing, business, criminal justice, fire science, human resources, project management, marketing, lean six sigma and legal studies.

The College Network also makes test prep review materials for nursing programs.  All programs are accredited and are estimated at 50% cost of traditional degree programs.  Students complete a portion of their degree program through The College Network, and in no case is campus attendance required during this portion of the program.  The remaining portion is completed through enrollment in the partner university.  Students may earn their degree in less time than traditional programs while in the comfort of their home.  The College Network is based in Indiana and has been in operation since 2002.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degrees

• 2 online associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and 1 certificate program.
• Financing may be available for The College Network portion of studies.
• Clinical Readiness Program offered through ePatient technology offers virtual simulation opportunities in lieu of clinical trials.

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

Credits earned through The College Network’s Comprehensive Learning Modules™ can be transferred towards completion of a degree program at a variety of colleges and universities.

Online Associate’s Degrees in Nursing

Two online associate’s degree programs are offered through The College Network, the LPN/LVN to RN and Paramedic to RN programs. Each program is designed to assist healthcare professionals with a diploma or certificate in earning the basic degree qualifications for nurses.

Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Nursing

Two online programs, LPN to BSN and RN to BSN are offered for both diploma and degree holding nurses to earn their bachelor’s degrees. The bachelor’s degree is the first stepping stone towards positions in nursing leadership.  The College Network offers 5 RN to BSN programs through several nationally accredited universities.

Online Master’s Degrees in Nursing

The online master’s programs are available through Regis University and consist of an RN to MSN and general MSN program.  The program can be completed in less than 24 months and includes courses in Research in Nursing and Healthcare Policy.

Online Certificate in Nursing

The Ethics in Nursing certificate offers 2.5 continuing education contact hours.  The course may be purchased and completed entirely online at any time.

Course costs and duration vary according to the partner university through which the program is completed.  Check with the relevant program for duration and costs.

Things to consider:

• Only a portion of courses are completed through the College Network.
• In some cases students may be required to go to campus for clinical practicums or the post-College Network portion of their program.
• Local practicums may be required to earn the degree.

Accreditation

The College Network degree programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Address:
The College Network
3815 River Crossing Pkwy Ste 260
Indianapolis, IN 46240

Stevens Henager College

Stevens-Henager College was founded in 1891 by J.A. Smith as Intermountain Business College.  After several name changes, the college became known in 1959 as Stevens-Henager College, the name it holds to this day.  Though originally founded as a business college, the school has grown to offer programs in health care, nursing and information technology.  With main headquarters in Ogden, the college has branched out to four other locations in Utah, Colorado and Idaho.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degrees

• Offers 1 online bachelor’s and 1 online master’s degree in nursing
• Campus based nursing programs are also available
• FAFSA (federal financial aid) and military benefits accepted
• Students can work one-on-one with a financial planner to fund education

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

Online programs at Stevens-Henager College serve domestic, international students residing in the USA and students abroad in the military.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

Course Description

Nurses in the online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) and Nursing Administration programs are required to complete courses in Health Program Evaluation, Case Management, Critical Thinking, Statistics, Pathophysiology, and Introduction to Nursing Research.  Students are also required to complete a practicum.  While students in the master’s of nursing degree program explore research and statistics, the focus of the baccalaureate program is on practical aspects of nursing and students are not expected to apply research concepts as in the master’s degree. The bachelor’s degree programs offer a general Nursing and Nursing Administration degree and a Nursing Administration degree with one of five emphases — Clinical Nurse Educator, Community Health Nurse, Nurse Case Manager and Nursing Informatics emphasis.

Career Options

Career options for nurses pursuing bachelor’s degrees include acute care, advanced practice psychiatric, critical care, and clinical specialist nurses.  Some nurses can also consider becoming instructors at the bachelor’s degree level though experience is often required to supplement their degree.

Duration and Cost

The online nursing programs require 20 months to complete, and a minimum of 91 credits (registered nurses must have completed sufficient credits to have 3^rd year status and general education requirements met).  Fees for tuition range from $30,155 to $40,385.

Online Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN)

The online master’s degrees in nursing offer a specialization in Nursing Administration or Nursing Education.

Course Description

Nurses in the master’s program take courses in Issues in Managed Care, Health Services Economics, Health Information Systems, Legal Considerations in Healthcare Delivery, and Outcomes Assessment and Quality Management.  Master’s degree nurses culminate their degree program in a final thesis project requiring an academic write up with results.

Duration and Cost

The online master’s nursing program requires 15 months to complete, which is composed of 59-83 credits depending on the specialization.  Fees for tuition are approximately $28,000.

Faculty

Nursing faculty of Stevens-Henager College have certifications from all over the nation, bringing in a variety of experience and perspectives into the nursing programs.  Most faculty hold graduate level degrees.

Things to consider:

• Nursing programs are not accredited by a nursing body.
• Bachelor’s degree program is available to registered nurses only.

Accreditation

Stevens-Henager College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

Address:
Stevens-Henager College
383 West Vine Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84123

Stenberg College

Stenberg College offers educational opportunities in the health and human services fields including nursing, medical assistant and early childhood care programs. Over 94% of Stenberg College graduates obtain employment within 6 months of graduating their program.  Stenberg College offers a lifetime career assistance program to assist graduates in finding employment.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degrees

• Offers 1 post-diploma certificate program, and 3 vocational diploma/certification programs
• Students can work one-on-one with the financial aid office to source funding for their education

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

Online programs at Stenberg College are available in combined and fully online formats to meet student’s needs.  Programs are focused on the Canadian healthcare system.  The Advanced Leadership Certificate is offered online for already licensed nurses seeking advanced leadership opportunities. The practical and psychiatric nursing programs offer campus-based programs for nurses.  The nursing unit clerk program allows students with a desire to perform clerical functions in the hospital setting to function as administrative assistants to nurses.  Students who participate in nursing programs at Stenberg College are eligible for free ESL classes.

Online Certificates in Nursing

The Advanced Leadership Certificate offers Licensed Practical Nurses the opportunity to obtain training necessary to assume health care roles in the Canadian health care system.  The course is 10 weeks long and tuition is $600.  The course can be completed entirely online or in a combined format (on-campus and online).

The Practical Nurse Certificate program is 51 weeks including all courses and the required clinical practicum.  Nurses in this course will learn how to administer medication, assess and monitor patients, educate patients regarding health care issues and assist in patient rehabilitation. The program tuition begins at $19,500.

The regional Psychiatric Nursing Certificate program is designed primarily for nurses in rural areas who normally would not have the ability and access to leave their area for further education. This course makes all theoretical courses available online and requires nurses to complete practicums in their local region of Canada.  The course is currently scheduled to start in March 2012 in select areas.  Please confirm that your program of interest is available in your area. The program is 101 weeks. The program tuition begins at $19,500.

Nursing Clerks fulfill basic administrative duties for nurses that could not normally be fulfilled by a nurse due to a busy schedule.  Nursing Clerks positions are not for the light of heart, as the position is under frequent stress and frequently in the “eye of the storm”.  The program also seeks to enhance personal skills and development to cope with such stressful situations.  A Nursing Unit Clerk advisory committee meets regularly to ensure that the program courses are up to date.  The program is 37 weeks. The program tuition begins at $12,700.

Faculty

Nursing faculty of Stenberg College have years of experience, are well-connected in their field, and stay abreast of current trends.

Things to consider:

• Nursing programs are not accredited by a nursing body
• Nursing programs may not be recognized in the United States
• The majority of programs do not qualify for post-secondary credit
• Tuition fees listed above are in Canadian currency
• Additional fees may be required for international students

Accreditation

Stenberg College is accredited by the Private Career Training Institutions Agency of B.C (British Columbia, Canada).

Address:
Stenberg College
Suite 750 – 13450 102nd Avenue
Surrey, BC V3T 5X3

South University

Savannah based South University was founded in 1899 by Dr. John Draughon as Draughon’s Practical Business College.  The University has now grown to offer courses in Nursing and Health, IT, Business, Legal, Criminal Justice, and Creative Arts in over five campus locations.  South University was bought by Education Management Organization in 2003, and began offering online bachelor’s degree programs the next year.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degrees

• 1 online bachelor’s and 2 online master’s degree programs
• Campus based bachelor’s and master’s degree programs are available
• Nurses in the bachelor’s program may receive up to 45 credits for their previous experience

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

South University’s nursing program prepares kind and caring individuals who have a desire to help others with the skills necessary to pursue nursing education.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

The online RN to BSN degree program focuses on training nurses to provide an advanced level of care to their patients and training in specific geographic areas in which the nurses will provide care, rural communities in particular. Students will take courses in Illness and Disease Management, Legal and Ethical Issues in Nursing, Transition into Professional Nursing for RNs and a capstone course that involves planning and delivering care in the student’s community.

Duration and Cost

Tuition for the program is $78,562, and the program may be completed in as little as 27 months.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

The RN to MSN program is an ideal option for registered nurses seeking to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree as the program awards both.  The curriculum of the bachelor’s and master’s degree programs is combined and students can access coursework any time of day.  Core coursework includes Advanced Nursing Practice, Nursing Research Methods and Financial Management for Nurses.

South University also offers a general master’s of science option for nurses who have already earned a bachelor’s degree.  As with the RN to MSN program, all MSN programs at South University offer the Nurse Educator specialization. Teaching and Learning Strategies, Evaluation of Educational Outcomes in Nursing and 2 course practicums in Nursing Education are part of the specialization coursework.

Duration and Cost

The program tuition is $63,908 for both the MSN and RN to MSN programs.  The RN to MSN program requires 213 hours total and the MSN concentration alone requires 48 hours, some of which may be transferred from previous experience or coursework.  The MSN program may be completed in as little as 18 months.  The RN to MSN program may require additional undergraduate fees to earn the BSN portion of the degree.

Faculty

Faculty at South University hold advanced degrees from select institutions, and include professors with doctoral degrees.

Things to consider:

• Verify you meet specific and detailed academic requirements with your program of interest
• Only one degree specialization is offered
• Students may be required to complete one or more locally based practicums.

Accreditation

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits online nursing programs at South University.

Address:
South University
709 Mall Blvd
Savannah, GA 31406

Salem International University

Salem International University was founded in 1888 as Salem College by the Seventh Day Baptist Church.  As a private, for profit institution, Salem International University now offers associate through graduate level degrees in business, education, nursing, information technology and criminal justice.  Salem International University makes every effort to offer flexible course schedules suited to the busy professional.

Alumni of the West Virginia based university have gone on to become national and international executives, professional athletes and a state governor. A variety of clubs and athletics are available to students on campus including cheerleading, photography, videography, ministry, thrill seeking, water polo, wrestling, music, and writing.  Student government, activities and newspaper are also options in which students can be involved.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degrees

• 1 online bachelor’s degree in nursing
• Campus based certificate and associate’s degree programs
• Federal financial aid is available, but only to those who qualify.

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

The School of Nursing at Salem International University strives to make nursing education available and accessible to all.  Nursing programs are available from the diploma to bachelor’s degree level.  Nursing programs at the diploma and associate’s degree levels are not offered online. Key beliefs at Salem International University School of Nursing include valuing the nursing profession at all levels of expertise and becoming a lifelong learner. Caring, integrity, diversity and excellence are core concepts of the nursing programs. Salem International University uses the popular internet-based Blackboard program for classes and coursework.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

The online RN to BSN (Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing program) offers current registered nurses the opportunity to earn their degree online.  Courses in the online bachelor’s degree program emphasize the following skills and competencies:

• Critical, creative and reflective thinking
• Lifelong learning
• Evidence-based practice
• Leadership and Management Strategies
• Diverse client populations across the lifespan
• Communication and Informatics
• Health promotion, maintenance and restoration

Core Courses in the nursing program include Health Assessment, Nursing Research, Ethics, Complex Health Problems, Evidence-based Practice, Special Topics in Nursing, Community Nursing and Nursing Management and Leadership. Students submit a portfolio demonstrating comprehension of concepts learned in their course, rather than completing a practicum.

Nurses who complete the program can aspire to careers as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, Instructor, Registered Nurse, Acute Care Nurse, Advanced Practiced Psychiatric Nurse and Critical Care Nurse.

Duration and Cost

Estimated tuition is $12,700, and the course requires 120 credit hours, 60 of which are awarded upon acceptance into the program.

Things to consider:

• Nurses who enroll in the program must be in good standing.
• Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA in all courses to earn their degree; 2.5GPA  is considered maintaining good academic standing.
• Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree program is not accredited by a nursing body.

Accreditation

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central of Association of Colleges and Schools accredits the RN to BSN Nursing program.

Address:
Salem International University
223 West Main Street
Salem, West Virginia 26426

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is a private, Catholic institution and a liberal arts college founded in 1912 by the Sisters of Mercy, an international group comprised of Catholic women dedicated to service.  With just 3,000 students, the Standish, Maine based college has programs in liberal arts, education, nursing and business.  The college also has a commitment to service learning.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degrees

• Comprehensive online course offerings including 1 online bachelor’s, 2 online master’s, and 3 certificate programs
• Students may opt to take campus-based summer courses to accelerate their degree, though they are not required
• Registered nurses with a diploma (who do not hold an associate’s degree) may apply for the BSN program

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

Nursing programs at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine allow students to maintain a personalized approach to learning through offering several degree specializations and dual degree options for nursing students.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

The online Bachelor’s degree in nursing program is unique in that it is not restricted to nurses with an associate’s degree, nurses who hold a diploma may also participate in the program.  Students may also take challenge examinations to earn credit for previous educational or work experience that has provided knowledge needed to earn their degree.

Duration and Cost

Tuition is $325 per credit.  The bachelor’s degree requires a total of 128 credits, 32 of which must be earned from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine.  Total cost of your program will depend on the credits needed after transfer, challenge exams, etc.  The average undergraduate program cost is $28,000.

Online Master’s Degrees in Nursing

Students in the online master’s programs at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine can choose from three degree specializations and two dual degree options in Healthcare Administration and Business Administration. The three specializations that students can choose from are:

• Family Nurse Practitioner- Nurses seeking to serve families in a clinical setting
• Nurse Educator –Nurses seeking an educator or instructor position
• Nurse Administrator- Nurses seeking an administrative or leadership role

All three specializations will prepare nurses to sit certifying exams in their respective specialization.

Registered nurses who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree may also participate in the RN to MSN degree option.

Duration and Cost

Tuition ranges from $425 to $600 per credit depending on the specialization of the course. The Family Nurse Practitioner is $600 per credit, while all other specializations are $425 per credit.  Courses require 42-60 credits depending on the specialization and degree(s) earned.

Online Certificates in Nursing

Saint Joseph’s College of Maine offers three online certificate options that nurses may earn post-degree.

The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certificate offers the opportunity for nurses with a master’s degree to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become a Family Nurse Practitioner and sit the qualifying exam. The 27 credit program requires 600 supervised clinical hours.

The online Certificate in Nursing & Health Care Education is designed for nurses who are a staff educator or who desire to increase their knowledge of the profession.  This 18 credit course is not meant to certify instructors or prepare them for post-secondary instruction.

The 18 credit Certificate in Nursing Administration & Leadership is ideal for nurses who are new managers or desire to become managers.

Tuition for graduate courses is $425 per credit, with the exception of the $600 per credit FNP program.

Faculty

Faculty of Saint Joseph’s College of Maine all hold graduate level degree (master’s or higher), with several holding doctoral level degrees.

Things to consider:

• Some programs may require students to complete a local residency
• Each course has detailed admission requirements; verify you meet admissions requirements or speak with an advisor with the program before applying

Accreditation

Nursing programs at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing.

Address:
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
278 Whites Bridge Road
Standish, Maine 04084

Sacred Heart University

Sacred Heart University was founded in 1963 as a way to provide an education for the local community in the Catholic tradition.  Since then, the university has grown to 45 degree programs from associate’s to the doctoral level.  The university has a demonstrated commitment to service with over 35,000 hours donated each year.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degrees

• 1 online bachelor’s degree, 2 online master’s degree and 1 online certificate programs
• Campus-based certificate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs are offered
• Students can skip a session if personal, family or work commitments become too demanding
• A variety of nursing-specific scholarships are available

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

Nursing programs at Sacred Heart University are based upon the four principles of community, spirituality, ethics and diversity.  Because of the small student to faculty ratio, students are able to received individualized counseling from faculty members.  The programs offer hands on practice through service learning partnerships and a simulation lab.  Keeping in line with the university’s service learning tradition, students may participate in medical mission trips in places as distant as Jamaica and Guatemala.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

The online bachelor’s degree program is ideal for working nurses seeking to return to school. Sacred Heart University recommends preparing for at least ten to twelve hours of study per week; sessions are eight weeks long.  Topics of the course include intercultural health and wellness, research, and leadership development.

Duration and Cost

Tuition is $500 per credit hour, and the number of credits required to complete the program vary depending on the amount of credits transferred in. The program requires 123 credits to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Online Master’s Degrees in Nursing

Sacred Heart University offers two options for registered nurses seeking to earn a Master’s Degree in Nursing online, an RN to MSN option and MSN option for nurses who already have their bachelor’s degree.  The course offers the following three specializations:

• Clinical Nurse Leader- Prepares nurses to sit the Clinical Nurse Leader exam through the American Association of Colleges of Nursing
•  Patient Care Services Administration- Prepares nurses for a role in leadership and administration
• Nurse Education-Prepares nurses for a role in teaching and instruction

Core courses for the programs include Health Care Policy and Ethics, Theory and Professional Roles, and Principles of Health Care Research.

Duration and Cost

The course is $580 per credit hour and takes approximately 2 years to complete if one course is taken each session.

Online Certificate program in Nursing

The online Home Healthcare Management certificate program is designed for nurses in management positions in home health care agencies to meet the requirements of the State of Connecticut, Department of Public Health (DPH).  Students may also use credits earned in this two-course certificate program towards the BSN program. Students are required to take six credits of coursework in the form of two courses—Leadership and Management and Management of Home Healthcare Agencies.

Faculty

Sacred Heart University has award-winning nursing faculty with years of clinical experience.  Students have access to faculty through small class sizes, with a student to faculty ratio of 13:1.

Things to consider:

• Nurses who take courses must carry malpractice insurance
• 6 start dates are offered per year

Accreditation

Sacred Heart University’s nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Address:
Sacred Heart University
5151 Park Avenue
Fairfield, Connecticut 06925-1000

Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Oklahoma Wesleyan University has been fully-accredited as a degree granting four-year institution since 1974.  The college founded in 1959, was the result of the merger of three Wesleyan institutions and became Bartlesville Wesleyan College and moved to Bartlesville, Oklahoma in 1959.  The school now offers a wide variety of degree programs from associate’s to doctoral level, both campus-based and online.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degrees

• 1 online bachelor’s degree program in nursing and 1 master’s degree program in nursing.
• In-state tuition is offered for the nursing program.
• Students may obtain credit for life-based learning experiences.

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

The nursing programs at Oklahoma Wesleyan University seek to deepen each student’s understanding of the art and science that encompass the nursing profession.  In this program, nurses will take an in depth study in the nursing field and develop the knowledge, character, practical and spiritual experience to build the nurse’s awareness of personal skills and development.   Curriculum at Oklahoma Wesleyan University is biblically based  and infused with Christian Wesleyan theology.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN)

The online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Program is for nurses who desire to take the next step in their career and knowledge of the nursing profession.  Nurses can continue to work full-time while completing the program online and courses are taken one subject at a time to allow complete focus on one course. Courses for the bachelor’s degree program include an introductory course in taking classes online, Computers in Nursing, Intercultural Nursing, Leadership and Management in Nursing and Nursing Research.

Duration and Cost

To earn a bachelor’s degree, students must earn 126 credits total, with 42 credits if core coursework.  Tuition is $388 per credit, and the number of credits taken will depend on the number of credits transferred in. Tuition costs begin at approximately $25,600 with the minimum 60 credits transferred in.

Online Master’s Degree in Nursing

Though it’s in the school of management and not nursing, the Master’s of Business Administration Degree in Nursing Management is ideal for nurses seeking leadership roles in health care institutions. This emerging approach in cross-disciplinary education is designed so that nurses may function in leadership in a variety of settings.  Students in the master’s degree program will take courses in healthcare economics, quantitative analysis, and strategic marketing management with advanced nursing courses such as Healthcare Systems and Health Informatics and Evidence-Based Practice.

Duration and Cost

Tuition for the master’s program is $465 per credit hour and 36-38 credit hours for completion.

Faculty

Faculty at Oklahoma Wesleyan University have earned recognition from national media such as CNN, PBS and U.S. News and World Report.

Things to consider:

• Common core courses from other programs including chemistry and statistics are not a part of this course.
• Requirements for both programs are detailed; contact the school to ensure you meet and understand all requirements.
• Attendance on campus may be required for the master’s degree program.

Accreditation

The nursing programs at Oklahoma Wesleyan University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Address:
Oklahoma Wesleyan University
2201 Silver Lake Road
Bartlesville, OK 74006

Benedictine University

Benedictine University seeks to provide quality liberal arts and professional education to a diverse body of students in their Roman Catholic tradition.  Founded in the Benedictine heritage in 1887, the university was originally founded to educate Eastern European students mostly of Czech descent.  Over 65 undergraduate and graduate programs are offered in the university’s five schools.  Benedictine University is part of the Association of Benedictine Colleges and Universities.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degrees

• 1 online master’s degree program
• Campus-based RN to BSN completion program
• Nursing-specific scholarships are available

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

The MSN program at Benedictine University is among the top ten in the nation according to some ranking organizations.

Online Master’s Degree in Nursing

The online MSN degree program at Benedictine University seeks to train effective nurse leaders, educators and administrators.  The program allows for some customization as students design their area of focus in their last 12 credits (4 courses) of their 36 credit program.  Six areas of focus for the degree are available including:

• Public Health
• Health Education
• Administration
• Leadership, Management & Finance
• Disaster Management
• Health Policy

Students also have the option of creating their own customized area of focus.  Core courses for all specializations are:

• Transforming Nursing Roles: The Educator, Administrator and the Socially Sculptured Professional Nurse
• Global Leadership: Foundations of Nursing and Health Care
• Ethical and Culturally Competent Health Care Professional
• Health Care Information Systems and Technology
• The Teacher, Scholar, Administrator, Visionary Leader
• Measuring Quality in Health and Education Systems
• Management, Human Resources and Financial Planning in Health and Education Systems

The course uses the Angel online learning platform, which allows students to interact with students and faculty through discussion, obtain course assignments and ask questions of peers and faculty.  Six academic sessions are offered per year so that students may quickly accelerate through their coursework.  Most students take one course each session, for a total of six per year, though more courses may be taken dependent upon individual preferences.

Duration and Cost

The program can be completed in 16 to 14 months depending on the student’s course schedule and preferences, and requires 36 credits.  Tuition is $510 to $750 per credit hour.

Faculty

At Benedictine University no courses are taught by graduate assistants.  Faculty for the MSN program are credentialed and come from various areas of the nation.

Things to consider:

• MSN Program has received initial accreditation only.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
• A 125 hour clinical capstone experience is required.
• Students must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing  to be considered for the program.

Accreditation

Benedictine University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Benedictine University’s Master of Science in Nursing program has received initial accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Address:
Benedictine University
5700 College Road
Lisle, IL 60532

Anna Maria College

Anna Maria College is a private, Catholic institution founded by the Sisters of Saint Anne in 1946.  The College offers over 55 undergraduate and graduate programs for certificates through master’s level qualifications.  Donned “the small college with a big heart” by a local newsman, the Massachusetts-based liberal arts institution has a variety of clubs, internships and study abroad opportunities for its students.

The college is a member of the Member of the 12-college Worcester Consortium; students can register for classes at other consortium colleges at no additional cost.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degrees

• 1 online bachelors degree program
• 1 campus-based bachelors degree program
• Scholarships and federal financial aid are available to qualifying students
• No state-restrictions, nurses from all 50 states are accepted to online program

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

Anna Maria College offers an online RN (Registered Nurse) to BSN (Bachelor’s of Science Degree) in nursing program to students.

Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Nursing

The online Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) Degree completion program is designed to take full advantage of career options available to nurses.  Credits towards the degree can be earned for previous coursework, national certification, and work experience.  In addition to non-major required courses in Catholic Social Teaching and Statistics, the degree requires the following course options:

• Professional Nursing-explores issues professional issues in nursing including ethics and career planning
• Physical Assessment and Health Promotion-uses Neuman Systems Model in completing comprehensive wellness assessments
• Nursing Research-introductory nursing research course design to give nurses a basic understanding and grasp of the research process
• Nursing Informatics-students explore technology-based health applications that explore clinical work
• Pathopharmacology-develop understanding of pathophysiological and pharmacologic concepts as it relates to understanding major health issues
• Leadership & Management –explores leadership, management styles and models
• Public Health Nursing-focuses on providing care to the community as a client in the context of critical thinking and caring
• Senior Seminar I-students pursue an in-depth study of a specific nursing topic explored during the course under faculty supervision
• Senior Seminar II-students develop a project based on the Neuman Systems Model to address a community need

Duration and Cost

Tuition for the course is $1, 812 for each semester (or per 3 credit course).  A minimum of 120 credits are required to earn the bachelor’s degree qualification, up to 75 of which may be transferred.  Individual completion times vary according to the amount of credits transferred into the program, though the course may normally be completed in 2.5 years.

Faculty

Small class sizes offer students at Anna Maria personalized attention and more frequent contact with Anna Maria College’s distinguished faculty with advanced qualifications.

Things to consider:

• The program does not offer a clinical component to the degree.

Accreditation

The Bachelors of Science in Nursing Program is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

Address:
Anna Maria College
50 Sunset Lane
Paxton, Massachusetts 01612

Addiction Nurse

Addiction Nurse Job Description & Scope of Practice
Addiction nurses monitor and administer medications during the withdrawal period. It is up to the nurse to ensure that patients withdraw safely and as comfortably as possible. Not only do addiction nurses take care of the patient’s physical needs, but emotional needs are also addressed as well. Counseling that includes topics such as coping skills, boundary setting, lifestyle changes, and family interactions is vital for a full recovery. The nurse takes care of these needs and may even work as an advocate for the patient or the patient’s family. In other words, an addiction nurse treats the whole patient rather than treating the disease only. For this reason, substance-abuse nurses are different from many other kinds of nurses.

They seek to treat the whole family rather than merely working with the patient. Strengthening support networks for the patient and securing follow-up resources for the patient and family is also required.

Substance-abuse nurses may also specialize in pain management as pain is often a trigger for drug use and withdrawal causes pain that must be managed. Nurses must also recognize that every patient will have different needs, and they should be able to customize their approach and methods to best suit the personality and needs of each patient. Compassion, sympathy, and an understanding of how the drug-addicted brain works is also a must as are good communication skills.

Addiction Nurse Education Requirements, Schooling  & Training

To become an addiction nurse, candidates must first complete training and licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN). The track for obtaining licensure in these fields includes completing an accredited nursing program and passing the NCLEX, the national licensing exam. RNs often have more opportunities to advance over LPNs as many facilities seek to hire more qualified individuals. Many addiction nurses are trained while working at treatment centers, psychiatric institutions that treat substance abuse, or in a hospital that detoxifies patients. While on the job, nurses may be assessed according to their listening and assessment skills, communication skills, intervention skills, and education skills. They may also have to attend lectures as part of the institution’s training curriculum.

Addiction Nurse Certification

The International Nurses Society on Addictions (IntNSA) offers a certification program for addiction nurses through their certification board, the Addiction Nursing Certification Board (ANCB). Certification formally recognizes and documents special skills pertaining to substance abuse treatment. To become certified as a Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN) or Certified Addictions Registered Nurse-Advanced Practice (CARN-AP) candidates must possess an RN license and have a minimum of 2,000 hours working as a nurse in an addiction setting or a Master’s degree with 500 hours of direct patient contact respectively. The certification exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions pertaining to stimulants, depressant substances, and hallucinogenic substances plus process addiction, biological needs, psychosocial needs, and cognitive needs all arising from addiction.

Addiction Nurse Associations

While the IntNSA is the main association for addiction nurses, other similar associations support addiction nurses as well. The IntNSA supports nurses working in all addiction fields including alcohol, drugs, nicotine, eating disorders, dual and multiple diagnoses, and gambling. The Nursing Council on Alcohol (NCA) develops knowledge and awareness of alcohol-related problems. The Association of Nurses in Substance Abuse (ANSA) specifically deals with drug and alcohol addictions. Numerous educational boards exist as well including the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA),

Addiction Nurse Salary

Currently, the average salary for addiction nurses is $45,000. Salary depends on experience, geographical location, and the hiring institution. Salaries can vary greatly from one location to another. For example, The average addictions nurse salary in New York is $52,000 whereas the average salary for the same position in Boise, Idaho fetches only $40,000. Mental-health nurses and counselors fall slightly below this amount at $38,000 and $37,000 respectively.

Addiction Nursing Career Prospects

Career prospects for addiction nursing are promising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the nursing field are expected to increase by 22 percent over the next decade, more than any other sector. Obtaining specialized training and certification in substance abuse nursing increases the chances of securing and maintaining employment as the need for these types of nurses is expected to increase as well. 

University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix was founded in 1976 by Cambridge graduate Dr. John Sperling with the sole purpose of providing convenient class times and educational opportunity for working adults.  Though their online campus didn’t open until 1989, years before students were required to type papers, they were far ahead of their competitors.

As the self-proclaimed largest private university with over 200 locations, the University of Phoenix is recognized by many as the cream-of-the-crop of online universities.  University of Phoenix has a wide range of academic programs such as technology, psychology, and education offered through 7 colleges and 2 schools.  Campuses are located in over 40 states including California, Alabama, Wyoming, Oklahoma, Ohio and the country of Puerto Rico.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degree

• 2 bachelor’s, 5 master’s, and continuing education courses.
• Prerequisite is an associate’s degree in Nursing.
• 1 bachelor’s degree and 4 master’s degrees, and 1 doctoral degree are available to be completed completely online.
• Scholarships available.

Campus-based Programs

Being such a large institution, the University of Phoenix claims to have campus locations within ten miles of over 85 million Americans.  It is very likely that the University of Phoenix has an online campus near you. The LPN/LVN to BSN degree program is currently offered in Denver, Colorado; Honolulu, Hawaii; Modesto, California and Phoenix, Arizona.  The LPN/LNV to BSN program at the University of Phoenix allows nurses who only hold a diploma to pursue a bachelor’s degree directly.  The course includes clinical, hands-on training in simulation labs, women’s health, surgical, pediatric and psychological nursing.

Online Nursing Degrees

The College of Nursing at the University of Phoenix is newly separated from the College of Health and Human Services at the University of Phoenix.  The new College of Nursing will make room for a host of new academic programs including a revised Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program, and new specialties in the graduate programs.  Other initiatives the university seeks to implement including expanding geographically, offering new nurse practitioner programs, and establishing continuing education programs. Student outcomes for the undergraduate nursing programs at the University of Phoenix include Assessment, Communication and Critical Thinking.  Graduate programs include the same outcomes with the addition of Clinical Decision Making.

Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Nursing

University of Phoenix’s online RN to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing program caters to a working nurses’ busy schedule.  This program is designed to enhance and further develop the nurse’s knowledge through providing a foundation in the physical sciences and liberal arts. The online program includes clinical practicums delivered through Pearson education.

Duration and Cost

The program ranges in cost from $25,350.00 – $63,800.00 and requires approximately 120 credits to complete, though less may be necessary if credits are transferred in.

Online Master’s Degrees in Nursing

The University of Phoenix offers a variety of nursing programs with varying specialties. The University also offers a bridge program allowing nurses with a bachelor’s degree in another field to pursue a master’s of science degree in nursing through taking a few bridge courses, which then allows them to pursue one of the programs of study below.

Master’s of Science in Nursing

The online MSN in Nursing degree prepares nurses holding a bachelor’s degree with the skills necessary to assume leadership in practice or educational settings.  The classes focus on enhancing the nurse’s knowledge of their role while providing leadership training.

Duration and Cost

The program requires 39 credits and ranges in tuition from $19,285 to $50,000.

Master’s of Science in Nursing-Informatics

The MSN-Informatics specialization focuses on understanding the history of informatics, how to select and implement an information system, and how informatics shapes the healthcare practice.

Duration and Cost

The online master’s program with informatics specialization requires 39 credits and ranges in tuition from $19,285 to $50,000.

Master’s of Science/Master of Business Administration in Nursing- Health Care Management

A very unique dual-degree, the online MSN/MBA program provides nurses with advanced health care knowledge in addition to business management practice expertise.

Duration and Cost

The program requires 65 credits and ranges in tuition from $19,285 to $50,000.

Master’s of Science in Nursing- Nursing/Health Care Education

Providing a fundamental base for nurse educators, the Nursing/Health Care Education course focuses on the faculty role, curriculum, assessment, evaluation, and instructional strategies.

Duration and Cost

The program requires 39 credits and ranges in tuition from $20,765 to $34,130.

Online Certificates in Nursing

The University of Phoenix also offers continuing education programs for Nurse Educators, Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Managers.  Not all courses are available in online or on-campus formats.  Students have the option of using professional development courses to count towards credits in a degree program at the University of Phoenix. Students interested in professional development courses should check with the University of Phoenix website to find when classes are offered or speak with an enrollment advisor.

Things to Consider

• The master’s degree specialization courses require a clinical practicum that may not be available in certain states
• The LPN/LVN to BSN and RN to BSN, and Master’s courses require clinical practicums that students must choose.
• Not all programs and courses are available in online/on-campus format.  Students should speak with an enrollment adviser to find out if specific programs and courses are available in their area.
• Doctoral program is not yet accredited by a nursing body.

Faculty

University of Phoenix’s nursing program faculty hold DNP/PhD degrees and Master’s level degrees in their field, and are required to have a minimum of five years experience, though quite a few have as many as 20+ years experience.  Faculty members are authors, lecturers, and explore nursing in the context of other fields.

Accreditation

Bachelor’s and Master’s Nursing degree programs at the University of Phoenix are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Address:
University of Phoenix –Online Campus
3157 E. Elwood St.
Phoenix, AZ 85034

Kaplan University

Kaplan University, a subsidiary of The Washington Post, was founded in 1937 as American Institute of Commerce.  Since then, the Kaplan University umbrella has branched into a full services educational group with supplemental review courses, learning centers, and academic review books in addition to onsite and online accredited degree granting programs.

The school has over 35,000 online alumni and over 200 academic programs in the Arts and Sciences, Medical and Law fields.  The Iowa based university is at the forefront of the field of online education and strives to serve a primarily non-traditional student population.  Kaplan University offers a variety of scholarships and provides special discounts to high achievers, active duty military and veterans.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degrees

• 5 certificates, 1 associate’s, 1 bachelor’s, and 2 master’s degree programs
• Licensure valid for Florida, Certifications valid in select states including CA, FL, IA, MI
• Courses in healthcare finance, leadership, diversity, informatics, and ethics and legal implications in nursing
• Scholarships and Financial Aid Available
• Accredited Nursing Program (See Accreditation)

Kaplan University’s online nursing programs offer a variety of options for those interested in the healthcare field, regardless of your availability and educational background.

Online Nursing Degrees

Online Associate’s Degrees in Nursing

Kaplan University’s associate’s degree is the basic qualification among the 5 degree options offered.  The course can be completed entirely online, with the exception of the practicum.  Because licensure varies by state and Kaplan University is based in Florida, students must complete a practicum in a local facility.  The associate’s program is 110 units and costs approximately $40,000.

Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Nursing

The RN-BSN program (Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing Program) is ideal for registered nurses seeking to increase the opportunities available to them by obtaining further education.  The course is offered completely online.  Topics covered include leadership, research, community healthy, and diversity.  Assuming you have previous credits from an associate’s degree or diploma, this course requires 91 credits and is just under $30,000.

Online Master’s Degrees in Nursing

Two master’s degree programs are offered online.  In the traditional master’s program, the leadership emphasis is evident with courses such as health care finance, human resources, and organizational theory.  Both courses can be completed entirely online, except for the practicum which can be completed with a local mentor of your choosing.  Complete with a one-on-one practicum with a mentor and a required project proposal, you are sure to graduate with hands on experience and preparation for your future nursing career.  The course ranges from 63-90 credits and $23,000 to $33,000 depending on if you choose to incorporate one of five certificate options (or specializations) into your program.

Students in the RN-MSN (Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing Program) can expect a fast-track from a diploma or non-nursing related degree to the master’s degree program.  Students who choose this track will complete significantly less coursework than completing the bachelor’s and master’s courses separately.  The emphasis is a mixture of the bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.  Students can expect to complete about 90-95 and 40-43 undergraduate and graduate credits respectively depending on if they held a bachelor’s degree or nursing certificate prior to entering the program.  Tuition ranges from $46-48,000.

Certificates and Specializations

Certificate programs are an ideal option for nurses with a bachelor’s or master’s degree seeking to enhance their career direction and focus. The following five programs are available:

• Adult Nursing Practitioner Certificate-Treating  adults with acute and chronic illness
• Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate-Working with all individuals within a family context
• Nurse Administrator Certificate-Preparing for a career in nursing management
• Nurse Educator Certificate-Teaching or development staff training in schools and businesses
• Nurse Informatics Certificate-Health-Managing health care data, literacy, and knowledge

Certificate programs can take as little as 7 months and 23 credit hours to complete and range from $9,000 to $20,000.

Faculty

Kaplan University’s nursing program faculty hold PhDs, EdDs and MSN’s in the field and come from a variety of programs including online and on-ground, and of course Kaplan University’s own program.

Things to consider:

• The nursing certificates are valid only in select states; find the current states accepting certificates on the specific program’s page.
• All rates quoted are for tuition.  Additional fees and book costs may apply.
• Ensure your program is accredited before you apply.

Accreditation

Associate of Science in Nursing-Florida Board of Nursing

Bachelor of Science in Nursing-Iowa Board of Nursing; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Master of Science in Nursing*-Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

*Certifications: Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, and Informatics accredited with Master of Science program, Adult and Family Nurse Practitioner specializations are not accredited at this time.

Address:
Kaplan University, Pembroke Pines
10131 Pines Blvd, Suite B
Pembroke Pines, FL 33026

Herzing University

Wisconsin based Herzing University is celebrating its 46^th year of operation.  Herzing University prides itself in the individualized attention each student receives from faculty and staff alike.  The commitment to personalized attention is seen in the university’s policy to personally assist students in applying for grants, scholarships, and programs for which they may qualify. Herzing University offers diploma, undergraduate and graduate level programs in technology, design, business, healthcare, and public safety.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degrees

• 1 online bachelor’s and master’s degree program
• University offers diploma, associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs
• Classes are automatically scheduled for you
• Students can repeat failed courses free of charge

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

The RN to BSN degree option allows nurses to complete their bachelor’s degree coursework while continuing employment as an RN. Examples of increased opportunities and roles available to RNs with a bachelor’s degree include consulting and research roles, specialist roles, education and administrative management.

Course Description

The course assists nurses in understanding local, national and global policy as it relates to health promotion and disease prevention from the individual to population level.  Nurses in the online bachelor’s degree program learn to think critically, conceptually, and practically, using mathematical analysis and the scientific method.  A bachelor’s degree in nursing provides access to entry level administrative opportunities in the nursing field.  Students are also required to take one unit of personal development education (managing career, personal finances, etc).

Duration and Cost

The bachelor’s degree requires 3 to 3 ½ years to complete and according to the universities website, tuition fees range from $49,680 to $57,600 as of December 2012 (see the university site for current costs and tuition fees). Please note that the program length pertains to graduating in normal time.

Online Master’s Degree in Nursing

Master’s students choose from two specializations in Nursing Education or Nursing Management.  A difference between the bachelor’s and master’s nursing degree is that the master’s degree lays the groundwork for students to accelerate into advanced leadership roles, sometimes without having to earn experience, as leadership is a core part of the master’s course.

Course Description

The Nursing Educator concentration offers courses in teaching and learning strategies, technology and principles of nursing education, nurse educator roles, curriculum development and evaluation and culminates in a clinical practicum and a scholarly research project. Students in the Nursing Management concentration will complete courses in nursing manager and leadership roles, health care information management and health policy and management. The Nursing Management specialization also culminates in a practicum and scholarly research paper.

Duration and Cost

The master’s degree can be completed in as little as 1 year and tuition is approximately $22,500 as of December 2012 (please visit the university website for current tuition costs). This one year completion time pertains to graduating in normal time.

Faculty

All Herzing University faculty have been trained in delivering course material online, and have experience in the nursing field. All faculty for the master’s program hold doctoral degrees.

Things to consider:

• Verify with the school that the program is available in your state
• Nursing programs are not currently accredited by a nursing body

Accreditation

Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Herzing University is currently an applicant for Commission on College Nursing Education (CCNE) Accreditation.

*For more information about Herzing University graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the nursing program, and other important information, please visit the university’s website at, http://www.herzing.edu/student-data.html

Address:
Herzing University
Administrative Offices
W140 N8917 Lilly Road
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051

University of Arkansas Grantham

Since 1951, University of Arkansas Grantham has been providing affordable and flexible education options for students who would not otherwise be able to complete higher education, including first-generation college students and military personnel.  University of Arkansas Grantham was founded by a WWII veteran who sought to level the playing field for students who sought college education but didn’t have the time or money to complete traditional degree programs.  University of Arkansas Grantham now has over 38-degree programs that award associates to master’s degrees.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degrees

• 1 online bachelor’s and 2 online master’s degree programs
  • 100% online nursing degree programs all degrees are offered online and students are in no case required to attend campus or meet at specific times (classes are asynchronous)
  • Students complete the required master’s practicum in the form of a research paper

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

University of Arkansas Grantham’s online nursing programs focus on developing culturally competent nurses capable of critical thinking and providing top-notch quality care.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

Bachelor’s Degree Options

Registered nurses without a bachelor’s degree may opt into the RN to BSN program to accelerate their career options.  Common occupations that the BSN can lead to include lecturer posts, mid-wife positions, and leadership roles in nursing.  In this era of increased competitiveness among job applicants, nurses with a 4-year degree will increase their skills, knowledge base, and opportunity for advanced career options.

Course and Curriculum Description

The bachelor’s degree in nursing program is developed according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s (AACN), Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice publication. Course curriculum includes health management, case management, theories and research in nursing, and transition to professional nursing.

Duration and Cost

The RN to BSN program is 48 months. Tuition and fees for the program are a total of $32,860.

Online Master’s Degree in Nursing

Master’s Degree Options

Registered nurses without a bachelor’s degree may opt into the RN to MSN program to receive their master’s degree at an accelerated rate.  Nurses already in possession of a bachelor’s degree may enter the general master’s program. In either case, students choose from four-degree specializations.

Course and Curriculum Description

Students in the online RN to MSN Bridge program take 21 credits of undergraduate coursework (similar to the BSN program) in addition to courses in student success and business management.  Depending on the specialization, nurses will take courses in:

• Clinical and administrative systems and case management and evidence-based practice (Case Management).
• Curriculum development and organizational dynamics of higher education (Nursing Education).
• Project and change management and information, security and privacy in healthcare (Nursing Informatics).
• Human resources management and strategic management and planning (Nursing Management and Organizational Leadership).

All nurses will take courses in foundations of advanced nursing and legal and ethical issues of nursing.

Program Details

The Master’s of Science in nursing offers four specializations common among online master’s in nursing programs. The four specializations are Case Management, Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, and Nursing Management and Organizational Leadership.

Duration and Cost

Master’s degrees are 24 months. The MSN and RN-MSN tuition and fees for the two-year program ranges from $12,190 – $19,135.

Faculty

All University of Arkansas Grantham nursing faculty hold advanced degrees and approximately half hold doctoral degrees.

Things to consider:

• Students in the RN-MSN program do not earn a BSN in the course of completing undergraduate coursework.
• Students in the RN to MSN program must maintain a 3.0 GPA in a nursing coursework.

Accreditation

University of Arkansas Grantham is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), two of the premier nursing accrediting organizations for its College of Nursing programs.

Address:
University of Arkansas Grantham
2404 N. University Ave Little Rock
AR 72207

The College of St. Scholastica

The College of St. Scholastica was founded in 1912 by a group of Benedictine Sisters, in the Catholic Benedictine tradition.  The college was founded to provide education to a small group of young women, and has now served over 14,000 students.  The only independent private college in northeastern Minnesota, The College of St. Scholastica has been recognized by both

The Washington Post and U.S News and World Report for being among the best institutions.  Students can choose from six schools to pursue their education, School of Arts and Letters, School of Business and Technology, School of Education, School of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, and School of Sciences.  The College of St. Scholastica is so confident in its academic programs that it guarantees students who follow simple guidelines will graduate in four years or study subsequent years for free.

Overview of Programs, Certificates and Degrees

• 1 online bachelor of science in nursing degree program, additional healthcare related programs
• Campus-based baccalaureate through doctoral programs offered with flexible scheduling
• Awards financial aid to over 98% of qualifying students

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

The nursing program at The College of St. Scholastica embraces the values of community, hospitality, respect, stewardship and love of learning, all of which are steeped in their Benedictine tradition.  The program is shaped by the Benedictine heritage, and focuses on nursing as a holistic profession, in which compassion and care of the healthcare provider are equally important with skill.  The program focuses on nursing as providing care to the whole person-the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual welfare of persons.  Though only one online degree program is offered, additional programs offer flexible scheduling including late afternoon, evening and weekend classes.

Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Nursing

The online Registered Nurse to Bachelors of Science degree program (RN to BS) is offered to registered nurses with either a diploma or associate’s degree.  Students pursuing the RN to BS program will be fulfilling the increasing demand for nurses with higher educational qualifications through the convenience of a program delivered completely online.  Courses in the program include:

• Leadership in Nursing
• Holistic Assessment in Nursing
• RN/BS Nursing Portfolio
• Basic Statistics for Professional Nursing Practice

Duration and Cost

The course requires 128 credits for the degree, some of which may be transferred from previous documented study or through challenge exams.  Course tuition is $395 per credit, and does not include books or other required fees.

Faculty
Previous students have noted the caring attitude of their professors at The College of St. Scholastica as a contributing factor to their success.

Things to consider:

• Nurses must have three to six months experience as a registered nurse
• Nurses who enter the program must hold state licensure and be eligible for licensure in Minnesota
• Students will earn a BS and not a BSN degree

Accreditation

The baccalaureate nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The College of St. Scholastica is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.

Address:
The College of St. Scholastica
1200 Kenwood Avenue
Duluth, MN 55811

Saint Xavier University

Chicago-based Saint Xavier University was founded in 1847 by the Sisters of Mercy in honor of their leader, Mother Francis Xavier Ward.  Saint Xavier University claims several firsts including being the oldest Mercy higher education institution in the world and the oldest Catholic higher education institution in Chicago.

Over 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled in Saint Xavier University in their five colleges and schools, which are the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Education, Graham School of Management, School of Nursing and School of Continuing and Professional Studies.

Overview of Programs, Certificates and Degrees

• Offers  2 online masters degree and 1 certificate program
• Campus-based undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs are offered

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

Saint Xavier University values focusing on underserved populations and remedying health disparities in the field.  In 2010, the nursing school was renamed as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing (NLN) re-designated the School of Nursing.

Online Master’s Degrees in Nursing

Saint Xavier University offers a Master in Nursing Executive Leadership and Clinical Leadership.  The Executive Leadership programs trains nurses to work exclusively in an administrative role, managing a unit or department.  Training focuses on the following areas of specialization:

• Assessment and implementation of quality and safety measurements
• Understanding systems of communication with colleagues and patients
• Budgeting
• Project Management
• Strategic Planning

The Master’s in Nursing Clinical Leadership program is for nurses who desire to work with patients while holding leadership duties.  Areas of specialization in the course include:

• Interpreting aggregate data
• Assessing Microsystems
• Collaborating with members of other disciplines
• Appraising evidence
• Designing and implementing projects to improve patient care

Duration and Cost

Both master’s programs are 38 credits.  Tuition is $790 per credit.

Online Certificates in Nursing       

The online Nurse Educator Certificate program at Saint Xavier University trains aspiring Nurse Educators both in theory and through practical opportunities in the classroom.  Not only do students study teaching methods, but also how to adapt programs to a specific setting whether nursing schools, hospitals or health courses for the public. The program is for nurses who hold or are in the process of obtaining a master’s degree in nursing.  The program can be completed in conjunction with the master’s program at Saint Xavier University.  Specific areas of training in the certificate program as outlined by Saint Xavier University include:

• Educational theory for adult learners
• Curriculum design
• How to create course objectives
• Lesson Planning
• Student evaluation techniques
• Curriculum evaluation

Duration and Cost

Tuition for the online nursing certificate program is $790 per credit.  The program is 9 credit hours and can be completed in less than one year.

Faculty

Over 80% of faculty at Saint Xavier University hold a terminal degree in their field.  The majority of nursing faculty hold or in the process of earning a PhD.

Things to consider:

• The master’s program requires a 3 day-on campus session.
• Students are required to complete a clinical practicum applying concepts from the master’s degree.

Accreditation

Saint Xavier University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.  The online nursing master’s degree and certificate programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Address:
Saint Xavier University
3700 West 103^rd Street
Chicago, IL 60655

Rasmussen College

Rasmussen College offers degree programs in Nursing, Education, Business, Health Sciences, Justice Studies, and Technology and Design in over 20 campus locations in the states of Minnesota, Illinois, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Florida and a distance-based location.  Rasmussen College was founded in St. Paul Minnesota in 1900 to bring a practical, career-oriented education options to the local population.

Walter Rasmussen founded the school to meet the demands of an overgrown business class to train secretaries and accountants.  Originally founded as Rasmussen Practical Institute, the fundamental goals and mission of Rasmussen College remain the same to train and prepare students for work in all areas of business and obtain a respectable livelihood.

Overview of Programs, Certificates and Degrees

• Offers 1 online bachelor degree completion program
• Campus based certificate through bachelors degree nursing programs are offered in several states
• Online degree programs in related health care fields are available

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

Though Rasmussen College currently offers only 1 online degree option in nursing at the moment, there are several other online certification and degree opportunities in related fields including health sciences and medical administration.  Campus-based nursing programs included a Professional Nursing Associate’s Degree program and Practical Nursing Associate’s and Diploma Nursing programs.

Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Nursing

Rasmussen College offers 1 online degree completion program, a Registered Nurse to Bachelors of Science degree in Nursing program. The program is specifically for currently registered nurses holding an associate’s degree or diploma.  The college also offers a campus-based associate’s degree program to become a registered nurse.  Designed to train nursing leaders, the program provides training in clinical and management scenarios.  Courses electives for the program include:

• Nursing Informatics-basic understanding of various information system applications within the health care system.
• Quality and Safety in Nursing-examines safety and quality issues in healthcare
• Introduction to Alternative and Complementary Therapies-explores alternative and contemporary theories in health, evidence-based healthcare and safety issues

Other required core courses of the program include the following:

• Health Assessment
• Applied Pathophysiology
• Transcultural Nursing
• Dimensions of Professional Nursing
• Nursing Research
• Public Health and Community Nursing
• Leadership and Management in Nursing

Elements of the program include real-world case studies, projects, and critical-thinking discussions.  Students can transfer credits from multiple schools and transfer policies seek to minimize degree completion time as much as possible.

Duration and Cost

A total of 181 quarter credits are required for completion of the degree program.  Courses cost $310 to $395 per credit and may vary based on location of the program.

Faculty

Rasmussen College employs dedicated faculty with real-world industry experience.

Things to consider:

• Program does not include a clinical component.
• Online nursing program is not accredited by a nursing body.
• Students from certain states are not eligible to enroll, check with the program for more information.

Accreditation

Rasmussen College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Address:
Rasmussen College
130 Saint Andrews Drive
Mankato, MN 56001

Philadelphia University

Philadelphia University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in over 40 areas of study.  The curriculum offers an education in the liberal arts within a career-development framework.  The over 3,000 pupils studying at Philadelphia University represent over 30 states and 30 countries.

Students choose from over 60 areas of studies in three colleges, College of Architecture and the Built Environment; the College of Design, Engineering and Commerce; and the College of Science, Health and the Liberal Arts.  The university, which began as a technical college in 1884 has gone through many changes, including a merger and separation with the Philadelphia Museum and now has a satellite campus in the Bucks County area of Pennsylvania.

Overview of Programs, Certificates and Degrees

• Offers 1 online master degree and 1 certificate program
• Offers campus-based health related degrees including health sciences and occupational therapy
• Graduate assistant-ship available

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

Though a distance-education program, the Midwifery institute encourages hands on participation, and strives to give nurses as much quality hands on education and experience in addition to theoretical knowledge, which is developed through online courses.

Online Master’s Degree in Nursing

Though online, the online Master’s Degree in Nursing Midwifery at Philadelphia University offers a community-based approach to learning, including monthly real-time tutorials and intensive, campus-based learning experiences. Traditionally midwives are trained health professionals that assist women in the birthing process, and today focus not only on women’s health, but also women’s health and pre and post partum care in general. The program is for Registered Nurses (RNs) with bachelor’s degrees seeking to become midwives.  Graduates of the program may sit the exam to earn the CNM (Certified Nurse Midwife) or CM (Certified Midwife) credential awarded by the American Midwifery Certification Board.  Courses in the program include:

• Healthcare of Women
• Antepartum, Intrapartum and Postpartum Care
• Embryology and Genetics
• Advanced Pharmacology
• Health Policy
• Introduction to Clinical Administration

Duration and Cost

Program duration is 2 years of full-time study or 3 years of part-time study.  Tuition is $737 per credit hour.  The program is a total of 65 credits with thesis.

Online Certificates in Nursing

For nurses who already hold a masters degree in nursing, an online Post-Master’s Certificate in Midwifery is offered for educational advancement.  The course includes the same courses as the master’s degree program, with the exception of the following:

• Introduction to Health Policy
• Critical Inquiry I
• Critical Inquiry 2
• Master’s degree program  elective

A degree-completion program is also offered to current midwives who seek to update their skills and educational knowledge.

Duration and Cost

Tuition is $737 per credit hour, and the program can be completed in approximately 2 years.  The completion program can be completed in just three to four terms. The program is between 50-55 credits.

Faculty

Faculty at Philadelphia University are some of the best and most experience nurse-midwifery educators in the country.

Things to consider:

• Campus-based, intensive study sessions are occasionally required.
• Master’s program is full-time or part-time
• Students wishing to earn a bachelor’s degree in addition to the master’s have the option of attending a campus-based program
• Programs are not accredited by a nursing body

Accreditation

Philadelphia University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.  The program is accredited by the American College of Nurse-Midwives.

Address:
Philadelphia University
4201 Henry Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19144-5497

Gannon University

Gannon University is a private, Catholic institution awarding associate’s through doctoral degrees and certificates.  Based in Pennsylvania, the university was founded as Cathedral College in 1925 by Archbishop John Mark Gannon.  Now home to over 3,000 full and part-time students, the university offers programs of study in Humanities, Business, Education, Social and Health Sciences.  Gannon University has a host of extracurricular opportunities available to students including study abroad programs.

Overview of Programs, Certificates and Degrees

• Offers 1 online bachelor and 1 online certificate program.
• Campus based bachelors and masters of science degree programs.
• Programs delivered on campus offer flexible scheduling including evening and weekend classes, and a part-time study option.
• 100% career placement rate for nursing graduates.

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

There are many reasons to attend Gannon University’s online and campus-based degree programs.  Nursing programs at Gannon University utilize a community-oriented curriculum, which takes a holistic approach to providing care to individuals, their families and communities.  The university works with Partnership in Nursing Education (PNE) to allow students to participate in ROTC to gain training for army nursing.

Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Nursing

Gannon University believes that professional nursing begins at the baccalaureate level. Students who pursue Gannon University’s online RN to BSN program will not duplicate previous education or re-take classes, as the school of nursing operates in agreement with the Pennsylvania Nursing Articulation Model, which allows nurses to gain articulation for credit for areas of previous education.

Areas of study in the degree program include:

• Transitions to Professional Nursing
• Research in Nursing
• Promoting Healthy Communities Management and leadership in nursing
• Other nursing electives

Duration and Cost

A total of 128 credits are required for the BSN degree. Students can earn credit from previous work and challenge exams. As a result, students may begin their studies at Gannon University with up to 41% of their degree already complete.  Tuition for each year is approximately $24,980.

Online Certificates in Nursing

The Certificate in School Nursing may be completed online, and is offered to nurses currently holding or enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program.  The program is offered in conjunction with the school of education.  Courses for the program include:

–           Foundations of American Education and lab

–           Minority Groups

–           School Nursing

Duration and Cost

The program is 11 credits.  Tuition is $630 to $810 per credit for part-time students.

Faculty

Gannon University’s nursing faculty are committed to providing student centered education.  The small student to faculty ratio at Gannon University allows students to gain close mentoring and supervision from faculty.

Things to consider:

• Students in the RN to BSN program must be licensed nurses with an associate’s degree.
• Students must be licensed in Pennsylvania to receive school nursing certificate.

Accreditation

Gannon University’s nursing programs are approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Address:
Gannon University
109 University Square
Erie, Pennsylvania 16541-0001

Frontier Nursing University

Frontier Nursing University was founded in 1939 to meet a need for a US based training option for nurses desiring to become midwives, as previously nurses traveled across the Atlantic to Great Britain for education. Students have the option of obtaining the following qualifications ultimately leading to a masters or doctoral degree: Midwife (CNM), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), or Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHCNP).

Overview of Programs, Certificates and Degrees

• Online master’s and doctoral degrees  and post-master certificates
• All courses are delivered online, though two campus visits are required
• Federal financial aid is available

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

Frontier Nursing University offers comprehensive online degree options for nurses seeking to study online.  Though courses may not meet face-to-face, Frontier Nursing University strives to build learning community among its students and faculty members.  Students are also encouraged to engage their home community in which they practice.  In person interactions, in forums, on the phone and in e-mails are a few of the ways that students are expected to communicate with their peers and professors.  Nursing programs at Frontier Nursing University have four components.

First, students complete a four-day orientation on campus in Hyden, Kentucky meant to build camaraderie among students and faculty and prepare for the learning modules ahead.  Students then spend 4-8 terms (each term is twelve weeks) on coursework.  Before students began practice in their new field of study, intensive clinical training and a clinical practicum are required.  Students complete an eight-day hands-on training in Kentucky, followed by a 10 month clinical in the students’ community supervised by a regional coordinator at Frontier Nursing University.

Online Master’s Degree in Nursing

Students pursuing on an online Masters Degree in Nursing may choose from 3 specializations, and a bridge-completion program:

• Nurse-Midwifery
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner
• ADN to MSN (Associate Degree Nurses to Master of Science in Nursing)-comparable to RN to BSN programs

FNU also allows nurses to complete multiple specialty tracks while pursuing their course of study.

Duration and Cost

Programs can be completed in as little as two years or longer, depending on if students pursue full or part-time study.  Programs are 41 to 77 credits and required. Tuition is $450 to $490 per credit for full and part time students respectively.

Online Doctoral Degree in Nursing

The online Doctor of Nursing Practice program has a practical focus of implementing and managing delivery of care specifically to rural and underserved communities.  Students will analyze complex nursing situations, evaluate and apply nursing models, and demonstrate knowledge as a clinical educator.

Duration and Cost

The doctoral degree program is 33 credits total. Tuition is $505 per credit.

Online Certificates in Nursing

The online Nurse-Midwifery, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner programs may be completed as a post-master’s degree option.  Tuition is $450 to $490 per credit for full and part time students respectively.

Online Course in Nursing

Non-degree seeking students may pursue courses in Frontier Nursing University’s course catalog through approval.  Students interested in non-degree courses should contact the university for more information.

Things to consider:

• Two on campus sessions are required, a clinical skills training program and orientation, though all coursework is delivered online.

Accreditation

Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The nurse-midwifery post-masters certificate program and master’s program are accredited by the ACNM Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME).  The Doctor of Nursing Practice, the Master of Science in Nursing program and the post-master’s certificates are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

Address:
Frontier Nursing University
195 School St
Hyden, KY 41749

Colorado Technical University

Colorado Springs-based Colorado Technical University focuses on giving students greater control of their education through their technologically advanced campuses, flexible degree options and student support system.  The university offers associate’s through doctoral level degrees in the fields of Business, Health Sciences, Criminal Justice, Engineering, Computer Science, Technology and Interdepartmental Programs.

The online learning system offers multiple methods of delivery to learn materials in a way that most suits students’ individual learning styles and needs.  Colorado Technical University strives to provide real-world and career oriented education with a focus of helping students advance and meet their personal career goals.

Overview of Programs, Certificates and Degrees

• Offers 1 online bachelor’s degree program, and two additional online programs in the health care field
• Campus-based associates and bachelors degree options are also available

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

The MSN program at Colorado Technical University is among the top ten in the nation according to some college ranking publishers.

Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Nursing

Students who complete the online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science (RN to BSN) degree program have increased career options such as Public health nursing, School Nursing, Quality Improvement, Parish Nursing, Risk Management and Occupational Health Nursing.  Nurses who pursue the online RN to BSN program will have increased career options that nurses holding only an associate’s degree or diploma may not have. The program seeks to instill critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and analytical skills to prepare nurses to operate in a broader scope in the nursing practice.  Core courses in the program include:

• Challenges and Trends in Contemporary Nursing
• Nursing Informatics
• Population-Based Nursing
• Alternative and Complementary Interventions
• Safety and Quality Improvement in Nursing Practice
• Evidence Based Practice and Applied Nursing Research
• Leadership and Nursing Systems Management
• Innovation in Nursing

In lieu of a clinical component, students will complete a self-study project under the guidance of a faculty mentor, which may explore clinical, leadership or population-focused tasks.

Duration and Cost

Online Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Health Sciences

Though Colorado Technical University does not offer graduate degrees in nursing, several programs are offered, which are both reasonable and feasible programs for nurses seeking a graduate education.  The Associate of Science degree in Health Administration Services provides a 2-year degree option for nurses the option of gaining increased understanding of the health care field through studying ethical and legal aspects of the healthcare practice and the components and purpose of healthcare records.  The bachelor’s degree option prepares students to take an administrative leadership role in a healthcare organization.  Upon successful completion of the program, students may pursue opportunities in consulting, pharmaceutical companies and managed care organizations.

Faculty

Faculty at Colorado Technical University are committed to student success.

Things to consider:

• Program is not accredited by a nursing body
• No clinical component

Accreditation

Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

Address:
Colorado Technical University
4435 North Chestnut Street, Suite E
Colorado Springs, CO  80907

Brandman University

Brandman University offers over 50 certificate and degree programs catered towards working professionals and adults in the military.  In operation since 1958, Brandman University is part of the Chapman University family and was founded to provide a feasible higher education alternative for adults in the military. The Chapman network includes over 20 other colleges based in California and Washington.  The university offers programs in the fields of Nursing, Education, Business and Professional Studies.

Overview of Programs, Certificates and Degrees

• Offers online bachelors through doctoral and post-doctoral certificate programs
• All nursing courses are delivered online with required campus-based “immersion” courses

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

Brandman University offers comprehensive nursing study options for healthcare professionals at various stages.  All nursing programs at Brandman University operate on the same method, which includes a blend of immersion, online courses and community-based clinical experience.  Students are required to attend several 4-day immersions twice during their program, participate in online courses, and a clinical experience delivered in their community.  Immersion courses are designed to offer hands-on clinical training and an opportunity for face-to-face interaction with other students.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

Registered nurses seeking a bachelor’s degree may enroll in the online RN to BSN degree program.  Courses in the program include:

• Managing Health Care Reform
• Nursing’s Public Image and Professional Issues
• Evidence-based Thinking for Scholarship and Practice
• Health Care Communication and Collaboration

Duration and Cost

Program tuition is approximately $16, 920 and is 36 credits.  The program can be completed in one year on a full time basis.

Online Doctoral Degrees in Nursing

Students in the online Doctor of Nursing Practice program have the option of pursuing a doctoral degree immediately following earning a BSN qualification.  Areas of specialization for the program include Adult-Geriatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner , Family Psych. and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care.

Duration and Cost

The BSN to DNP program is 73 credits and may be completed in 2 to 3 years on a full or part time basis. Tuition is approximately $65,700.  Students who choose the Post-master’s program must completely approximately 33 credits and can be completed in approximately 1.5 years part time.  The program tuition is approximately $29,700.

Online Certificates in Nursing

The following post-doctoral certificates are available to nurses holding a doctoral degree:

Post Doctoral Certificate, Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (NP), Post Doctoral Certificate, Adult-Geriatric Acute Care NP, Post Doctoral Certificate, Family Psych. And Mental Health NP, Post Doctoral Certificate, Geriatric Primary Care NP, Post Doctoral Certificate, Neonatal NP and Post Doctoral Certificate, Pediatric NP, Acute Care.

Duration and Cost

Graduate certificates are approximately $6,840 per program and require approximately 15 credits to complete.

Things to consider:

• Students are required to complete several 4-day immersion courses based in Irvine, California
• A clinical practicum in the student’s home community is a part of the program
• 2 year DNP completion option is only available when a minimum of 8 students are enrolled in the program
• Programs are not currently accredited by a nursing body, but in the process

Accreditation

Brandman University programs are currently not approved by a nursing body, but are seeking accreditation. Brandman University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Address:
Brandman University
16355 Laguna Canyon Road
Irvine CA 92618

Indiana State University

What would become Indiana State University was founded as Indiana Normal State School in 1865.  The college is rich in history and tradition and ranked by The Princeton Review as one of the best colleges in the Midwest.  Originally a teacher’s college, Indiana State University now offers more than 100 majors in 5 colleges from the baccalaureate to doctoral level.

 Overview of Programs, Certificates and Degrees

• 1 online certificate, 2 bachelor’s, 3 master’s and 1 doctoral degree program
• For certain degrees, students can take challenge exams or receive credit for work experience
• Students complete clinical practicums in their local area

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

Indiana State University is one of few institutions to offer online nursing degrees at every level.

Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Nursing

Indiana State University offers to online bachelor’s degrees in nursing.  While most institutions only offer an option for RN to BSN, Indiana State University offers separate RN to BSN and LVN/LPN to BSN programs.  In either case, students complete the entire degree online.  A unique feature of the programs allows students to take “challenge exams” in which students are given credit for passing tests in a given subject in lieu of taking the course.  This is valuable for nurses who have acquired knowledge and skills on the job, and may not need certain classes.

The degree program consists of 35-81 credits depending on the program and how many credits are transferred in. Tuition fees range from 3,891-4,522 per semester depending on the number of credits taken.  Students enrolled less than full time pay $282 per credit.

Online Master’s Degrees in Nursing

The online master’s degrees at Indiana State University offer three specializations: Nursing Administrator, Nursing Educator, and Family Nurse Practitioner, the last of which is the basis for the doctoral programs.  All master’s students take core courses in health care perspectives and nursing theory development, along with two research based courses.

The master’s degree programs can be completed 2 ½ years on a full-time basis or in 3-5 years part time.  Programs are 32-51 credits and cost $353 per credit.

Online Doctoral Degree in Nursing

The online Doctor of Nursing Practice doctorate is built upon the foundation of the Master’s in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner program.  Unlike many research based and scholarly online doctoral nursing programs, the online nursing doctoral program offers an emphasis in practice.  Recent master’s graduates are trained to put their learning in the Family Nurse Practitioner course, while receiving advanced training and leadership skills.  The program’s curriculum is based upon DNP curriculum as approved by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Students will complete 39-85 credits of coursework dependent upon where the degree was earned (Indiana State or another institution).  Graduate fees are $353 per credit hour.

Online Certificate’s in Nursing

The 14 credit Nursing educator program is for a nurse with a master’s degree who would like to add an educator qualification.  Nurse educators are trained in delivering health care knowledge to staff, patients, and families as well as teaching in higher education institutions.  The tuition for the program is approximately $5,000.

Faculty

Almost all graduate faculty in Indiana State University’s program hold doctoral degrees.

 Things to consider:

• Program is coordinated in collaboration with The College Network
• Only tuition fees are listed above. Additional fees for clinical and distance learning
• Students entering the doctoral program, must have earned a master’s degree

 Accreditation

Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The nursing program is approved by the Indiana State Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc..

Address:
Indiana State University
200 North Seventh Street
Terre Haute, Indiana 47809-1902

Norwich University

Founded in 1919, New England based Norwich University seeks to offer a professional, liberal arts education  to its students.  The university is home to residential and commuter students alike.  Norwich University is the birthplace of the ROTC and claims the title of the first private military academy, first private university to offer engineering instruction and one of the first institutions to accept women.

The university now offers undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs in education, business, teaching and learning and organizational leadership. Several government focused programs include a defense program for current military, military history and certificate in governmental operations programs.

Overview of Programs, Certificates and Degrees

• 1 online master’s degree in nursing is offered.
• A week long residency is required each June in the culmination of the program.

Online Master’s Degree in Nursing

The online Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) offers two specializations in Nursing Administration or Nursing Education.  Classes have no more than 16 students to ensure students receive individualized experience.  The program serves to provide a hands-on, internship degree and is less research oriented then some programs, as no internship is required.  Course completion is completely online and asynchronous, meaning students can complete work and requirements for the degree ay their own pace and on their own time schedule.

– Nurse Administrator

The Nurse Administrator concentration focuses on developing nurses who can assess, identify, and apply theoretical knowledge and evidence based practice to improve nursing and healthcare outcomes in a variety of settings

– Nurse Educator Concentration

The Nurse Educator Concentration focuses on developing a skilled leader and communicator in the field of education who holds management role within an educational facility and can inform policy through communicating with stakeholders.

Learning outcomes and goals for the nursing program include stronger leadership skills and business aptitude, combining patient care and management goals, identifying and implementing strategies to improve outcomes and provide best practice,  and shaping health care policy and the nursing profession.

Duration and Cost

The master’s program can be completed in as little as 18 months and up to 24 months depending on personal schedule and needs.  The program encourages students to contact an enrollment adviser to discuss the cost of their program, and tuition is approximately $25,000.

Faculty

Faculty bring professional experience and activities and research into the classroom to provide a comprehensive learning experience to students.

Things to consider:

• Admission requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN), an active and unencumbered license as a registered nurse, and a minimum of one year experience as a registered nurse.
• Tuition fees above do not include additional cost such as academic fees and books.

Accreditation

The online master’s program at Norwich University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and and is approved by the Vermont State Board of Nursing. 

Norwich University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Address:
Norwich University
School of Graduate and Continuing Studies
158 Harmon Drive
Northfield, Vermont 05663-0367

Northeastern University

Founded over 100 years ago by directors of the YMCA, Northeastern University is now the largest private higher education institution in Boston.  With eight colleges (arts, business, computer, engineering, health, professional studies, science and social sciences and humanities) and a School of Law, Northeastern has grown from its humble beginnings as a parochial school, “Evening Institute for Young Men.”

Northeastern University strives to provide experiential global opportunities and is known for its co-op program and focus on providing hands on experience and opportunities for its student in research, study abroad, service learning and co-op placements.

Overview of Programs, Certificates and Degrees

• 1 online bachelor’s degree program is offered.
• A comprehensive program of undergraduate to graduate level and certificate programs are offered through the School of Nursing on the main campus.
• Courses can be completed part-time or full-time (up to 7 years).

Online Nursing Degrees Review

The online RN to BSN program is offered through Northeastern University’s college of professional studies.  The Bouvé College of Health Sciences at Northeastern University is a premier facility and resource for students studying at the university.  Faculty from all over the world are hired to offer a broad and varied perspective in academic programs.  The College of Professional Studies which houses the online nursing programs offers 67 degree programs online.  Eleven percent of students are international and the college strives to provide a global education to all students in their field of study.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

The online bachelor’s degree in nursing focuses on health promotion and illness prevention in a community and health maintenance setting.  Other topics that the course explores include bioethics, intercultural communication, and providing care to vulnerable populations.  Benefits of completing a bachelor’s degree include increased career opportunities over nurses holding a diploma.  A bachelor’s degree offer develops critical thinkers, leaders and skilled communicators in the nursing field.  Advanced clinical and research experience are also advantages of earning a four year degree.

Course Description

• Core courses in the nursing program include:
• Professional Transitions in Nursing
• Health Assessment across the Lifespan
• Introduction to Nursing Research
• Care-giving: Nurses with Vulnerable populations
• Managing and Leading in Healthcare
• Innovations in Nursing practice (capstone course)

Duration and Cost

The online program can be completed in 4 years (full-time) and 7 years (part-time).  Estimated tuition for the program is $52,000.

Faculty

Faculty at Northeastern University have industry experience in their field and most are certified to teach online.  Half of online faculty are published authors, and have garnered over 5 million dollars in research grants.

Things to consider:

• Academic requirements for admission include Health Clearance, CPR Certification, Associate’s degree and a current RN license.
• A minimum of 65 credits must be earned at Northeastern University.
• Four opportunities to began the program each year.

Accreditation

Northeastern University’s online RN to BSN nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Address:
Northeastern University
360 Huntington Ave.
Boston, Massachusetts 02115

National American University

National American University began in 1941 as the National School of Business to provide specialized business training. Since then, the South Dakota-based university has grown to 11 states and offers programs in the education, healthcare, and legal fields. National American University aims to provide a relevant, real-world education in all academic fields, which is why faculty have real-world experience in their taught field.  National American University-Watertown has been serving students since 2006 and is one of the university’s fastest-growing locations.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degrees

• 1 online bachelor’s and master’s degree offered
• Additional associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing are campus-based

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

National American University offers an RN to BSN online option, which allows students to complete advanced education opening the door for career opportunities in research, management, leadership, and teaching.  Admission to the BSN program requires a 2.8 GPA, associate’s degree, and nursing license.  The program offers a foundational education for nurses pursuing a BSN for increased education and career opportunities or as a stepping stone to an advanced degree.  Learning outcomes of the program as defined by National American University include the ability to:

• Synthesize interdisciplinary knowledge to take a holistic approach to nursing
• Apply theoretical concepts and critical thinking skills in practice and unpredictable contexts
• Evaluate and implement relevant research findings
• Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct
• Commit to staying abreast of shifting trends through continuing education

Duration and Cost

The program tuition is approximately $66,810.00 and requires 186.5 credits to complete.

Online Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN)

The online Master’s of Science in Nursing program is specialized with an emphasis in nursing education.  Students further specialize their program by choosing select areas of interest to focus their study.  The goal is to prepare nurses for globally-minded education and leadership roles in a variety of settings.  Students take a variety of courses including “Theories in a Global World, Research, Online Nursing Education, Simulation Nursing Education, and a Nursing Capstone Project and Practicum.”

Duration and Cost

The program tuition is approximately $20,000 and requires approximately 30 credits to complete.

Faculty

Most faculty at National American University hold advanced degrees (except for one which holds a BSN).  Their academic and research interests are broad including end-of-life issues, medical surgery, maternal care, and active learning and simulation.

Things to consider:

• Verify that the program is available in your state, as the degree programs are not approved in all states
• Not currently accredited by a nursing body, but the decision is forthcoming
• MSN nursing program only allows 3 courses to be transferred in (Theories in a Global World, Ethics and Leadership)

Accreditation

National American University’s bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in nursing have received new applicant status by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and are in the process of being considered for full accreditation.

Address:
National American University- Watertown
925 29th St. S.E.
Watertown, SD 57201

Minnesota School of Business

Now jointly as Globe University and Minnesota School of business both founders of these institutions founded the program with the goal to provide a college providing vocational career education for the youth of Minnesota. In 1885, Globe University was founded as Globe College by a German born scholar who sought to provide a practical education for men and women.

From the beginning, the college has focused on teaching business. Just several years earlier in 1877, Minnesota School of Business was founded and taught English, shorthand, typing and bookkeeping among other business skills to a small group of students.  Today Globe University and Minnesota School of Business work together to provide education in a variety of fields including legal science, technology, business, accounting, health sciences, and creative media.

Overview of Programs, Certificates and Degrees

• 1 online bachelor’s and master’s degree program in health care management
• 1 campus based bachelor’s degree program in nursing

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

Minnesota School of Business does not offer online nursing degrees, but a campus based Bachelor’s of science degree program in nursing is offered.  Two online bachelors’ and master’s degree program in health care management, provide an opportunity for nurses interested in healthcare administration to earn a degree online.

Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Health Care

The Health Care Management bachelor’s of science degree programs provides a broad overview in law, ethics and administration to allow students the opportunity to work in a variety of health care management positions.  Class sizes are kept small to ensure that each student receives individualized attention.

Duration and Cost

Tuition for the bachelor’s degree program is approximately $80,000 and requires 36 months of full-time study to complete.

Online Master’s Degree in Health Care Management

The online master’s degree in management with a specific focus in health care management is a sub concentration of the Master of Science in management program in the school of business.  The program focus on preparing students for leadership positions in the health care field at the local, national and global level.  Students complete three practicums allowing for the opportunity to apply management skills learned in the program.  The program can be completed by students with interest or industry experience in the health care industry.

Duration and Cost

The program tuition is $28,890 and can be completed in about 18 months.

Faculty

All faculty teaching the online Health Care Management program have a degree in nursing, and have also completed special education in online learning.  Faculty of the Health Care Management bachelor’s degree program are health care managers.

Things to consider:

• Nursing program is not currently offered online
• Only degree programs are not accredited by a nursing/healthcare body (BSN degree is accredited by CCNE)

Accreditation

Minnesota School of Business is accredited by Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). The bachelor’s degree in nursing program at Minnesota School of Business is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Address:
Globe University/Minnesota School of Business
1401 West 76th Street, Suite 300
Richfield, MN 55423

Liberty University

Liberty University was founded in 1971 with the goal of providing a fundamental, biblically-based education.  Since then, Liberty University has grown into over 140 undergraduate and 90 graduate programs. The faculty-student ratio of the university is 23:1.  The university offers accredited programs in academic fields from athletic studies to law to nursing.  Liberty University also has plans to develop a medical university.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degrees

• 1 online bachelor’s degree and 1 online master’s degree offered.
• A campus-based bachelor’s degree in nursing is also offered in several formats

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

The nursing programs at Liberty University are based upon Patricia Brenner’s philosophy of nursing.  Nursing programs at Liberty University are designed for nurses pursuing an education concurrent with Christian ethical standards and seek nursing a ministry of providing care.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

The online RN to BSN online degree programs see the completion of a bachelor’s degree as not only a personal accomplishment and door to more professional opportunity but a contribution to the nursing field, as more educated nurses mean a more educated profession.  The nursing program at the bachelor’s degree level seeks to develop Biblical experience and general education as a foundation for the nursing profession.  Core components of the bachelor’s degree curriculum include Nursing as a Demonstration of Christ’s Love, Critical Thinking/Problem-Solving Skills, and Leadership Skills.

Duration and Cost

The course takes approximately two to four years to complete, depending on the number of credits transferred in.  Thirty hours of upper-level nursing coursework must be completed at the university, and 120 credits are required for the degree.  Tuition costs from the program range from $295 to $320 per credit for full and part-time enrollment respectively.

Online Master’s Degree in Nursing

The online master’s in nursing is a nurse educator track that is designed to assist future nurses in promoting teaching, program development, and scholarship in their future careers.  The program is based on the curriculum guidelines of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.  At the beginning of the program, nurses set individualized program goals and objectives and a personal practicum under the direction of a faculty mentor.  Courses in the program include understanding research and assessment, advanced educational psychology, advanced health assessment, and teaching strategies and evaluation.

Duration and Cost

The online master’s degree program is 36 credit hours.  Tuition costs from the program are $438 per credit for full-time enrollment.

Faculty

Most faculty of Liberty University’s nursing programs hold advanced degrees. All graduate faculty hold graduate degrees.  Faculty research interests include community health, pediatrics, and gerontology.

Things to consider:

• Students in the RN to BSN program must maintain a 2.5 GPA
• Nurses in the online bachelor’s degree program must hold a nursing qualification
• Programs are not available in all states
• Students of the online master’s program must verify local board approval and local practicum approval (via US Department of Education) on their own
• Students in the online master’s program are required to earn grades of “B” or higher (3.0 GPA)

Accreditation

Liberty University’s nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Virginia State Board of Nursing.

Address:
Liberty University
1971 University Boulevard
Lynchburg, VA 24502

Lewis University

Lewis University is a private, not-for-profit Catholic and Lasallian-based university in Illinois.  Founded in 1932, the university claims the distinction of being Illinois’ largest bachelor’s degree program in nursing.  Furthermore, t he University claims recent nursing students received a 100% pass rate on their exams.  Over 80 undergraduate and 25 graduate programs of study are offered throughout the university.

With approximately 6,500 undergraduate and graduate students combined and a 13:1 student to faculty ratio, Lewis University strives to provide individualized attention and small classes for every student.  Popular programs include aviation, criminal justice, education, nursing, and business.  Lewis University is one of over 300 universities sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degrees

• 1 online master’s degree offered
• Option to complete the program in combined online and campus-based format
• Additional campus-based nursing degree programs are available from certificate to doctoral degrees including a bachelor’s degree program (BSN) for pre-licensed nurses.
• Transfer students are accepted

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

Lewis University offers an online master’s degree program for nurses whose personal and professional commitments prevent them from completing a traditional full-time program. Nursing programs at Lewis University employ Catholic and Lasallian values, including critical thinking, compassion, critical thinking, and teaching.  The program practice is based on standards set by the American Nurses Association.  Small class sizes, interaction with faculty, discussion, and sharing of experiences among students are key characteristics of the nursing program.

Online Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN)

Lewis University offers an online master’s degree in nursing with specializations in Nursing Management and Nursing Education.  The core courses for the program are:

Strategic Directions in Healthcare
Organization, Policy, and Financing in Healthcare
Human Diversity and Social Issues in Advanced Practice Nursing
Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice
Advanced Nursing Research
Healthcare Fiscal Integrity
Healthcare Information Management
Program Planning and Evaluation

Nursing Administration courses include Dimensions in Healthcare Leadership, Dynamics in Healthcare Organizations, and Business Skills for Healthcare Organizations.  Nursing Education core courses include Educational Theory, Curriculum Development, and Evaluation and Teaching Methodology and delivery systems.  Students have the option of completing a practicum or thesis to culminate their degree program.  The thesis involves a formal research study conducted over two semesters.  The practicum can be a field experience or scholarly project completed over 1-2 semesters under the supervision of a site facilitator.

Duration and Cost

The online master’s degree in nursing program at Lewis University is 42-45 credits. The tuition for the program is approximately $31,000 to $33,000.

Faculty

Nursing faculty at Lewis University hold advanced degrees including doctoral qualifications (Ph.D., EdD, and JD).

Things to consider:

• Program cost above is for tuition only
• Students must hold a 3.2 GPA  in all core and specialization courses in order to participate in the thesis and practicum

Accreditation

Lewis University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association Nursing programs at Lewis University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Address:
Lewis University
One University Parkway
Romeoville, IL 60446-2200

Independence University

Utah based, Independence University was founded in 1978 as California College for Health Sciences.  Independence University adopted its name in the belief that education leads to further independence.  Independence University started out as a specialist in allied health programs; the university now also offers courses in business and education. In 2010, Independence University became a branch of Stevens-Henager College.

Overview of Programs, Certificates and Degrees

• Offers 1 online bachelors and 1 online masters degree in nursing
• FAFSA (federal financial aid) and military benefits accepted
• Students can work one-on-one with a financial planner to fund education

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

Online programs at Independence University serve domestic, international students residing in the USA and students abroad in the military.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

Course Description

Nurses in the Bachelor’s degree program are required to complete courses in health program evaluation, case management, critical thinking, statistics, pathophysiology, and introduction to nursing research.  Students are also required to complete a practicum.  While students in the bachelor’s of nursing degree program explore research and statistics, the focus is more on practical aspects of nursing, and nursing are not expected to apply research concepts as in the master’s degree. There is also less of a focus on leadership than in the master’s degree program.

Career Options

Career options for nurses pursuing bachelor’s degrees include acute care, advanced practice psychiatric, critical care, and clinical specialist nurses.  Some nurses can also consider becoming instructors at the bachelor’s degree level though experience is often required to supplement.

 Duration and Cost

The online nursing program requires 24 months to complete, and a minimum of 91 credits (Registered nurses must have completed sufficient credits to have 3^rd year status and general education requirements met).  Fees for tuition are approximately $25,000.

Online Master’s Degree in Nursing

Career Options

Career options for nurses at the master’s degree level include acute care, advanced psychiatric, critical care, and clinical specialist nurses.  Nurses holding a masters degree may also consider positions in medical and health services management.

 Course Description

Nurses in the master’s program take courses in issues in managed care, health services economics, health information systems, legal considerations in healthcare delivery, and outcomes assessment and quality management.  Master’s degree nurses culminate their degree program in a final thesis project requiring an academic write up with results.

 Duration and Cost

The online master’s nursing program requires 16 months to complete, which is composed of 54 credits.  Fees for tuition are approximately $21,500.

Faculty

Nursing faculty of Independence University have certifications from all over the nation, bringing in a variety of experience and perspectives into the nursing programs.  Most faculty hold graduate level degrees.

 Things to consider:

• Nursing programs are not accredited by a nursing body
• Bachelors degree program is available to registered nurses only

 Accreditation

Independence University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

Address:
Independence University
5295 South Commerce Drive
Suite G50
Salt Lake City, UT 84107

Kent State University

Kent State University is among the largest college systems in the USA, with other eight campuses, the university offers over 280 academic programs at the certificate through doctoral level.  The Ohio based university has 101 years experience (founded in 1910) providing higher education to students.  Kent State University students can enjoy the feel of a large, research institution on the main campus in Kent, or one of the smaller campuses that offer a small, liberal arts college feel.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degrees

• 1 online bachelor’s degree and 1 post master’s certificate in nursing
• Online MSN Nursing concentration program is in progress
• Campus-based associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral degrees and post master’s concentration certificates are available.

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

Kent State University offers program for nurses of all levels. Students can begin by earning their RN degree through the campus-based associate’s degree program, online BSN, and master’s degree and certificate courses.  Kent State University is in the process of developing more online course opportunities, including the posy-master’s nursing certificate

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

The RN to BSN program at Kent State University offers a focus in disease prevention and risk reduction.  A unique feature of the program allows nurses to take up to 12 graduate degree credits while pursuing their BSN.  This is particularly helpful for nurses who do not want to pursue a graduate degree, but are seeking leadership and teaching positions, which would normally require a master’s degree.  Students may enroll in classes full or part-time and each course in seven weeks.  Course topics include inquiry and research for professional nursing practice, health care policy, population-based nursing, and health promotion.  Students are required to complete an individualized capstone project. The course also offers to unique study abroad experiences in Switzerland and Ireland, which examines global health.  The BSN focuses on management and obtaining leadership opportunities, being a change agent and providing a foundation for graduate level study.  Health promotion, teaching, and information technology are key competency areas in the program.

Duration and Cost

RNs are required to complete 122 credits total for graduation, including liberal arts education and foundation requirements.  Thirty-nine upper division nursing courses required to earn the degree.  Course costs range from 421-431 per credit depending if students are resident or non-resident of Ohio.

Faculty

Kent State University has a large base of nursing faculty, all of whom hold advanced degrees, and many also have PhD degrees.  The university has a Center for Nursing Research on the main campus, with which one-third of all nursing faculty are involved.

Things to consider:

• Program has start dates in fall, spring, and summer only
• Only one online bachelor’s degree in nursing is offered

Accreditation

Kent State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. Kent State University’s online RN to BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Address:
Kent State University
800 East Summit Street
Kent, OH 44242-2501

Keiser University

Formerly known as Keiser College, Keiser University began in 1977 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.  Keiser University offers certificates, associate’s through doctoral degrees in several languages (including Spanish and Mandarin MBA programs).  Academic areas of study include business, information technology, education, health sciences and English as a foreign language.  The college also has partnerships with universities in China and Moldova, and serves over 10,000 students.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degrees

• 1 online bachelor’s and 2 online master’s degree 1 doctoral degree offered
• Campus based associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), as well as campus based options for bachelor’s and master’s degrees
• Classes begin every month
• Transfer credits are accepted, but please note that the acceptance of transfer credits are subject to review by the school and cannot be guaranteed.

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

With over 76% of Keiser’s student body working full or part time providing flexible opportunities for learning is a key component of online nursing degree programs at Keiser University.  The university employs the “one-class-at-a-time” approach allowing students to complete their courses while balancing and maintaining a productive work and personal life.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN)

The online bachelor’s degree in nursing emphasizes critical thinking, research, leadership and health promotion while examining the political, social and economic factors that influence healthcare. The program framework focuses on core skills of knowledge, critical thinking, skills performance, collaboration, caring and professionalism as defined in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s core competencies and program guidelines.   Courses include nutrition, nursing and the aging family, crisis intervention, nursing role and scope and ethical and legal aspects of nursing practice.

Program objectives include educating nurses who operate within an ethical, legal framework, to develop caring and compassionate nurses who can communicate confidently and effectively with patients and their families, and develop the skills for nurses to work in well-defined and challenging situations.

Duration and Cost

The program requires 60 upper division credits, and takes approximately 1 year and 8 months to complete if all program prerequisites are fulfilled. Please note that this program length pertains to graduating in normal time.

Online Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN)

Keiser University’s online master’s degree program is a new option for the university.  Although the masters degree requires a practicum, the options for fulfilling it are quite broad including professional meetings, leadership activities, technological field trips, and interdepartmental study.  Students culminate their studies with a 3 credit capstone project (included in the 33 credit requirement).

Program objectives included developing critical thinking, culturally competent, ethical and caring nurses who are leaders in health care systems.  Courses for the master’s program include nursing theory for research and practice, health promotion and disease prevention, human diversity, global health and social issues, and advanced health assessment for best practice.

Doctorate
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program graduate will possess advanced competencies for increasingly complex practice, faculty, and leadership roles in nursing. The curriculum focuses on integrating nursing science with knowledge from ethics, biophysical, psychosocial, analytical, and organizational sciences as the basis for the highest level of evidence-based nursing practice. The program is comprehensive and time-efficient, and fosters motivated, self-directed learners who are able to utilize the highest levels of education to improve nursing practice and patient outcomes. The DNP program equips students with mastery in the areas of leadership, evidence-based practice, policy, scholarship, and interprofessional collaboration.

This program aims to fulfill the recommendations of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) guidelines as prescribed in The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice (October, 2006) and The Doctor of Nursing Practice: Current Issues and Clarifying Recommendations (August, 2015)

To receive a Doctor of Nursing degree, students must earn 36 graduate semester credit hours including Core courses (21 credits), DNP Project courses (4 credits, 60 clinical hours), Practice Immersion courses (8 credit hours, 480 clinical hours), and one elective course (3 credit hours). Courses in the DNP program are eight weeks in length and scheduled for one or two courses concurrently. The DNP Practice Immersion require on-site hours at instructor-approved practice sites.

Transfer of graduate credits will be evaluated on a case by case basis. Thirty credit hours must be completed through Keiser University.
Duration and Cost

The master in nursing course requires 36-42 credits to complete and take about 1 year to complete. This program completion length pertains to graduating in normal time.

Faculty

Faculty of Keiser University are experienced in their field and hold advanced degrees.

Things to consider:

• Online master’s degree program requires a 2.7 GPA or higher
• Fees listed above include tuition only

Accreditation

Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award certificates and degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialist, and doctoral levels. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Keiser University.

The Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing at Keiser University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, 202-887-6791. For more information about Keiser University’s BSN programs, go to http://www.keiseruniversity.edu/nursing-BS.php

Jacksonville University

Founded in 1934 as a community college offering evening classes for adult students, Jacksonville University now offers 7 bachelor’s degree programs in over 7 majors.  Areas of study include business, orthodontics, education and nursing.  The college seeks to offer a comprehensive education to its students and has internship, study abroad, ROTC, service learning and athletics programs, which students may participate in to enhance their educational experience.

Overview of Programs, Certificates and Degrees

• 1 online bachelor’s and 1 online master’s degree
• Additional bachelor’s and master’s degrees offered
• Doctor of Nursing program began in 2011, and is currently offered in hybrid format (evening classes and online)
• Over 90 percent of freshman students receive scholarships

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

Nursing programs at Jacksonville University emphasize scholarly inquiry, clinical application and a liberal arts foundation.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

The online RN to BSN degree program was designed for nurses with busy family lives. Nurses can transfer up to 30 credits from their previous RN coursework, and take courses from anywhere they have internet access.  Course format includes video lectures and chat rooms.  Students will complete local practicums, eliminating the need for travel to a university.  Classes are asynchronous, meaning students can study course material according to their schedule; and no specific login times are required for the courses.  Core courses in the program include community focused professional nursing, advance acute care concepts, and nursing assessment for the practicing nurse.  Elective courses are offered in global health and alternative therapies.

Duration and Cost

The program requires 120 credits total (30 of which may be transferred from previous RN education), and tuition is approximately $438 per credit hour.  The course can be completed in as little as 2 years.

Online Master’s Degree in Nursing

Jacksonville University’s online master’s degree in nursing offers two specializations Nursing Education and Leadership in Healthcare Systems.  The master’s program is taught by faculty holding doctoral degrees.  Students in the master’s program will study a specialized course related to their concentration and career options include serving as Nurse Administrator, Nurse Executive or Nurse Professional Development Coordinator. Core courses in the nursing master’s program include nursing theory and research, advanced community health, and nursing topical electives.  Students are required to complete a practicum and research-based thesis.  Nursing Education specialization courses include grant writing and resource development, educational technology, and management of information technology.  Core courses in the Leadership and Healthcare specialization include nursing leadership and health policy, financial management of nursing systems, and quality and safety in healthcare.

Duration and Cost

The program requires approximately 24 months to complete.  Students also have the option of taking up two sessions off, and also take two courses simultaneously depending on their personal schedule and timeline for completing their program.  Tuition is approximately $618 per credit.

Faculty

All nursing faculty at Jacksonville University hold advance graduate degrees, and over half hold doctoral degrees.  Faculty have published and presented their research in the USA and abroad.

Things to consider:

• RN to BSN program has only 6 yearly start dates
• Online courses are offered in collaboration with University Alliance
• Only 3 yearly start dates are offered for master’s degree programs

Accreditation

Jacksonville University’s online nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on College Nursing Education (CCNE).

Address:
Jacksonville University
2800 University Blvd N
Jacksonville, FL 32211

Indiana Wesleyan University

In 1920, the first graduating class of Marion State College was five students.  Now known as Indiana Wesleyan University, the university serves over 15,000 students and offers associates through doctoral level degrees in over 80 majors, including art, theology and education.  Indiana Wesleyan University claims to be the fastest growing university in Indiana due in great part to the university’s new nursing school.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degrees

• 1 online nursing certificate, 1 bachelors and 4 masters degrees
• Additional campus-based nursing programs are available
• Offers the Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP), a forgivable government loan which can cover the entire cost of the program including tuition, books, and fees

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

Indiana Wesleyan University is an evangelical Christian university, which incorporates this belief system in their educational programs.  Faculty and staff are committed to providing a Christ-centered education, in which students can develop their personal and professional values.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

Indiana Wesleyan University offers an online post RN baccalaureate degree that current registered nurses can complete from the comfort of their home.  Nurses will take courses in gerontology, ethics, leadership and management and alternative therapies.

Duration and Cost

The program can be completed in 19 months as courses are taken in sequence, one at a time.  Tuition for the bachelor’s degree program is about $15,000 and requires 40 credits to complete.

Online Master’s Degrees in Nursing

Indiana Wesleyan University offers three specializations in their online master’s degree programs, a combined MSN/MBA program, Nursing Administration, and Nursing Education.  The MSN/MBA program focuses on integrating nursing and business schools to manage an effective healthcare system.  Courses include organizational leadership, applied managerial accounting and healthcare policy.  The Nursing Administration program is designed to meet the competencies and standards of the American Organization of Nursing Executives (AONE).  Nurses will develop sound leadership skills and foundational preparation for educating positions in post-secondary institutions. Coursework for the Nurse Administrator course includes organization and finance of health care, theoretical foundations of advanced nursing and a practicum.  Students in the Nursing Education concentration will develop skills and knowledge to deliver effective education.  Coursework includes teaching and learning strategies, advanced nursing instruction, and a student-teaching component.

Duration and Cost

The master’s courses range in requirements from 38 to 60 credits, and $495-500 per credit hour.

Online Certificate Degree in Nursing

The Certificate in Parish Nursing is designed for RNs who would like to use their services in a church or congregational setting.  In the current economic season, many find themselves unable to identify and treat basic health needs with the loss of insurance tied to employment.  Parish Nurses will take courses in counseling theory; theology, healing and healthcare and spiritual care across the lifespan to prepare for their role as a parish nurse.  Upon completion of the program nurses will be able to plan, coordinate and implement teaching and learning opportunities that will assist the church in health and wellness promotion.

Duration and Cost

This 15 credit program costs $316 per credit.

Faculty

Faculty at Indiana Wesleyan hold advanced degrees, and several hold PhD degrees.

Things to consider:

• Students must have high-speed internet to access to use the learning management software
• Online courses have specific start dates, and do not begin every month

Accreditation

The programs of the Indiana Wesleyan University School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Indiana State Board of Nursing.

Address:
Indiana Wesleyan University
4201 S. Washington St.
Marion, IN 46953

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University strives to serve both traditional and working students alike.  The university has a mission of incorporating Christian values in its education and teaching students practical applications of Christianity in the workplace.

Though founded in 1949 by the Southern Baptist Church, the university recently went public in hopes of expanding its reach and resources. The parent company of the institution is Grand Canyon Education. With course offerings in business, fine arts and production, business, social sciences, and approximately 5,000 students, Grand Canyon University is on the way to its goal.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degrees

• 1 online bachelor’s, 5 online master’s degree bridge programs 5 online master’s degrees and 1 online post master’s degree program offered.
• Over 20 online and campus-based nursing programs.
• Courses can be completed in an online/on-campus combination.

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

Grand Canyon University students take courses one course at a time and are available 24/7 for students to complete their programs.  Course offerings include university foundations, global perspectives, and nursing from a Christian worldview.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

The online Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree program provides the bridge for nurses to go from a diploma or an associate’s degree to a four-year degree and advance career opportunities.

Duration and Cost

The online RN to BSN program is approximately $55,000 and requires 120 credits total, 36 of which are actual core credits to be completed at Grand Canyon University.

Online Master’s Degrees in Nursing

Bridge Programs

The bridge programs are designed to assist registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing to meet the necessary pre-requisites to enter the MSN degree program.  Students complete a modified RN to BSN program and culminate with enrollment and completion of one of the master’s degree options below.

Duration and Cost

Bridge program tuition fees are approximately $9,000 for the bridge courses, plus the applicable master’s degree fees.  Course length ranges from 54 credits to 84 credits for the dual degree MBA program.

Master’s degree of Science in Nursing

There are five online master’s of science in nursing degree options, each with a focused specialization.  The five specializations are Health Care Informatics, Nursing Education, Public Health, and Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems, the last of which is also offered as a dual degree option along with an MBA.

Duration and Cost

Master’s course tuition fees range from $20,000 to $37,000, and course length ranges from 36 credits to 66 credits for the dual degree MBA program.

Online Certificates in Nursing

The Post-master’s Degree Certificate in Nursing Education offers students the opportunity to become a staff educator or faculty educator in a traditional or non-traditional college.  In addition to exploring nursing topics through an evidence-based model, students will learn assessment and curriculum development techniques.

Duration and Cost

The post-master’s degree certificate fees are approximately $12,000, and the course length is 20 credits.

Faculty

A large number of nursing faculty are available to assist students and have a wide variety of qualifications and backgrounds. Several have over 20 years of experience in the field.  A designated group of full-time nursing faculty teaches exclusively for the online program.

Things to consider:

• Not all programs are accredited by a nursing body

Accreditation

Grand Canyon University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Address:
Grand Canyon University
3300 West Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ 85017-3030

Graceland University

Graceland University was established as Graceland College by the Community of Christ Church in 1895.  Though Graceland University’s nursing programs have been in existence since 1910, the college did not become a four-year institution until 1960.  The college now offers baccalaureate, master’s, doctoral and pre-degree programs in law, medicine, business, and social sciences.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degrees

• 1 online baccalaureate, 2 online master’s, and 1 online doctoral nursing program
• Certificates and an additional bachelor’s degree program are campus-based
• Students must complete a clinical practicum in their location
• Grants, federal aid, and a unique grant program are available to nurses who work in under-served areas.

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

Graceland offers a wide variety of online health programs in every tier from baccalaureate to doctoral programs.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

RN to BSN

Students who hold an active nursing license can participate in the online Registered Nurse to Bachelors of Science degree in the nursing program. Course offerings include global health issues, maternal health, therapeutic interventions, community healthcare, adult health care, psychosocial aspects of care, and health assessment. Tuition is $467 per credit hour; 124 credits are required for graduation, some of which can be transferred from a previously completed RN program.  Students may also complete an accelerated program allowing them to drop one semester, however certain academic stipulations must be met prior to enrollment.

Online Master’s Degree in Nursing

RN to MSN

The online RN to MSN program offers RNs the opportunity to save 11 credits of coursework by completing their BSN and MSN degrees in an accelerated program. Students also have the option of stopping out along the way and completing just the BSN portion of their program.  Students choose from a Family Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator specialization for their master’s coursework. Tuition is $467 and $597 per for baccalaureate and master’s level courses respectively.

Nurse Educator/Family Nurse Practitioner

For nursing professionals who already hold a BSN degree and a nursing license, students may complete the master’s only option and choose from one of two specializations. Courses are $597 per credit hour.

Course offerings for the family nurse practitioner specialization include primary care of families in pediatrics and adults, advanced practice procedures, and a practicum.  Courses for the nurse educator specialization include curriculum development, assessment of learning, and teaching strategies.  The family nurse practitioner and nurse educator specializations require 47 and 40 credits to graduate respectively.

Online Doctoral Degree in Nursing

The online Doctor of Nursing (DNP) program is new to Graceland and is recently announced as a logical step in their educational offerings, as nursing has been a part of the institution from its beginnings.  Course offerings include epidemiology, biostatistics, organizational leadership and collaboration, and a capstone project.  The program tuition fee is $807 per credit hour.  The DNP course requires 31 credits to complete the program.

Faculty

The faculty at Graceland University hold qualifications from baccalaureate to doctoral degrees.

Things to consider:

• Some courses require students to meet an online residency requirement at the Missouri campus.
• MSN students must hold a BSN and current license at the time of being accepted to the program.

Accreditation

Graceland University’s nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and have full approval status with the Iowa Board of Nursing and the Missouri State Board of Nursing.

Address:
Graceland University
1 University Place
Lamoni, IA 50140

Georgetown University

George Washington University

Founded in 1821 in George Washington’s honor, George Washington University fulfilled the First President’s dream of having a university in the nation’s capital dedicating to educating future leaders.  The dream is fully realized today with students from all 50 states and over 100 other countries.  Students can earn bachelors, masters, doctoral degrees and certificates in programs including engineering, international relations and creative writing.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degrees

• 5 online master’s, 1 online doctoral and 4 online post-graduate certificate nursing programs
• Campus-based Baccalaureate degrees are also offered
• Up to 15 credits from George Washington University’s BSN program can be applied towards the master’s program

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

George Washington University offers a variety of online healthcare education options for degreed nurses seeking flexible options to keep working while advancing their skill set and education.  George Washington University nursing programs emphasize the intersection of research, practice and leadership skills.

Online Master’s Degrees in Nursing

Adult Nurse Practitioner

The adult nurse practitioner program is ideal for RNs ready to advance their career scope and role in the nursing field.  The course focuses on using evidence based nursing and real-world applications of nursing and topic areas include health assessment, anticipatory guidance, diagnosis, treatment and management of common health concerns and population health. The program tuition is about $31,000 and the full-time program requires approximately 2 years of study in addition to a 600 hour clinical practicum.

Clinical Research Administration for Nurses

This course focuses on training nurses to develop educational treatment plans. This course is particularly rigorous and requires self-discipline and determination on the student’s part as it covers regulatory requirements, ethical issues, product development processes, and business aspects of clinical research.  The program tuition is about $25,000 and the full-time program requires approximately 2 years of study.                                                                                                     

Family Nurse Practitioner

The family nurse practitioner specialization is similar to the adult nursing practitioner course, except that it involves training nurses specifically to work in leadership roles in primary care settings with families and individuals. As with the adult nurse practitioner course, topics covered include diagnosis and treatment of common health issues, community health, and health assessment. The program tuition is about $33,000 and the full-time program requires approximately 2 years of study in addition to a 750 hour clinical practicum.

Health Care Quality

The health care quality program focuses on creating, developing and serving in patient safety and quality of care protocol strategies.  Graduates of this program can work in a variety of research, health care and organizational settings.  Students will learn to translate national health care quality requirements into daily operations.  The program tuition is about $25,000 and the full-time program requires approximately 2 years of study.

Nursing Leadership and Management

The nursing leadership and management program focuses on creating effective nursing administrators, which understand and have experience with treating patients that can inform hospital administration and policy.  In addition to nursing, courses include training in human resources, marketing, finance and economics. Strategic thinking, decision making and leading through change and improvements are aspects of this course. The program tuition is about $25,000 and the full-time program requires approximately 2 years of study.

Online Doctoral Degree in Nursing

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is a research-informed, practical doctoral program.  Unlike many nursing programs, George Washington University’s program is not solely research based.  The DNP program offers comprehensive training in conducting research, providing high quality patient care, managing quality of care issues and incorporating health policy, practice and business, and information technology to effectively manage health care institutions and organizations alike.  Students culminate their program with a clinical research project. The program tuition is approximately $25,000 and completed on a part-time basis over 3 years of study.

Online Certificates Degree in Nursing

Family Nurse Practitioner

See description above for master’s degree. The course requires 30-45 credits depending on a general or advanced course track and is $20,000 to $32,000 depending on the course track one chooses. The general certificate program also requires a 750-800 hour clinical component.

Adult Nurse Practitioner

See description above for master’s degree. The course requires 27 credits and tuition is $19,000 depending on the course track one chooses.

Health Care Quality

See description above for master’s degree. The course requires 15 credits, and is approximately $10,500 in tuition fees.

Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner

For nurses who work with the aging population with chronic health issues, end of life issues and their loved ones, nurses will learn how to provide excellent end of life care and can take the National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Care exam after completing this short 3 semester course.  The certificate is approximately $9,000 in tuition fees.

Things to consider:

• Students are required to attend 3 on campus experiences at their own expense
• Students should find their own preceptor to complete 600-800 clinical hour requirements for some courses, though the school can assist if the student encounters difficulty
• Costs above include tuition only, fees, books and necessary travel for on campus components are required
• Many courses have on campus components

Accreditation

The George Washington University School of Nursing’s Baccalaureate, Master’s and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. 

Address:
The George Washington University
2121 I Street, NW
Washington, DC 20052

Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences

Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences is a faith-based, private institution founded in 1992.  The college works closely with Florida Hospital to offer programs in nursing and allied health to a variety of students.  Florida Hospital is the largest healthcare facility operated by the Seventh Day Adventist Church, and Christian values and education are incorporated into student life and programs.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degrees

• 1 online bachelor’s degree program
• Campus-based associate’s and master’s degree programs
• Students have up to five years from their program start date to complete their degree

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

The online RN to BSN degree program is delivered in collaboration with Embanet-Compass Knowledge Group, LLC.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

Designed specifically with working nurses in mind, the online RN to BSN program aims to provide a rigorous learning environment for busy professionals, while maintaining flexibility to complete coursework from home.

Course Format

Students learn in small groups, and are monitored by a faculty member.

Course Descriptions

Concepts of Professional Nursing

In this course, students will develop a personal philosophy of nursing, and learn the concepts, communication skills as well as common challenges related to nursing at the baccalaureate-level.

Health Promotion and Assessment

Students will learn the basics of promoting and assessing health in the nursing environment.  Students will exam variations among healthy patients, age variations, as well as common abnormal results.

Community Health Nursing

Using an epidemiological framework, this course focuses on assessment and analysis of community health needs.  Primary, secondary and tertiary levels of care are emphasized

Pharmacology

In this case, students learn the basics of drugs used to treat patients including common treatment regimens, drug interactions, and analyzing multiple drug regimens.  Pharmacokinetics (body’s action on drug) and pharmacodynamics (drug’s action on body) are also part of this course.

Nursing of the Childbearing Family

This course focuses on providing care to families in the childbearing time. From pre-natal to post-partum care, the nurse will learn to assist the family in identifying and limiting environmental stressors

Duration and Cost

Students can complete the program in as little as 18 months or up to five years from their start date depending on their personal needs and schedule.

Faculty

The faculty at Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences come from all over the USA and hold advanced degrees in their field

Things to consider:

• Classes require scheduled 1 hour chat sessions and weekly course assignments

• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 with no grade below a “C” in the previous degree program is required
• Students must hold a current RN license, or if a recent graduate, be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN

 Accreditation

Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Nursing programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commissions (NLNAC).

Address:
Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences
2145 Metro Center Blvd., Suite 400
Orlando, FL 32835

Colorado Christian University

With a legacy of almost 100 years, Colorado Christian University had humble beginnings starting with just two students and one teacher.  What began as Denver Bible Institute in 1914 is now a full-grown university offering bachelor’s, master’s and online degrees in fields such as business, organizational leadership, psychology and over 50 programs total.  Following a merger with Colorado Baptist University in 1989, Colorado Christian University sought to become an influential Christian university offering a Biblically centered education.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degrees

• One online nursing (RN-BSN) program and one campus based nursing (BSN) program
• Can be completed one year after pre-requisites are complete
• University accepts up to 38 transferred nursing credit hours
• Scholarships and federal financial aid are available

Colorado Christian University strives to incorporate Christian and Biblical principles and the characteristics of compassion and serve in their nursing degree programs.

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

Online Courses for a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

Program Description

The online Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science degree in nursing program is specifically for RN’s busy with full-time work and family commitments preventing them from completing a traditional campus based program.  The program is offered in a collaborative, cohort format facilitating developing relationships, camaraderie and the feel of a traditional learning environment among students.  The cohort model at Colorado Christian University also seeks to build a professional network of diverse perspectives for each student graduating from the program.  Program topics include informatics, genomics, bioethics and global health.  Because of the Christian roots and heritage of the university, additional study in moral leadership and Christian nursing theory are also part of the course.  Nurses also have the opportunity to complete an international mission experience related to their field of study. The program has a strong focus on character building and the role of a nurse as a compassionate caregiver.

Courses and Format

Courses for the online degree program are completed one at a time in five or ten week modules.  Class sizes are small, collaborative, and may be completed online at anytime.  Online submission of assignments and class discussion is required.

Cost and Duration

The program requires an RN to complete approximately 15 months of upper credit division coursework, once prerequisites are met.  Completing all credits at Colorado Christian University requires tuition of approximately $11,700 assuming the student is only completing the 31 required nursing credits for the program.

Faculty

Colorado Christian University faculty employs both domestic and international faculty who are experts in the healthcare field.  The faculty at Colorado Christian University hold doctoral degrees and many also have international experience.

Things to consider:

• Program requires an active, unencumbered nursing license (USA only), drug screening, and background check
• Admission to the program requires a 2.5 GPA or higher

Accreditation

Colorado Christian University has national nursing program accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Address:
Colorado Christian University
8787 W. Alameda Ave.
Lakewood, Colorado 80226

College America

College America was founded in 1964, and strives to help students achieve their educational goals and meet the ever changing demands in the fields of medicine, business, and graphic design.  Formerly known as Control Data Institute, the college got its start as Control Data Institute, which offered specialized computer courses. When the college became part of the College America family in 1993, other programs including accounting and computer technology became a part of the program.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degree

• 6 bachelor’s and 2 master’s degree programs.
• Federal aid and scholarships available.
• Monthly course starts so that students can meet their educational goals on their schedule.
• Students can obtain the use of a free laptop, which they can keep upon graduation.

Online Nursing and Health Care Degrees Review

Online nursing degree programs at College America are offered through their sister university, Stevens-Henager College in Utah.

Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Nursing

Nursing

An overview in nursing designed for those seeking graduate education and a wider variety of career prospects alike, this general online bachelor’s course in nursing is specifically for registered nurses.  Course topics examine the psychology and sociology of illness, statistics and critical issues in nursing.

Nursing Administration

Designed specifically for nurses pursuing graduate education or a leadership role, the online program in nursing administration covers topics mentioned in the general nursing degree, but also organizational behavior and biological psychology courses.

Nursing Administration-Clinical Nurse Educator Emphasis

The Clinical Nurse educator program is for nurses seeking advancement in the form of entry-level supervisory opportunities without taking on increased clinical duties.

Nursing Administration-Community Health Nurse Emphasis

For nurses who’d like to work with high-risk, under served and vulnerable populations within a community, the community health nurse emphasis provides coursework in disaster nursing and epidemiology and community health.

Nursing Administration-Nurse Case Manager Emphasis

Working in a setting such as a long-term care facility or with a small population within a care facility, may require case management.  Courses like managed healthcare and utilization management assist students in the nurse case manager emphasis program plan and manage their caseloads effectively.

Nursing Administration-Nursing Informatics Emphasis

Students in the Nursing Informatics emphasis use technology and evidenced based nursing to assist their colleagues in providing the most effective and up-to-date care to their patients.

Cost and Duration

College America’s online bachelor’s degree programs are 20 months and tuition and fees range from $31,000 to $41,000

Online Master’s Degrees in Nursing

Nursing Administration

Health policy, systems of information, and the management of facility resources are the key focus of the online master’s in Nursing Administration program.  Students in this program are required to complete an individual or group thesis project that demonstrates understanding of the program’s learning objectives.

Nursing Education

Learn how to master the difficult challenges and issues that nurses must face then inspire, teach and lead others to do the same in the Nursing Education course.  An individual practicum related to your personal interest and developed in collaboration with a faculty member are a requirement of the course.

Cost and Duration

Online master’s degree programs at College America are 15 months and tuition fees are approximately $28,000.

Accreditation

College America is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

Address:
College America
1385 South Colorado Boulevard
Denver, CO 80222