Nursing Degrees & Resources Online

Introduction

Nursing is the practice of taking care of others, of doing everything possible to bring an individual who may be sick or ailing to the optimal state of health and functioning that they can achieve. Nurses learn to assess the needs of patients and administer treatments as necessary.

Internet Guides

• Cybernurse.com
  Links compiled by the health sciences libraries of the Greater Midwest Region (GMR) of the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM) and those of the Committee for Institutional Cooperation.
• Allnurses.com
  Includes links to associations, nursing schools, boards of nursing, nursing employment, nursing literature and more.
• Nursing World
• Midwifery Today
• Nursing Time

Nursing Books

Nurses need books with detailed equipment regarding pharmaceutical products, established and modern nursing techniques, and other technical nursing information. One good source of nursing books is Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins (LWW.com). A search for nursing will yield a wide range of nursing texts, including '2008 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide', 'An Introduction to Theory and Reasoning in Nursing' by Betty M. Johnson and Pamela B. Weber and 'Basic Statistics for Nursing and Health Professions' by Stacey B Plichta.

• National Students Nurses' Association

Nursing Articles And Databases

You can find articles for your nursing research at your school's library or at sites like NursingCenter.com, which has links to journal articles, e-newsletters and other clinical resources for those in the nursing profession or who are pursuing a career in nursing. American Nurses Association provides the national nurses database.

Recent nursing articles

• A randomised controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of a single session of nurse administered massage for short term relief of chronic non-malignant pain (biomedcentral.com)
• Becoming a Nurse Practitioner (medi-smart.com)
• Detection of delirium by nurses among long-term care residents with dementia (biomedcentral.com)

Online Nursing Journals

Lippincott as well as NurcingCenter.com is also a good source for nursing journals. Go online to LWW.com to find out how to get The American Journal of Nursing, Advances in Nursing Science, Advanced Emergency Nursing Journal and others.

Nursing Ethics

• National Reference Center for Bioethics Literature (NRCBL)
  Links to bioethics literature compiled by the Kennedy Institute of Ethics at Georgetown University
• Nursing Ethics
  Site prepared by the Boston College School of Nursing with numerous links related to nursing ethics
• Center for Ethics & Human Rights
  Site for the American Nurses Association's Center
• Nursing Ethics.ca
  Canadian site on nursing ethics

Nursing Specialties

• Emergency Nursing
• Emergency Nurses Association

History of Nursing

American Association for the History of Nursing (AAHN)
This excellent organization provides great links on their Internet Resources page. Other noteworthy offerings include a Nursing History Primer, Bibliography for Historical Methodology, and Resources for Nursing History section that includes recent publications.

Bonnie and Vern Bullough History of Nursing Collection
Established by Bonnie Bullough, former Dean of the School of Nursing, University at Buffalo, and Vern Bullough, retired SUNY Distinguished Professor of History, SUNY College at Buffalo, 1990.

Center for the Study of Nursing History, University of Pennsylvania
The Center was established in 1985 to encourage and facilitate historical scholarship on health care history and nursing in the United States. Excellent.

Collection of Letters Written by Florence Nightingale
A selected collection of letters, with beautiful images, written by Florence Nightingale. Both alphabetical and chronological listings are available courtesy of the Clendening History of Medicine Library, University of Kansas Medical Center.

Country Joe McDonald's Tribute to Florence Nightingale
Provides an excellent time line of Nightingale’s life, many of her provocative and pithy quotes, and superb graphic images.

Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center at Boston University - The History of Nursing Archives

National League for Nursing History Timeline

Virginia Commonwealth University - History of Nursing Resources

Multimedia

Nursing school

 

 

Nursing 226 lecture on cardio/resp assessment

Nursing Assessment

VVC Nursing Assessment

Respiratory / Physical Assessment

Assessment technics

Intubation

How to perform endotracheal intubation #1

How to perform endotracheal intubation #2>

How To Start an IV

Endotracheal Intubation in Surgery Room

Nursing Assistant - Video Lessons (80 free online videos)

 

Other Nursing Research Tools

In addition to providing links to nursing articles, NursingCenter.com is a full service resource for those looking to progress in the nursing profession. They have links to drug updates, the 'CE Connection' for continuing education ideas in nursing, a career center, links to free nursing videos and a highlight box with the most relevant, up-to-date nursing research and information they have available each day.

Research

• Primary Care Internet Guide - Nursing
• Association for Common European Nursing Diagnoses, Interventions and Outcomes
• Resources for Qualitative Research

Professional Organizations

• 
  
• The National League of Nursing
• American Public Health Association
• American Nurses Association

Nursing Resources

The Student Center >College & Universities > Online Programs
- MCAT Prep Resources
All Nurses.com
-A Nursing Community for Nurses
All Nursing Schools
-A Complete Directory of U.S. Nursing Programs

 

Universities

Arizona

Kaplan College
Located in Phoenix, AZ offering medical assistant, network engineering technology, respiratory therapy, sports medicine/orthopedic assistant, computer network engineering,
veterinary assistant, pharmacy technician curriculums.

Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences

California

Lincoln Tech - Anaheim
Located in California offering computer and medical healthcare Curriculums.

Lincoln Tech - Carson
Located in California offering computer and medical healthcare Curriculums.

Lincoln Tech - Irwindale
Located in California offering computer and medical healthcare Curriculums.

Lincoln Tech - Los Angeles
Located in California offering computer and medical healthcare Curriculums.

Lincoln Tech - San Marcos

EI College
Located in California offering computer and medical healthcare Curriculums.

Empire College - Santa Rosa
Empire College offers the following programs: Information Technology, Medical Assisting, Billing/Coding, Accounting/Bookkeeping, Office Administration Ò Legal and Executive, Tourism & Hospitality, Juris Doctor Law Program.

Maric College - Vista
The mission of Maric College is to provide quality career education to students who wish to pursue occupations in nursing, allied health and information technology.

Modern Technology College
Located in North Hollywood Modern Technology College offers the following programs: Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Ultrasound ; Medical Assistant ; Medical Insurance Specialist, X-Ray Technician, Back Office, Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography, Phlebotomy Technician, Radiologic Technician.

National Holistic Institute
Founded by a massage therapist in 1979, the school's focus on massage therapy has created an excellent curriculum with over 125 different topics.

San Joaquin Valley College - Bakersfield
Located in Bakersfield, CA offering business administration, medical, dental, office administration, heating & refrigeration, pharmacy and internet technology curriculums.

Santa Barbara Business College - Bakersfield
Santa Barbara Business College offers the following programs: Administrative Business Systems,
Business Administration, Computerized Accounting Systems, Legal Office Systems, Medical Assisting, Medical Office Systems, Network Systems Administration, Technical Support, Web Design, Paralegal, Criminal Justice, Pharmacy Technician.

San Joaquin Valley College - Visalia

Silicon Valley College - Emeryville Campus
By earning your Associate or Bachelor's degree in months, not years, you can gain the competitive working edge with an education from Silicon Valley College. Careers in drafting, graphics, business, information technology, and medical studies are in demand. You'll learn the skills and work habits of highly successful people.

Silicon Valley College - Fremont
By earning your Associate or Bachelor's degree in months, not years, you can gain the competitive working edge with an education from Silicon Valley College. Careers in drafting, graphics, business, information technology, and medical studies are in demand. You'll learn the skills and work habits of highly successful people.

Silicon Valley College - Walnut Creek
By earning your Associate or Bachelor's degree in months, not years, you can gain the competitive working edge with an education from Silicon Valley College. Careers in drafting, graphics, business, information technology, and medical studies are in demand. You'll learn the skills and work habits of highly successful people.

UEI [United Education Institute] - Chula Vista
United Education Institute
UEI offers the following programs: Business Office Administration, Computer Systems Technician, Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician.

UEI - Huntington Park
United Education Institute
UEI offers the following programs: Business Office Administration, Computer Systems Technician, Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician.

UEI - Los Angeles
United Education Institute
UEI offers the following programs: Business Office Administration, Computer Systems Technician, Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician.

UEI - Van Nuys

Westwood College of Technology - Anaheim
Westwood College of Technology offers programs in the following fields: Automotive, Computers, Electronics, Graphic Design, Hospitality, HVAC, Medical.

Colorado

Everest College
Everest Collegeoffers you practical, career-related programs designed to help you prepare for a rewarding career in such fields as Accounting, Administrative Assistant, Business, Computers, Criminal Justice, Legal, Medical and Information Technology.

Institute of Business and Medical Careers
Located in Fort Collins, CO offering Accounting & Finance, Business, Computer, Legal & Paralegal, Medical & Healthcare, and Office professional curriculums.

 

Westwood College of Technology - Denver North
Located in Denver, CO offering Art & Design, Automotive & Diesel, Computer, Drafting & Architecture, Electrician & Energy Trade, Heating & Refrigeration, Hotel & Restaurant Management, and Medical & Healthcare curriculums.

Connecticut

Branford Hall Career Institute
Four campuses in Connecticut offering accounting, computer skills, legal and medical curriculum.

Porter and Chester Institute
Porter and Chester Institute provides the following programs: Computer and Network, Technology, Computer Aided Drafting Design, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Automotive Technology, Medical Assisting.

Florida

ATI Career Training Center
Health Education Center
Get professional training in your choice of the following high-demand careers: Diagnostic Ultrasound Technician, Medical Assisting Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Respiratory Therapist, Respiratory Therapy Technician.

Florida Career Institute
Florida Career Institute offers the following programs: Computer Office Technology, Medical Assistant, Network Engineering.

Jacksonville University

Online RN to BSN Program

Are you a Registered Nurse looking for a convenient way to update your skills and knowledge while you advance your nursing career and earning potential? Jacksonville Universities RN-to-BSN Degree program is the only BSN Degree program in the nation to deliver streaming audio and video lectures online. Students can attend class anytime, anywhere, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. No classroom attendance is required.

Southwest Florida College - Ft. Myers
At Southwest Florida College, you have more than a dozen programs to choose from, including Graphic Design. Let our faculty instruct you in Accounting, Computers and Information Technology, Criminal Justice, Computer Aided Drafting and Design or Healthcare.

Georgia

The Chubb Institute
Alpharetta, Georgia Campus.
The Chubb Institute offers the following programs: Oracle DBA, Java Programming, .NET Programming, Network Security Systems, Networking, Multimedia Design, Help Desk, Medical Administration.

Illinois

The Chubb Institute - Chicago
Chicago, IL Campus.
The Chubb Institute offers the following programs: Oracle DBA, Java Programming, .NET Programming, Network Security Systems, Networking, Multimedia Design, Help Desk, Medical Administration.

National University of Health Sciences

Saint Anthony College of Nursing

Vatterott College - Quincy
Located in Quincy, IL offering electronic mechanic, computer, computer aided drafting, HVAC and medical assisting curriculums.

Westwood College of Technology - DuPage
Westwood College of Technology offers programs in the following fields: Automotive,
Computers, Electronics, Graphic Design, Hospitality, HVAC, Medical.

Iowa

Hamilton College - Cedar Rapids
Located in Cedar Rapids, IA offering Management, Accounting Specialist, Criminal Justice, Office Technology Specialist, Computer Information Systems, Medical Assisting, Accounting Technician, Medical Transcriptionist Technician, Computer Systems Technician, Microsoft Network Engineer, Microsoft Solution Developer, Business Administration, Paralegal/ Legal Assistant, Information Technology Management, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer and Travel Career curriculums.

• Hamilton College - Mason City

Kansas

Bryan College - Topeka
Programs include: Business Administration, Computer Network Specialist, Computer Programming, Office Administration, Medical Office Assistant, Travel and Tourism.

Pinnacle Career Institute - Lawrence
Pinnacle Career Institute in offers the following programs: Computer Programming, Electronics Technology, Telecommunications, Communications and Industrial Technology, Network Administration, Medical Assisting, Massage Therapy, Accounting.

 

Professional Fitness Institute
The Professional Fitness Institute offers the following program: Personal Training, Massage Therapy.

Vatterott College - Wichita
Located in Wichita, KS offering Computer Aided Drafting (CAD), Computer Programming, Computer Technology, Electrical Technology, Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology, Pharmacy Assistant, Dental Assistant, Medical Office Assistant curriculums.

Louisiana

Ayers Institute
Programs in computer, medical assisting or air conditioning, heating and refrigeration.

Maine

SeaCoast Career School
Seacoast Career Schools offers the following programs: Computerized Accounting, Medical Assisting, Medical Billing/Coding, Network Administration, Office Administration.

Maryland

Computer Career Institute at John Hopkins University
Choose from more than 20 programs -- our new Healthcare Professional series or our industry-leading Information Technologies series.

Massachusetts

Boston University
Boston University offers training in: Project Management, Management, Leadership, Sales/Marketing, Communication Skills, Enterprise Business Integration, Information Technology, Medical programs and more. Boston University's programs are offered nationwide - either onsite, instructor-led or online.

Brandford Hall Career Institute - Springfield
Located in Springfield, MA offering accounting, computer skills, legal and medical curriculum.

 

Clark University Computer Career Institute - Braintree
Offers the following programs: Healthcare Professional Series ; Information Technology Series ; Visual Communication Series.

• Clark University Computer Career Institute - Cambridge
• Clark University Computer Career Institute - Framingham
• Clark University Computer Career Institute - Woburn

Porter and Chester Institute - Chicopee
Porter and Chester Institute provides the following programs: Computer and Network Technology; Computer Aided Drafting Design; Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration; Automotive Technology; Medical Assisting.

The Salter School - Malden
The Salter School offers the following programs: Computer Technology, Medical Assisting, Medical Billing/Coding, Office Administration.

• The Salter School - Tewksbury
• The Salter School - Worcester

Missouri

Jewish Hospital College of Nursing and Allied Health - (dead link)

 

Metro Business College - Cape Girardeau
Programs include: Administrative Assistant ; Medical Administrative Assistant ; Medical Secretary ; Medical Specialist ; Information Processing and Computer Operator ; Business and Computer Specialist.

Pinnacle Career Institute - Kansas City
Pinnacle Career Institute in offers the following programs: Computer Programming ; Electronics Technology ; Telecommunications ; Communications and Industrial Technology ; Network Administration ; Medical Assisting ; Massage Therapy ; Accounting.

Professional Fitness Institute
The Professional Fitness Institute offers the following program: Personal Training ; Massage Therapy.

Springfield College
Springfield College offers the following programs: Administrative Assistant ; Business Administration ; Computer Information Systems ; Executive Secretarial ; Paralegal/Legal Assistant ; Medical Assistant ; Medical Insurance Billing/Coding ; Medical Office Assistant ;
Medical Transcription ; Microcomputer Operator.

Vatterott College - Joplin
Located in Joplin, MO offering accounting, administrative, computer programming and network administrative technology, computer-aided drafting, cosmetology, esthetician, medical office and pharmacy curriculums.

• Vatterott College - Kansas City
• Vatterott College - O'Fallon
• Vatterott College - St. Ann
• Vatterott College - St. Joseph
• Vatterott College - Springfield
• Vatterott College - Sunset Hills/St. Louis

Nebraska

Career College of Northern Nevada - Reno
Career College of Northern Nevada offers technology driven programs in Electronics, Computer Repair, Information Technology, Networking, Computer Science, Medical, Legal and Computerized Business Management Career Fields.

Lincoln School of Commerce
Located in Lincoln, NE offering Accounting & Finance, Business, Computer, Criminal Justice, Engineering, Legal & Paralegal, Medical & Healthcare, Office Professional, and Travel & Tourism curriculums.

 

Vatterott College - Omaha/Spring Valley
Located in Omaha/Spring Valley offering dental, HVAC, medical assisting, psychiatric assisting and veterinary curriculums.

Nevada

New Hampshire

Hesser College
Located in Manchester, NH offering accounting, advertising & marketing, broadcasting, business, computer criminal justice, fashion & interior design, hotel & restaurant management, legal, medical & healthcare, office skills, and travel & tourism curriculums.

New Jersey

Lincoln Tech - Paramus
Lincoln Tech offers the following programs: Computer Programming with Web Technology ; Graphic Web Design ;Help Desk Analyst ; Network Systems Professional ; PC Support Technician ; Software Applications Specialist ; Network Systems Administrator ;
Medical Administrative Assistant ; Business Administration Specialist ; Medical Assistant Specialist ; Pharmacy Technician.

Fairleigh Dickinson's Computer Career Institute
Located in Madison, NJ and Paramus, NJ offering arts & design, computer, engineering and medical healthcare Curriculums.

 

Somerset School of Massage Therapy - Piscataway
Located in Piscataway, NJ offering Professional Track, Neuromuscular Therapy, Shiatsu, Spa Therapies and massage therapy curriculums.

Somerset School of Massage Therapy - Wall Township
Located in Wall Township, NJ offering Professional Track, Neuromuscular Therapy, Shiatsu, Spa Therapies and massage therapy curriculums.

New Mexico

New York

Liberty University
Located in New York, NY offering business, counseling, divinity and ministry, education, nursing, psychology, religion and theology.

Long Island University

 

• Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

New York College of Health Professions

Phillips Beth Israel School of Nursing

Everest Institute

Skidmore College's Computer Career Institute
Skidmore College CCI offers the following programs: Healthcare Professional Series ; Information Technology Series ; Visual Communication Series.

Suburban Technical School
Suburban Technical School in New York offers programs in Digital Computer Technology and Medical Assisting.

Ohio

Kettering College of Medical Arts

Medical College of Ohio

Mount Carmel College of Nursing

Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine

Oklahoma

University of Oklahoma

• University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center - (dead link)
  Located in Oklahoma City

Oregon

Oregon Health & Science University

Everest University
- Portland
Located in Portland, OR offering Accounting & Finance, Business, Computer, Legal & Paralegal, Medical & Healthcare, Office professional, and Travel & Tourism curriculums.

Pennsylvania

Allied Medical and Technical Careers - Forty Fort
Allied Medical & Technical Careers provides you with a quality education and the skills needed for rewarding careers such as legal secretary, massage therapist, medical assistant, pharmacy technician and administrative assistant.

Allied Medical and Technical Careers - Scranton
Allied Medical & Technical Careers provides you with a quality education and the skills needed for rewarding careers such as legal secretary, massage therapist, medical assistant, pharmacy technician and administrative assistant.

 

CHI Institute - Southampton
CHI Institute offers the following programs: Electrician ; Medical Assisting ; Pharmacy Technician ; Surgical Technician ; Networking Engineering Tech ; Medical Assistant with Phlebotomy ; Heating, Refrigeration, & A/C ; Computer Repair Tech ; Computer Programming ; Computer Office user with Network Administration ; Computer Networking.

Newport Business Institute
Newport Business Institute offers the following programs: Accounting ; Management ; Retail Management ; Travel/Hospitality Management ; Medical Assistant/MO ; Legal Assistant/Secretary ; Microcomputers ; Accounting Microcomputers ; Medical Transcription ; Medical Insurance Billing & Coding ; Microsoft Certification.

Pittsburgh Technical Institute
Located in Pittsburgh, PA offering Accounting Administration, Business Administration, Computer and Network Systems Technology, Computer Aided Drafting, Computer Programming, Electronics Engineering Technology, Graphic Design, Hospitality Management Administration, Marketing and Sales, Medical Office Administration, Multimedia Technologies, and Travel and Tourism Administration curriculums.

Tennessee

Draughons Junior College - Clarksville

Texas

San Antonio College of Medical and Dental Assistants
San Antonio College of Medical & Dental Assistants offers the following programs: Computer Network Specialist ; Dental Assistant ; Medical Assistant ; Medical Office Specialist ; Pharmacy Technician ; Phlebotomy/EKG Technician ; Computer Office User.

• SACMDA - McAllen
  San Antonio College of Medical & Dental Assistants offers the following programs: Computer Network Specialist ; Dental Assistant ; Medical Assistant ; Medical Office Specialist ; Pharmacy Technician ; Phlebotomy/EKG Technician ; Computer Office User.

Utah

Eagles Gate College
In 18 months or less, you can be working in an entirely different field. Well-trained job applicants are always in demand - take advantage of a job market thatÌs in need of qualified professionals in the medical, business and computer fields. You donÌt have to go to school for four years to get the job you want today!

Everest College
Everest Collegeoffers the following programs: Accounting ; Business Administration ; Computer Information Systems ; Paralegal/Legal Assistant ; Medical Assisting ; Medical Insurance Billing and Coding ; Network Administration ; Travel & Tourism ; Professional Office Administration.

 

• Dulles Campus
  ECPI Technical College offers programs in the following fields: Computer Network Technology ; IT/Business Applications ; IT/Networking ; IT/Web Development ; IT/Computer Programming ; IT/Network Security ; Medical Systems Administrator ; Biomedical Equipment Technology ; Telecommunications Technology ; Accounting Systems Administrator.
• Glen Allen Campus
• Manassas Campus
• Newport News Campus
• Richmond
• Roanoke
• Virginia Beach

Everest College- Newport News
Everest Collegeoffers the following programs: Business Accounting ; Computerized Office Applications ; Computer Office Technologies and Applications ; Medical Administrative Assistant ; Medical Assisting ; Medical Insurance Billing/Coding ; Dental Assisting ; Massage Therapy.

Washington

Bastyr University (Seattle)
Courses and programs in alternative medicine.

Everest University
- Vancouver
Everest University
offers programs in the following fields: Accounting ; Administration ; Computers ; Health Care ; Legal ; Travel/Hospitality ; Business ; Pharmacy Technician.

Wisconsin

Boston University
Boston University offers training in: Project Management, Management, Leadership, Sales/Marketing, Communication Skills, Enterprise Business Integration, Information Technology, Medical programs and more. Boston University's programs are offered nationwide - either onsite, instructor-led or online.

At University of Phoenix Online, you can earn your accredited degree via the Internet--at the times and places that fit your schedule. As the nation's largest, private accredited university, University of Phoenix has a reputation for academic quality and exceptional student service. Afterall, our goal is to see you succeed. You'll be earning one of the most current and relevant degrees offered in the areas of Business, Management, Information Technology, Criminal Justice, Education and Nursing. Best of all, most students can finish their degree in just two to three years. The University of Phoenix is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association (NCA).

General Information About Nursing Degree Programs

Students interested in the nursing profession usually start by entering nursing school and earning a resident nursing degree by completing the program requirements, which usually takes about three years. Students may also choose to try to earn an Associate of Nursing Science degree in two or three years. The nursing diploma certifies students for entry-level positions as an RN, but those who want a more complete nursing career will have to undergo additional study for their bachelor's degree.

Nursing Degree Study Options

Students who are already RNs can attend a college that offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The BSN can be earned in four years or less and enable nurses to pursue higher-level nursing positions, including those in management.

Advanced Nursing Degrees

Most nurses typically complete their education at the BSN level; however, students who wish additional training can enroll in a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. These programs take up to two years and will enable the nurse to specialize in a specific field of nursing, such as mental health nursing, health care administration or surgical nursing.

Master Of Science In Nursing Degree

The MSN is a typical two-years master's program for nursing. Typically, nurses who have earned a BSN from an accredited college or university can enter an MSN program directly in order to master a nursing specialty. However, some students may opt for a direct RN to MSN program, which puts the BSN and MSN requirements into one full program that usually takes about five years to complete. Students with RN certification and bachelor's degree in another discipline may also move directly into an MSN program.

Further Education In Nursing

Students at any level of nursing, RN and beyond, can enhance their knowledge base with continuing education courses, and in fact, some of these courses may be required for certain nursing positions. Continuing education courses may be found online and in some cases may be taken online as well.

Choosing A Degree In Nursing

Students interested in health care may want to work towards a career in nursing. Nurses are often in short supply, so a qualified nurse will often have a good variety of career options. Nurses tend to be more involved with direct patient care than doctors are, and this can have an appeal to some individuals who choose nursing school over medical school.

Career Opportunities In Nursing

There are a tremendous number of nursing specializations available to those with a degree in nursing. Which careers are realistic options for an individual depends on their nursing experience and their level of nursing education. Some nursing career paths include: clinical nurse specialist, cardiac nurse, hospice nurse, critical care nurse, pediatric nurse and school nurse.

Earning Potential For Nursing Careers

Nursing is expected to experience much more career growth on average over the next decade than most other industries. A home health aide in 2006 made an average of $9.34 an hour, psychiatric aides made $11.49 per hour on average. The median hourly wage of orderlies, nursing aides and attendants in 2006 was $10.67.

Getting Your Nursing Degree Online

Online nursing degrees are the perfect option for resident nurses looking to increase their level of nursing education and career options. Students can continue their nursing duties during the day while continuing their education online at an accredited distance learning university at night, between shifts, or whenever it is convenient. Students have online degree options for bachelors of science in nursing as well as masters of science in nursing degrees.

Getting Your Nursing Degree Offline

Registered nurses who are interested in moving forward in their nursing career may wish to attend a traditional brick and mortar college or university to further their nursing education. A live college or university will give the student the best opportunities to practice hands on nursing techniques and research and will allow the student to interact with other nurses directly who may have more or different expertise than their own. Students who have earned a bachelor's degree at an offline university in a field other than nursing may still be able to attend a top offline graduate program in nursing if they show themselves to be sufficiently qualified to take on the requirements.

Those who are currently working Registered Nurses may have to take some time off in order to meet the time demands brought on by taking a full course load at a traditional university. Alternatively, they may choose to work part time or to build their nursing schedule around their college courses. Students should be aware that while the benefits are great, the challenges of working as a nurse while attending a brick-and-mortar college or university are great as well.

What Kinds of Online Nursing Programs are Available?

There are many online programs available that focus on providing an education in the nursing field. Some possibilities include licensed practical or vocational nurse, nurse practitioner, nursing assistant, associate's in nursing, bachelor's in nursing and master's in nursing.

What Is the Role of a Nurse in a Hospital Setting?

Nurses are responsible for administering medicine, wound care and emotional support to those who need it. These hardworking individuals are usually the most familiar with patients as they are constantly monitoring their health and vital signs. Nurses are also responsible for instructing patients and family members how to care for themselves once they leave the hospital.

Can Someone With a Degree in Nursing Find Employment Elsewhere Than at a Hospital?

Yes. There is a wide range of possibilities for employment, such as working in a private doctor's office, a health clinic, nursing home or for a company that provides at-home nursing services.

Does Distance Learning Programs in Nursing Provide Quality Education?

The same individuals who design their college-based counterparts design many distance learning nursing programs. This means that the quality of the education is virtually the same for online and traditional programs. The certification or nursing degree you earn online will be just as recognized as the one awarded to someone who attended a campus-based program.

How Much Do Nurses Earn?

The income for nursing graduates can vary depending on a number of factors including experience, location and the type of nurse you are. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, the lowest ten percent earned around $40,000 while the top ten percent earn double that amount. The median income for the nursing profession is around $60,000 annually.