Nursing Degree Programs
If you have decided to pursue a nursing degree, there are many options available to you. In addition to choosing from the large selection of nursing schools, you will have to decide which type of nurse degree you want to pursue. There are training programs that can last anywhere from 1 to 4 years, and there are also specialization certifications that you can complete after graduating. The type of nursing degree you earn will affect your salary, the daily role you end up playing in a healthcare environment, and much more.
Nursing Degree Programs Enrolling Now
Lincoln College of Technology
Lincoln College of Technology helps students achieve professional success through personalized career support and hands-on, job-specific education. our in-depth training programs are designed to meet the changing needs of today’s tough job market, and cover a variety of fields, including: Health Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Hospitality, Automotive Technology, HVAC Technology and Electrical Systems Technology.
Campus
- Tri-County Cincinnati
- Toledo
- Dayton
- Northern Kentucky
- Cleveland
Programs
- Nursing (Practical)
Lincoln / Lincoln Technical Institute
Are you looking for hands-on training at a well-respected technical school?
Since 1946, Lincoln Technical Institute has been helping students achieve professional success through personalized career support and hands-on, job-specific education. Our in-depth training programs are designed to meet the changing needs of today’s tough job market, and cover a variety of fields, including: Health Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Hospitality, automotive Technology, HVAC Technology and Electrical Systems Technology.
What sets Lincoln Technical Institute apart from other schools? Quite a few things, actually; our training programs emphasize experiential, interactive learning activities – that means you’ll do the job before you take the job. Plus, our Certificate, Diploma and Associate Degree programs are designed to accelerate your entry into the job market by offering a shorter length of training, so you may be earning valuable on-the-job experience before many of your peers do.
But our strengths go beyond that. our Lincoln instructors possess a combination of seasoned teaching skills, subject matter expertise and real world experience. Plus, we’ve built working partnerships with important industry contacts in your area. So when you graduate, we’ll help you find a good position and start your career off right.
When it comes to choosing a post-secondary educational institution, keep this in mind: Our dedication to your success sets us apart from the competition – and the specialized, career-focused training you’ll receive at Lincoln will set you apart from yours. Lincoln Technical Institute offers flexible daytime and evening programs to accommodate your busy schedule. Financial Aid is available for those who qualify and Career Placement Assistance is available upon graduation.
Campus
- Edison (Central NJ)
- Paramus (Northern NJ)
- Orlando
- Shelton
- Hamden
- Northeast Philadelphia (Bucks County)
- New Britain
- Moorestown
- Allentown
Programs
- Nursing (Practical)
- Nursing (RN)
The Salter School of Nursing and Allied Health
The Salter School of Nursing & Allied Health is a licensed, post-secondary vocational school with a primary purpose of training individuals for employment in health care. The Career Education courses being offered are designed to provide participants with knowledge and skills that will foster employment success on a career ladder. The Salter School of Nursing & Allied Health is dedicated to the provision and promotion of quality, career-oriented educational opportunities for Nurses, Nursing Assistants, and Laboratory Personnel, through classroom presentations, hands-on laboratory experience and applicable on-the-job training in externship opportunities.
The institution is accredited by ACICS. The LPN program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.
Campus
- Manchester
Programs
- Licensed Nursing Assistant
- Practical Nursing
Everest College Phoenix
Everest College Phoenix offers flexible class schedules, supportive instructors and dedicated career services to help you through every step of your education – and beyond. Everest focuses on hands-on learning so graduates can hit the workforce running. Whatever program you choose, you can rest assured that Everest College Phoenix is committed to your future and to your success.
Campus
- Phoenix
Programs
- Nursing
Carrington College California
Now you can earn your associate degree and can get started in the career field you’ve always dreamed of more conveniently than ever by attending the online Campus of Carrington College California. Considered a leader in education, Carrington College California has a long history of helping students succeed in real world careers.
Campus
- Antioch
- Sacramento
- San Jose
Programs
- Vocational Nursing
- Vocational Nursing
- Registered Nursing
Nursing Degree Coursework
Throughout all of the degree programs, you will encounter similar nursing courses and subjects. Although different programs will feature additional, more advanced classes, you can generally expect to take classes in anatomy, biology, physiology, psychology, and pharmacology. You will also take a series of classes directly related to the role of nursing. You will learn how to work with patients in a number of different settings and scenarios, and how to properly care for and treat a wide range of conditioners.
In addition to coursework, some of the more advanced nursing degrees will feature training in a clinical setting. During this time, you will work under the direct supervision of actual nurses and care practitioners. This will allow you to experience firsthand what being a nurse is like, and in many ways it can be more valuable than your time spent in the classroom.
Different Types of Nursing Degrees
Although there are both Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LPNs/LVN), typically only those pursuing a career as a Registered Nurse (RN) complete a nursing degree program. There are different types of nursing degrees available, and they including the following:
- Associate’s Degree in Nursing – An ASN degree in nursing is a comprehensive education program that generally takes anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete. During your training, you will complete the standard set of nursing coursework, in addition to spending some time in an actual clinical setting. Most people with an associate’s nursing degree can begin working at an entry-level job upon graduating and becoming licensed. During this time, many nurses work toward a bachelor’s nursing degree through one of the tuition reimbursement RN-to-BSN programs.
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing – Unlike an associate’s degree, a BSN degree can take up to 4 years to complete. In addition to the typical coursework and clinical experience found in all nursing degree programs, people pursuing a bachelor’ nursing degree gain additional experience in the areas of leadership and critical thinking. With this type of nurse degree, you will be a candidate for leading and overseeing other nurses. In addition, administrative and teaching positions often require a bachelor’s nursing degree.
Non-Degree Nursing Programs
There are other options available if one of the nursing degree programs doesn’t sound right for you. For example, you could complete one of the nursing certificate programs and become an LPN/LVN. These programs are much shorter than nursing degree programs and can usually be completed within a year. Most often, they are offered at local colleges and even high schools. As an LPN/LVN, you will provide basic care and attention to patients, and you will usually work as part of a team led by an RN.
In addition to certification programs, there are also nursing diploma programs available. Diploma programs are similar to associate’s degree programs, and they usually take 2 years to complete. With a nursing diploma, you will be eligible to take part in an RN-to-BSN program if you plan on one day earning a bachelor’s degree.
Which Degree is Best?
In general, bachelor’s degrees in nursing offer the best opportunities for advancement than do associate’s degrees or diploma degrees. Although all three will qualify you for an entry-level position as a staff nurse, a bachelor’s degree will enable you to obtain administrative or teaching positions.
If you have chosen to become a licensed practical nurse, however, you can open the door to more responsibility (and advancement opportunities) by pursing either an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
But whatever educational opportunities you pursue, you can be sure that you will become part of an interesting, emotionally-satisfying—and growing career field.
After Graduation
After you earn a nursing degree, there is still work to be done. Most importantly, you must become a licensed nurse before you can start your first job. Every state requires nurses to become licensed, and you can do so by passing your state’s licensing exam. The exam for LPNs/LVNs is called the NCLEX-PN and the exam for RNs is the NCLEX-RN. More information about your specific state’s requirements can be found on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website.
Once you begin working, you may find you are interested in pursuing a nursing specialization. Unlike nursing degree programs, you can earn nursing certifications in a specific area by completing a test. There are many different types of specializations available, including areas related to emergency care, specific body systems, certain illnesses, and more.