Interested in pursuing a career in Nursing?
Nurses provide care side-by-side with physicians and other healthcare professionals to make sure that every patient receives excellent care. Giving prescribed medicines, using medical equipment and monitoring of a patient's vital signs are some of the basic duties of a nurse.
Typically, nurses have very flexible schedules, but this often comes with the inconvenience of working at different times of day, often for long hours. The majority of nursing professionals find employment at hospitals, and most become specialists in 1 or 2 departments over the course of their careers.
Accelerated Nursing Program - The Advantages & Disadvantages
There are a number of advantages and disadvantages that you should consider when comparing each Accelerated Nursing Program. First and foremost, you should try and see which type of nursing degree program will best suit your interests and career aspirations. For instance, certified nursing assistants (CNA) or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) require less education than a Nurse Practitioner, which requires Graduate Studies in Nursing.
Paraprofessional programs require fewer years of education, so they are often good programs for those who are not entirely certain if a career in nursing is right for them. The next level of licensure and certification is a Registered Nurse which typically requires additional training and education, depending on your state of residence.
Accelerated Nursing Program Salaries
Salaries for nurses vary widely depending on a number of factors, such as education, licensure, and experience.
For example, the typical annual salary for a Nurse Practitioner (NP) is about $75,000, but an RN is more likely to receive $50,000 to $65,000 p/yr, depending on experience and employer. The average yearly salary for Licensed Practical Nurses is around $35,000, but a number of nurses in this field make around $39,000.
Not Sure if an Accelerated Nursing Program is Right for You?
The majority of colleges offer some type of accelerated nursing program. For those of you who want to become a nurse, it is important to take the amount of education and time each skill level will require, as well as the potential benefits associated with each level of licensure and certification.
For instance, you can become an LPN in less time than it takes to become a Nurse Practitioner. However, a Nurse Practitioner can expect to earn about $35k more per year, which for many people is a worthy investment of a few more years of colleges.
Typical Accelerated Nursing Program Degrees:
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
Licensed Vocational Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse
Registered Nurse
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
A Summary of Accelerated Nursing Program Colleges
Although nursing programs vary widely by state and university, an Accelerated Nursing Program typically offers students a way to earn their degree at a faster pace and on a more flexible schedule. The increased flexibility offered by an accelerated nursing program means you can complete your studies at home, without commuting or attending classes. Ready to take the next step? Check out a list of
Accelerated Nursing Program Universities.
