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As a licensed practical nurse, you play a huge role in the care and wellness of the patients you serve. In order to get the most out of your career, it is important to consider the different variations of nursing specialties and degree programs available to you as a professional.
From the LPN level, you may have the option to pursue a bachelor's level degree that focuses on nursing right from your very own home. The integration of online degree advancement programs has changed the way that current professionals view their future. Online LPN to BSN programs can provide you with the degree you need to open more opportunities at hospitals, health care centers, and even specialty clinics. As with most professionals, quitting your job to go to college is not always an option. Since the need for educated and experienced nurses is constantly on the rise, a degree advancement program through an online medium is a great opportunity for your consideration.
Online classrooms, discussions, and assignment submissions are just a few of the perks to choosing this route for your education.
Time flexibility and learning from home can allow for you to continue working a regular schedule, while pursuing a future that can be filled with more job opportunities, better pay, and increased job satisfaction. Our team of educational experts has provided this guide to assist you with learning more about these incredible online degree advancement programs.
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| Utica University | Bachelor | RN to Bachelor of Science | Website |
| Methodist University | Associate and Bachelor | Online Associates and Bachelors Programs | Website |
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What is an LPN to BSN degree?
As you may be aware, the standards for nursing professionals have changed over the years. The BSN is now the minimum degree required to obtain entry-level nursing positions in many different medical settings. In order to be considered for these jobs, applicants are required to have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, as well as some work experience in some cases.
Holding the LPN certification can bring you plenty of opportunity within rehabilitative centers, nursing homes, and specialty clinics, but to become eligible for better paying positions, advancing your degree may be the best choice. The LPN to BSN degree advancement program is designed to teach students further information in regards to the nursing discipline. Most programs start by acknowledging your current experience and education as a tool for greater understanding.
During courses, you may use the knowledge you already have to better understand how the body operates and responds to illness, injury, and disease. Advancement in knowledge can give you more expertise in terms of personal care, which is what makes this degree such an asset to nursing professionals.
This can help you become a more experienced professional that can provide better services to the people you serve. The LPN to BSN degree can be a huge first step in obtaining careers that pay more, give you more responsibility, and provide more pronounced care to the public. It can also set you on track to even higher learning through master’s level programs in the future.
LPN to BSN programs can be found in a variety of settings, with the most popular being through online platforms. These online degree programs are just as reliable and relevant as traditional degree programs, while giving students the option to continue working or maintaining a normal personal life throughout the duration of the program.
Common LPN to BSN Courses
While in the LPN to BSN program, you may find that the curriculum includes some familiar components of public health care. Since you have already succeeded in completing the LPN program, you may have a good idea of what to expect in the nursing education environment.
An important aspect to consider is that these programs are likely to go further in depth in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, and biological development. Some of the primary goals of these programs include looking deeper into human development and genetic components, biology throughout the lifespan, an investigative look into the various diagnostic devices and tools available in the medical field, a review of bodily systems and their functions, and best practices for health care.
This is not an exhaustive list by far, but it can give you a better look into what may be included within your LPN to BSN advancement program. In addition to this information, our team has provided a list of common courses within this program below.
- Psychosocial Nursing: This course may provide students with a better understanding of nursing concepts used when working with patients that have been diagnosed with, or suffer from symptoms of, mental health disorders.
- Complex Issues in Adult Health: Students taking this course may be introduced to concepts regarding the care of adult patients with serious and complex disorders and issues. Proper protocol for care, management of symptoms, and communications may also be discussed in this course.
- Nursing Management: This is an introductory course for management in nursing. Students can learn the various aspects of management in nursing, including financial, client-focused care, team-work, scheduling, and conflict resolution.
- Health Assessment: While in this course, students can learn the proper technique for developing and conducting health assessments on a wide variety of patients. Basic nursing concepts and processes may also be discussed.
- Transition from LPN to BSN: This introductory course can assist students in transitioning back into an educational setting. Students may learn the role differentiations between the LPN and RN, while addressing the primary responsibilities of each.
How Much Does an LPN to BSN Degree Cost?
Now that you know what to expect in the educational realm of LPN to BSN programs, you might be wondering what the financial attachments of pursuing a higher degree may be.
For most online programs, you can expect to see a wide variation in the pricing between universities.
This can be due to many different factors, including in-state versus out-of-state tuition, technology fees and access, as well as the demand for the program.
Investigating colleges and doing your research into the costs of each can give you an advantage during your search for the right program. In addition to monetary costs, it is also vital to consider how much time off of work you will need, if applicable, since this can contribute to the overall costs of attending college for 2 to 3 years. Our experts have taken a look at some of the popular online LPN to BSN programs in an effort to get you started on your search for a better paying career and more job opportunities.
Tuition Cost for an LPN to BSN
North Dakota State University (NDSU) is a leading provider of online LPN to BSN programs. The cost of LPN to BSN programs at this university vary depending on factors such as a student’s location and technology needs. At this university, you can expect to pay more per credit hour if you plan to attend out of state. The in-state tuition per semester at this university is $4,169.50, while out-of-state residents are charged at a rate of $11,132 per semester.
Some fees associated with this school include activity, student health, wellness center, career services, and library fees. These fees can vary in prices depending on the university.
Another university offering the online LPN to BSN program, Indiana State University, has tuition labeled at $5,535 per semester for out-of-state online students, which can be a more manageable price for interested students. Fees at this university include an education delivery fee per course, laboratory fees, course fees, clinical education, and faculty course fees.
Career Outcomes and Salary Information
After you have obtained your BSN, you have the potential to seek out careers in several different areas. Since nurses are a critical part of the health care team, they can be found in every aspect of the medical field. Some of the different specialties for nursing are listed below.
Career Possibilities
Psychiatry
The field of mental health relies on the expertise of nurses to help care for patients receiving services in residential facilities, hospitals, and even in their own home. This field may also require nurses to have an educational background in psychology and specialized training in working with people that suffer from mental illness.
Maternal and Child Health
Nurses within this specialization may assist with the care of women before, during, and after childbearing years. Nurses may also provide care to children within a family unit, providing guidance for better health and wellness.
Sports
In sports, nurses may be responsible for overseeing athlete care during training exercises, competitions, and in time between. In order to be a part of this field, nurses may be required to have knowledge and experience in physical training and rehabilitation, as well as a background in fitness.
Home Health Services
Home health nurses visit clients in their own home. These nurses provide standard care including, diagnostics, medicine delivery, and minor medical intervention within a home setting.
Rehabilitative Services
Nurses working in rehabilitation services can provide care to patients that are recovering from a wide variety of ailments and disorders. Whether it be a physical rehabilitation center or treatment for drug or alcohol abuse, nurses in this field can provide high quality care to patients needing help with recovering their quality of life.
Geriatrics
In the field of geriatrics, nurses can provide specialized care to adults of old age. Knowledge in human development and experience working with the elderly population may be required in this field, due to the skills required to provide adequate care to patients.
Pediatrics
Pediatric nurses specialize in the care of infants and children. This highly rewarding field requires nurses to have a strong knowledge of human development from conception to adolescence.
Critical Care
In critical care, nurses must be able to respond quickly to serious situations involving illness or injury. These nurses assist physicians within an emergency room setting and can be a leader in saving lives.
BSN Graduate Salary Information and Expected Job Growth
Another added benefit of taking part in online LPN to BSN programs is the potential to earn more throughout your career. As a registered nurse, you can potentially earn $68,450 per year on average (BLS; 2015). At the bachelor’s level, you could even seek out careers in management, research, or even private services.
The field of nursing is estimated to grow at a rate of 16% over the next decade, making this an ideal place to find work within the medical field (BLS; 2015).
BSN Related Licenses & Ongoing Certifications
Completing your LPN to BSN program can be an experience unlike any other. Now that you have read through this guide, you know what to expect in terms of education and career opportunities. However, in order to be considered for the many different careers available, you must obtain licensure after receiving your degree.
The licensure process typically begins with filing an application for licensure through your respective state. Most states require that you submit copies of your diploma and transcripts, as well as subject yourself to a background check. In addition to this information, you must also provide proof that you have successfully completed the required NCLEX-RN exam.
This licensing exam will test your knowledge of the material learned throughout online LPN to BSN programs, as well as provide some situational issues to consider. Once you have completed this test and turned in all necessary documents, you can be approved for licensure within your state.
Ready to Earn Your LPN to BSN Degree?
When you find a career field that is suitable, it is worth the time and effort to advance yourself as far as possible within in. As the population across the country continues to expand, more people will be in search of reliable health care. As a nurse, you could be a leading source of support for these people.
The first step to becoming a member of this elite group of professionals is acknowledging your desire to move forward with your degree. This desire can be fed by the multitude of online LPN to BSN programs available across the country. Within 2 to 3 years, you could be moving into the career that you have always dreamed of.