Nursing Schools in Oregon
In today's world, nursing is a profession gaining more and more importance. Previously, these professionals would be used to administer superficial treatment to patients while the doctors diagnosed and recommended treatment protocols. Nowadays, a competent nursing staff is needed in every healthcare facility to bridge the gap between doctors and a growing population. Nurses are responsible for diagnosing illnesses, administering treatment, and ensuring that the patient's health remains stable throughout.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the job growth rate in the healthcare industry will be over 20%, which makes it among the fastest growing industries. If you are interested in entering a career as a nurse, this article will help you understand a very important aspect of the process - selecting the nursing school.
Types of Degrees
Most nursing schools offer three ways of obtaining training in the nursing field. Your choice of nursing school will depend on your personal and professional preferences. Becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) is one basic way of entering this field. Technical schools and hospitals offer basic certification courses in areas such as CPR, first aid, and basic paramedic training to help you become an effective medical first responder. The advantage here is that these programs do not require a lot of time - you could become a LPN within a year. You could then use this basic training to gain practical experience, and then leverage both to sign up for more advanced courses.
An Associate's Degree in Nursing is the second option for students. These are typically two-year long programs, which offer theoretical and practical training in one package. You will cover subjects like pharmacology, physiology, biochemistry, and be taught how to operate different equipment in the workplace in your line of work. A Bachelors of Science in Nursing is more rigorous than the other two programs. This degree program usually lasts for four years. Students will cover various topics in the medical field, and also a combination of topics in the humanities, social sciences, and math. The practical and theoretical components are also more rigorous, giving students a comprehensive training experience.
Online vs. On Campus
Many schools are now offering students the chance to enroll in online nursing programs. This makes the educational resources more accessible to a wider audience. Students could work through the coursework at their own pace, in a more flexible manner, while receiving the same benefit as a campus-based setting. If you are pressed for time, then an online option may be good for you.
Accreditation
When looking into nursing schools in Oregon or any other state, be sure to check for accreditation. Once you complete your education, you will be required to complete a licensing exam to practice your profession. If you have not completed your education from an accredited program, the state will doubt your credentials and prevent you from taking the exam. Make sure that your program has all the right authorization before applying. To help you in this matter, a list of accredited nursing schools in Oregon may be provided by the Oregon State Board of Nursing.