The healthcare industry in the United States is facing an increasing demand of competent professionals. Many individuals from the Baby Boomer generation are now entering old age; advances in medical technology are also occurring rapidly. As a result of this, nursing is becoming a popular career choice among individuals who wish to enter this industry.
How to Become a Nurse?
Currently, there are two paths to becoming a professional nurse. You can complete an Associate's degree in Nursing (A.D.N.) or a Bachelor's in Science in Nursing (BSN). The former is a two-year degree program focusing solely on the medical skills you need to execute your nursing duties. A Bachelor's degree offers more comprehensive training over a 4 year period, covering topics in social sciences like psychology and sociology, and enhancing your critical thinking skills. Depending on your finances and career aspirations, you can choose either of the two degrees.
ADN to BSN Online Programs
While an Associate's Degree in Nursing is a faster route to enter the health industry, a Bachelor's degree opens up more opportunities for growth within it. Having a BSN allows you to assume more responsibility and apply for senior positions.
Consider Online Degree Programs
However, there is a problem. A registered nurse with an Associate's degree cannot take time off work in order to complete a Bachelor's program afresh. The schedule of a nurse is too demanding to accommodate a full-time schedule into. In order to facilitate such individuals, universities are now offering ADN to BSN online 'bridge' programs. These allow individuals within the healthcare industry a chance to enhance their skills and become eligible for senior roles in the workplace.
There are many advantages of such bridge programs. The foremost is the convenience. if you are currently working in a hospital or clinic, you will not have to worry about taking days off to attend classes and changing your timetable around a lot. All the learning material is uploaded online and can be accessed from anywhere via a reliable computer and internet connection. Because you are not bound to a campus-based setting, the cost of your degree is also lowered significantly, making it easier to manage financially with your jobs. Though there are deadlines to follow, most online programs are much more flexible than their campus-based counterparts. You can work through the material at your own pace, and ensure that you have properly grasped it.
The online bridge programs award you with a Bachelor's degree upon completion, which is acknowledged as a legitimate degree across the US. Training emphasizes development of critical thinking skills and enhancing your knowledge of topics in biology. Furthermore, you will cover topics in psychology, sociology, and even statistics. The duration of the program may vary based on the university you opt for; typically these programs range from 14 to 21 months of studying. You can opt for a web-based bridge program depending on your preferences.
Taking web-based bridge programs is a great way to jumpstart your career in the healthcare industry.