Nursing Schools in Tennessee
Nursing today is no longer the same profession it was a few decades ago. Today, these professionals are at the forefront of medicine. They act as bridges between the doctors and patients, and are able to take on more responsibility in the workplace with regards to diagnosis and treatment. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this is one of the fastest growing professions in the United States. Nursing schools in Tennessee have been available for many years; helping students receive the training they need to start their nursing careers. If you want to learn more about the types of programs available and what opportunities they could provide, our article will help you gain some important insight.
Nursing Programs
The type of program you may choose depends on several factors: your time commitment, finances, interests, and professional goals. One nursing program that is available helps students to become licensed practical nurses (LPN). These are junior professionals who work under the supervision of registered nurses (RN) and doctors, and help in providing medical care to patients. Individuals interested in this career may choose between completing a basic diploma in nursing or earning an associate's degree in nursing (ADN). The first of these comprises several short certification modules which must be completed to obtain the nursing diploma. The duration of each module varies between four and eight weeks, and the overall diploma may be completed as quickly as a year.
An Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) allows for more opportunities in your career. These programs usually take two years to complete, and provide you with training in skills you need to become an effective nurses. Learning is divided between class-based lectures and practical sessions to allow students time to learn the theory and then practically apply it as well. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a more holistic degree. Students usually spend four years covering the syllabus required to become a nurse, and this will include subjects in the humanities and social sciences. Students who earn an ADN or a BSN may apply to become RNs, and assume more senior roles in hospital and help diagnose and treat patients more independently.
Graduate, Accelerated, and Bridge Programs
Students who have completed their undergraduate training may go on to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree as well. This degree usually takes up to two years to complete, and allows students to specialize in a variety of fields. Specializations range from pediatrics to gastroenterology to midwifery. Nurses who wish to enter academia may continue their studies to the Doctoral level and become college professors. Some nursing schools in Tennessee offer bridge programs. These are recommended for professionals in the medical field who wish to move up professionally.
Bridge programs help LPNs become RNs by covering the additional training necessary for the senior position. Successful candidates may take the licensing exam for RNs and begin applying for RN positions. At every level, accelerated programs are available for students who wish to complete their degree in a shorter amount of time and enter the workforce. These programs are highly competitive and meant for serious applicants.