Graduate nursing programs aim to integrate theory, research, experiential knowledge and evidence-based practices into nursing. Graduates with a master (MS) or PhD degree in nursing may choose to become family nurse practitioners, nurse educators, clinical nurse specialists, nursing administrators and more. In this case, graduate nursing programs can help the graduates to make their dreams come true.
The demand for nurses is projected to be very high in the coming decade as the population ages and as preventative care becomes a higher priority. The highest job growth will be in out-patient settings such as doctor’s offices, patient’s homes and elder care facilities.
Indeed, nursing is a growing field, and holding higher nursing degrees opens the door to a greater variety of career possibilities. Here, graduate nursing programs fulfill a duty to prepare the competent graduates.
The graduate nursing programs can be found at many colleges and universities including a number of online colleges. There are many nursing programs and affordable nursing education options available to the savvy nursing student. But before you attend school, you need to decide which nursing programs work best for you and your nursing career endeavors.
The followings are the various nursing education degree options to help you decide the best graduate nursing programs for your education dollar.
1. Nursing Programs: LPN or LVN Education Degree
Licensed practical nursing (LPN) or licensed vocational nursing (LVN) programs typically involve one year of training at a hospital, vocational technical school or community college. Graduates of these graduate nursing programs are eligible for licensure as an LPN or LVN after receiving their diploma or certificate. To earn an LPN license, you must pass a state administered nursing examination called the NCLEX-PN® examination.
2. Associate of Science in Nursing Program
The 2-year associate degree nursing program focuses more on technical skills than theory and for 30 percent of ASN graduates; it is their stepping stone to a BSN. It allows a student to become a registered nurse (RN) and earn money more quickly than a 4-year BSN program, so it works better for many students. The Associate of Science in nursing program is the entry point for technical nursing practice.
3. LPN-to-BSN Education Programs
These graduate nursing programs offer the licensed practical nurse or licensed vocational nurse (LVN), the opportunity to attain the BSN degree in just four academic semesters.
4. RN-to-BSN Education Degree Programs
These graduate nursing programs are designed for registered nurse graduates of associate degree or diploma programs who want to complete their BSN degree. They provide credit for nursing skills already learned through school or work experience.
Most often these graduate nursing programs are available with a very flexible schedule designed to meet the needs of working nurses. Classes might meet only evenings or weekends. Some schools have “RN-only” classes which are separate from classes taught to pre-licensure students. Many schools have multiple start dates each year for these nursing programs, rather than just one date in the Fall.
Several online RN-to-BSN programs are also available. These graduate nursing programs are also known as Bridge Programs, BSN for RNs, Completion Programs, Nursing Mobility in Education Programs, Advanced Placement, Advanced Standing or Transition Options. Approximately 30 percent of BSN graduates annually come from RN-to-BSN programs.
There are still many graduate nursing programs available for you. Graduate nursing programs can train a nurse for work in education, research, midwifery and special family practice. Many nursing programs also offer post-graduate certificate programs to help a student prepare to take national board exams or certification tests.
