Take Advantage of Distance Learning with the Indiana State University Online Nursing Programs
In spite of the economic stress in the United States, one career that continues to expand in terms of employment opportunities is health care. Nurses will always be needed, but the challenge for today’s certified nurses is that an increasing number of health care facilities are no longer interested in LPNs. Most want at least RNs, and even higher pay is offered to those with BSN or MSN degrees. Thus if you already have your RN, you may be a candidate for an online RN to BSN college degree at the ISU.
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While numerous colleges offer the RN to BSN, nurses will find it more challenging to go from an LPN to and RN. It is more common to find an LPN to BSN bridge program than to simply go from LPN to RN. Unless the university of your choice offers a LPN to RN transition program, you may enroll only to find out that your course of study includes a repeat of LPN material. Since the BSN is preferred over even the RN, the programs at ISU are either LPN to BSN or RN to BSN. The requirements of the BSN may seem like overkill to someone already having an LPN and just wanting to become an RN, but the university nursing professionals know that without a BSN, it can be difficult to find long term work, and even more difficult to achieve advancements in your career. The BSN is simply the four year nursing degree and is the 21st century way to go.
Indiana State University claims to be the only institution in the country where you can earn a BSN degree completely online—without stepping foot in a classroom. The bachelor degree program for licensed practical nurses, vocational nurses (LVNs) and RNs offers classes using a variety of distance learning strategies. The necessary clinical experiences are arranged at health care facilities in your own area. The program is a four year course of study with the same requirements, exams, etc., but a studious individual may be able to complete the degree in less time. All applicants must be at least an LPN or an LVN. The upper level nursing programs consist of 43 credit hours. The program is not available in Kansas.
In order to accommodate the highest number of students, enrollment is conducted in a “rolling” structure, allowing you to begin your education when it is convenient for you rather than waiting for the beginning of a traditional semester. There is no waiting period although you will need to pass college equivalency exams.
According to Princeton Review, ISU is one of the best colleges in the northwest. The nursing program itself is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting and the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
