See a list of good, low-cost RN to BSN programs online
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Online RN to BSN Programs Courses for BSN Completion Degree
Which Courses You'll Take:
Becoming An RN With An
Associates Degree in Nursing
Most nurses begin their careers
by getting an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), which
qualifies them to give treatments and medications to patients and
consult with physicians about a patient’s case. Because
registered nurses (RN’s) must also explain test results and
treatments to patients in many cases, they receive a good deal of course
training in communication as part of their ADN degree, in addition core
courses on clinical topics.
The ADN degree can allow you to
get an entry level job quickly, because demand for nurses has been
tremendous in the US for many years. In fact, registered nursing is
predicted to be tge area with the 2nd largest number of new jobs among
all occupations in the U.S from now through 2014.
First, The NCLEX Exam Before you can actually start
working, however, you will need to get a license to practice your home
state by passing what’s called a NCLEX-RN (National Council
Licensure Examination) exam. All 50 states administer them (many, by
the way, include a criminal background check). Nursing is a career that
requires real commitment, but a typical registered nurse’s
salary is good: the national median, according to U.S. Department of
Labor statistics from 2004, is about $52,000.
An RN is qualified to
administer medication and other treatment to patients, as well as
consult with physicians regarding patient care. He or she must also
explain the results of diagnostic tests and long term treatment options
to patients and their families. When you have your license, you will be
qualified to work in a hospital, nursing home, clinic or even home care
setting. Once you’ve built up experience as an RN, you may
want to pursue a additional degree like an RN TO BSN,
with course work that will prepare you for an advanced nursing job as a
clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist or nurse-midwife.
Prerequisites Virtually all schools will
require you to take certain general required courses before starting
your core nursing courses for the ADN. A typical list of prerequisite
courses, which may schools will insist you have a grade of at least
“C” in to count towards your nursing degree, might
include sociology, basic algebra, writing or English literature, a
social studies course and a computer literacy requirement. A community
college is often the place where aspiring nurses get these courses
taken care of (in fact, many successful RN’s take they
associate’s degree courses at community colleges as well).
The classic Associates Degree
of nursing is a two-year program. However, many schools now offer
faster track options if you want to move through a program quickly, or
allow flexibility to get your degree over three years if you need to
take a break in the middle to handle family or career responsibilities.
Once you get into nursing school, here are some of the typical core courses you’re likely to be choosing from:
- Nursing skills
- Math for medical personnel
- Disease processes
- Nutrition
- Speech communication or communication
- Pharmacology
- Human growth and development
- Developmental psychology
- Maternal and newborn nursing or nursing care of the child-bearing family
- Microbiology
- Fundamentals of communication
- Medical terminology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Mental Health Nursing
- Microbiology
- Chemistry
Learn about the more advanced RN to BSN Bachelor's Degree
Search and get free information about online nursing courses here
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MORE ON NURSING DEGREES:
Nursing Degrees Overview
Starting As An RN Or LPN
Courses You Take For An Associates Degree In Nursing
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Cost Of An Associates Degree In Nursing
Cost Of A Licensed Practical Nurse Degree
Nursing School Accreditation
Career Resources For Nurses & Nursing Students
Who Employs RNs And LPNs?
Medical Coding & Other Allied Health Careers
How Hourly Work Can Help A Young Nurse Gain Experience To Get The Best Entry Level Nursing Jobs
Key FAQs About A BSN Online
Tips On Passing The NCLEX Exam
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