Associate Degree in Nursing ADN

Most of us have considered going back to school at one point or another. I want go back to school to get my master's degree. I, like you, research programs to see what will work best for my lifestyle. I will need to continue to work my full time job and run my household, while I obtain my degree. The reasons that we decide to go back to school as an adult are much the same--no matter what degree that we pursue. 

So, let's talk about my top 5 reasons.

1. Career Advancement--Earning your associate's or bachelor's degree will open up more career opportunities for you. If you earn your Associate Degree in Nursing online, you can move forward in your career to become an RN. If you earn your Bachelor's degree in Fire Science, you can advance into higher ranks and move into a leadership role. But whatever degree you pursue, earning it will lead to more options for your career. 

2. Earning Potential--By advancing your education and earning your degree, you increase your earning potential. The easiest example of this is the difference in pay between an LPN and an RN. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the average salary for an LPN at $40,380 and the average salary for an RN at $64,690. That is a remarkable difference!

3.Expanding Your Horizons--Learning opens us up to all kinds of experiences. I think we can rediscover our love of learning and how much we enjoy the challenge of finding answers. It can spark a lifelong love of new adventures.

4. Achieving Your Dream--By earning your degree, you will accomplish a milestone in your life. It is one that will take hard work and dedication. There might be times along the way when you feel like giving up--but you can push through to keep going. Thinking about how your life will change can help to motivate you to stay on track.

5. Inspiring Others--Most people don't realize that by reaching their goal, they inspire others to take a chance and follow their dream too. You will impact those around you with your success and will be a role model for those that are contemplating taking the next step in their career.  

I'm sure after reading these reasons, you might even have more reasons to add to your list. If you're ready to discover more about earning your degree online through The College Network and one of our partner universities, call us today at 800-395-1014. Or you can request more information here. 

Happy New Year!!!

Hopefully you had a great 2012 but I want to help you have an even better 2013 by fulfilling one of your biggest resolutions.

Every single year people make a ton of different resolutions:

• This is the year I finally lose that extra 10 pounds
• This is the year I finally stop smoking
• This is the year I finally start flossing (no? Maybe just me)

While oftentimes it is looked at as goal that supersedes a resolution, I want to tell you why this should be the year you choose to finish your online education.

To me, there is nothing more rewarding than learning a new skill or finally mastering something that you have been working on for a while. Rarely, do these new skills tend to lead to you getting a raise at work.

As much as I would love to learn to play a new instrument, here in the field of online education, I'm not going to make any more money for doing it.

What am I getting at?

Well, just by completing your degree and passing your NCLEX-RN you can get a job making up to $20,000 more each year.

While this may seem like a larger undertaking than learning a new instrument or foreign language, I want to assure you that it is not.

When you are learning anything new, how do you get better at it?

1. Practice
2. Practice
3. Practice
4. More Practice

If you are not spending at least 10 hours a week practicing guitar or French, how do you expect to retain it? 

What if you could finish your associate degree in nursing in 18 months solely by "practicing" 10 hours a week?

At The College Network, our online comprehensive learning modules have been designed specifically to make this a reality.

Many people that work on one of our courses spend about 10 hours a week and finishes one course in just over a month.

Now that's progress!

So what are you waiting for? Make 2013 the year you earn your degree, move up at work, and make an average of $20,000 more a year.

Ein Peck, Program Advisor

(800) 307-1006, ext. 4786

We're excited to launch Education Editorial — a new eMagazine from The College Network®. This edition is packed with valuable articles written by experts in nursing and healthcare. 

We are officially in the holiday season. It's a time that most of us look forward to seeing our family and friends, while enjoying the feeling of contentment we get from being around those we love. But it can also be really stressful. We try to manage our work, our shopping, our studying, our volunteering, our family--it's overwhelming at times.  

Because of everything going on in your life, you might think that it's a great time to stop studying, put aside your online education and take a break.  I want to encourage you not to do that.  Be sure that as you are scheduling your holiday get-togethers, you are also scheduling your study time.

Why not take a break?

Here's why. You will get to the first of the year and wish that you had studied so that you were further ahead in your associate degree in nursing or your RN to BS in nursing program. We want you to reach the first of the year, look back at 2012 and be happy with how much you accomplished. If for some reason you feel like you won't be able to do that--call us. 

The College Network's academic support team can work with you to help you get back on track and move forward. We can make sure you have a study plan and help you chart your course to make your degree attainable--for you. We know that you can do it, and everyone needs some help now and then. 

You can reach our academic team at 800-634-1443. Or call one of our program advisors at 800-395-1014 to learn more about our other online programs and what is the best fit for you. 

There are quite a lot of customers at The College Network who have taken advantage of the EARN program. But, there are also quite a few that haven't yet. And, if you don't know about it--let me tell you the ways that it can help you with your degree program.

The EARN program helps customers create their own study communities by referring their friends and coworkers. There are some of our customers who work together that will meet in the cafeteria every week for a study group.  It helps motivate them and gives them a support system. I think It's always helpful, when you don't quite understand a concept, to hear someone explain something to you from their perspective.  

The EARN program also benefits customers by supporting their education. You see, as a customer of The College Network who is obtaining an associate degree in nursing or working towards a bachelor's degree, you will receive $200 for each person that you refer to The College Network when they enroll in a degree program. And, when you reach your sixth referral--The College Network portion of your program loan will be paid off!  

Need more motivation?  I recently worked with a customer on her success story. She just reached her loan payoff by referring her friends at work. To help them succeed in their program, she gave them the $200 she had received for the referral so they could use it to pay for their first exam. She is motivating them to succeed by inspiring them with her success. And, she has earned every part of it!

Call us today at 866-567-6150 to make a referral or you can also go online--create your own study group and support your education. 

 

The past several years have been disappointing for college applicants looking to earn their associate’s degree in nursing (ADN). According to the National League for Nursing, ADN applications were the most frequently rejected among both pre- and post-licensure nursing applications in 2011. The NLN report stated that nearly 50% of all qualified ADN applications were rejected in 2011, with only 15% of the nation’s ADN programs accepting qualified applicants on a regular basis. A lack of qualified faculty was found to be the main obstacle preventing nursing programs from accepting qualified candidates and expanding program capacity.

Despite these discouraging statistics, there are still several options for students looking to pursue their RN license with an associate’s degree. Distance learning programs like those offered by The College Network provide a positive alternative to the lengthy waiting lists found at most campus-based programs. By completing general education requirements with The College Network, students can bypass the wait-list process and apply directly to university nursing programs with a useful set of existing credits. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can get started with your associate’s degree without the wait, contact The College Network at 800-395-1014 today to speak with one of our knowledgeable Program Advisors.

 

Who influences you?  I was recently at a conference in a session that spoke to influencers as they pertained to social media, and  it made me think about personal and professional influences and how they can impact our lives.

Professionally, it is great when you work with someone that has more experience than you.  I often find that by working with them, I am challenged and motivated to produce higher quality work.  It's also a great feeling when that person recognizes your efforts and talents.  

If you are an LPN/LVN, I'm sure you have RNs that you look up to that you work with.  You hope one day to follow in their footsteps and become an RN yourself.  I'm also sure that once you let them know of your aspiration, they will support you and help mentor you.  And at The College Network,  we can also help you as you work through your LPN to RN degree program to obtain your Associate Degree in Nursing.  

And, we can't forget to mention those that personally influence us.  From my father, I developed a love of reading that has helped me in my career and enriched my life.  One's family has the biggest influence, I think.  They are there to help support us when we need it and also push us when we need that too.  I'm sure your family will help you in any way they can as you reach your goal of a degree.  

Are you ready to help influence someone else?  By moving forward in your career and gaining your degree--you will become the type of influential person that you look up to now.  That's a pretty cool thing.  Call us today at 800-395-1014 and we can help you get there.  

Many people I have the pleasure of talking to on a day-to-day basis ask me to help differentiate The College Network from Excelsior College® in obtaining their Associate of Science in Nursing Degree.  For your information, I'd like to go over a brief synopsis of what roles we each have in this process.

The New York Times revealed in a recent article the increasing number of hospitals requiring nurses with associate degrees to earn a bachelor's degree/RN. "The need [for nurses] is so great that nurses without bachelor's degrees are still in demand. But experts say that may change in years to come, particularly at hospitals, the largest segment of the profession and one of the best paid."

The article went on to say, "Surveys show that most hospitals prefer to hire nurses with bachelor's degrees, though they often cannot find enough. Lawmakers in several states, including New York, have introduced bills that would require at least some hospital staff nurses to have bachelor's degrees within 10 years, though none have become law."

It's obvious that change in the field of Nursing is on the way, so shouldn't you take it upon yourself to stay ahead of the eventual education requirements and being earning your way to a higher degree? If you're already an LPN or a nurse with an associate's degree looking to earn your RN, The College Network can help you earn your degree fast and efficiently, without having to give up your current work schedule. With the Comprehensive Learning Modules and the online Resource Center, you can learn at your own pace and at the fraction of the cost of a traditional four year university. 

It's important to recognize change, and the upcoming changes in the field of nursing are going to effect current associate degree nurses for years to come. Stay ahead and be prepared with the help of The College Network.

Did you know as a Paramedic, you can earn your Associate Degree in Nursing degree in as little as 18 months and continue to work while you do it?    

As a paramedic, you are used to working long hours.  Oftentimes, you might be on call for 24 hours straight.  Being an registered nurse will afford you the opportunity to work on a set schedule and usually 40 hours a week (some nurses work more hours if they want to pick up extra shifts).  

Now, let's talk about your salary.  Registered nurses earn on average twice as much as paramedics. While according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics both fields will grow between now and the year 2020, as a paramedic to RN you have more job opportunities and will be able to earn more.  

I spoke to one of our customers about his experience, as a paramedic who earned his associate degree from a leading university using The College Network to move into a nursing role. It gave him a great foundation and helps him in his current role as an emergency room nurse working with critical patients.  You can read more about William's story here.  

If you want to learn more about the paramedic to RN program, please check out our website.  Or you can always call one our Program Advisors at 800-395-1014 for more information. 

 

There are many reports that talk about the increasing need for registered nurses.  With the aging baby boomer population, planning for changing healthcare needs will be at the forefront of hospitals and providers across the country.

The registered nursing field is going to grow by 26% by 2020.  If you break that down, it means that there are currently 2,737,400 jobs for registered nurses in the United States.  And, by 2020, that number will be 3,449,300, showing an increase of 711,900.  In comparison to other occupations that are growing by 14%, this field is far and away one that is at the top percentage of growth.  (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Handbook, 2012-2013 Edition, Registered Nurses) 

So, let's talk about pay.  Registered nurses, on average, make $64,690 a year. When you compare nursing to other occupations that have an average salary of $33,840,  you can see that becoming a registered nurse will offer you a secure, comfortable future.  (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Handbook, 2012-2013 Edition, Registered Nurses)  

You can easily plan to be a part of the 3,449,300 working registered nurses.  There really is not a better time to gain your Associate Degree in Nursing.  Working through your online program with The College Network is doable, and you can continue to work full time.  Also, you can work at your own pace, on a schedule that fits into your life.

Learn more about our nursing programs here or call us today at (800)-39-LEARN to reach one of our Program Advisors and plan for your future.  

 

Let's talk about the number 6. It's my lucky number. But it's also much more than that. Here are some very interesting facts about the number 6.

Did you know?

• 6 is the smallest perfect number.
• 6 is the atomic number of carbon.
• The cells of a beehive honeycomb are 6-sided. 
• There are 6 strings on a standard guitar. 
• LeBron James wears the number 6 on his jersey.
• Every Braille cell is made up of 6 dots.
• John Quincy Adams was the 6th president of the United States.
• Insects have 6 legs.
• 6 points are scored for a touchdown.
• The standard term of office for a United States senator is 6 years.
• It is said that there are no more than 6 degrees of separation between any two people on Earth.

So, why bring up the number 6?  Did you know that with our EARN program, when you refer 6 people to The College Network who enroll into a degree program, we will pay for your remaining TCN loan balance? It doesn't matter if you are currently obtaining your Associate Degree in Nursing, Bachelors in Business, or any other degree offered through The College Network and our leading university affiliates online--you can take advantage of the EARN program.

Here's how it works. When you refer someone to The College Network and they become a customer, you receive $200 for that referral after 90 days from when they started in their program. Then you continue to receive $200 for each referral you make after that. If you add it up, 5 referrals=$1,000.  Then when you reach your 6th referral TCN will pay for your remaining contract portion of your program. Or if you have already paid for your program in full, we will pay for 75% of your contract amount. Pretty amazing, isn't it? Click here to review the full program guidelines. 

Take advantage of the EARN program and you'll see why 6 is a magic number too. (And, you can still refer someone after your program is paid for and continue to EARN $200 for each referral.) If you're ready to start adding up your referrals, feel free to contact me at 317-566-2647 or email at tfernkas@collegenetwork.com.  

A recent article in the Herald-Tribune addressed a forecast for the upcoming Florida nursing shortage. "A workforce survey by the Florida Center for Nursing shows that vacancies and turnover began to accelerate in 2011 after a four-year slide. The nonprofit center predicts that Florida will run short of registered nurses by 11,000 openings in 2015 — and by 50,000 in 2025."

"Why should society feel responsible only for the education of children, and not for the education of all adults of every age?" -Erich Fromm

As you get older, busier, and more responsible it seems as though it becomes harder and harder to gain an education. Not because you don't have the will to study or because you are too busy to study but because it seems as if education was created as a "young man's game".

Courses are built around impossible time slots with very little availability. How can you be expected to work and take care of your family when you are expected to spend 6-8 hours in a class room 3-5 days a week? While it may be possible for some, I guarantee it isn't easy to put your life on hold for a 2- or 4-year degree. Especially with waiting lists at many schools that stretch to 3+ years before you can even start your education!

The College Network has a different philosophy.

We think ANYONE should be able to further their education and reach their goals without having to inconvenience themselves or put their lives on hold. We offer self-paced, as fast or as slow as you want (I'm not exaggerating, click here to read about a woman who got her Associate Degree in Nursing in 7 months), that you can do when it's convenient for you.

If you want to work on Introduction to Sociology at 3:00 AM on Tuesday night, who are we to tell you that you can't?

We are all about the "do what's best for you" mind set. You'll never be penalized for taking too long or moving to quickly.

Sound too good to be true? Well, there is one other thing...

WE HAVE NO WAITING LIST!!!

So it must be too good to be true? Over the last couple days, I have in fact heard several people say the exact same thing and all I could do was smile.

If you thought you were too busy to achieve your goals, give us a call today to find out how you can reach them, at your pace.

I recently read an article about a high school in Ohio paying students to go school.  While at first I was doubtful of rewarding students for what they are supposed to do anyway--the more I thought about it, the more I could see the benefits of it.

We start out from a young age going to school.  Whether or not you want to, or feel like it, you go to school. Once we graduate, we go to work.  School--work.  And for some, especially pursuing online higher education,  we work while we are in school. The high school students that I mentioned are being paid for school--as if they showed up for a job everyday.  Just as they will upon graduation.  And, they are also making the commitment to their education and being rewarded for it.

For those of you in a degree or certificate program, mabye your Associate Degree in Nursing or a Lean Six Sigma certificate program, you are being paid for going to school and you will be rewarded for it as well.  It might not seem that way now but once you obtain your degree or certificate, your employment opportunities are going to change.  You are going to be able to command a higher salary for your level of education and expertise.

So, while you can think about it as a deferred reward--it is definitely there for you--waiting.  And, if you have been thinking about expanding your opportunities and like the idea of being rewarded for your education, give us a call at The College Network, (800)39-LEARN.  We can help you find the right program for you so you can move ahead in your career and reap the rewards of your education.  

As an Academic Advisor in the Customer Support department with The College Network it is always exciting to follow a customer’s progress from beginning to end. I had the privilege of working closely with a particular customer throughout the majority of her Associate’s in Nursing program whom has just informed me that she completed her ASN and successfully passed her RN Boards.

Karen Walton from Saginaw, Michigan signed with The College Network in September 2009. While I was a new advisor and she a new customer, she trusted me enough to help guide her through her program. Although personal hurdles almost hindered her dream of attaining her associate degree in nursing, and at times she felt like giving up, she persevered and accomplished her goal. I asked that she let me help her, because I knew she would be able to complete her program. Through weekly and then monthly emails regarding her progress, assisting her with her content questions, and overall motivation and support, Karen was able to forge ahead.  Karen not only completed her program within 24 months, but she passed all 12 of her exams on the first attempt! Karen’s story demonstrates that anything is possible if you want it enough. I couldn’t be more proud of her.

It’s moments like these that inspire me and reinforce my decision to dedicate my professional life to the education of others. There is no better feeling in the world than knowing someone else has obtained the same dream I was able to attain, a college degree.

Congratulations again, Karen from not only myself but the entire TCN Family! I wish you nothing but the best in all of your future endeavors! 

During my usual morning routine while reading the news online, I came across this article that made me stop.  Titled, "10 Hot Careers for 2012 - And Beyond," it takes a look at fields that are in need of more qualified employees.  Not surprisingly, #2 on the list is healthcare professionals.  Take a look at this link.  

As you can see, with an average salary of over $64,000 per year, the U.S. will be in need of 103,900 RNs PER YEAR.  So for all you LPNs, LVNs, and Paramedics out there wanting to boost your career, receive a pay raise and a steady job, look no further than the advanced nursing education provided by The College Network and leading universities.  We can take you from your LPN/LVN/Paramedic to your associate degree in nursing or BS in Nursing degree and have you earn the RN money and stability you're looking for.  Give us a call today!  

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, kburton@collegenetwork.com, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734

I was really hoping for a snow day today.  The weather forecasted inches of snow and that the roads would be impassable.  But lo and behold, I woke up and there was very little snow.  The feeling of disappointment I had was tremendous.  I thought, “wouldn’t it have been great if I could have just spent the day doing what I wanted and didn’t have to work?”

I don’t think I’m alone in this line of thought.  As adults, our time is at a premium and we are committed to doing what we have to do—over what we would like to do. Sometimes we commit to something and then when it is time to deliver, we question why we ever agreed to do it in the first place.

Being in an online degree program can feel that way at times.  Your time is always at a premium because most likely you are working full time and probably have a family as well.  You have to make time to study, even when you feel like you just want to have your own "snow day" and do whatever you would like.  

You might even be questioning why you made the commitment to obtain your Associate Degree in Nursing or your Bachelor's Degree in Nursing.  But you did--and you made the right choice. And, just like I am at work today (and as it turns out I am enjoying sitting here writing to you and glad that I am here) you just have to log on and start through your comprehensive learning modules.  You will be motivated the more work you do and the further along you get in your degree program. 

And, if you need some motivation just give us a call at 800 39-LEARN.  We are at The College Network to hear about your day and make you glad that it's not a snow day. 

I hesitate to bring this subject up--but we're all thinking about it.  It's time for our New Year's resolutions.  I know, groan, groan, groan.  But, it really does give us a great opportunity to take a hard look at our lives and see what is working for us and what isn't.  You can think of it as cleaning house, starting with a clean slate or a resolution.  Resolutions somehow seem more daunting to me, so I prefer to think of it as cleaning house.  

I will admit to you that I can be somewhat of a Grinch at this time of year.  All the hoopla about Black Friday, Cyber Monday, just seems to sink me lower into my "Grinchness." What are we really focusing on here?  Christmas should be about giving of yourself--not giving until your wallet is empty.

I started thinking about those that give of themselves selflessly and focus on bringing joy and comfort.  Of course, I thought of our great nurses out there on the job everyday.  Nurses work 365 days a year, keep that in mind when you are celebrating the day with your family.  It is nurses that answer when you call and they are the ones that are there when you are in pain or need someone to help you. 

This holiday season, I am going to think about what I can give to those that I love.  I am not going to think about where I can buy it, where to order it, where to fight the crowds to find it. I am going to give myself in service.  I will be a babysitter, drive someone to their appointment, grocery shop, house-sit during a trip.  I am going to be there when they call and need me.

Happy holidays from The College Network.  You are a nurse--someone that makes a difference every day.  Whether we have worked with you this year on your Associate degree in Nursing,   Bachelor's degree in nursing, or if you are considering one of our your online degree programs, I wish you the happiest of days.  This Grinch finds herself with a heart that has grown three sizes larger.