NLNAC Accredited | The College Network

The Building Blocks of Your Education

Wednesday, November 28, 2012 by Tracia Fernkas

I have seen quite a few postings on Facebook lately about what people are thankful for at this time of year. Personally, I think it's a great practice to develop. So many times we don't think about being grateful for the little things we have in our life. It is so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day hectic schedules that we try to keep up. Work, exercise, school, kids, parents, friends...the list never ends.

I encourage you to take a moment today to be thankful for the education that you have. It has brought you to where you are. If you think about education as building blocks in your life, you can see how far you have come. We learned to read, then write and then figure out if the sum of y is equal to or greater than x. (I still haven't figured that one out and as an English major, I hold little hope that I will.) Once we have those in place, we moved onto a more career-focused education.

Many of you have completed your training and are now LPNs. It was this building block that allowed you to move forward and become a working nurse. Are you now ready to talk about your next building block? The College Network offers a way for you to earn an Associate of Science in nursing degree to provide the education requirements necessary to become a registered nurse.

Through our partnership with Indiana State University, we are also able to offer the only NLNAC-accredited LPN to BS in Nursing degree program that can be completed entirely through distance learning. This self-paced program allows you to work as an LPN while working toward your degree.

Call us today at 800-395-1014 to learn more about our nursing programs. It's time to think about the next building block you need to move forward. You will be thankful you did.

What's the Difference?

Sunday, July 22, 2012 by Kevin Burton

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.

Excelsior College® is the school in the matter, and where you will earn your degree. The Excelsior College® Associate Degree in Nursing program is a completely online, self-paced, test-out program to help Paramedics and LPNs/LVNs transition to get their degree and RN license. Excelsior College® is regionally accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and approved by many state boards of nursing, and approved .

What The College Network does is streamline the test-out process of the program by providing the educational materials (our modules) to help students test out of their general education and nursing courses instead of taking a full-blown semester-based class or buying all the books for the course and trying to figure out what to study on their own. We have subject matter experts and college professors help us create our educational materials (modules) that significantly help students obtain the knowledge they need to earn their college credits, and eventually degree. All of our modules come with an academic guarantee that you will pass each course that you use them for, or we will supply a tutor and pay for any exams you need after 2 attempts.

Once the customer finishes all their courses, they then move on with Excelsior College® to complete the remaining requirements to obtain their degree. They must finish these last things before they can graduate with their Associate Degree in Nursing.

I hope this helps in your understanding of the LPN/LVN/Paramedic to RN program. As always, let us know if you have any other questions or would like to enroll!

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

2012 Academy of Nursing Education Fellows Announced by NLN

Friday, June 15, 2012 by Charles Fox

The competitive process of selecting nurse educators for the NLN Education Summit is now complete. 32 nurse educators will now be a part of the National League for Nursing' s Academy of Nursing Education. This class is the largest in the history of the Academy, which was established in 2007. This year marks the first time that five honorary fellows will be inducted as well, honoring distinguished retired nurse educators or other people who have helped to advance nursing education.

“I believe it is noteworthy that the NLN has set a gold standard for excellence in nursing education such that more and more of today’s nurse educators aspire to fellowship in the academy,” said Judith A. Halstead, PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF, the president of the NLN. Remarking on the new category of honorary fellow at the time it was established, Dr. Halstead added: “Honorary fellows will bring an added dimension to the diversity of the academy as the NLN seeks to spotlight individuals from outside the profession and other nursing leaders from around the country and around the world who may not be eligible for full fellowship.”http://www.nln.org/recognitionprograms/index.htm

This information came from a PRweb press release on timesunion.com. For more information on NLN click here. To learn about NLNAC Accredited online education programs through The College Network, call 1-800-39-LEARN.

Did You Know?

Saturday, May 19, 2012 by Melissa Gardiner

Our partner universities nursing degree programs are accredited. When you enroll in an online nursing degree program, with help from The College Network, you will earn a fully accredited degree from one of the respected universities we work with. Every nursing degree is either NLNAC or CCNE accredited.

There is never a waiting list to get started in one of our programs. When you sign up to work with The College Network, you can begin working towards your degree immediately. Because our programs are online, you won't ever have to worry about waiting for space to open up in a classroom.

We offer the only distance LPN/LVN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, through Indiana State University, in the country. You can go straight from being an LPN/LVN to a Bachelor prepared RN entirely online and again, with no waiting list.

We offer unique financing options. The College Network has several different affordable payment plans available for our portion of your degree program.

Academic support is available. The College Network offers complete academic support for our portion of the program. You can call, chat online or email our Academic Support department, and you can view discussion boards for assistance.

The College Network has helped over 150,000 nurses begin an advanced education! And, we can help you too! Getting started is simple. Just call us at 1-800-395-1014 to learn more about how you can reach your dream of earning your advanced nursing degree.

HHS Awards $10 Million to Create Community Health Centers

Friday, October 21, 2011 by Charles Fox

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has dedicated $10 million in funding to aid the transition of 129 organizations into community health centers, according to nurse.com. The successful implementation of the plan will increase healthcare available to vulnerable populations and also add jobs to the community.

"The Health Center Planning Grants help organizations plan to become health centers. These awards demonstrate HRSA's commitment to expanding access to quality preventive and primary healthcare in high-need areas across the country," said Health Resources and Services Administration Administrator Mary K. Wakefield, RN, PhD.

This is just one more example of the explosive growth in the healthcare field that we are currently seeing. Let opportunity trickle down to you! NLNAC Accredited online degrees from top universities are awaiting you in your path to a career as an RN. Research The College Network to find out how you can be a part of the expanding healthcare field!

Growing Your Career as Nurse

Thursday, September 29, 2011 by Ein Peck

I recently read an article out of the Midwest Region magazine "ADVANCE for Nurses" about the quickly changing role of a nurse. The article, "The Present and Future Heart" focuses on the constantly evolving technology used in Cardiology.

While digesting the information, I was very excited to hear about what's in store for the future. Hospitals are working on creating technology that will allow people to diagnose diagnose heart problems from their own living room.

Although I'm not the typical candidate for a heart problem, it's still wonderful to see how I could possibly be helped in the future.

So what does all this mean for nurses? Well, with this technology quickly developing it's going to be very important to make sure you are well educated and able to adapt.

Nurses are and will be required to learn more now than ever before.

While this may be troubling for some to hear, since many of us have very busy lives, I do offer a solution. The College Network offers top online nursing programs that are NLNAC accredited. Our programs from leading universities allow you to work from home at your own pace, while still working and enjoying your personal life.

If you are interested in continuing your education online and preparing for the future of the medical field, please give us a call to learn more about the programs we offer.

We'll be happy to help you find the program that best fits your goals. Call a Program Advisor today at 1-800-39-LEARN.

Me, Myself, and Irene

Thursday, September 1, 2011 by Kevin Burton

It's hurricane season, and recently Hurricane Irene struck the U.S. eastern seaboard. Like many of you reading this, you were either directly effected, or had family within its path. I personally had family in coastal South Carolina, coastal Maryland, and New York City, and they all were affected in some way by Irene.

I just want to take a minute to recognize and thank those that are out there to help in the wake of natural disasters like Hurricane Irene. And, as it relates to The College Network, I am excited to know we have helped thousands upon thousands of nurses complete NLNAC Accredited nursing programs. Knowing the value and quality of education these nurses have received in achieving their BS in Nursing, or Associates in Nursing; it is comforting to know these very people we help at The College Network are also out there helping in situations like these.

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

Hospitals in Ohio are looking for BSN's

Sunday, August 28, 2011 by Cory Eyler

In a recent article published in the Middletown Journal it was announced that Miami University which is one of Ohio's top nursing programs is ending its two year nursing degree programs to concentrate on four year and bachelor's degree completion programs. This is big news considering the fact that Miami University reportedly provides many nurses to surrounding hospitals such as McCullough Hyde in Oxford, Atrium Medical Center in Middletown and The Fort Hamilton Hospital.

This change is also going to impact an existing problem with waiting lists due to the limited number of NLNAC accredited universities with online nursing programs.

"The shift has implications for the region and the state’s most popular type of higher education that enrolled nearly 30,000 students in 2009, according to the most recent Ohio Board of Nursing data.

The demand for all types of nurses is expected to grow in coming years as older professionals begin to retire while new students often face waiting lists of up to two years because of a shortage of educators and clinical training sites."

The good news is that there are options for nurses in Ohio and everywhere even those with minimal nursing school prerequisites. The College Network partners with leading universities to provide nursing education programs that can be completed entirely through distance learning. Best of all, The College Networks programs are designed for busy nurses looking for flexible nursing education with no waiting lists.

Visit www.collegenetwork.com to learn more about LPN to RN, LPN to BS in Nursing, RN to BS in Nursing, and other advanced nursing education programs.

The Art of Nursing

Wednesday, August 17, 2011 by Charles Fox

"Nursing is an art: and if it is to be made an art, it requires an exclusive devotion as hard a preparation, as any painter's or sculptor's work; for what is the having to do with dead canvas or dead marble, compared with having to do with the living body, the temple of God's spirit? It is one of the Fine Arts: I had almost said, the finest of Fine Arts."

Nurses and artists certainly do their commonalities---they nurture us in various ways and remind us of the beauty inherent in humanity. To shape someone's physical well being takes personality, care, adaptability, knowledge creativity and skill, as does shaping a mound of clay into a beautiful sculpture.

Our high-quality, convenient and affordable Nursing School Prerequisites, NLNAC Accredited Distance Nursing Programs and Advanced Nursing Education are testament to our appreciation of nurses here at The College Network. We understand that higher education online is becoming the best route for many nurses to sharpen their skills to the highest level and master the art of patient care---and we are here for you. College Network Support includes our dedicated Program Advisors, Appointment Setters, and the Academic Support team. Together, we are here to show you that we care about the art of nursing, and we believe that you have what it takes to create a masterpiece through your career.

Welcome to the Bridge!

Friday, August 5, 2011 by Charles Fox

Bridge is defined as a connecting, transitional, or intermediate route or phase between two adjacent elements, activities, conditions, or the like.

As an Appointment Coordinator, I have a lot of time to think about bridges and talk about them with people who need them. The College Network's bridge programs are a lot like bridges over rocky waters - once people start the voyage, they feel propelled forward and seldom look back.

In this case, the bridge is from LPN or LVN (Licensed Practical Nurse or Licensed Vocational Nurse) to RN (Registered Nurse). A lot of LPNs and LVNs feel like they deserve to be on the other side, and are anxious to get on the bridge. They feel that they can do everything that RNs can, and often they do perform many of the same tasks as RNs on a daily basis, but they lack the salary and job security that RNs have.

If you are standing on one side of the river and wondering what it would be like to become an RN, give us a call at The College Network today: 1-800-39-LEARN.

There is no time like the present, and why shouldn't you take on the responsibility, gain the job security, and earn the salary that you know you deserve? Whether it is the online LVN or LPN to BS in Nursing, or the Online LVN or LPN to AS in Nursing, we have an NLNAC Accredited program that is right for you. It's always taking the first step that's the hardest, but our friendly staff and Program Advisors are here to help, and we have one thing in mind at the end of the day: to see you cross that bridge and achieve success in your life and career. Get on the bridge, and you won't regret it.

Accreditation Made Simple

Friday, December 3, 2010 by Tim Girdlestone

Nothing makes students more upset than finding out that the LPN degree they just spent $20,000-$30,000 won't transfer to the college they wish to attend.

"Why not?", they ask, "The college told me they were accredited."

I'm sure they are accredited, but they didn't tell the student what that accreditation means - and that's where many students go wrong in choosing a college. If you are not specific in asking about accreditation, you may find yourself in possession of a very expensive degree and a lot of credits that won't transfer when you are trying further your education.

I'll try to make this as simple as possible...

There are two kinds of accreditation you should ask about when you speak to a college admissions representative: the accreditation of the college itself, and the accreditation of the program you are interested in pursuing.

College Accreditation.
Most colleges are either regionally or Nationally accredited. Some are neither. National accreditation may sound better than regional, but it is not. Regional Accreditation is the "gold standard" of accreditation in the United States.

If you attend a Nationally Accredited college, your credits will most likely only transfer to another nationally accredited school (there are some regionally accredited schools that will accept your credits, but not many). Most proprietary or for-profit college are nationally accredited.

If you attend a Regionally Accredited college, your credits will most likely be accepted by any college in the US. Virtually all state colleges and community colleges are regionally accredited as well as many private and some for-profit colleges.

There are six different regional accrediting bodies in the US:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission
Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

To learn which schools have regional accreditation, you can visit the US Department of Education's accreditation web site.

Always remember to ask if the college is regionally accredited.

The college's accreditation doesn't generally matter when you go to sit for your NCLEX exam. It matters when you try to transfer your credits to another college. In order to sit for the NCLEX, the nursing program itself must be accredited or state-approved.

Nursing Accreditation
Like college accreditation, there are different types of nursing program accreditation.

The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) is the most common form of national accreditation for LPN, associate degree RN and many BSN programs.

Similarly, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) provides nationwide accreditation for many Bachelor's and Master's-level nursing programs.

NLNAC or CCNE accreditation is the highest form of accreditation for nursing programs.

Some programs have neither, but are approved by their State Board of Nursing to offer degrees. If you graduate from one of these programs, you can sit for the NCLEX in your state.

What should I ask?
If you are looking for a nursing program that is nationally recognized and credits that will transfer to another college, you want to attend a college that is both regionally and NLNAC or CCNE accredited.

By the way, all of the nursing programs offered through The College Network's partner schools carry the accreditations you need.

The Smile on the Nurses Face

Tuesday, November 9, 2010 by José María Roldán III

Lately, as I drive around Central Texas working as a Program Advisor for The College Network, I have realized what an impact my job has on the lives of the nurses I meet with on a daily basis.

Most nurses are ready to advance their education for various reasons, some for monetary gain, some for career opportunities, and some for personal satisfaction. Whatever the reason, all nurses share the same passion for nursing, and for wanting to better themselves.

Most working adults however, find it hard to drop everything to go back to school, which is where I come in. When I’m able to offer an alternative to conventional “classroom-based” LVN to ADN programs, that are Regionally Accredited, and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission I am instantly rewarded by a smile on the nurse’s face. I see hope for their future in that smile, and I know that I am also making a difference!

Paramedic - RN: Anne

Friday, September 24, 2010 by Jeannie Pennington

A recent RN graduate who used THE COLLEGE NETWORK, Anne, started the program as a paramedic working at a local ambulance company. She heard about THE COLLEGE NETWORK from another friend there, a fellow paramedic who was already using the program.

Anne married right before beginning the program and was an instant parent to her husband's young daughter. One of the things she mentioned to me is that being able to do her studies around her new life, instead of her new life around school, has made a huge difference for her. A few months after her marriage, Anne also learned that she would be expecting a child of her own and was able to continue her studies throughout her pregnancy.

Anne enjoyed studying the program and testing at her own convenience. For her that meant a test about every five weeks, and she completed the program within about 18 months. It has been a wonderful experience for me as her Program Advisor to hear about her new RN position where she works about half as many hours for the same pay she received as a paramedic, enabling her to enjoy and care for her children and her husband.

I met with Anne last evening and was fortunate to be able to see the associate degree in nursing she earned in her program from a regionally and NLNAC accredited college and nursing program.

Congratulations, Anne, on your hard work and achievement! It is so great to see working adults with families work toward and achieve their dreams!

"Education Inspired by Life"
www.collegenetwork.com/pennington

Check the accreditation before choosing an online program

Monday, September 13, 2010 by The College Network Web Team

After you have successfully completed the courses needed to become an LPN or LVN, you may want to look into an RN nursing degree. The benefit to pursuing and completing an RN program is that you will have the ability to pursue additional courses that can earn you a BS or master of science (MS) degree as well as a higher salary. The College Network can help you achieve those goals online.

Potential students can choose to pursue an RN through online programs, campus-based programs, or a combination of both. You should know that most traditional campus-based programs have waiting lists around 2 years. Nursing education with no waiting list is in high demand. This has led to a significant increase in the number of students who opt to use online programs to obtain their RN nursing degrees.

Before you choose an online program, you will want to be sure that the online program that you apply for is regionally accredited. While national accreditation may sound better, its credits not widely accepted for transfer. The College Network offers programs that can be completed at NLNAC accredited schools.

In addition to the many different types of accreditation programs, there are also many educational path options. These include the Associate Degrees Nurse program and the Bachelor of Science Nurse program.

If you are looking to obtain a job as an RN in the health care industry, getting an accreditation which is not widely accepted could be detrimental to your career. A degree that is NLNAC accredited will make you more competitive in a job market where high skills and many opportunities for higher pay are readily available for those who are prepared.

LPN to BSN Degrees Online anytime

Friday, August 20, 2010 by Shane Best

The nation's ONLY online LPN/LVN-to-BSN program allows you to earn your bachelor of nursing degree in half the time and at half the cost of traditional distance nursing programs with NO WAITING LIST.

Indiana State University's School of Nursing is NLNAC accredited with local clinicals and NO clinical testing. Nurses can increase their pay and secure their positions by adding RN to their name badge.

LPN to RN (associates degree in nursing online -ADN), LVN to BSN, and RN to BSN programs are available via The College Network and its good nursing school partners. Nurses can earn their nursing prerequisites online.

Visit The College Network online at: www.collegenetwork.com/blog for more information about inexpensive nursing degrees and online courses in nursing.

Earn Your Nursing Degree Online

Monday, August 16, 2010 by Shane Best

Increase your pay, secure your position, and earn more respect by getting your advanced nursing degree with no campus attendance.

The College Network has developed a revolutionary new program that allows you to earn your degree at half the cost and in half the time of traditional schools without interrupting your home or work life.

LPN to RN programs (associates degree in nursing online), LPN/LVN to BSN programs, Online Paramedic to RN programs, RN to BSN degree programs, Diploma RN to BSN, RN to MSN bridge programs, and MS in Nursing Management programs online from NLNAC/CCNE accredited good nursing schools with No Waiting List, and Local Clinicals.

Visit: www.collegenetwork.com/blog for more information about inexpensive nursing degrees and online courses in nursing via The College Network.

The difference between good and great

Monday, July 26, 2010 by Stefanie Kinsey

NLNAC Accredited programs through The College Network's partner universities will allow you to develop knowledge, skill, and experience to make a difference. The knowledge you gain from the distance nursing programs is very important and a key foundation to your success. But nurses do not succeed on classes alone, just as a business analyst does not succeed on mathematics alone. Our behaviors, characteristics, and personal qualities support us to be able to elevate our practice from good to the great. According to Julian Sammy, IIBA Product Manager, there are three categories of competency that make the difference between good and great.

Courage
A courageous person takes action despite fear and adversity with honesty, confidence, and humility. These individuals do what is right, not what it is easy. The values of these individuals are evident and obvious. These are the types of individuals who seek distance nursing programs to overcome obstacles in their life preventing them attending traditional educational programs.

Change Leadership
Change leaders initiate, embrace and advocate for change. Change leaders set things into motion. Often times their actions proceed their words. These individuals are extremely flexible. They work where the organization needs them. Their focus on detail is evident, but more importantly they are focused on the right details at the right time. The RN salary is good, but it is not the reason why they pursue further education. They pursue education in order to create change for the better.

Communication
Communicators understand that communication is not just one channel or vocabulary. Communicators change their voice and language depending on the audience. Competency in voice and written channels are primary. This includes electronic channels. Julian Sammy emphasizes that there are three dialects in which good communicators are fluent. These are benefit, risk, and investment. These individuals use these methods to elicit co-workers and team members to pursue further education.

To distinguish yourself as successful, you will need to pursue these competencies. Regardless of your current nursing position, I think you will find that education can help you change good to great.

LPN and RN Salary- Career goals

Tuesday, July 20, 2010 by Walter Kowalczyk

Just the other day I was chatting with a friend over a coffee about career goals and she said that she was looking for a good nursing school with inexpensive nursing degrees that were NLNAC Accredited. She had been working as a Licensed Practical Nurse for over ten years and she was frustrated because she really wanted to become an RN but she was unable to go to a traditional school. She is a single mom with four children and no time to attend class, little resources and a tight budget.

I told her about my employer, The College Network™ and how we partner with leading universities to offer associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs designed for busy nurses like her. I explained to her that our online Comprehensive Learning Modules™ will allow her to complete her general education and elective courses with very little interruption to her career or family life and her credits from these courses can then be transferred to one of our partner universities, or thousands of schools nationwide, where she will complete her degree.

She was very excited to learn more about how she can be on her way to earning that RN Salary that she so wanted and needed for her family. I contacted her local Program Advisor and set an appointment at the place of her choice, (the same coffee shop we were at) to discuss her options and help her enroll into a program. I also referred her to our website www.collegenetwork.com where she can listen to a free informational video and learn about our EARN Program where people are rewarded for inspiring others to continue their education.

It was a wonderful morning discussing career goals and lifelong dreams!

The College Network has a Unique Nitch!

Wednesday, July 7, 2010 by Bill Johnson

The College Network has a very unique product. It allows adults to incorporate their education into their busy lives. We help working adults obtain their degrees, online from leading universities. Customers are able to work their educational goals into their busy lives at a fraction of the price and at their own pace.

The College Network prepares you for test out exams for prerequisite courses. The College Network offers academic support and guarantees that you will pass your nationally recognized standardized tests.

The largest percentage of our customers are in the health care industry, with the majority of them being nurses. If you are a LPN we can help you achieve your goals all the way through your Masters Degree. Our nursing programs are NLNAC Accredited.

It is very satisfying helping people achieve their dreams through distance learning leaving time for work, family and their education.

Associate Degree in Nursing Online - The College Network

Sunday, June 13, 2010 by Jeannie Pennington

THE COLLEGE NETWORK offers a way for nurses to complete an ASN online program that is NLNAC accredited! With tests for each course offered locally, this program is perfect for busy adults dealing with work and family. Completed from home, the ASN program is at your own pace and can be done around your life instead of planning your life around your degree program.

Admission to the associate degree in nursing is often open to healthcare professionals with clinical experience as an LPN, paramedic, military corpsmen, respiratory therapist and other individuals who hold degrees in clinically oriented fields. Individuals who have successfully completed at least 50 percent of the clinical nursing credit hours in an associate, baccalaureate, or RN diploma nursing program may also be eligible for the program. Previously earned credits may be applied regardless of when they were received as long as they were earned from an accredited institution. Also, this program can be started TODAY with no waiting list! Affordable with financing and payment options available, this program allows you to advance your career while balancing family and work responsibilities.

Become an RN, and take advantage of the job opportunities and career advancement this degree offers. An associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) can open more doors for you!

"Education Inspired by Life"
www.collegenetwork.com/pennington
jeannie.pennington@collegenetwork.com