What Everybody Ought to Know About Furthering Your Education

Monday, June 17, 2013 by Reggie Theodore

 

Have you been thinking about furthering your education? If so, is it for personal reasons, or does your desired position require you to have a bachelor’s degree?  I am here to tell you that whatever your motivation might be, I am certain that the experience may have opened your eyes to a broader range of career possibilities and prompted you to rethink your original goals. Maybe you feel that you have outgrown your career and need more education to move into a different field. Or perhaps you are comfortable in your current position, and you know that a bachelor’s degree is needed to ensure your ongoing employability.

I know from personal experience that the thought of continuing your education can be intimidating, but depending on the scope of your education, getting that bachelor’s degree may be more attainable than you think. Consider the following:

Personally: Has a four year degree been your personal goal? Are you concerned about the rising cost of an education? Why is now the best time to further your education?

Professionally: Are you on track to attain your career goals? Can you advance without your degree?

Geographically: Can you relocate for career advancements? Can you attend classes while maintaining full time employment? Do you live in a region where your closest campus is hundreds of miles away?

By considering these questions, you will develop a better understanding of your goals and what part continuing education plays in the big picture.

 The College Network partners with leading Universities to provide more than 40 flexible online degree and certificate programs for the working adults. As one of the nation’s leading eLearning companies and a partner with some of the nation’s foremost institutions of higher learning, The College Network has helped hundreds of thousands  of adults continue their education.

For a list of programs and partner universities please visit www.collegenetwork.com or contact Reggie Theodore, Atlanta Area Program Advisor for the College Network by calling 646-271-9617 or reggie.theodore@collegenetwork.com.

To see the ranking of one of our partners, Bellevue University, click on the link below:

http://www.educationdive.com/news/the-top-10-online-programs-for-bachelors-degrees/91646/

Barriers, Be Gone! Online Education Helps Nurses Earn Advanced Degrees

Thursday, June 6, 2013 by Abby Nieten

A study funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation reports that nurses believe cost, family/children, and lack of time are the three most significant barriers to their pursuit of advanced education. The study is part of the RN Work Project, which is a 10-year research project that began in 2006 and seeks to uncover information about the turnover, attitudes, and intentions of new registered nurses (RNs). The project collects data from nurses in 34 states who live in both rural and metropolitan areas.

According to the study, many nurses who reported cost and lack of time as barriers to educational advancement also reported feeling challenged by the idea of trying to schedule their classes around their work schedules. One of the lead investigators for the study—Christine T. Kovner, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor at the New York University College of Nursing—stressed the importance of making advanced nursing classes available to nurses at more convenient times and in more convenient places. The College Network (TCN) offers these conveniences and more with our online nursing degree programs.

By giving nurses the opportunity to earn online degrees from top universities, The College Network breaks through the barriers that deter nurses from completing traditional, campus-based nursing programs. With online education, nurses can complete their courses whenever and wherever it is convenient for them. They can work at their own pace and set their own schedules for studying and taking exams so that they won't miss out on family time or compromise their positions at work. Additionally, TCN programs can save nurses up to 50 percent over the cost of campus-based college degree programs. (See "How can I pay for my college education?" on our FAQ page for information on financing.) Nurses can also receive financial rewards for referring others to TCN programs through our EARN referral program.

Call The College Network today at 1-800-395-1014 to talk to a Program Advisor and learn more about tearing down traditional educational barriers through our online degree programs. Also, check out this post on The College Network Blog to read more about the benefits of an online education.

Breaking the Gender Stereotype in Nursing

Thursday, May 30, 2013 by Abby Nieten

Nursing has long been a female-dominated profession, but the number of males entering the field is on the rise. A recent study conducted by the United States Census Bureau found that male representation among registered nurses climbed from 2.7 percent in 1970 to 9.6 percent in 2011. The percentage of male licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses also increasedclimbing from 3.9 percent in 1970 to 8.1 percent in 2011. This is good news for men looking to break the gender stereotype in nursing.

There are a number of compelling reasons for males to become nurses. An article recently posted on the Minority Nurse Blog details many of these reasons. The article says men should consider joining the nursing field on the following grounds: 

  • Men can help decrease the current nursing shortage.
  • Nursing includes a technical component that often appeals to men.
  • The nursing field offers a variety of specialties, which gives men the ability to pursue specific areas of interest (e.g., emergency, trauma, or pediatrics).
  • Nursing organizations have been created that specifically support male nurses (e.g., American Assembly for Men in Nursing).
  • Nursing offers the competitive wages and financial stability that many men seek.

If you are a male considering a career in nursing, The College Network wants to help you get started! Click here to learn more about our online nursing degree programs. Don't wait to join the movement and break the gender stereotype in nursing!

3 Big Advantages of Earning a BS in Nursing

Monday, May 20, 2013 by Abby Nieten

If you've considered furthering your nursing education through the pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), you've likely wondered about the potential benefits of holding a BSN. While there are many routes that lead to a solid nursing education, the most direct and beneficial route involves becoming a bachelor's-prepared nurse. In fact, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Initiative on the Future of Nursing feels so strongly about the pursuit of a BSN that it hopes to increase the number of nurses with bachelor's degrees to 80 percent by 2020.

The College Network offers an online LPN to BS in Nursing program as well as several online RN to BS in Nursing programs. Below is a list of three major advantages of completing these programs and earning a bachelor's degree in nursing.

  1. More Experience — Nurses who complete a bachelor's degree program have more experience in real-world hospital situations than those with a lesser degree. Most BSN programs require a significant number of clinical hours, which helps students feel more comfortable in the nurse role.
     
  2. Broader Knowledge — Nursing bachelor's degree programs dive further into each nursing course and require completion of more courses than associate's degree and diploma programs. This gives students a broader knowledge base and enhances their problem solving and critical thinking skills.
     
  3. Expanded Opportunities — With the changing nature of healthcare, hospitals are increasingly looking to staff their nursing units with nurses who have earned at least a BSN. Bachelor's-prepared nurses have a leg up on those who have only an associate's degree, and that helps them stand out when seeking initial employment as well as promotions. Additionally, some positions in the nursing industry (e.g., educator, researcher, and administrator) can only be filled by those with a bachelor's or higher degree.

If you're ready to advance your career with a BSN, contact The College Network today at 1-877-TCN-DEGREE (877-826-3347)!

Remember an everyday hero during National Police Week

Wednesday, May 15, 2013 by Karen Walker

 

May 15th is Police Officer's Memorial Day (part of National Police Week). Due to the high demand in nursing, many of TCN's efforts are focused on helping nurses achieve the next step in their education.  But we can offer so much more!  TCN has a wide spectrum of continuing education programs, including the Public Safety sector.  

Bellevue University offers two options for a Bachelor's in the Public Safety arena: Criminal Justice Administration and Security Management.  Bellevue offeres undergraduate degree programs in a cohort approach in an online learning format.  

Criminal Justice is designed for people working in or associated with the criminal justice system; Security Management looks at private and industrial security settings.

Read more about these programs on The College Network's website here.  

Read more about National Police Week here.

Happy Nurses Week Series Day 6

Saturday, May 11, 2013 by Lindsay Schmitt

 

How will you impact the future of nursing?

 
We hope you've enjoyed our tribute to influential nurses throughout history in honor of Nurses' Week 2013. These extraordinary women accomplished great things to change the face of healthcare as we know it today. How will you make an impact on the future of nursing?
 
One of the first steps to achieving all that you can in the nursing profession is getting the proper education. The College Network® works with leading universities that will allow you to complete nursing degree programs from any place you have an internet connection. 
 
At The College Network, we don't want you to choose between the career you love and furthering your education. With our online programs, working and learning are possible at the same time. 
  • LPN/LVN to RN
  • LPN/LVN to BS in Nursing
  • RN to BS in Nursing
  • RN to MS in Nursing
  • MS in Nursing
Our online Resource Center™ is designed to support various learning styles, giving you the ability to quickly find the exact information you need and study it more efficiently. The courses in our online Resource Center were developed based on decades of research, so you can be sure that you are getting the best online education available! 

Are you ready to take the next step in your nursing education?

Call us at 1-800-395-1014 or

click here for more information.

 

Happy Nurses Week Series Day 3

Wednesday, May 8, 2013 by Lindsay Schmitt

 

"The surest test of discipline is its absence." - Clara Barton 

 
As you know, we've developed a series titled "5 Influential Nurses Who Changed the Face of Healthcare" in honor of Nurses' Week 2013. The third nurse profiled in our series is Clara Barton, founder of the Red Cross.
 
Barton's first experience with nursing was at age eleven when she took charge of her brother's care after he took a bad fall off the roof of the family's barn. She distributed the proper medication and bled him with leeches to bring him back to health. Despite her early success in patient care, it would be almost 30 years before Barton would enter the nursing profession on a grander scale. 
 
She was convinced that it was her duty to tend to the wounded soldiers on the battlefield during the Civil War and was granted permission to work on the front lines. This was a dangerous job, but she was dedicated. At one point, a bullet went through the sleeve of her dress — she was not injured, but the man she was attempting to help was killed . 
 
Barton knew the importance of discipline and was quoted saying, "The surest test of discipline is its absence." Do you have the discipline to complete an online degree program and advance your nursing career?
 
If you're ready to take the next step by speaking with a Program Advisor at The College Network about some of the opportunities available to nurses, call us at 1-800-395-1014 or click here for more information. 
 
Check out our infographic for more fun facts about Clara Barton and the lasting impact she had on the nursing profession. 

 

6 Million and Growing: The Face of the Online Learning Community

Thursday, May 2, 2013 by Lauren Parker

 

What does an online learner look like? Probably just like you! Online learners come from both genders and all adult age groups, with a sizeable portion comprised of middle-aged adults. Les Burr at Charles Sturt University in New South Wales, Australia reports that people tend to use the Internet as an educational resource more as they age and that people over the age of 50 participated in online learning more than any other age group in his study. Online learners range from traditional students to stay-at-home moms and dads to corporate executives with busy schedules. No matter who you are or how old you are, you’ll be in great company as the number of online learners continues to grow.

According to a recent report by the Babson Survey Research Group, over 6.7 million postsecondary students took at least one online course in 2011, compared to around 6.2 million in 2010. And the number of students who are taking classes and earning their degrees online is only expected to increase. Research firm Ambient Insight predicts that by 2014, 5.14 million students will complete all their coursework in a traditional classroom, but 3.55 million will complete all their classes online. With the increase of online learning comes a new appreciation and respect for what online degree programs have to offer. As part of their recent study, the Babson Survey Research Group surveyed a number of academic leaders, and 77% of them said that online learning outcomes are the same, somewhat superior, or superior to those encountered in traditional classroom settings. As innovation continues to shape and change the face of online education, the appreciation and respect for online education is sure to continue to rise.

At The College Network, we are constantly working to be on the cutting edge of online education. We seek to assist anyone interested in furthering their career by providing them with challenging and meaningful courses that will help them reach an educational goal. If you’re ready to join the millions of people just like you already making their dreams a reality, contact us today!

The Benefits of an Online Education: 5 Guarantees

Tuesday, April 30, 2013 by Lauren Parker

 

If you’ve been researching online education at all, you've probably discovered a wide range of positive and negative opinions about getting a degree online. Many of the negative aspects of online education that you’ll find discussed on the average website may warrant a little more investigation as some of them are simply myths (including those busted by my colleague in a previous post). There are, however, several benefits to earning your degree online that are definitely not myths. Five benefits you’ll enjoy when earning your degree with The College Network include:

  1. Flexible Schedule: Earning your degree with The College Network means that you are able to determine when and where you study and learn. If you want to work through a lesson and take a quiz at 3 a.m., you can!
     
  2. Range of Options: With The College Network, you have access to a wide range of courses and degree programs. There are no worries about courses being full or having to sit on a waiting list. No matter what the degree or the course, you can get started today!
     
  3. Control: You control how you complete a course and a degree program. You set your own goals for completion and can work at your own pace. Unlike in a traditional classroom, you have the ability to pause a lesson and come back to it!
     
  4. Engagement: Students in online courses are really taking time to learn. According to a study completed by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), "on average, students in online learning conditions performed modestly better than those receiving face-to-face instruction." One of the main differences in online versus traditional classroom settings was time. In the study, the DOE found that online learners were able to spend more time on tasks related to their studies than students in traditional classroom settings typically did.
     
  5. Cost-effectiveness: Online programs are often more budget friendly than traditional on-campus programs in more ways than one. Outside of the cost of the courses, other expenses like transportation and babysitting that may be required for attendance in traditional settings can add up. While earning your degree online, those additional expenses may not be necessary!  

With so many benefits, The College Network could be the right place to get started making your educational dreams reality. Contact The College Network and get started today! 

Online Learning Myths Busted

Thursday, April 18, 2013 by Abby Nieten

If you are researching and considering online education, you have likely come across several myths about distance learning. Don't let those myths hold you back. I'm here to bust them wide open!

Myth #1: Online learning outcomes aren't as positive as the outcomes of face-to-face instruction.

A recent post on The College Network (TCN) blog discussed an online education study that was conducted by the Babson Survey Research Group and the College Board in 2012. According to the study, 77 percent of academic leaders believe online learning outcomes are equal or superior to the outcomes of face-to-face instructionAdditionally, Thomas L. Russell compiled a large body of research on these two main types of learning, and he described the findings as the "no significant difference phenomenon." According to the No Significant Difference web site, "Mr. Russell found that an overwhelming number of studies showed that when the course materials and teaching methodology were held constant, there were no significant differences (NSD) between student outcomes in a distance delivery course as compared to a face-to-face course."

Myth #2: Online courses and degrees are not accredited.

I can't speak for all courses and degrees you may see advertised online, but The College Network offers a number of courses that are accredited by the American Council on Education. We also partner with the following respected universities:

  • Angelo State University
  • Bellevue University
  • Indiana State University
  • Lake Superior State University
  • Purdue University
  • Regis University
  • Tulane University

Myth #3: Degrees and certifications earned online are not recognized by employers.

Degrees earned online through reputable organizations and universities are just as credible as degrees earned through campus-based learning. The College Network has seen many success stories in which people have been able to advance their careers through completion of one of our degree programs. Furthermore, successfully earning a degree through distance learning can show employers that you are hard working and disciplined.

Myth #4: Online learning is only for those who are lazy or who tend to underperform in a traditional classroom.

Online learning requires organization, determination and self-motivation, so those who successfully pursue it are far from lazy. TCN's Back to School infographic shows that many of those who choose online education do so for the convenience of self-paced education and training. Our infographic shows that 37.6 percent of people cite a heavy work schedule as their reason for pursuing distance education, while 19.7 percent cite personal circumstances related to their family and/or health. Additionally, students of all ages seem to be participating in online education with increasing frequency. Our infographic indicates that today's distance learners include 15 percent of those ages 15 to 23, 26 percent of those ages 24 to 29, and 30 percent of those age 30 and over. 

Alternative for Programs for Nurses in Georgia

Wednesday, April 17, 2013 by Reggie Theodore

Did you read today’s article in the Times-Herald on the increasing nursing shortage in the state of Georgia?

In this article, Dr. Grams, the Dean of the University of West Georgia, is predicting that there will be a shortage of nurses in Georgia that equals 20 percent by 2015, and that number could be as high as 260,000 nurses by the year 2025.

The shortages in nursing are due in part to our aging population, not enough quality nursing instructors and the limited amount of space to accommodate nursing applicant. Dr. Grams explained that her campus offers “a very competitive admissions program” and out of 350 RN applicants, most of them have to be turned away because her facility can only sit about 120.

Since 1992 The College Network has been offering great alternatives for working adults to earn their advanced nursing degrees online. We allow nurses to get started immediately with general education and elective courses. Nursing programs offered vary by state but include: LPN to RN (associate degree), LPN to BS in Nursing, RN to BS in Nursing, RN to MS in Nursing, and BSN to MS in Nursing.

If you or someone you know could benefit from an advanced nursing degree and have been considering alternatives, I would strongly encourage you to visit www.collegenetwork.com or contact Reggie Theodore, Atlanta area Program Advisor for The College Network, by calling  646-271-9617.

To read the article in its entirety, click on the link below:

http://www.times-herald.com/Local/20-percent-nursing-shortage-expected-by-2015-35675

 

Is Online Learning Right for You?

Wednesday, April 17, 2013 by Lauren Parker

Online education can be a little daunting, especially if traditional classroom education is the only experience you’ve had. One of the biggest concerns you might have is whether an online education is the right fit for you. Consider whether you agree with any of the following statements:

  • I have goals and am dedicated to reaching them.
  • Furthering my education will provide me with further opportunity in my career.
  • Education is important to me.
  • I am organized and self-motivated.
  • I work well independently.
  • I feel comfortable asking questions.
  • My schedule or circumstance makes it difficult for me to commit to traditional on-campus learning.
  • I am ready to devote time in my schedule to furthering my education.
  • I have people around me who will support my goals and the efforts I make to reach them.
  • I have regular access to a computer with Internet access and am comfortable accessing information online.

For each statement, give yourself one point if you agree, zero points if you disagree.

7-10 points: You are an ideal candidate for online learning! You are motivated and prepared to reach your goals and we're ready to help you get started. Click here to begin your journey!

3-6 points: You have the desire, but you may need some help with tips for staying disciplined throughout the process. Call 1-800-395-3276 and speak with a Program Advisor who can help you determine the program that best fits your goals and help you discover the tools you need to be successful.

0-2 points: Online learning may be a challenge for you, but we're ready to help you overcome any barriers you may have to earning your advanced degree. We will support your goals and help make online learning a great fit for you! Contact us today to speak with a Program Advisor and find out how The College Network can offer you the flexibility and support you need to achieve your personal and professional goals!

Interested in learning more about valuable traits for online learning? Read more here.  

 

Reasons a BSN Should Be On Your Radar as a Georgia Nurse

Saturday, April 6, 2013 by Jerry Kelly

As an LPN, you don't have to choose between your career and furthering your education. We make it possible to work and earn your degree at the same time. You can begin today and move at your own pace, setting your study schedule around the things that are important to you.

You may have even encountered the long waiting lists that many people find themselves on before they can enter nursing school. The College Network has designed an online learning environment exclusively for LPN’s, and you can begin working toward your advanced nursing degree as soon as you're ready - there is no wait list.

Hospitals in Georgia have also started requiring that their registered nurses hold a BSN--especially those hospitals who are attempting to earn Magnet status. Holding your RN license used to be the accepted standard, but in keeping with the call for a more educated workforce, hospitals now are giving more consideration to those nurses with their bachelor's degree.

Hospitals in Georgia struggle to find bachelor's-prepared nurses and because of this, have developed policies to address the issue.  These hospitals will hire nurses with an Associate of Science in Nursing degree, but will require those nurses to obtain their bachelor's degree within a certain number of years.

At The College Network, we have options for you if you are either an LPN or an RN who would like obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

We partner with Indiana State University to offer the only online LPN to BSN program in the country.  This three-phase program allows you to work through your general education and prerequisite courses with The College Network and then enroll with Indiana State University for your nursing transition courses and final nursing courses with concurrent clinical hours. Courses are delivered online, and you can get started today.

The College Network has helped over 200,000 nurses begin working toward an advanced education! We can help you too! Getting started is simple. Just call me, Jerry Kelly at 404-217-6638 or go to www.collegenetwork.com/kelly to learn more about how you can reach your dream of earning your advanced nursing degree in the state of Georgia.

 

Looking for Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Options?

Saturday, March 30, 2013 by Tracia Fernkas

In a recent blog, we highlighted the changing healthcare landscape and the call from the Institute of Medicine for 80% of nurses to hold at least a  bachelor's degree by the year 2020. As well, there is a push for nurses everywhere to go back to school with more and more hospitals reaching to achieve Magnet status which requires a high percentage of nurses to hold an advanced degree. If you're wondering how you can reach the next level in your education, here are some options for you with The College Network® and our partner universities.

If you are an LPN who would like to earn a bachelor's degree, The College Network partners with Indiana State University to offer the only online LPN/LVN to BS in Nursing program in the country. Work through your general education requirements using the The College Network's program and then transfer those credits to Indiana State University, where you'll complete the rest of your program and obtain your BS in Nursing degree. Learn more about Indiana State University's program. 

Are you a registered nurse who wants to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree? Regis University offers an online RN to BSN degree designed for busy nurses which allows you to complete your upper-level nursing courses in just 12-20 months. Regis University has full time faculty dedicated to their online students and offers a very student focused experience. You can learn more about Regis by watching the video below. 

The best part about our bachelor degree options is that there are no waiting lists. You can get started today in your degree program. So if you're ready to find out more, call us at 800-395-1014 or simply click here

[Infographic] The Pathway to a College Degree: How to Earn College Credit from Home

Thursday, March 28, 2013 by Rachel Hollingsworth

 

At The College Network, we are often asked one fundamental question:

“If The College Network isn’t a university, how can the program help me earn my degree?”  

The answer is really quite simple. The College Network’s online programs are designed to help you earn college credits that can be applied toward a degree from one of our partner universities. You can work toward these credits from the comfort of home and at your own pace.

Here’s how it works: Our programs prepare you to earn college credits for general education and elective requirements by passing end-of-course college equivalency exams. Credits earned this way can be applied toward an online degree program with one of our university partners.

Completing your general education and prerequisite courses online by way of The College Network is a time-saving and cost-effective way to start working toward your degree today. Because you can complete your courses at your own pace, you can choose to gradually ease back into life as a student while continuing to work professionally or to accelerate the process and advance faster than traditional means.

When you enroll with one of our university partners, you will have already completed an essential portion of your studies, leaving you free to focus on the core courses in your major for the remainder of the program. Upon completion of the remaining courses in your program, you are eligible to graduate and receive your degree from the partner university.

To help you better understand how to earn your degree with help from The College Network, we’ve created an infographic that illustrates the step-by-step process. From academic assessment to graduation, The College Network will be there for you every step of the way!

Click on the image below to visit the full infographic.

If you'd like more information on our programs, you can view our full list of degree programs or our list of professional certificate options. To learn more about The College Network on social media, visit our new Social Resources page.

Moving Forward in Your Nursing Career

Wednesday, March 27, 2013 by Abby Nieten

For us who nurse, our nursing is a thing which, unless we are making progress every year, every month, every week, take my word for it, we are going back.
Florence Nightingale

Well known as the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale advocated for continued advances in healthcare and nursing throughout her life. And although she died over a century ago, her famous words about forward movement in the nursing field still ring true. In order to keep up with the ever-changing healthcare industry, nurses must continue to grow in their profession through the pursuit of advanced education. 

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Initiative on the Future of Nursing highlights eight recommendations for nurses, and three of those recommendations push nurses to attain higher levels of education. The following educational recommendations aim to prepare nurses for improved patient care and continued advancements in the nursing field:

  • Increase the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree to 80 percent by 2020.
  • Double the number of nurses with a doctorate by 2020.
  • Ensure that nurses engage in lifelong learning.

If you're ready to improve the future of nursing by moving forward in your career, The College Network can help you take the next step. We offer the following online associate's, bachelor's and master's nursing degree programs:

  • LPN/LVN to RN (associate's degree)
  • Paramedic to RN (associate's degree)
  • LPN to BS in Nursing
  • RN to BS in Nursing
  • RN to MS in Nursing
  • MS in Nursing

Make Florence Nightingale proud, and decide to advance your nursing education this week, month and year! For more information about the online nursing degree programs available through The College Network, visit our nursing degrees page.

LPN to BSN: The Benefits of Becoming a BSN-Prepared RN

Tuesday, March 26, 2013 by Rachel Hollingsworth

If you are an LPN/LVN, you’ve probably considered going back to school to earn your degree and RN license. With the demand for qualified RNs on the rise, it’s a great time to start working toward a higher nursing credential.

Earning your associate’s degree in nursing isn’t the only way to get your RN license—in fact, there are lots of benefits to earning your bachelor’s degree instead.

The 80 by ‘20 Push

By now, you’ve probably heard about the Institute of Medicine’s 2011 recommendation—it states that 80% of all RNs should hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) by the year 2020. But why is the industry pushing for higher nurse education? The simple fact is, due to the demanding nature of the patient landscape, the role of the RN is changing. RNs are required to take on more responsibilities than before, working directly with physicians to diagnose patients and manage teams of LPNs.

To be successful in these new working conditions, it is beneficial to have a bachelor’s-level nursing education. In fact, many healthcare facilities are raising their minimum education requirements for RNs as a result of this industry-wide push.

Aside from mastering the necessary clinical skills, BSN students gain an in-depth understanding of leadership skills and managerial strategies, preparing them to lead and manage teams of nurses and move up within their organization over time. Most nurse managers are required to hold at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

As RNs retire at a rapid rate, the number of open positions for BSN-RNs is on the rise. Over 55 percent of today’s RNs and nurse leaders plan to retire by 2020, creating more leadership opportunities for BSN-prepared RNs.

Go From LPN to BSN with One Online Program

As an LPN, your bachelor’s degree in nursing is well within your reach.  Although there are many degree programs that can bridge the gap between LPN and BSN, there is only one LPN to BS in Nursing program that can be completed entirely through distance learning. The LPN to BS in Nursing program from Indiana State University allows to complete your course work online, meaning you can continue to work in your current job while completing your degree. Upon graduation, you’ll receive your bachelor’s degree in nursing and will be ready to make an impact as a BSN-prepared RN.

To learn more about the LPN to BS in Nursing program from Indiana State University, watch the video below.

If you’d like more information on the LPN to BS in Nursing program, feel free to call us at 800-395-1014 to speak with a Program Advisor. You can also request more information by clicking here

 

U.S. News Now Ranks the Best Online Education Programs

Tuesday, March 19, 2013 by Karen Walker

 

“Students and employers are increasingly finding value in the way subjects can be mastered in a digital environment." U.S. News has long provided data and a ranking to determine which schools have the best bachelor’s and master’s degree programs available.  They are now expanding this list to include online programs.  They do warn you that they have to rely on schools to report key metrics (such as graduation dates and debt levels) but as the popularity of online programs increases, it is important to know what is out there and what your options are.   Click here to read the full article.  Click here to see how each school was ranked as well as explore the other categories U.S. News used to rank programs and schools.  

P.S. One of The College Network's partner schools, Bellevue University, was ranked #9 for Best Online Bachelor's Programs!

Another partner of The College Network, Regis University, was ranked #26 for Best Online Graduate Nursing Program!

 

The Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Going Back to School

Friday, March 8, 2013 by Tracia Fernkas

Top 5 Reasons to Get Your DegreeMost 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. 

What Does Your Career in Healthcare Look Like?

Tuesday, February 26, 2013 by Tracia Fernkas

What do you think of when you hear of career options in the healthcare field? Do you think it only means a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse or someone that has a nursing degree? There are actually many diverse career options in the healthcare field. And it's a field that is not only stable but growing according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Let's look in particular at a Medical and Health Services Manager. People with this type of degree are often the staff in doctor's offices or hospitals that manage medical services. They may manage an office, a department or a nursing home. And there are different focuses within medical and health services that might match your interests. Nursing home administrators, clinical managers, health information managers or assistant administrators are just a few of the positions that you could hold.

To become a Medical and Health Services Manager, you will need to have your bachelor's degree. Earning your Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management from Bellevue University will enable to you pursue a career in health services. Bellevue University awards transfer credit for previous college credits, so you might be closer to earning your degree than you think.

Working through our online program at The College Network® will enable you to continue to work in your field while earning your degree. Bellevue University also offers many other bachelor's degree options such as business, criminal justice or software development and many more. If you would like to learn more about the bachelor's degree in healthcare management program at Bellevue, simply click here to request more information or call us at 800-395-1014 to find the right degree program for you.