Online LVN to RN | The College Network

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.

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.

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.

31,000 New Health Care Jobs in October

Thursday, November 15, 2012 by Melissa Gardiner

Although the unemployment rate increased slightly in October-going from 7.8% to 7.9%-the United States still added 171,000 new jobs. Amongst the top industries contributing to these new jobs was health care with 31,000 new positions added.

If you are unemployed or just looking for a more stable career, health care is an excellent choice, and The College Network can help get you started down this new path. We have several different programs for you to choose from to earn an online degree in the health care field:

Associate's Degree Programs

LPN/LVN to RN
Paramedic to RN

Bachelor's Degree Programs

LPN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
RN to BS in Nursing
Health Care Administration
Health Information Management
Healthcare Management

Master's Degree Programs

RN to MS in Nursing
MS in Nursing

The College Network offers academic support for our portion of these degree programs from leading universities, so when you enroll with us, you are never alone. Your success is just as important to us as it is to you, and we will work with you as much as you need our help to ensure that you master the knowledge you are learning. There has never been a better time to begin a career in the healthcare industry, so if you would like more information on our online degree programs call 1-800-395-1014.

Online LVN to BS in Nursing in Texas!

Friday, August 10, 2012 by Joel Kimzey

I am really thrilled to see that Indiana State University's (one of the best schools in the Mid-West according to the U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review) online LVN to BS in Nursing program is now recognized in the state of Texas. This completely distance-based program allows an LVN to work full time and earn his/her BSN RN without ever having to return to the college classroom and without ever having to visit the campus in Terre Haute, Indiana. Indiana State University is accredited by the North Central States Association of Colleges & Schools (the same association that accredits such schools at the University of Michigan, Ohio State University, University of Chicago and the University of Illinois). It's recognized by the National League for Nursing and the Texas Board of Nursing.

This program has three phases. The first is the general education phase. Indiana State University allows nurses to transfer previous college credits into the program as long as the course 1) was taken within 30 years, 2) is from a regionally accredited school and 3) has a grade of C or higher. Any required subject the nurse hasn't taken, can be fulfilled by testing out via The College Network's Comprehensive Learning Modules in our online Resource Center. There is one learning module per subject. When the nurse passes the one exam, she/he receives the same credits from Indiana State University as if she/he sat in a classroom for an entire semester. Almost all of the general education examinations are taken from home via a webcam on the computer.

Phase Two are four nursing transition courses that essentially work the same way as Phase One except the exams are taken outside of the home but locally.

Phase Three are the online nursing classes taken directly with Indiana State University. Also, it's in this phase where the clinical hours are performed. This is one of the best parts of the program! The clinicals are performed locally one-on-one with a preceptor.

This program can be completed in the same amount of time or less time than if the nurse were to quit his/her job and go to school full time at a local university. One nurse told me recently what she liked about this program is that she can fit her education around her life instead of her life around her education.

For more information, please contact The College Network at 1-800-395-1014.

Very best regards,

Joel Kimzey

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

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.

Online Education Makes Earning Nursing Degree Possible for Single Mom

Thursday, February 16, 2012 by TCN Success

After working as a Licensed Vocational Nurse for a long time, Elizabeth Hill decided to begin working towards her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Indiana State University with help from The College Network™.

“I thought it would be a great way to earn my BSN that would be a lot more convenient as a working, divorced mom. I need to earn more income, and becoming an RN is the way to go for me since I love the nursing field and have been an LVN for 27 years now,” Elizabeth explains.

Not only does Elizabeth like the convenience of earning her nursing degree online, she also says this is more affordable than some of the traditional colleges she looked into.

Find out how Elizabeth stays motivated to earn her degree by reading more of her story, or call 1-800-395-1014 to find out how you can begin your online educational journey.

Wanted: New RNs

Sunday, January 29, 2012 by Kevin Burton

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

What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?

Thursday, December 22, 2011 by Kevin Burton

As we approach the holiday season that brings gifts to many of us, it always reminds me of that spirit I get around this time of year. It brings out the kid in me, and thinking of all those toys from the past takes me back to my childhood. So, I'd like to ask you a question: What did you want to be when you grew up?

I remember watching movies like Star Wars, and growing up like a kid with my head in the clouds. I guess you can say I was your typical boy that dreamt of being an astronaut. Of course those days have since faded away, but I think to myself now and then, "What if...?" After thinking about "What If?" I realized that my time and your time has not passed you by. You can still change your life to point it in the direction that you want(ed) to go. Instead of asking what you wanted to be when you grew up, I'm now asking what do you want to be WHEN you grow up?

The College Network can make these dreams possible. We have higher education online from our partner universities in the form of professional certificates and degree seeking programs. So if you wanted to be a lawyer, you can pursue the Boston University Paralegal Certificate and work your way into the legal field. If you wanted to be an astronaut like me, consider the Project Management Certificate through Boston University Corporate Education Center or the Lean Six Sigma Certificate program through a leader in the aerospace industry, Purdue University. If you wanted to be in the medical field, and you are an LPN/LVN or Paramedic now, we can help you become an RN and move up the ladder in your career.

So, if you think you're a grown up, but still have childhood dreams, feel free to contact us today and we'll be more than happy to help in assisting you toward your goals.

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

California Nurse Lockout/Strike is Largest in US History

Monday, October 3, 2011 by Charles Fox

Photo by Damian Dovarganes / AP; appears at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44625868/ns/health/t/nurses-dozens-calif-hospitals-strike/

23,000 nurses at 34 California hospitals are currently not working due to strikes and lockouts, and the situation is reported to be the largest nursing strike in US history according to Fierce Healthcare. The conflict arose from Sutter Health Care and registered nurses under its employ, who are represented by California Nurses Association. The issues at hand are Sutter's attempts to reduce retirement coverage and health care, eliminate paid sick leave and nurses' ability to advocate for patients. Nurses from Kaiser Permanente hospitals located in Northern and Central California are striking in solidarity, despite already having reached a deal with their employer, and nurses from Children's Hospital Oakland are also striking.

We at The College Network hope for a speedy and equitable resolution to the conflict. I talk to nurses in this territory every day, and many of them became registered nurses through help from The College Network. Many nurses in the area are in the process of becoming RNs through the online LVN to BS in Nursing program from Indiana State University as well. If you'd like to become an RN, give us a call at 1-800 39-LEARN.

Learn is the Word

Tuesday, September 20, 2011 by Kevin Burton

According to the musical group The Trashmen and their 1964 hit "Surfin' Bird," apparently bird is the word. Well, I am here to tell you that at The College Network, LEARN is the word.

It seems a lot of us get caught up on what the end result of completing our programs are. For example, obtaining your nursing degree from one of our top online nursing programs is a great accomplishment, but what about what we learn during the process? I have to admit I am guilty of this just as much or more than anyone else, but I think it is a great time to reflect on exactly how you grow as a person and how much you will actually learn from The College Network online programs.

Imagine what you can do with the knowledge obtained in the Lean Six Sigma program from Purdue University. The knowledge you receive from certified professionals can greatly improve your day-to-day work efficiency, and help you improve the quality of projects or processes in your company and end up saving hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. And, it is no secret why RN nurses are better paid and in more leadership positions compared to LPN/LVN nurses. Think of all the knowledge you will obtain in studying and learning throughout a Bachelors or Associates nursing program that you may have missed out on.

Yes, The College Network can help you achieve the certificate or degree you seek, but don't forget to soak in all the knowledge along the way! Learn is the word!

Now for your viewing pleasure, and what you probably came for in the first place, a famous rendition of "Surfin' Bird."

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734

Nursing: One of the Highest-Paid Jobs of the Future

Friday, September 2, 2011 by Lindsay Schmitt

In a recent article published on MSNBC.com, 24/7 Wall St. identified the best-paying jobs of the future and nursing topped the list.

According to MSNBC and 24/7 Wall St., the aging population is the main contributor to this change in demand. "This year, the first baby boomers turned 65. Their growing numbers and increasing medical needs will require more heath care professionals to care for them."

The article goes on to discuss how 24/7 Wall St. used the Bureau of Labor Statistics' National Employment Matrix combined with average median income for new workers to develop their list of the best-paying jobs that will also have the highest demand for new workers in the future.

Registered nurse was the number one job with a projected growth of 22.2% through 2018.

If you are an LPN or LVN who is considering going back to school for an advanced nursing degree, The College Network can help. We offer a way to complete online degrees from top universities which will qualify you to sit for RN licensure. Best of all, you can get started on your degree with no waiting list and complete courses while you work.

Click here to learn more about the options available in your area.

Tootsie Roll Pop

Saturday, August 27, 2011 by Kevin Burton

How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Pop®? Well, according to Mr. Owl, its only 3 (but I beg to differ, those things are pretty solid). What's the point of my asking this?

You will never know until you try.

If you are considering a transition from your LPN/LVN or Paramedic license to get your RN, The College Network can help you try in the most convenient way possible. Our educational materials and Comprehensive Learning Modules allow you to tackle achieving your degree in an online and self-paced manner. Advanced nursing education has never been so convenient to the working adult, so why don't you give me a call and I'll help you try!

Side note: If you speak to me and mention this blog post I will personally send you a bag of Tootsie Roll Pops® - you know, for the kids (wink, wink).

Contact me: Kevin Burton, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734, kburton@collegenetwork.com

Further or Farther?

Tuesday, August 16, 2011 by Bryan Curtis

When trying to use the words further and farther, it's not uncommon to get confused about what each one means. A simple way to remember would be to say that The College Network exists to help people further their education so that they can go farther in their careers.

This can be seen in how The College Network offers some of the top online nursing programs in the country. For those LPNs or associate degree level nurses looking to further their education, The College Network offers programs including, LPN to BS in Nursing, LVN to BS in Nursing, and a convenient way to earn an RN license. If you already have your RN, The College Network also offers MSN programs.

Distance nursing programs are a convenient and efficient way for working individuals and people with busy schedules to go farther in life with an advanced degree from one of the nation's top universities.

To go farther, you must go and further your education.

Love What You Do

Tuesday, August 9, 2011 by Kevin Burton

I'm one of the lucky ones. I recently returned from my vacation in the Western United States, and I have to admit, I loved every minute of it. But as one often does, I had a few revelations in the mountains and deserts of America's Southwest. One of these was, "did I really have McDonald's breakfast twice today?" (oh the joys of going from Eastern to Pacific time). But one that really struck me was how much I love what I do here at The College Network as a Program Advisor.

Everyone has heard the saying: do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life. Not surprisingly, I completely agree with that statement. Whether you are a nurse, project manager, or work in any type of field, do you love what you do?

Here at The College Network, we can provide you the education you need to be the best at what you love to do. Whether you are already in that field or not, we offer higher education online through certificate and degree programs to suit your field. Whether you want to bridge from your LPN/LVN to your RN Nursing license, obtain your Lean Six Sigma or PMP Certification, or enhance your skills or transition into the Paralegal field, we have programs that can help you.

Do you love what you do? Either way, feel free to contact me and share your story. I'm more than happy to assist you in furthering your education and career to achieve that level of love.

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

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.

LPN/LVN and RN to BS in Nursing Degrees

Tuesday, February 22, 2011 by Shane Best

New LPN/LVN to BS in Nursing ONLINE

LPNs/LVNs and RNs earn Your BS in Nursing Online! NLN-accredited/Top Ranked Indiana State University offers the nation's ONLY Online LPN to BSN, LVN to BSN or RN to BSN. Get started now with no waiting list.

Enjoy locally precepted clinicals with NO clinical testing. Earn your degree in half the time at half the cost of traditional programs with the help of The College Network.

Our leading partner universities offer online nursing degree programs, distance learning associate degrees in nursing, LPN to ADN programs, LVN to BS in Nursing and LPN to BS in Nursing degree programs.

$18,720

Tuesday, December 7, 2010 by Lawrence Bowlin

$18,720. That's a strange way of starting a sentence; isn't it? What does $18,720 have to do with anything? It could be the price of a new car. Down payment on a new home. That deluxe home theater system with 60" LCD TV you've been dreaming of. What could that mean?

$18,720 is the first year increase in your salary if you go from LPN/LVN to RN. On average, RN's make $9.00 more per hour than an LPN/LVN! Over the course of 10 years that's $187,200 in your pocket!

Did you know that being a Registered Nurse is one of the most in demand jobs in the U.S.? Look at any Sunday jobs listing in your local news paper or go online to any job search site and type Registered Nurse; look at the sheer volume of openings available. Some of them even offer sign on bonuses to entice you to work for them!

How do you get there? Easy, invest in you. You decide to buckle down, enroll in an Associate of Science in Nursing degree program online or LVN to BSN program online. The College Network has made it more convenient and faster for you to get your RN while you continue to work. You can do most of your program from from the comfort of your own home. We have some of the most inexpensive nursing degrees available from leading universities that you can find anywhere and you get The College Network support the entire way. We are here to help you realize your dream.

Are you interested? Do you have plans for the extra $$ you will make when you complete an online nursing degree program? We can help get you there. Call me and I will show you how to achieve your dream.

$18,720. What are you prepared to do?

1-800-307-1006 ext 2649 or lbowlin@collegenetwork.com