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.

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. 

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. 

“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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I read an interesting blog on encouraging online learners to take responsibility for their own learning. It raises the question that with all the information and resources available to someone, what is the responsibility of the learner?  

This is your degree and ultimately, it's up to you to make sure that you do the work necessary to be successful.  Here are some ideas on how you can be.  

The following are behaviors that will help an online learner be successful in their program:

• Time management
• Know your learning style
• Organization skills
• Set measurable goals
• The drive to learn
• Motivation to succeed

Think about how you can manage your time better and study more effectively.  Challenge yourself to keep your motivation strong and be organized.  

Chances are if you're an adult learner pursuing your bachelor of science in nursing degree or other professional degree, you may also be working full-time and taking care of your family.  It's difficult to juggle school, work and family.  That is why you need to concentrate on measurable goals--commit to studying for one hour each day or take an exam every three months.  You can always schedule your exam and use that as a goal to work towards.  

You can be successful.  But you have to take responsibility for earning your degree.  The College Network can supply the resources you need to make it happen, but we can't supply the motivation and drive to achieve your goal of a degree.  Call us today at 800-634-1443 if you need to review your study plan or would like to schedule your next exam.  

Recently I came across an article on Yahoo, Flexible Degrees You Can Earn At Night. Since I'm always very interested to read about education, I had to jump on this article.

In the article, the author discusses several different ways to earn a degree in your spare time. Sound familiar?

It should!

This is exactly what our programs are designed to help you do! All of our programs are online and set up so you can work when it is convenient for you; there are no required login times.

So what degrees should I go after? Well, it depends on what your interests are, of course!

Are you interested in healthcare but don't really want to become a nurse or doctor? Well there are many other options. For example, you could always get your bachelor's degree in Health Care Administration.

The College Network actually offers a great program to get your BS in Health Care Administration through Regis University. The best part? It's 100% online and self-paced!

Or maybe your interests aren't in healthcare... Maybe you've always wanted to get into the legal field but you don't plan to go to law school. If you're looking for a quick entry to the legal field, you could always get your Paralegal Certificate from Boston University. Have you ever considered Criminal Justice? The College Network offers a 100% online, self-paced program to help you get your bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Bellevue University.

Take some time and review these programs. If none of these programs appeal to you, don't worry, there are still other options!

Please feel free to browse The College Network's entire list of convenient, 100% online education programs.

If you have any questions or think that you have found the perfect fit, feel free to give me a call. I'm always happy to help!

Ein Peck

Program Advisor

mpeck@collegenetwork.com, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4786

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

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.

If you are a nurse, you most likely have heard of the call by The Institute of Medicine that by the year 2020, 80% of nurses hold Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees.  It is a call to action for the nursing industry to respond to the changing needs of the healthcare system.

Hospitals have also started requiring their registered nurses hold a BSN--especially those hospitals who are attempting to be awarded Magnet status.  This change has happened in the last several years.  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 struggle to find BSN nurses to hire and because of this have developed policies to address this.  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 are an RN who would like obtain a Bachelor's degree in nursing.  

We partner with Indiana State University to offer the only LPN-BSN online program.  This 3 phase program allows you to work through your general education and prerequisite courses with The College Network and then enroll with Indiana State for your nursing transition courses and final nursing courses with concurrent clinical hours.  Everything is online and there is no waiting list.  You can get started today.

For those registered nurses who are seeking their Bachelor's degree, you can obtain your degree through our partner, Regis University.  You can complete your upper-level core nursing courses in 12-20 months.  You can decide to work through a fast-track progression or a standard progression--depending on what works best with your busy lifestyle. 

Call us today at 800-395-1014 to learn more about these programs and find out which one is the best fit for you. Your Bachelor's degree is waiting for you.  

The College Network would like to extend a special congratulations to the recent nursing graduates from Regis University! 120 online students recently graduated from Regis's Loretto Heights School of Nursing with either a Bachelor of Science or a Master of Science in Nursing degree.

Out of the 120 graduates, 60 percent of these students began their education with help from The College Network. Regis University and The College Network have been working together to help people achieve their dreams of higher education for nine years.

Regis University has repeatedly been ranked as one of "America's Best Colleges" by U.S. News & World Report. The College Network works with the university to offer the following online programs: 

• BS in Nursing
• MS in Nursing
• RN to MS in Nursing
• BS in Health Information Management
• BS in Health Care Administration

If you would like to speak with someone about signing up for one of these online programs, call 1-800-395-1014.

Advancements in technology have had a seemingly positive effect on the job search process -- but is the Internet age actually hurting rather than helping?

Nearly every company with an online presence has a portion of their website dedicated to fielding potential applicants, allowing visitors to search for openings and submit an application online. These applications then enter the company's queue, and, because of the sheer volume of applicants, they often sit untouched and unnoticed. 

That's not to say that job searching online isn't a good idea. Try this: in addition to submitting your application using the form provided on the company's website, search the site for relevant email addresses -- contacts in HR and appropriate department heads. Attach your resume to a brief email outlining your interest in the company and remind them that you are following up on the position you are interested in. By doing so, you can increase the chances of your info being viewed by human eyes -- instead of having your resume merely thrown into the masses. If you don't hear back within a few weeks, it is acceptable to send a follow-up email, but by no means should you hound a potential employer with phone calls and/or emails.  

Job search websites can also be a bit overwhelming. Instead of searching a generic site (i.e. monster.com), try skimming through more industry-specific sites. If you are a nurse, for instance, try sites like Nurse.com and Nursingjobs.org. Use the same tactic for these sites -- instead of submitting your info on the site itself, check the job description for a point of contact. 

If you have graduated from one of The College Network's partner universities, don't be afraid to contact the school's career services department for interview tips and application guidelines. If you are thinking about going back to school before you start your career search, consider speaking with a Program Advisor at The College Network by calling 800-395-1014. We can help!

I need inspiration. I find myself pondering over and over--"what should I write my blog about?" So, my inspiration for my blog is just that--finding inspiration.  

Oftentimes adults who are pursuing their online degrees, need some inspiration to study and move forward in their programs.  Inspiration is a hard thing.  It tends to sometimes be fleeting. But, when it is with you, you find that you have an energy and focus that is hard to deny.

So, let's talk about some ways you can find inspiration.  For me, I look at blogs that I have written, articles on the internet and think about the experiences of the past week.  Maybe I can help you find some inspiration by connecting you with others who have also completed online degree programs or certificates.  

First of all, meet Reme Prusynski, who was in the business world for 30 years before she decided to go back to school to become the nurse she had always wanted to be but had never thought she could.  Or Jean Brennan, who decided to become a registered nurse because of 9/11. Karen Renick had been laid off, and it was then she decided start a paralegal studies program in hopes of securing a new position.  She went on to start her own paralegal business.  

Feeling inspired yet? If not, and you need more--just check out other success stories to find someone who is like you.  And when you're ready, call The College Network at 800-395-1014 and we'll help turn your inspiration into a reality.  

The National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses (NFLPN) has partnered with The College Network to offer LPNs and LVNs opportunities to earn an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing which will provide the education needed to sit for RN licensure.

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 NFLPN members, and you can begin working toward your advanced nursing degree as soon as you're ready - there is no wait list.

Register for our free informational webinar on Wednesday May 23, 2012 at 6pm ET. 

We'll be speaking with NFLPN president, and current customer of The College Network, Ottamissiah (Missy) Moore about the role education will play in the future of nursing and her experiences with The College Network's programs.

While you can listen in on the webinar for more information, you must be an NFLPN member to take advantage of the NFLPN University learning environment. To learn more about the NFLPN and the benefits of membership, visit www.nflpn.org. 

"Don't let schooling interfere with your education." It's a common Mark Twain quote heard among those who are disenchanted with the realm of higher education. They proceed to argue that with the cost of college on the rise and the inhospitable job market that investing in something like an advanced degree is not only unwise, but downright contradictory to achieving financial independence. 

What the college naysayers neglect to mention is that without a degree, your career choices will be limited for the rest of your life - your dream of becoming a doctor, or teacher, or nurse practitioner will have to be put on hold permanently. It's a dramatic statement, but the current society demands highly educated workers and the trend shows that more education and advanced degrees are becoming a necessity. 

This doesn't mean that you should run out and sign up for just any form of advanced degree. You should take the time to determine what type of advanced degree is right for you and what type of program will fit your current situation. If you're interested in earning a degree conveniently and cost effectively, you should visit The College Network's web site to learn more about online degree programs from top universities. 

Most of my customers, before joining their program of choice, will make sure and research The College Network. I, for one, think that is fantastic, because it shows their passion for completing the right program to suit their needs. But, don't believe everything you see out there.

Kristy Purvis had known for about a decade that she wanted to advance her nursing degree. “I knew that I wanted to advance my degree as soon as I graduated from LPN school; however, time got away from me. I looked up one day and realized that I had been a nurse for almost 10 years and still had not gone back to get my RN,” Kristy said.

The desire to obtain her RN was already there for Kristy, but a major change within her role at work is what pushed her to enroll in an Associate of Science in Nursing degree program. “I was also motivated when I was promoted from Assistant Director of Nurses to Corporate Nurse and realized that I had advanced as far up the ladder as I possibly could with my current licensure. I want to be a Director of Nurses, but you have to be an RN,” she said

Kristy chose to earn her advanced nursing degree online with help from The College Network®. She likes that the program is self-paced, allowing her to complete her degree on her own time. She also said the program was more affordable than other programs she researched due to The College Network’s unique financing options.

Read more of Kristy's success story here.

In my last blog post, I discussed the flexibility of our distance nursing programs where different kinds of people and learners are able to complete their degrees using the example of the Mario Kart video game series.  I'd like to continue using Mario Kart as a reference point to show how things you have already done, things we at The College Network can help you with, and things you can do to avoid obstacles in preventing you from finishing your degree program.

In Mario Kart, each character/kart can obtain different bonus items to help their cause in winning the race.  Some of these items are mushrooms (speed boost), turtles shells (wreck the opponent near you), banana peel (make someone spin out), and lightning bolts (shrink your competition).  Each of these can draw a parallel to helping you overcome obstacles in your program.

Mushrooms - a speed boost.  First off, with our Comprehensive Learning Modules, we streamline the test-out process, but we also offer other services to help as well.  Now, for certain prerequisite and general education classes, we offer online testing via a webcam proctor service to help you schedule and complete courses much quicker than a traditional testing center.  Also, by financing your exam fees with the rest of your learning modules, you do not have to wait to budget out test costs, we've done that for you!

Lightning Bolts - shrink the competition.  For those of you that have previous college credit, the good news is that it will most likely transfer in to the program if it is from a regionally accredited school.  By transferring in those credits, you can shrink the size of your program, and save time and money!

Turtle Shells - knock out the competition.  Each of our learning modules arms you with a turtle shell to knock out the opponent (the courses you need).  We guarantee you will pass each exam by using our modules, so whenever you shoot a turtle shell, it will be like a red one that finds the nearest competitor to knock them off.  Use the practice exams in the modules to help make sure you are prepared for your actual exams at the testing center or in the online webcam tests.  All in all, the modules will lead the way to finish your program and each one is a turtle shell to knock off your competition along the way!

Banana Peels - in case you slip.  Banana peels are notorious for being slippery, and the same is true in Mario Kart.  In life, and in these programs it is easy to fall behind, or slip up every once in awhile.  This is why we offer our Academic Support team to help you stay on track.  They are there to help you with curriculum questions, scheduling exams, obtaining exam fee checks, navigating the online resource center, and making sure you properly enroll and complete your top online nursing programs with one of the schools we partner with or recommend.

We at The College Network enjoy serving you to help you complete your education and lifelong goals.  Mario Kart is a great game on all platforms of Nintendo video game systems, and although it may not be the first thing you think of when completing your education, maybe now you can see the parallels between your education and having fun with a game.  So go out, run your race, complete your program, and come away in 1st place!

As always, feel free to contact us with any questions or needs.  Have a great day!

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

Procrastination - where I'll do it tomorrow becomes I'll do it next week - becomes I'll do it next month - becomes I never do it... Ever. 

You may have noticed that my posts have been lacking lately. Yes. I'm human, and I'm just as much of a procrastinator as the next person. It's something that most (if not all) of us deal with on a regular basis. 

Procrastination can affect us in many ways: We can fall behind in our careers, in academics, or even in our personal lives with family our friends. For as many of us as there are that do procrastinate, you would begin to assume it was actually a good thing.

Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. WRONG!

Procrastination is a killer. Not always a physical killer (unless you procrastinating your meals or crucial vitamins), but it is almost always a killer of dreams and goals.

You've wanted to become a registered nurse your entire life but now               (insert random excuse) is keeping you from doing it? Do you think there will ever be a perfect time to go back to school and fulfill your dreams? 

NO!

You have to make the time. If you do not work towards your dreams, I'm sad to say that you will probably never see them come true.

So sure, maybe now isn't a great time, but let's realize how small changes in your daily routine can lead to exponential results and help you achieve your lifelong goals.

The College Network offers top online nursing programs that can be completed at your OWN pace. There are no required log in times, no due dates, no penalties for moving too slowly or too quickly. So what's stopping you? Sure, it would be great to devote 6 hours a day to studying but even a half hour will get you to your goals eventually.

Make the change today! Call The College Network to learn how you can achieve your goals at your own pace.

Ein Peck, Program Advisor 

(800) 634-1443 ext 4786   mpeck@collegenetwork.com

Have you ever had an inkling or thought that you SHOULD do something?

In the words of Jiminy Cricket, a famous Walt Disney character, "Always let your conscience be your guide".

If you are considering going back to school for advanced nursing education, it might be time to listen to yourself. Earning a degree will not be easy, but it may be necessary to achieve your career goals. The College Network has made its mission to help working nurses through self-paced education and training. 

Research The College Network and hear what customers are saying about their experience at: www.youtube.com/thecollegenetwork. 

If you are already a customer completing a top online nursing program with help from The College Network, we're here for you. Our dedicated Academic Support team can help you develop a study plan based on your unique learning style, and our online Resource Center is packed with valuable tools that can make independent study fun and effective too. We know you can do this, and we'll support you throughout your TCN experience. 

You have to do what is right for you. Stop putting off the opportunity to earn your degree. You control your future when it comes to gaining advanced education that will provide endless opportunities and potential pay raises. Make the commitment to listen to your conscience and continue taking the necessary steps toward your goals.