Top Nursing Colleges

June is “Rebuild Your Life Month”! What better time than now to start making some positive changes that could impact your life and your career for the better? According to an article by Dr. Elizabeth Scott, there are a few quick and easy steps you can take to reassess your life and plan for positive change.

First, think about what you truly value. It might be helpful to make a list of what matters most to you in life. This list is your priority. Once you see what your priorities are, it’s easy to think about your daily activities in light of these priorities. Try removing any activities that aren’t in keeping with your priorities. While you may not be able to quit your job to spend more time with your family, you could eliminate an hour of watching TV each night and devote that time to game night or other activities with your family.

Next, imagine the life you want. Try to imagine realistically and with as much detail as possible. With this "best life" in mind, look at your regular activities and eliminate those that will not move you toward the life you want to lead—then make an effort to add activities that do.

Finally, think about the implications of your decisions. When you say “yes” to one activity, you are probably saying “no” to another. Your time is limited and precious. Make sure you are spending your time in a productive manner that matches your priorities and efforts to achieve the life you want.

When you make a list of priorities, imagine the life you want, and determine how you want to spend your time, does advancing your education or career have a place? If so, why not make “Rebuild Your Life Month” the month you contact The College Network to begin making a positive change that can impact your life and your career in wonderful ways? You can start earning business, nursing, healthcare, and professional degrees online from top universities TODAY!

Nursing is not for everyone. It takes a very strong, intelligent, and compassionate person to take on the ills of the world with passion and purpose and work to maintain the health and well-being of the planet.
~ Donna Wilk Cardillo

If you look up "nurse" in any dictionary, you'll likely see a brief definition that defines a nurse as someone who cares for those who are sick or hurt. However, that hardly encompasses all that a nurse truly is. Successful nurses have a number of important qualities that help them thrive in the industry. If you're considering a career in nursing, it's time to take stock of your personal traits to determine if nursing is right for you. Below are checklists of the top traits and skills that successful nurses possess. How do you stack up?

Traits
Compassion	Patience	Confidence	Respectfulness
Flexibility	Passion	Humility	Endurance
Selflessness	Tolerance	Stability	Attention to detail

Skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Critical-thinking skills

Do you have what it takes to succeed as a nurse? If so, contact The College Network today to find out how we can help you complete nursing school prerequisites as you work toward a rewarding nursing career!

Also, to learn more about some of the traits and skills needed to succeed in the nursing industry, read this article.

The College Network partners with Regis University to offer an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program that can help you become a leader in the nursing industry. In fact, the program focuses on leadership in healthcare systems. Become an MSN-prepared nurse, and you'll be qualified for a number of leadership positions, including chief nursing officer, nursing director, and nurse administrator.

NurseTogether recently published an article that discusses principles for practical nurse leadership. If you're interested in earning your MSN and becoming a nurse leader, you should keep the following tips in mind:

1. Exemplify the behavior you encourage in your subordinates. As a nurse leader, it's important for you to set a good example for your subordinates and to stay humble in your leadership position. You should never feel that you are above picking up trash in a hallway or helping a lost patron. Leading by example will help you earn the respect of patients, subordinates, peers, and superiors.
    
2. Surround yourself with employees who are willing to grow with you. If you have subordinates who are unwilling to put in the effort required to meet team goals, you must be ready and willing to make a change. You cannot be successful as a leader if you are unable to get all employees working toward the same goals.
    
3. Remember where you started. To be an effective leader in the nursing industry, you must stay on top of the day-to-day tasks performed by licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and other members of your healthcare team. It's a good idea to periodically walk through a shift with someone in a position you once held in order to get a true understanding of the changes that have taken place in areas like patient care.
    
4. Recognize and spend time with star employees. Low-performing employees often occupy a great deal of a leader's time because low performers are more willing to take time away from work to chat, and low performers also require more coaching. As a result, high-performing employees are often ignored. If you want to be an effective leader, you must find time to converse with and recognize high performers. These star employees bring a lot of value to the company, and you don't want to risk losing them to a leader who reaches out and recognizes that value before you do.

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.

With the trials and tribulations of the economy and the healthcare system in the United States constantly in the headlines, it's no surprise that health organizations are increasingly looking for cost-effective ways to expand medical practice. An article recently published on Software Advice's The Profitable Practice blog makes a pretty convincing case for cost savings surrounding the hiring of nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) over physicians. On top of providing significant cost savings, the article suggests that NPs and PAs can fill the physician gap while offering comparable patient care and positive patient experiences.

Nurse practitioners and physician assistants offer significant savings over physicians because, among other things, NPs and PAs earn lower salaries, charge less for office visits and require lower insurance costs. The median salary for a physician is more than twice that of a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant. Additionally, it is estimated that the cost of a physician visit is, on average, 20 to 35 percent higher than the cost of an NP visit. NPs also have lower malpractice rates and costs, while PAs offer a savings of 66 percent over physicians when it comes to liability risk costs.

According to The Profitable Practice blog article, nurse practitioners and physician assistants are in a pivotal position right now as the healthcare industry deals with a significant physician shortage that is expected to rise over the next several years. Hospitals and clinics are looking to mid-level practitioners like NPs and PAs to fill the gap in primary care—as evidenced by an 8-percent growth in mid-level practitioner staffing requests from 2010 to 2012. NPs and PAs are a good option because, despite their lower salaries, they can perform approximately 80 to 85 percent of the tasks that primary care physicians perform. Additionally, several studies have shown that patient satisfaction levels with NPs and PAs are comparable with or superior to patient satisfaction levels with physicians.

Primary care facilities looking to expand their practices will likely continue to look toward nurse practitioners and physician assistants as the demand for primary care increases under the Affordable Care Act. According to Software Advice's article, "To be successful, practices must enable all healthcare providers to function at the top of their license in order to provide patients with the best possible treatment." To read more about the expanding roles of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, read the full article here.

Additionally, The College Network (TCN) can get you started on the path toward becoming a nurse practitioner with our Master of Science in Nursing program, available through our partnership with Regis University. Contact us today for more information. Also, check out this article on the TCN blog to read more about the career of nurse practitioner.

In honor of National Nurses Week (celebrated every year from May 6 through May 12), I'd like to highlight some of the top reasons why The College Network (TCN) is dedicated to helping nurses continually improve their healthcare knowledge and gain advanced credentials throughout their careers. At TCN, we understand and appreciate nurses because they maintain selfless attitudes and they embrace their admirable roles in the following areas:

 NURTURANCE

When most people think of nurses, words like nurture, heal, and compassion likely come to mind. Nurses are dedicated to providing optimal care and putting patients at ease. They wear many hats, including those of caregiver, friend, teacher and therapist.

 TRUST

According to Gallop's annual "Honesty and Ethics" survey, nursing is considered the most trustworthy profession in the United States. The 2012 survey marks the 11th straight year that nurses have topped the list, ranking 10 percentage points above pharmacists and 15 percentage points above medical doctors. According to the survey, 85 percent of those polled ranked the trustworthiness of nurses as high or very high.

 LEADERSHIP

Although people may think of doctors as the leaders in a hospital, nurses are the true leaders of patient care. Nurses make sure patients understand instructions and procedures as well as ensure the safe implementation of interventions. Nurses also delegate various patient care activities to other members of the healthcare team. Additionally, nurses are the chief advocates for patient care needs, and they play a major role in improving patient outcomes.

 INFLUENCE

According to the American Nurses Association, "both the Affordable Care Act and the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) Future of Nursing report place nurses at the center of healthcare transformation in the United States." The knowledge and skills that nurses possess make them influential characters when it comes to changing healthcare policies, and they are increasingly being put in positions to make significant contributions to the improvement of the healthcare system.

 SERVICE

When asked why they wanted to become nurses in the first place, many (if not all) nurses will say they wanted to help people and make a difference in others' lives. Serving others and positively impacting the lives of patients and their family members is a large part of being a nurse. And it's also what makes nursing such a rewarding profession.

 EDUCATION

Nurses deserve a tremendous amount of respect for their dedication to staying relevant in the healthcare industry by continually seeking more knowledge and pursuing advanced degrees. According to the American Nurses Association's "Nursing by the numbers" fact sheet, 50 percent of registered nurses (RNs) have a bachelor's degree or higher, and 13.2 percent of RNs have a master's degree or a doctoral degree. 

If you are interested in seeking an advanced position within the great field of nursing (or in entering the profession for the first time), The College Network wants to help! Visit our nursing degrees page for more information.

Thank you, nurses, for all that you do!

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. 

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.

Did you know that moving to a new city can mean a big raise in pay? If you're an LPN/LVN or RN, keep in mind that certain locations offer higher salaries than others. Of course, it's always wise to do your research before a move -- your final pay depends largely on the cost of living in your new city and the type of healthcare institution you are looking for. Salaries tend to decrease as you move away from major cities. 

With the help of Scrubs Magazine and PayScale.com, we've dug up some stats on the highest-paying destinations for nurses. The country's major cities hit the top of the list -- but a few of these high-paying places might surprise you:

  LPN/LVNs (Annual Salary): 

This post is the first in a series about in-demand jobs today, the hottest job sectors and their related college and educational requirements.  

Higher Education is about learning and learning is about curiosity and growth. Learning new information and skills helps us all respond to the changing landscape of our world. At The College Network® (TCN) we provide the framework, but the curiosity to learn and grow comes from within.

In these challenging times of high unemployment and the need for many to earn nursing or other college degrees in order to advance their careers, we invite you to explore The College Network.  The College Network has been and is a great resource helping hundreds of thousands of people like you pursue their educational goals.

There are many lists of the most in-demand jobs, but we found that the "25 Best Jobs of 2012"  published by U.S. News & World Report has the most comprehensive method of ranking. A summary of the top 10 jobs from this list follows.

1. Registered Nurse

2. Software Developer

3. Pharmacist

4. Medical Assistant

5. Database Administrator

6. Web Developer

7. Computer Systems Analyst

8. Physical Therapist

9. Computer Programmer

10. Maintenance and Repair Worker

Follow the link above for more details including median salaries, the growth rate and the total number of jobs available through the year 2020 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Please be sure to research The College Network as you learn about the kind of high-value, cost-effective education programs that we offer to help you realize your personal goals.

Thanks for reading our Blog and good luck in your pursuit of a better future!

The Staff at The College Network

Last week, I started work at The College Network's Indianapolis headquarters, and I went through all the first-day jitters that come along with being the new guy. Luckily, I was greeted with a team of friendly faces who quickly put my fears to rest.  No matter what field you are in, the first day of work can be a daunting one. For nurses, the challenges that come with a new workplace may seem totally different from those that arise in an office setting, but there are still many basic "first day" tips that apply across the board. Here's some tips to remember when gearing up for your first day:

1)  Look the Part. First impressions are everything. If possible, visit your new place of employment before your start date and take note of what your peers are wearing. Your clothes on Day 1 should be wrinkle free and clean, of course. When in doubt, err on the conservative side until you get a feel for what the norm of dress is. For nurses, stay away from perfume or heavy cologne --- it's distracting to patients and supervisors.

2)  Come Prepared. Be sure to bring all necessary forms and paperwork with you, including a copy of your job description, the employee handbook and proper identification. If it's your first day as a nurse, you'll likely be expected to bring a bag of basic equipment, including a watch, stethoscope, bandage scissors, pocket flashlight and a new edition drug handbook. 

3)  Ask Questions. As a nurse, you've likely been exposed to a fair deal of clinical hours. However, every supervisor has different expectations and best practices. During your first few weeks, don't be afraid to ask questions -- it's better to learn than to do a task incorrectly. Asking questions will show your supervisor that you are motivated and willing to learn. 

If you are thinking about becoming an RN and starting a new career path of your own, feel free to call us today at 800-395-1014. By enrolling in one of our programs available from top universities, you'll be on track towards your first day of work in no time!

I read a fantastic article on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's website that I wanted to share with readers of The College Network nursing blog. Healthcare professionals from metro Atlanta were asked to answer the question of what makes a great nurse. The article also points out that nurses have topped the Gallup poll of the most trustworthy professionals for 12 of the past 13 years.

A few of my favorite quotes appear below. The rest appear in the article, which you can read here.

“Every great nurse I know has the following characteristics: caring nature, detail-oriented, emotionally stable, great judgment, physical endurance and extraordinary communication skills.” - Elaina S. Hall, director, Grady Burn Center, Grady Health System

“The technology has changed and our patients have more complex illnesses, but the one thing that hasn’t changed since Florence Nightingale started the profession is caring. A great nurse sees the patient, not the tubes. She sees someone who could be her mother, her father or her child, and she cares for them as if it were so.” - Sheyla Desir, nurse manager, acute care services, Atlanta VA Medical Center

 “When I think of what makes a great nurse, I’m reminded of the quote from Mahatma Gandhi: ‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.’ A great nurse has to be selfless.” - Karen B. Seagraves, program director, Marcus Stroke & Neuroscience Center, Grady Health System

"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. 

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

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

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

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

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

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. 

You may have heard about the nursing student education dilemma that's currently happening in the U.S. There are more student's applying to nursing programs at brick and mortar schools than these institutions can accommodate. As a result, many of the students are getting turned away.

Did you know that with The College Network's distance nursing programs, you can begin working towards your degree whenever you are ready? That's right, with our nursing programs from leading universities there is never a waiting list to get started!

Once you enroll, you can complete your degree in as little or as much time as you like. Our online nursing programs are designed with you in mind, and with the understanding that life happens. You should be able to earn your degree on your own time, and with our programs that's exactly what you can do.

We offer fully accredited online Associate's, Bachelor's and Master's in Nursing degrees from top nursing schools. If you would like to learn more, visit our web site or call and speak to one of our Program Advisors at 1-800-395-1014.

It's become common knowledge that nursing is a high in-demand career field, but there are also other jobs in the healthcare field that are growing and in need of people to fill current and future positions. Four of the top twenty career growth fields are nurses; nursing aides, orderlies and attendants; licensed practical/licensed vocational nurses; and home health aides.

For those currently pursuing a higher degree in healthcare, the news couldn't be much better. For those considering a career in healthcare, it's time to strike while the iron is hot. If you're worried about the cost, The College Network can help you earn college credit at a fraction of the cost of traditional institutions. If you can't wait and want to start right away, TCN has Comprehensive Learning Modules in their online Resource Center that you can access immediately on your own personal computer. If you're looking for an excuse to delay, you'd be hard-pressed to find one. The College Network's mission since 1992 has been to help nurses earn advanced degrees efficiently and conveniently, and over the course of twenty years, our products and processes have been fine tuned to create an opitmal learning experience. Visit The College Network's web site to learn more.

It's not every day when you can relate one of your favorite childhood (who am I kidding - current) games to furthering your education, but today I'd like to use the series of Mario Kart games to show you that completing your education is as easy as navigating a track named Rainbow Road.

At The College Network, our goal is to allow customers to complete distance nursing programs within the confines of their own goals and abilities. This is very much like choosing your own character/driver in the Mario Kart games.  Some characters like Mario and Luigi are well rounded - they have good speed, good acceleration, and good steering. Customers with these attributes can study in many different ways and at a steady pace to complete their program of choice with our Comprehensive Learning Modules.  Others are like Donkey Kong or Bowser, where they may start slow, but have a great high-end top speed.  Some customers are like this as well, where they have trouble starting, but once they do, they are able to knock their courses out very quickly.  Another way to study would be to do things in quick short bursts - much like the high acceleration of Princess Peach or Yoshi.  And some folks really like to control their own destiny, and keep things very orderly, consistent, and take the most efficient way around the track to finish their program or race, much like Toad or Koopa Troopa.  

Any way you look at it, all of the previous methods can work.  You just have to choose the right path for yourself and know your strengths and weaknesses.  At The College Network, we offer our Academic Guidance Planner and Academic Support Team to help you set goals, find out what learning style is best for you, and give you study tips on how best to be an independent learner.  Basically, we fit your Mario Kart driving style to your perfect Kart and character that drives it!

In my next post, I'll look at how the The College Network helps you navigate your program by using all the extras and resources that come with this type of program.  Watch out for that banana peel!

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