Tips On Going To Nursing School As An Older Adult
Can you go to nursing school as an older adult? People switch careers all the time during their life and choose to go to nursing school in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s . Nursing school isnt just for twenty year olds, as some may think. Sadly, I have heard of people who contemplated not going to nursing school because they thought they were too old. As the saying goes, Age is just a number.
In this article, I want to encourage anyone out there who wants to go to nursing school as an older adult and give you some tips on doing so. Below is a video of me discussing this issue if you rather watch me talk. Dont forget to .
First lets answer the question: Can older adults succeed in nursing school?
Absolutely!! I was in nursing school with many, many older adults and they excelled. I also found that they took their course work more seriously than the younger students.
From personal observation, I found that the people who flunked out of nursing school were the young adults who were fresh out of high school. This was mainly because they didnt really know what they wanted to do, and just pick nursing as a career, because it sounded good. So, yes older adults succeed in nursing school!
Easiest To Get Into Private Nursing Schools For Adn Programs
1.Cox College – Springfield, MO
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4.The University of Saint Francis – Fort Wayne, IN
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5.Mercy College of Health Sciences – Des Moines, IA
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6.Bethel University – Mishawaka, IN
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7.Mercyhurst University – Erie, PA
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10.Gardner-Webb University – Boiling Springs, NC
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University Of North Florida Unf Distance Learning
University of North Floridas RN to BSN Online degree program is designed to be completed in as little as 12 months with a full-time course load, although students can proceed at a slower pace if needed. Students will prepare for advanced opportunities in nursing with expert instructors and a well-respected nursing degree program that includes community nursing practice. The community experience provides learning about community and public health nursing with local agencies such as homeless shelters, public health organizations, hospital outreach programs, and non-profits.
The University of North Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The school was ranked number two in the country in 2018 Top Online Colleges, 2018 Most Affordable Online College, and U.S. News & World Reports Best Regional College seven years in a row. As one of the easiest and cheapest online RN to BSN programs, the University of North Floridas coursework such as Perspectives in Chronicity: Nursing Practice, Introduction to Nursing Science, and Professional Nursing Transition prepares nurses for career and educational advancement, making it a good choice for an affordable Bachelors in Nursing online.
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Nursing Graduates Earn More After College
Nurse graduates with associate degrees earn an average of $71,000 annually. With this type of degree, they would fit well into an insurance company or a physicians practice, where they would work directly with patients.
Nurses who earned their BSN earn an average of $87,000. As you can see, a more advanced degree helps them increase their annual income. As a nursing manager, they may earn $90,000 and, if they choose to work as a family nurse practitioner, their annual earnings increase to $97,000.
A nurse who has earned their Master of Science in Nursing may see their annual salaries increase to $96,000. If they are interested in working as a family nurse practitioner , their annual earnings remain the same. They will work with patients of all ages, as their title suggests. An advanced registered nurse practitioner has earned some additional licensing, has more responsibilities, and earns an annual salary that is commensurate with their experience: $99,000.
Nurses may also choose to earn their Master of Public Health , focusing on Health Services Administration. This professional sees an annual income of around $100,000 on average.
A doctorate nursing degree allows any nurse who has earned this terminal degree to earn even more, around $99,000 on average. If these nurses dont want to work in a medical setting, they may choose to work as a Quality Assurance Director, where their annual salary rises to $116,000.
Columbus State University Csu Online
Columbus State Universitys online RN to BSN degree program is designed to be completed entirely online. CSUs RN to BSN distance learning program has been ranked as Georgias #1 school among public learning institutions and stands as one of the nations easiest and cheapest online RN to BSN programs. Classes are completed in seven-week sessions, which allows candidates to earn their BSN in about a year. The RN to BSN program provides asynchronous classes that are available on either a full-time or a part-time basis. Clinical requirements are completed where the student lives.
Columbus State Universitys 132-acre suburban campus is located about 100 miles SW of the city of Atlanta. Students attending Columbus State University complete their degrees while experiencing real-world circumstances. CSUs tuition is based on the students permanent residency. CSUs mission statement seeks to embolden students to participate in the advancement of local and regional communities through service to others, and building one of the most affordable nursing schools in the nation is a key part of that goal.
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Fort Hayes State University
- Annual fee: $6,570
Fort Hayes State University offers over 200 affordable, accredited online programs using the latest in learning technology specifically designed for adult learners. A list of available bachelors degrees can be found here. Fort Hayes State University prides itself on being one of the most affordable online colleges for degree programs in the USA.
Easiest To Get Into Public Nursing Schools For Adn Programs
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5.Eastern Kentucky University – Richmond, KY
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6.Fairmont State University – Fairmont, WV
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8.University of Montana – Missoula, MT
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9.Utah State University – Logan, UT
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10.Bluefield State College – Bluefield, WV
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Vision Mission And Values
As an integral part of Nashville State Community College, the nursing program derives its overall philosophy and purpose from the mission and goals of the college. Nashville State is first and foremost a teaching and training institution that places high value on maximizing student access to educational programs and on graduates success in finding employment or continuing their education. The culture of Nashville State values:
- Helping students succeed in reaching their educational and career goals.
- Providing learning opportunities to serve students in occupational and educational settings.
- Responding to the educational and training demands of both students and employers.
- Advancing the economic development of the service area.
The faculty support and implement the mission, goals, and philosophy by providing an innovative, creative, and comprehensive curriculum in an interactive environment. We acknowledge the diverse needs of our students and clinical agencies as we work together for community enrichment.
The Nashville State nursing program is committed to fostering an environment that promotes self-directed professionals in the art of caring, interpersonal communication and critical thinking. Our vision recognizes graduates as patient advocates who are stakeholders of the health and welfare of the community thus our motto is NSCC Nursing: From Classroom to Community.
Gain Experience In The Field
This step likely comes as no surprise, but its an important one. Prior to enrolling in a certificate program, you need at least one years worth of professional nursing experience. The reasoning is simple: Before pursuing an advanced nursing position, you need to understand what its like to work as a nurse in the field. Besides, while you may leave our program with an MSN degree, youre going to learn a lot in that first year of working both about nursing and about working with other medical professionals.
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Questions To Ask When Becoming An Rn
An RN provides patient care in a healthcare setting. RNs enter the healthcare field with an associate degree in nursing or a BSN degree.
Some employers hire nurses with an associate degree and an RN license. However, a growing number of employers prefer to hire nurses with a bachelor’s degree.
Advanced practice RNs, like nurse practitioners, earn the highest salaries in nursing. A BSN degree meets the requirements for graduate programs in nursing.
A BSN represents the typical entry-level education for registered nurse careers. The degree trains graduates for an RN license and nursing jobs.
Associate Of Applied Science Degree In Nursing Program
The ADN program is a two-year nursing program that admits students twice a year. Students can opt to take classes in during the day, or evenings and weekends. There are two entry tracks into the ADN program, depending on a student’s prior education level. Information about admission to each track can be found by clicking below.
The and discontinued admitting students as of the Fall 2019 semester
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Are Nursing Programs In High Demand
Bachelor of Science in Nursing education programs are definitely in high demand and the employment of registered nurses is expected to grow by 7% between 2019 and 2029. As the U.S. population ages and older people generally experience more medical issues, this career field is expected to continue to grow. As long as people also develop chronic health issues such as diabetes, arthritis, dementia and heart disease nurses will continue to be needed and this will be a major factor for the increase in the employment of nurses at all education and licensure levels.
Currently, insurance companies are pushing hospitals to discharge patients as quickly as they can. If patients are suffering from a long-term condition that makes medical and nursing care necessary, they may be transferred to long-term care facilities until they are able to care for themselves. This push also means that home health nurses will be needed in greater numbers to care for these patients needs.
Long-term care facilities admit patients with Alzheimers disease as well as those suffering from head injuries or the aftermath of strokes. Outpatient care centers are also being built in communities around the country. Patients go here to receive needed rehabilitation services, chemotherapy, and same-day surgery. Nurses are needed to help care for all of these patients.
Choose An Affordable Program
How much youll pay for your BSN degree varies significantly depending on what school you choose. If you really want to minimize the costs of earning your bachelors degree, do your homework and research the cost and value of the schools you are considering. There are many affordable online BSN degree options that cost between $305 and $445 per credit. If youre considering an online college program thats headquartered in another state, make sure you find out whether or not your school charges different in-state and out-of-state tuition rates to online students.
When you make the right choices, earning your BSN doesnt have to cost a fortune.
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Florida International University Fiu Online
The Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences offers Florida International Universitys online RN to BSN degree program specifically designed to meet the needs of busy working professionals. FIUs RN to BSN distance learning degree ranks as one of the cheapest online RN to BSN programs anywhere, based on the tremendous value it provides. The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education have accredited the RN to BSN degree program. The BSN degree required the completion of 120 credits.
FIU is a non-profit, public research university located in the greater Miami area on a sunny 473-acre campus. By enrollment, Florida International University is the 4th-largest university in the country, the 2nd-largest in the state of Florida, and the largest university in South Florida. Tuition varies based on whether a degree candidate is an in-state or an out-of-state student. With one of the most affordable nursing schools in the nation, FIU is crucial to Floridas massive healthcare system.
Online And Hybrid Nursing Programs
Online RN-to-BSN degree programs are an option, though applicants should know that practical experience is still required even for programs that offer fully online coursework. As a result, many nursing programs that incorporate a distance learning model are actually hybrid programs. Some coursework takes place online, but clinical fieldwork and potentially some coursework is done in person. Online and hybrid nursing programs are easy in the sense that you dont have to commute to campus. For certain parts of your education, like asynchronous online courses, you can study in your pajamas, from your living room, after work or early in the morning. However, students sometimes find the online learning environment difficult because it can feel isolating. Success in studying online requires a great deal of self-discipline and time management. If youre not a self-motivated person, explore strategies for holding yourself accountable or consider an in-person learning option.
Every nursing degree has its own challenges. Choosing an easy nursing degree may allow you to complete your education sooner or to avoid having to take extra courses. However, you should still be prepared for selective admissions requirements, a rigorous curriculum and a licensing process that includes passing a national credentialing exam.
Additional Resources
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New England Institute Of Technology
The New England Institute of Technology online RN to BSN program is one of the easiest and cheapest online RN to BSN programs, and the entire program can be completed in about 18 months using NEITs unique 10-week term, four-semester year. One of the most affordable nursing schools in the nation, NEIT is highly ranked for online learning, with coursework covering theory and practice. Graduates from the bachelors in nursing online easily advance to leadership roles in the field of nursing.
The New England Institute of Technology is an accredited non-profit, private school in southern New England. NEITs online RN to BSN program provides students with continuous support on a 24/7 basis. The New England Institute of Technology is the only school in the state of Rhode Island ranked in U.S. News & World Reports top 20 online bachelors programs, a testament to its quality and value.
College Of Coastal Georgia Ccga Elearning
The College of Coastal Georgias online RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program is a model of quality and affordability. Coming from one of the most affordable nursing schools in the world, CCGAs Bachelors in Nursing online program provides working nurses with both fully online courses and hands-on experiential learning, providing the best of both worlds for nursing students. Highly motivated and well-prepared students can complete the program in as little as 3 semesters just one year.
One of Georgias youngest state colleges, the College of Coastal Georgia was founded in just 1961 as a junior college, working to meet the need for higher education in a region that had no public colleges available. Today, CCGA is a model of regional higher education, providing opportunities for the people of Georgias coastal region to earn their degrees, improve their credentials, and advance in their careers. That includes one of the easiest and cheapest online RN to BSN programs in the nation, one that makes affordability and accessibility as important as excellence.
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University Of North Georgia
4,300 In-State Tuition
The University of North Georgia is a regional multi-campus university and a premier senior military college that provides an environment of academic excellence, student-focused and quality education and services. It is part of the University System of Georgia and the Military College of North Georgia. The university has comprehensive academic and co-curricular programs that help students achieve their goals and become great leaders in society: this includes the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and the Master of Science in Nursing.
Individuals who want to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing have two pathways to choose: the traditional four-year BSN course and the RN to BSN program. The traditional four-year BSN program builds on a solid foundation of liberal arts and sciences as these prerequisites are given in the first two years of the course. After completion, students will then have two years of nursing studies, which includes clinical exposure in an accredited healthcare facility. Meanwhile, the RN to BSN program is offered to all qualifying Registered Nurses who wish to advance their careers through a Baccalaureate Degree. The program comes in the form of a high-quality education, which can be taken in person, online or a combination of the two.
Are There Any Free Nursing Programs Available
While there are no free nursing programs, the Nurse Corps Scholarship does cover the full cost of tuition for students accepted into an accredited nursing program in exchange for a service commitment. This federal program is offered by the Health Resources and Services Administration to help communities in need have greater access to health care resources. Eligible students receive a monthly stipend in addition to full coverage of tuition, fees, and other educational-related expenses, such as textbooks and uniforms. After graduating, students in the program must work for a minimum of two years at a critical shortage facility. To apply, students must submit an application and supporting documentation.
After receiving your RN licensure, there are many continuing nursing education courses available at no cost. The University of Washington offers several free CNE classes, including the Nursing Ground Round Series covering patient care delivery and best practices. Free CNE courses are also provided by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, Medscape.com, and Medline University.
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