The College Network is not a college.  They are, in many ways, a specialized text book company that works together with various colleges and universities around the United States so that nurses can complete their degree.  These specialized text books, or study guides, walk nurses through various courses from Statistics, Microbiology, A & P, and even some basic courses like History or Government.

Here are 3 tips for working with the College Network in completing your nursing degree:

1. Don’t believe the hype – one way or another.  There are some nurses who bought into the study guide program thinking it was going to be easy.  It wasn’t.  So, they tell all their friends how bad it was.  That’s their fault. Studying on your own is almost always going to be harder than sitting in a classroom having a professor lecture to you while you take some notes.  If you have the ability to study on your own, then you might want to try them. 
2. Evaluating Your Transcripts – one of the TCN advisors will evaluate your transcripts.  They do this quite often and have seen many transcripts.  They are usually pretty accurate, BUT, the advisor who evaluates your transcript is NOT the final word.  The registrar at the college is the final word.  He/She has the right to make any adjustments to your evaluation. It may be just one course or two, but just be ready for that. It’s okay too.  The next tip will show you how to get around that initial evaluation.
3. Take A Few Courses – your transcripts may reveal that you need 9 of their study guides to take the courses you need to complete your degree.  But, you don’t have to sign up for all 9 at once.  If you were going to a community college, you don’t sign up for all 9 courses at once.  Just sign up for their minimum number of courses, if you need their financing, and work through those first.  This doesn’t obligate you to the entire 9 courses, and you can work through the first few courses to insure this is how you want to complete your degree.  If not, then you’re not out the entire amount.

Overall, I like the TCN program.  They have been around for quite a long time, which is saying something these days.  No university would work hand-in-hand with The College Network if their system wasn’t actually working.

 But becoming a nurse is not really inexpensive. Apart from the fact that the course itself is expensive, most nurses have to appear for certifying exams in order to get the necessary licenses or registrations that enable them to become full-fledged nurses. Which is why, a vast majority of nurses complete their basic nursing qualification (usually a diploma) before they enter the workforce.

 Once inside, they realize that for nurses with better qualifications, there are tremendous growth opportunities. This usually puts them in a dilemma. If they quit their jobs to take up further courses of study, they not only stand to lose valuable income, but also run the risk of further students loans to pay for costly education. If on the other hand, they stay back in their jobs, they may never see a promotion or an opportunity for growth for a long time to come. The answer to such a dilemma is nursing continuing education.

 Simply put, nursing continuing education is an “earn while you learn” scheme. When working nurses sign-up for nursing continuing education programs, they can continue to work at their regular hospitals while they improve their qualifications on the side. Most Diploma in Nursing holders can thus sign-up for a Degree program and work for their degree part-time while working as a regular nurse. Of course, such a course might be longer than a conventional full-time course, but the working nurse need not give up her job to pursue her education.

 Most hospitals in the United States have a tie-up or affiliation with a college or university that provides nursing continuing education. Since the hospital itself administers the program, the nurses stand to benefit as they can schedule their rounds conveniently in order to accommodate the demands of the course. They also prefer hospitals which provide the option of nursing continuing education because this is a guarantee that they will have chances to grow in their chosen profession and consequently, earn more. And for the hospitals, it makes commercial sense because they have a steady pool of nurses guaranteed to undertake the course. Further, hospitals favor the nursing continuing education programs because it helps them retain staff in an industry that is always short of qualified nurses. It makes for better business sense to retain and train their existing nurses than to find new nurses.

 Most American Nursing Associations like the American Nursing Association (ANA), American Nephrology Nursing Association (ANNA) and others are strong proponents of nursing continuing education. After all, it is a win-win situation for all concerned. And who would say not to happy, qualified nurses working in stress-free hospitals!

What courses will transfer so I will know what I have to take?

One of the hardest things was when a nurse realized that some of her college credits were not going to transfer.  There are different reasons a college course will not transfer.

1. The college you went to was not accredited.  This is mostly true for degreed nurses, or for nurses who did not attend a traditional college.
2. The course they took was more than 7 or 10 years old.
3. The course you took is not “quite” the same as the one the new college requires.
4. You didn’t have a lab with the science class.

Those are the main 4 reasons.  Other technicallities may arise, but those are the ones you need to be aware of.  So, let me address each one.

First, if your degree is going to be worth anything, it must be accredited. No exceptions.  That means the courses you took must come from an accredited college.  If you took Microbiology from a school that wasn’t accredited, it is quite likely you’ll have to take it again.  Check on your accreditation with the school you attended.

Second, every school has the right to regulate what courses they will accept and what they will not.  Much of this is dependent on the age of the course. Many schools will not accept courses that are more than 7 years old. This is because technology and science changes.  The college course you took in the 1990’s is different than what is being taught now.  Be prepared if you have some “aging” courses, you may be required to take them again.

Third, every college may have their own twist on how a college course is taught.  Therefore, a college course you took may be “similar,” but not the same.  The college admissions of the school you are applying to has the right to say the descriptions do not match.  Worse case scenerio is you have to take that course again, but the course you did take in the past can still possibly transfer in as an elective instead.

Fourth, and you know this.  Science has to have labs.  There are still some colleges out there teaching science classes without labs.  They won’t transfer and you will be have to take that class again.  This is true mostly if you are going from LPN to BSN.  Some ASN to BSN programs will allow it.

Here’s the bottom line (in my opinion).  Colleges and Universities are businesses. They have boards of directors that set their degree plans, as well as state and federal guidelines to follow. If you want to earn a nursing degree from a particular university, then you must follow their rules if you want their name on your degree.  They have the right to say yes or no when it comes time to transfer courses.  They’re not just being mean. 

In the big picture, it may require you to take one or two extra courses to complete your degree.  Don’t get lost in the details.  Look at the big picture and get your degree!

• I don’t have the time
• I heard the clinicals were too hard.
• I heard you can’t pass the clinicals
• I do more than those BSN nurses anyway
• I don’t have the money
• That clinical costs too much money
• What if I don’t pass

Those are all excuses based on fear, gossip, and simply being stuck in a rut for several years.  It’s time to stop the excuses and stop listening to other people (letting them control) your life, and move on to the goals and dreams you have as a nurse.

I don’t work for the College Network anymore.  I have not interest in how you get your degree… just get it.  If that means enrolling right now so you can start school this January at your community college or 4-year nursing school, then take action today.  If that means arranging the financing so you can get started with an online nursing degree program, thenn do that today.  Just get it done.  Let me give you the best reasons why:

1. You give yourself an immediate raise.  Stop bitching about those who make more than you and do less work. Sometimes I think some nurses would rather bitch about life than do something about it. You know better than me the kind of money that awaits you if you finish your ASN, BSN, or MSN.
2. You open the door to better health care opportunities. What kind of jobs would immediately open for you if you had your BSN? Are you tired of lifting patients yet? How many more years until you are not physically able to do your current nursing duties?
3. Life your life, not someone elses.  I have met WAY TOO MANY nurses who would rather be drug down by those around them than life their own life.
4. Higher level nursing degrees will be a must. Those 25 year old nurses who have their BSN and earn more than you, even though you have 20 years of experience – they aren’t better than you – they just made a better choice than you.
5. If you can’t do it for yourself, do it for your family.  I met a nurse who took 3 years to finish her BSN.  Within 2 months she receive a huge promotion, earning an extra $40,000 per year! What could you and your family do with an extra $40K?

Listen, I’m not saying going back to school is easy.  However, I am saying that it is time to speak the truth to yourself and stop making excuses.  Earning your nursing degree online may be exactly what you need to do.  Or, going back to your community college and getting your ASN may be exactly what you need to do.  As we push forward in the months and years to come, I don’t think you will ever say, “I wish I hadn’t gone back to school.”  However, I think the opposite will always be true.

You may think this would not apply to specialty fields of study, but it can. Yes you will still need to learn the details to ensure you understand what you need to understand, but maybe you can bypass some or many of the courses that are not really applicable to the career of interest. This may be even more doing in fields where there is more demand then supply.

For example most realize there is huge demand for registered nurses and it is expected to increase in the coming years. One reason this is expected is due to the aging baby boomer population who will need more care and who are going to be retiring. If nursing is a career you have considered but have a degree in a different field maybe you did not want to return to school because you thought it would take to long. Does this sound like you?

Well there are programs geared toward people who already have a degree in a non medical field but would like to transition to a medical or nursing career. To allow for acceleration many of these are nursing schools with a program specially designed towards someone who holds a non-nursing degree. The others are geared towards some who already work in a lower level nursing field and wish to earn their BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree) at a quicker pace.

Therefore do not give up your dreams of becoming a nurse just because you decided years ago to earn a degree in a different field. Take the time now to learn about your options from the different nursing schools who offer programs at a faster pace then more traditional ones.

you have looked into a few different schools by searching online make sure to contact them all to learn as much as you can about the different programs of study. All schools have different requirements and expectations, plus they all offer something a little different from each other. Therefore it is important to check out several prior to making After.

Most people have heard that there is a nursing shortage. In fact a lot of people are going back to school in order to become a registered nurse or an LPN. For those who are already working as an LPN who are interested in an increase in pay and advancing their career they may be in luck.

One reason is there may be more demand for a registered nurse’s then licensed practical nurse’s in some areas and therefore many LPNs are returning to college to complete LPN to RN program to take advantage of the opportunities. Many folks can complete one of these programs in less then two years time and may get an increase in salary of $15K or more per year.

Going back to school to increase ones education can be a huge time commitment. However with the Internet and online college degree options people today have a lot more flexibility then people used to have. Now they can structure their study and learning time around their work and family schedules. Yes it still takes a large commitment but it can be well worth it.

In addition to potentially earning more money by becoming a registered nurse, a former licensed practical nurse’s job will also change with respect to new responsibilities. Although many people do enjoy working as a licensed practical nurse many do decide later in their career to go back to school because they want to do something different. So if you are a licensed practical nurse and looking to advance your career now may be the time to go back to school.

More and more college students are getting their degrees online. It is believed that one in ten students currently attending college does so online, with that number expected to continue to increase.

One great thing about online degree programs is you don’t have to actually be located anywhere specific to enroll. With online degree programs, you can attend any college you like from home, as long as they offer an online degree program. In fact, you could attend several different colleges or universities at once, if you have the time and the funds to do so.

Another reason why distance learning colleges are so popular is the convenience of learning from home. You never have to attend a long, boring, dry lecture by a professor in a hot, stuffy, crowded room. You never even have to step foot onto the physical campus, you never have to attend a single class, or any other required assemblies required by on-campus students.

Believe it – distance learning can be cheaper than traditional classroom learning. You need not worry about room and board fees. In fact, in many cases, the online costs include all materials and textbooks required for the course rather than having to pay for each course’s books separately. You can probably envision some other ways you’d save money too.

Did you know that regular old financial aid is available for online students? Financial aid is available for students in the form of scholarships, Pell grants, and student loans. Contact the Financial Aid department at your school of choice to find out what programs are available to online students.

Enjoy anytime, anywhere learning options. You can access course work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. No need to be concerned about missing class, you can take them when they fit your schedule. If you have a PC and Internet access you’re golden. You can also listen to the course lectures over in case you’ve missed something.

After you’ve completed your degree, check with the college or university to see if they have a career services center to help you get a job in your new profession. In many cases the school will help you obtain a job, although there may be additional costs associated with this service.

Some online degree programs are geared toward a particular job market. If this is the case, the faculty and staff will be up-to-date on current market trends. They can more easily adjust curriculum to match current trends which could give those students a leg up on other students entering the job market at the same time.

Unlike traditional colleges and universities, online degree programs often use faculty that have real-life work experience in relation to the subjects they’re teaching. You could pursue an online psychology or nursing degree online. Are you interested in banking? One of your instructors may be a vice-president of a bank. Is Criminal Justice more your style? What student wouldn’t like to be taught the tricks of the trade by someone who’s actually apprehended a felon rather than just read about it in books.

True, these reasons aren’t the only ones that a student considering an online degree program might use to help them decide whether this method of education is for them. However, these aspects are important ones to think about along with finding answers to your own questions. Spend an hour or two investigating online degree programs and distance learning. You might be surprised to see how well it fits your life.

So where do you go to commence your nursing degree? The first thing you need to do is choose your learning environment carefully. Why? Because you want to make sure the school you learn through is accredited. If it’s not, then your degree may not hold much weight in the real world.

Nursing has long been one of the world’s most popular professions and in an economy where people are hurting and jobs are at a premium then you should consider the satisfaction and security of a nursing profession.

Available Schools And Jobs

There are many schools that offer a nursing degree online. There are probably a few in your area. However, the best part about taking courses online is that you don’t have to be in the same town or area where the classes are held. You’re taking them all online.

All you have to have is a computer and an internet connection. There are a lot of diploma mills out there, however, and you want to make sure you’re not being scammed. Take your time to research the school before you pay any money and make sure you’re taking quality courses before you put all your hard work and time into the degree.

Nurses are in very high demand so you should have no problem finding a job once you complete your online nursing degree. Plus, nursing is a very rewarding job. You get to help people in their time of need and you are paid very handsomely for it.

Nurses make great money. So if you’re stuck in a dead end job, or you’ve hit the salary ceiling in your current profession, get your nursing degree online and start doing your part for humanity while also earning a great paycheck every month.

The job world is reeling at the moment with more than 2 million losing their jobs in the US alone through 2008/09 and the nursing profession is considered a pretty solid career choice.

It would be great to have all that money in your pocket while also having the pride in your heart knowing that you helped someone in need. So search for online nursing degree programs today and finally get that nursing job you’ve always hoped to get but never had the time to pursue.

There are different ways to become an RN. A shorter way to become an RN is to complete either a nursing diploma program or an associate’s degree in nursing program. Both of these options can allow someone to become an RN. Another option is to pursue a four year bachelor’s in nursing degree. Which one you choose will likely depend on your time frame and career goals.

If you need to start working sooner rather then later then the shorter diploma or associate degree option may be best. If you only have a goal to be a nurse and not go into management then this option may be a great choice. If you later decide to get a bachelors degree you can find many transition programs. A common one is an RN to BSN Online degree many nurses are completing.

If you have the time and know for sure you want more career opportunities then earning your BSN (four year) degree from the start may be a great idea for you. This will give you an opportunity to go into management and other career opportunities those with a lesser degree may not have.

Whatever choice you decide a key thing to do now is to compare all your options. This includes nursing schools and type of programs. Once that is done you can start applying for different schools.

Remember that all the schools will have different requirements to be accepted into their programs. In many cases you to get accepted into a nursing school you will need to take and do well on the nursing entrance test (NET) or other test. To prepare for a test one would be wise to good nursing study guides to help them do well. So to start the new year of 2009 off to a great start, you would be wise to take the time now to gather some information to help you make a good career decision.

That is a great question and what only each person can answer themselves. Everyone is different and has different plans in live. Whether it is career related or not, each person has to decide for themselves what is most important to them.

If you are currently employed as an LPN/LVN and want more money or more responsibility then maybe you should really consider it if you plan to stay in nursing. If you do not plan to stay in nursing then obviously you should decide on something else. But if you do there are several questions to need to consider.

First off will it benefit you relatively quickly? Will you be able to get a new job where you are currently working? Will your current employer pay for you to go to school? If not how will you pay for it? Is financial aid available and do you qualify? These are all excellent question you need to thinking about, writing down and researching to help you decide.

Another great question to consider is do you want to go to a more traditional campus based college or university? Or would an lpn to rn online option be a better choice for you at this point in your life? This brings up some more questions, such as why online? One big reason is flexibility to work at your own pace which can be very important if you work fulltime and/or have a family to take care of. One thing you do want to do is act now as far as gathering information goes. Do not wait as time moves quickly. You do not need to make a decision now, but you can begin to gather the information now so you are prepared when the time comes.

Lucky there are many top universities who offer online programs allowing RNs to complete their BSN degree. You should check with all of the schools you may be interested in attending to find out if they have an online option. Another options if you do not live too far away such as an hour or two is to try and get your schedule setup so you can make the trip on those days you have class if you choose to go to a more traditional brick and mortar school.

The diploma nurse and the associate-degree nurse (ASN) receive essentially the same education. Diploma nurses get their professional entry-level training at a hospital-based nursing school, after which they may take the NCLEX-RN examination and apply for a license as a Registered Nurse (RN). Both diploma programs and ASN programs take about two years. While the number of nursing schools based in hospitals has decreased, but they do still exist. Some require applicants to complete their non-nursing educational prerequisites at other schools before admission.

The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is also an entry-level nursing degree, and it can usually be earned at a community college. Students who complete the ADN courses may also take the NCLEX-RN license examination. Recently, some hospital-based nursing programs have changed their course offerings to provide the ADN instead of the diploma.

The debate about whether a diploma or ADN nurse should go for the BSN degree has been going on since professional authorities suggested the BSN as a prerequisite for professional nursing practice in 1923. Diploma nurses and ADNs have always been very proud of their accomplishments and skills and often state that they know more about actual patient care and clinical procedures than any new BSN graduate!

However, the professional landscape for nurses has changed. The health care field is becoming more complex and technology-oriented, and there is a trend toward placing more responsibility on the shoulders of nurses. Health care is moving from a primarily hospital-centered inpatient institution to a system focused increasingly on primary and preventive care in the community. Particularly at the entry level, a nurse needs more skills in community-based primary care, health promotion, and coordinate, cost-effective patient care.

This means that nurses must be able to function professionally both in and beyond the hospital setting. They may need to practice their profession in many different facilities, make more clinical decisions, handle case management, supervised unlicensed health care aides, and educate patients about complicated health issues. Modern nurses need to be more confident about their abilities and more independent in their decision-making than nurses in the past.

As a result, nurses who have earned the BSN degree are better prepared to meet the needs of the modern nursing profession. The major difference between the diploma nurse or ADN and a BSN is the latter’s focus on leadership and management education and on community-based nursing. BSN degree programs prepare students to handle health promotion, prevention of disease, disease management, and patient education. As the health care field moves further and further into these areas, the demand for professionals with the BSN degree increases.

The BSN degree provides nurses with many more career advancement opportunities – and higher pay – than the diploma or ADN degrees. The health care industry faces a growing demand for nurses on the front lines of primary care, managed care, and cost-effective care. While every diploma nurse or ADN need not pursue the BSN degree – and at the initial stages of a nursing career, the benefits of the BSN may not be apparent – more education will lead to more responsibility, higher standing in the profession, and more opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries. Some states are already requiring a BSN degree for all new hires, and some industry observers believe that the diploma and ADN programs will eventually disappear altogether.

It’s possible for working nurses to earn a BSN degree without taking time away from their current jobs or sacrificing their regular income by enrolling in accredited online RN-to-BSN programs. And often, a current employer may provide education benefits that can be applied to cover the costs of these programs. Many four-year nursing school programs offer “fast-track” programs that allow practicing nurses with the diploma or ADN to get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in about two years.

Practicing nurses must adapt to changes in the health care industry, and the best way to prepare for future changes is to obtain additional skills and more education.

The College Network (TCN) is not like any other place that lists different colleges and degrees because they actually have a partnership with those schools to help you earn their degree.  They are based out of Indianapolis, and have been around for a dozen years or so.  Their specialty is in nursing degrees (ASN, BSN, MSN), but they have added several different health care degrees and business degrees.

Think of this way – it’s like insurance.  You can go to a company like State Farm or AllState, or you can find a reputable insurance broker (like Al Banker in Texas), who represents many different insurance companies, thereby matching you up with the best carrier at the best price.  So, TCN would be like an “accredited college degree broker.”

Here are what I see as the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Many different choices of degrees
• Full university support
• Accredited Degree choices
• Course work guarantees
• Most degree programs are 100% distance learning
• Most degree programs are 100% self paced
• Cost (less money than taking all your courses at a 4-year college)
• Financing is available
• Fully accredited degrees

Cons

• If you speak to the wrong degree advisor, you’d think you were speaking to a used car salesman
• Cost (more money than a 2-year community college)

There’s not a lot of cons.  Many of the pros could also be said for going straight to the university.  But, the biggest asset you have with TCN is choice.  If you can get past “being sold” a degree, I think you’d be hard pressed to find a better place to explore degree options.

Check out any prerequisites.

Many online nursing degree programs have some sort of prerequisite requirements.  Make sure you check these out since they differ from school to school.  You may be able to find a school that fits the experience you already have without having to take any additional classes.

Ask about financial aid.

If the online nursing degree program is accredited, most federal grants and loans will be applicable.  If the online nursing degree program you are interested in is offered by a traditional college, they will usually  have their own financial aid office that may be able to assist you with financial aid.

Is the program self paced?

Ask whether the online nursing degree program is self paced, meaning you can complete it in your own time, or whether it has a time limit.  Many online nursing degree programs follow a traditional time period and need to be completed as such. 

 These are just a few of the things that you should consider when choosing a nursing degree online.  Talk to a counselor before you enroll and ask for some references of students who you may talk to and be able to ask about their experiences.  Make sure you have asked all of the questions that you need to in order to feel comfortable before you commit to an online nursing degree program.

Nursing is a profession that badly needs more qualified workers.  In today’s fast paced world many people do not have the time to devote to a traditional classroom based degree program.  That’s where online nursing degree programs come into the picture.  These programs allow people to earn their nursing degree online when it is convenient for them.  Here are a few things to look for when choosing an online nursing degree program.

Choose an accredited online nursing degree program. 

Using a course that is accredited will allow you the flexibility of furthering your education at a later date if you choose to do so.  Non accredited programs will not transfer to other schools and all of your hard work will be for nothing. 

Find out if there is a lab requirement.

Before you sign up for an online nursing degree program ask questions about whether there is a requirement for in person lab time.  Many online nursing degree programs need for you to do labs which you would need to schedule.  There are programs that allow you to do the entire nursing degree online.  If this is better suited to your lifestyle, make sure you choose one of these programs.  But, keep in mind that any clinicals will have to be done in person.