Due to the hands-on nature of the nursing
profession, there are no all-online degree programs for aspiring
pediatric nurses. However, practicing Registered Nurses (RNs) who wish
to begin working with pediatric patients can find many options for
hybrid online master's programs in pediatric nursing.
Overview of Online Master's Degree in Pediatric Nursing
An online master's degree program in pediatric nursing builds on an
RN's existing knowledge to teach the specific skills required to care
for infants, children and adolescents. Coursework covers medical
research, practical nursing techniques and health assessment. Nurses
also usually undergo an in-person clinical internship in pediatric care
toward the end of their studies. Some degree programs require a written
thesis.
Because hands-on care is crucial to nursing practice, there are
currently no online-only master's programs in pediatric nursing. Most
online master's programs combine coursework over the Internet,
occasional on-campus program seminars, and in-person clinical work at a
site near a student's residence. Even the online components of a hybrid
pediatric nursing master's program usually have an interactive
component, such as discussion boards. Because online master's degree
programs are generally intended for practicing nurses, they can usually
be scheduled part-time while continuing employment.
List of Common Pediatric Nursing Courses
Pharmacology Course
A pharmacology course covers the medications used to treat various
diseases and injuries and the interactions among them. Particular
attention is paid to the special considerations and dosage requirements
of pediatric patients.
In a community health promotion course, students learn about genetic
and lifestyle factors that affect health. They practice strategies for
educating children and their parents about healthful living.
Nursing Research Course
A nursing research course introduces topics in the contemporary
medical research field. Students learn about the design and methods of
medical experiments. Courses often require that students develop their
own original research proposals, which may tie in to the completion of a
master's thesis if required.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, opportunities in
nursing are plentiful. Available positions for RNs are expected to
increase at a rate of about 22% between 2008 and 2018. Many areas of the
United States struggle with a shortage of health care practitioners,
leading to many opportunities for registered nurses who are willing to
live in underserved communities. As of 2008, the median annual wage for a
registered nurse was $62,450 (
www.bls.gov).
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