Friday, 1 June 2012

Online Practical Nursing Schools: How to Choose

Practical nurses work under the supervision of physicians and registered nurses and care for patients who are sick, injured or disabled. The duties of these nurses include taking vital signs, collecting body fluids, dressing wounds and assisting with personal hygiene.

How to Select an Online Practical Nursing School

Campus Location

Online practical nursing programs offer only part of the coursework online; students are also required to attend campus for lab classes and clinical studies. Prospective practical nurses should focus on schools located within a close proximity to their residence.

Award Level

Another consideration when selecting an online practical nursing program is the level of award desired. Schools offer practical nursing diplomas that require fewer credit hours for completion than an associate degree. A diploma prepares students for employment and the practical nurse licensing exam.
After completing the diploma program and examination, students can transfer their credits towards a nursing associate degree program. After students earn an associate degree in nursing they may be eligible to take the registered nurse (RN) licensing exam.

Preparation for Licensure

Aspiring practical nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN) in order to become a licensed and practicing practical nurse. Students need to make sure that graduating from their diploma program qualifies them to become eligible for the NCLEX-PN.

Program Prerequisites

Some schools have perquisites for their online nursing programs. Requirements may include courses in nursing assisting, medical terminology or biology. Some schools also require that nursing students be certified in first aid and CPR. Finally, programs may require criminal background checks before students can begin the nursing program.

List of Online Practical Nursing Programs

Online Practical Nursing Diploma

An online practical nursing diploma requires students to complete between 37 to 48 credit hours. Students may need to attend lab courses on campus and complete clinical hours at a local medical facility. Coursework may include anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nursing concepts, principles of nursing, nursing adults, medical-surgical nursing and gerontology nursing.

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