Saturday, 2 June 2012

Online Vocational Nursing Schools and Colleges: How to Choose

Vocational nurses work under the direction of registered nurses and physicians to care for disabled or injured patients, often in long-term care facilities, like nursing homes. Fully-online programs are not available for those interested in entry-level vocational nursing careers.

How to Choose an Online School for Vocational Nursing

Degree Options and Licensing Requirements

Fully-online degrees for prospective vocational nurses can't normally fulfill licensing requirements. Though requirements vary by state, all vocational nurses must complete the NCLEX-PN examination before being licensed to practice. Most states take direct responsibility for approving nursing schools and require all vocational nurses to graduate from an approved program before licensing.
Normally, states do not approve fully-online vocational nursing programs at all, though at times hybrid programs that allow students to take a portion of their class work online may be available. Prospective students should always check to see that a nursing school is approved by their state before attending. Hybrid programs specifically for practicing vocational nurses who wish to further their nursing education may also be available.

Program Flexibility and Scheduling

Because fully-online programs for vocational nursing are not normally available, students may have difficulty finding a program that fits their schedule. Normally, the online classes associated with a hybrid program do not have any particular schedule and may be completed at any time before a single class end date. Normally, these hybrid programs are designed to serve working adults, with in-person classroom sessions and clinical requirements scheduled for nights and weekends.

Online Program Options for Vocational Nursing

Online-Hybrid Certificate in Vocational Nursing

A hybrid certificate program in vocational nursing is normally designed for students who wish to complete their nursing education while still working full time. Students may be able to complete clinical requirements during nights or weekends, and in-person classes are often offered on the weekends. Common courses include cultural diversity and health care, nutrition, medical terminology, finance management and healthcare ethics.

Online-Hybrid Associate of Applied Science in Nursing

Online associate's degrees in nursing may be available specifically for practicing vocational nurses who wish to complete their nursing degrees and take the NCLEX-RN examination required of registered nurses. Normally, these degrees are also hybrid, but fully-online options may be available depending on the institution and the state. Common courses include nursing skills, mental health, child care and nursing jurisprudence.

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