A Diploma in Nursing Online is one which will give you the comprehensive academic and professional training and credentials you need in preparation for an entry level health care position in nursing.

This diploma in nursing online may be a good first step towards becoming a nursing assistant or practical nurse. It will prepare you to take either the CNA exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant, LPN exam to become a Licensed Practical Nurse, or the RN licensing exam (known as the NCLEX-RN® exam), if you should decide you would like to advance your nursing career as a Registered Nurse.

Why should you earn this Diploma in Nursing Online?

If you are interested in a nursing career – known as a ‘career of compassion’- utilizing the “people skills” you already possess, you will need an accredited degree in order to obtain the necessary licensure and certification.

As mentioned above, the diploma in nursing online is a good first step for an entry level nursing profession, as it will help you determine if you might want to advance your nursing career. You would work under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse in medical or rehabilitation facilities or home health care. If you pass either the CNA exam and become a Certified Nursing Assistant, or LPN exam to become a Licensed Practical Nurse, you would be prepared for several career paths, including nursing assistant, home health aide and restorative aide.
The two main career paths, however, for a nursing graduate holding a diploma in nursing online, are the following:

1. CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) – works under the supervision of a licensed nurse to provide daily basic care for patients, providing both physical and emotional support for patients at home, in assisted-living facilities, and at hospitals; main job is providing personalized assistance to individuals who are unable to care for themselves and help them regain and maintain daily functions

2. LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) – works directly with patients in hospitals, assisted-living facilities, and in their homes – you would be qualified to perform medical treatments (which a CNA isn’t trained to do), including giving medication and administering injections

It should be noted that there is a nursing shortage, so now is a good time to consider entering this ‘high in demand’ career. Salaries for those with nursing diplomas who become CNAs or LPNs will vary depending on experience, geographical location, and actual career path, but the average annual wage is about $38,000, with a range between $27,400 and $52,200.

What courses are included in a Diploma in Nursing Online Program?

The diploma in nursing online program will equip nursing students with the necessary tools and valuable resources they need to provide basic patient care and address today’s most common health problems. Although the courses in a diploma in nursing online program will vary depending on the career path (i.e., CNA, LPN, etc.), some of the basic courses in a diploma in nursing online program may include some of the following:

• anatomy & physiology
• medical terminology
• emergency care
• biology
• physical education
• communication
• recording of vital signs
• personal hygiene

• Independence University is the service Mark of California College for Health Sciences
• Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC).
• Founded in 1978
• Located in National City, CA
• Private, for-profit, Higher Education

Independence University is formally known as California College for Health Sciences and was founded in 1978. Independence University has been delivering distance education for more than 25 years. Students can choose degree programs from three accredited colleges including; the California College for Health Sciences, the College of Business, and the College of Education.

Independence University is growing and is offering many new services, degrees, programs and courses. There’s no need to sit in a classroom since Independence University courses are delivered online and accessible 24/7. Students can earn Associate’s, Bachelor’s, certificates or Master’s degrees in a variety of health related fields including; Respiratory Therapy, Nursing, Community Health, Wellness Promotion, Public Health, Health Services Management and Allied Health.

Independence University makes it easy to get started on your degree. Students can enroll online, by mail, or by phone. You’ll receive your study materials automatically and you create your own study schedule. All assignments and tests are available online. Independence University provides student-oriented staff to help you throughout your online experience. You can register, review your transcript, get your grades, account status, and see other information at your fingertips, online.

Independence University gives you an opportunity to email and chat with your professors and classmates around the world in a special online community. They offer a flexible and convenient way to earn a degree which can lead to career advancement, promotion, licensure, a new job and a higher salary. Independence University’s accredited RT and ECE program is also nationally accepted for licensure in most states. Independence University has a user-friendly website and provides students services, expert instructors, tutors and other assistance every step of the way.

Independence University Online –  Tuition & Financial Aid

Depends on program and ranges from $148 to $475 per semester credit. Financial Aid also available for eligible students and Veteran’s education benefits are also offered.

Independence University Online Degree Programs

Masters Degrees:

• Nursing
• Health Care Administration
• Health Services- Community Health
• Health Services- Wellness Promotion
• Public Health

Bachelor Degrees

• Nursing
• Respiratory Care
• Health Services Management

Certificate Programs

• Community Health Education
• Gerontology
• Health Psychology
• Health Care Ethics
• Polysomnograhpy
• Healthcare Billing and Coding

Associate Degrees

• Advanced Respiratory Care
• Allied Health

With the baby boomers getting older, nursing is a field that is expected to experience tremendous growth in the next ten years and beyond.

As more and more nurses (RN’s) enter the field of nursing, the demand for nurses at the top tier of their education will also grow and become more lucrative. Those who choose to pursue their education now will be on the forefront of those expanding and high-demand careers in nursing and be able to influence health care policy and delivery.

Top 5 Fast Track Nursing Programs Online

1. Jacksonville University
2. University of St. Mary
3. Kent State University
4. Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences
5. Grand Canyon University

About Fast Track Nursing Programs

Many online colleges and universities now offer accelerated online degree programs known as fast track nursing degrees for nurses to expand their Registered Nurse’s Degree (RN) to a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) or a Master’s of Science in Nursing Degree (MSN). Using this option licensed nurses can build upon their education and pursue a career in not only nursing but also in supervisory or managerial levels. These careers include everything from hands on nursing to hospital administration and even in some cases within the field of Information Technology with a Master’s of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Healthcare Informatics.

By advancing an RN degree to that of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, students are more marketable, hold more job security and are generally more attractive to potential employers. In addition nurses who obtain their RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree earn substantially more than if they remained at the RN level. According to the 2006 US Census Bureau statistics RN’s earned an average of $56,764.04 per year, while BSN’s earned an average of $63,435.00 per year and MSN’s earned an average of $75,940.83. Considering the low cost of pursuing these online accelerated degrees, the investment will pay for itself within the first year of employment.

Summary of Fast Track Nursing Programs

With an accelerated or fast track nursing programs, students can attend class on their own time and without having to step foot on a college campus. Thus the degree program allows students to further their education without having to sacrifice work and family commitments. These degrees can be completed virtually one hundred percent online and at some online universities in as few as three semesters. The accelerated online nursing degree does not differ from one earned on-campus in that these programs must be accredited within the state in which they operate.

Both traditional on-campus degrees and online degrees are held to the same high standards. Another advantage to an accelerated online nursing degree is that they are typically less expensive than on-campus programs and are becoming more widespread with less restrictive access than traditional on-site programs. No time has been better for nurses wishing to take advantage of the rapidly growing healthcare industry to increase their job satisfaction and earning potential. Fast track nursing programs can make those educational goals a reality.

• Post University was founded in 1890 in Waterbury, Connecticut
• Regionally accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE) of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
• Accelerated eight week courses
• Private, career-oriented university

Post University Online Nursing Programs – About Post University

Post University has a long, nearly 120-year history, and began as a business college in Waterbury, Connecticut. Post continues to be a career-oriented college helping prepare and train students for the workforce. Post University is regionally accredited as well as licensed by the State of Connecticut, through the Department of Higher Education.

Post University understands the needs of busy students who are trying to juggle jobs and studies. Students can find flexible programs at several campuses and completely online. Post offers both evening and day classes. You can complete your degree fast in as little as 18 months with eight-week accelerated sessions which start six times throughout the year. Students can easily communicate with fellow students, faculty and staff via email. Post University currently has a special offer to receive free textbooks.

Post University Online Nursing Programs – About the degree programs

Post University offers a Bachelor of Science in Management for RN entirely online. Students in the nursing field may also be interested in the Legal Nurse Consulting online professional certificate program. The U.S. Department of Labor reports the median annual earnings of medical and health service manager is about $74,000. A B.S. in Management for RN can help prepare registered nurses for an upper level, higher paying position.

Post University’s online program is taught by expert faculty with relevant curriculum. Students can transfer up to 60 credits from a previous degree or diploma program. To complete this program, 120 credit hours must be earned to receive the degree. The Certificate in Legal Nurse Consulting is designed for registered nurses who want to gain specialized legal knowledge to benefit their current health care career. Students will learn to evaluate, analyze and offer informed opinions based on business and legal theory. They will also gain knowledge in civil litigation, legal research, medical record analysis, healthcare government regulations and the insurance industry. Post University is ideal for the working professional who wants to broaden their skills and knowledge to help further their career.

Post University Online Nursing Programs

Bachelor’s Degree

• B.S. in Management for RN

Professional Certificate

• Legal Nurse Consulting

Post University Online Nursing Programs – Tuition and Financial Aid

Differs depending on the program. Online courses are typically $425 per credit hour. Students can earn up to $1,500 tax credit with the HOPE Scholarship and Lifetime Learning Credits. Financial Aid is available for qualifying students.

• Stevens-Henager University Online is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT)
• Founded in 1891 and is one of the oldest colleges in Utah
• Stevens-Henager has five campus locations in Utah and Idaho
• Offers online degree programs

About Stevens-Henager University Online

Stevens-Henager University was founded in 1891 as the Smithsonian Business College and is located in Ogden, Utah. The main goal was to prepare graduates for business positions. The name of the college changed several times and in 1959 was changed from Ogden Business College to Stevens-Henager.

Several branch campuses were established over the years including in Provo, Salt Lake City, Logan, UT and Boise, Idaho. Today, Stevens-Henager University Online provides students with several academic majors in the business and medical fields. Classes start every month and are conveniently held in the evenings as well as online.

Stevens-Henager University Online is a unique career college offering accredited Bachelor’s and Occupational Associate’s Degrees which can fit in to today’s working professional’s busy lifestyle.

Stevens-Henager University Online degree programs

The Nursing Degree program covers a wide variety of courses including:

• Issues in managed care
• Health services economics
• Healthcare information system
• Legal consideration in healthcare
• Nursing leadership
• Advanced nursing theory

Bachelor of Science degrees offered:

• Nursing Administration (not available at the Boise campus)
• Respiratory Therapy (Murray campus only)
• Associate of Occupational Studies degrees offered:
• Medical Specialties
• Therapy (Murray campus only)

About Stevens-Henager University Online Programs

Stevens-Henagar courses are extremely comprehensive and students can earn some degrees in as little as 8 months, through the fast-flex online program. This program is designed for students who can build upon previous clinical experience and are ready to move into a management role. Students can also benefit from career counseling and employment assistance programs.

Stevens-Henager University Online may be the only online program which offers free laptops to complete your studies at your convenience. While the laptop is the college’s property, it’s yours to keep when you graduate.

Stevens-Henager University Online offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Administration and respiratory therapy degrees online. The U.S. Department of Labor says  management-level nursing positions increasingly require an advanced degree in nursing or health care administration. Stevens-Henager University Online can get you on your way to a higher paying position in the field of nursing in no time at all.

Stevens-Henager University Online Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition depends on the degree and financial assistance the student receives.

Financial Aid is available in a variety of forms and the G.I. bill is accepted as well.

• Established in 1941, located in South Dakota, originally known as National School of Business
• NAU has campuses all across the US, as well as affiliate partnerships in other countries, including Bolivia, Greece, India, and Japan, among others
• Year-round classes and multiple start dates so you don’t have to wait to get started
• Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association
• Offers personalized transcript evaluations to help maximize credit for previous coursework and training
• One of the few universities offering an online nursing associate degree

About National American University

National American University specifically focuses on working adults who may be seeking new careers in health care, business and business-related fields. As a comprehensive technical and professional institution of higher learning, the National American college holds the following Core Values:

• Offers high quality instructional programs and services
• Provides a caring and supportive learning environment
• Offers technical and professional career programs

Some of the most unique features of the National American college are year-round classes and multiple start dates, which allow you to move through your degree program faster than you normally could at a traditional school. In addition, National American University offers an inverted curriculum: you get to start on your major in your first year, instead of waiting the typical two years bogged down in general studies. National American University also offers personalized transcript evaluations, which means your previous coursework, specialized, professional, vocational or military training could become college credits, in turn saving you time and money.

National American College Nursing Degree Programs

The focus of this review is on the nursing degree programs offered by the National American University. There are four degree programs, from a diploma to a bachelor online RN to BSN:

• Diploma: Practical Nurse – this diploma will allow you to provide direct patient care by assisting with data collection, contributing to a plan of care, perform basic therapeutic and preventive nursing measures, and assist in evaluating the outcomes of nursing interventions of patients with commonly occurring health problems
• Associate of Science in Nursing Nursing – offers opportunities in multiple settings with individuals, families and communities
• Associate of Science in Nursing Mobility – designed to prepare qualified, caring and compassionate practical and registered nurses who demonstrate competence in providing quality care across the life-span; options include working as an LPN, go on for an ASN and be qualified for licensure as a Registered Nurse
• Online Bachelor RN to BSN – broadens the career choices for registered nurses to include management, leadership, research and teaching positions; may be fully completed online

Other National American University Online Health-related Degree Programs

• Health Care Management
• Medical Administrative Assistant
• Medical Assisting
• Medical Staff Services Management
• Pharmacy Technician
• Therapeutic Massage

National American University Tuition and Financial Aid

National American College offers a quality, personalized private education at an affordable cost, and they even help students figure out the financial plan that fits them best. Some of the financial aid options include grants, scholarships, work study, and low-interest loan programs through federal, state and local sources. Financial aid, military assistance, VA benefits, and company tuition assistance are additional options for prospective students to consider and are available to those who qualify.

• Kaplan University is at the forefront of online education
• Offers online degrees in all levels from Associate’s to Doctorate
• Programs range in length from 6-months to 4 years
• Kaplan University is Regionally Accredited

Kaplan University Online Nursing Programs

Kaplan University’s mission to provide quality education and learning practices to people around the world. Kaplan covers all grade levels, and their online university continues to add to their growing list of educational programs.

For those who wish to enter the field of nursing, Kaplan has a great deal to offer prospective nurses. For Registered Nurses who wish to expand their knowledge and responsibilities in nursing, Kaplan offers an RN to BS in Nursing Degree (the first step towards earning a master of nursing degree).

Kaplan Nursing Review – RN to BSN Degree

Kaplan University’s RN to BSN  program focuses on topics such as health promotion, disease prevention, ethics, human diversity, information and health care technologies, and health care and system policies, to name a few. The program is designed for Registered Nurses who want a bachelor’s degree so that they can continue to pursue an online nursing degree master program.

The RN to BSN degree is composed of 180 credits, 90 of which can be obtained through your associate’s degree or diploma in nursing. On top of that, there are several core requirements, major-oriented courses, and electives. The core requirements include Sociology and Psychology, Software Applications, Statistics, Bioethics, to mention a few.

The Major Requirements include Health/Wellness Assessment, Nursing Research, and Leadership in Healthcare. There are also basic courses (should you not have completed these in your initial coursework) including anatomy and physiology, principles of nutrition, pharmacology, mathematics, social studies, and microbiology. All of these courses can then be contributed towards your online nursing degree master program.

Nursing Programs offered by Kaplan University

• AS in Nursing
• MS in Nursing/Nurse Administrator
• MS in Nursing/Nurse Education
• RN to BS in Nursing Completion Degree
• BS in Management/Health Care Management
• Advanced Start BS in Management/Health Care Management

Kaplan Nursing Review – Tuition

Tuition for either the Master of Nursing degree or the RN to BSN degree program ranges at about $336-$350 per credit hour, which is very competitive compared to several other online universities. For all undergrad programs, books are included in the tuition costs (very nice).