The Problem of the Growing Costs in LPN to RN Programs
Health care has become a hot topic throughout the nation with the passing of the Congressional bill, and has therefore impacted nurses and doctors in different ways. Some hospitals have attempted to cut costs because of the bill, which has not only impacted nurses’ salaries, but also tuition benefits for many students in nursing school. Students attempting to get scholarships in different educational programs have found the perks of the program to be stripped away, forcing them to take out high-interest loans or even drop out of the program. LPN to RN programs are no different, as students who earned an LPN degree years ago and are now attempting to earn an RN degree, are now faced with the growing cost of the program and the potential low salary increases. More than the rising costs of tuition and the salary decreases, nurses of all types remain concerned with patient care, and rarely picket these costs because they want to remain devoted to their patients despite the lack of benefits hospitals are dishing out to them.
LPN to RN programs have become relatively common in recent years, as students wish to experience the nursing programs before they commit to a registered nursing degree. As a result, most students are enrolling in these bridge programs in order to save money and expedite the certification process. However, when at one point many hospitals had scholarship opportunities or free tuition to children of health care professionals, these hospitals have recently stricken these programs from their finances and instead have devoted more money toward expanding their hospitals and clinics. While this may seem to be a beneficial step toward better patient care, it has not had many supporters in the nursing community, as many nurses have resorted to strikes against hospitals in order to receive better benefits and salaries. Many RNs only see a 4 percent increase in their salary over years, when they once saw a 14 percent increase. This has not led to a greater incentive to enroll in nursing programs, and the health care bill is only another block in attracting new participants.
Patient care should remain the top priority in nursing care, but the rising costs of tuition and the decreasing salaries have impacted the health care community more than clinics and hospitals gambled on. To continue on the track to better health care for the nation, many of these hospitals need to consider the care they give to their nurses, and the impact many of these bridge programs have on their hospital settings. Offering better scholarship programs as well as better benefits to nurses can raise the standard of health care more than we know.
Top Online Nursing Programs
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University of Phoenix - RN to BSN. 27 Nursing Degrees. Students interested in reaching their career goals in the healthcare industry as a nurse will reach them at the University of Phoenix. University of Phoenix allows working adults the convenience of taking classes when they can.
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South University - A.S. in Allied Health Science. As an accredited online college, South University offers a respectable Associate’s Degree in Allied Health Science for those seeking to pursue a career in healthcare. The program is offered completely online, allowing students to learn in their own time without sacrificing their current responsibilities.
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LA College - A.A. in Health Care Administration. With a handful of online health programs, LA College is a great choice for students seeking entry-level positions in the healthcare industry. Their Associate’s degree in Health Care Administration will provide students with the basis for a multitude of job opportunities in hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, and many others.
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Post University - BS in Mgmt. For Registered Nurses. Post University is dedicated in helping students achieve their personal and professional goals in a timely manner, allowing them to pursue their careers in healthcare more quickly. The Bachelor of Science in Management for Registered Nurses degree will prepare nurses to obtain administrative and management roles that require critical-thinking, decision-making, and leadership skills.
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Herzing University - BSN-Bridge Program. With nursing constituting as the largest healthcare occupation today, Herzing University has created quality nursing programs to fulfill the increasing demand in the industry. At Herzing, students receive hands-on training in order to help them enter the workforce with confidence.
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The College Network - 10 universities offering Nursing Degrees. The College Network is one of the nation's top providers in providing high quality nursing degrees online. Students have the opportunity to pursue a variety of HealthCare degrees that that will allow them to further their career in Nursing.
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Jones International University - B.A. in Health Care Mgmt. Jones International University offers a Bachelor’s program in Health Care Management that will help students become skilled and effective managers in the healthcare industry. Students could work in a variety of different settings upon completion of the program.
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Virginia College - BS in Health Services Management. Virginia College is dedicated in helping students achieve their goals and aspirations to advance in the health care industry. Their Bachelor’s degree in Health Services Management will prepare students for a variety of career options in assistant management or administrative positions within a healthcare facility.
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Western Governors University - B.S. in Nursing. Western Governors University is an accredited online university offering a variety of nursing and healthcare programs for students of all ages. Their Nursing program will incorporate patient education, health promotion, nursing roles, technology, and many other health related subjects.
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Baker College - B.S. in Nursing. Baker College allows students to complete their Nursing degree completely online, at their own pace and time. Their program provides current registered nurses with the opportunity to advance and continue their growth.
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Keiser University - B.A. in Health Services Administration. With several degree options in the healthcare field, Keiser University prepares students for a variety of positions in any healthcare setting. Their mission is to help students develop skills and knowledge that will prepare them for leadership positions upon graduation.
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Indiana State University - LPN to BSN. Students looking to jump start a career will find accredited an accredited RN to BSN nursing degree from the Indiana State University. Indiana State University was originally founded in 1865 and over this time has prepared thousands of students for new, exciting careers.
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