All you need to know about nursing programs
Over the last several years, the demand for nurses has been on the rise globally. Several factors have triggered this demand, including economic and demographic factors and a rise in healthcare services. According to the US Department of Labor, there was an estimated 23% increase in demand for nurses between 2006 and 2016. Thus, nursing is a viable option for those seeking employment with a better return on investment.
Here are a few things to know about nursing programs, courses, exams, and jobs.
Nursing jobs that are in high demand
When it comes to nursing jobs, there are a plethora of options. But, these are some of the jobs that have seen high demand in the healthcare sector.
- Registered nurses
- Licensed practical nurses
- Certified nurse assistants
- Certified medical assistants
Where to find nursing jobs
Some of the major employers include the following:
- Physician’s office
- Services offering home health care
- Outpatient care centers (except substance abuse and mental health care facilities)
- Surgical and general medical hospitals (private and public)
- Facilities offering nursing care
Common admission criteria for nursing programs
The admission criteria will differ based on the university and/or college. Moreover, the requirements for admission will be different for different nursing programs and courses. Following are the criteria one needs to fulfill for introductory and entry-level courses and nursing programs.
- Citizen or permanent resident of the US
- Completion of high school or equivalent diploma
- Completion of Algebra, Biology, and Chemistry at high school level
- English proficiency for international students
Common exams for nursing programs
For major nursing programs, a computerized exam is required. These exams are generally scheduled prior to the completion of the nursing program or course. The goal of these exams is to evaluate whether a student has understood the outcomes of the course. In the US, the goal of these exams is to evaluate the readiness for state board licensure exams conducted by the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination).
For those who want to pursue a career as a registered nurse, it is mandatory to appear for the nursing exam known as NCLEX-RN. This is a standardized examination conducted by the National Council of State Nursing Boards.
Popular universities/colleges that offer nursing programs
There are several nursing programs available across several universities and colleges. Some of the most popular colleges and universities for those who want to pursue a profession in nursing include the following:
- Columbia University in the City of New York
One of the oldest colleges, Columbia University, offers an extensive range of nursing programs and courses. These include some of the most popular courses, such as Masters Direct Entry Program for graduates from other disciplines, Masters in Advanced Clinical Management and Leadership, and Masters in Nurse Anesthesia. - Yale University
The Yale University School of Nursing is located in Connecticut. It is one of the top nursing schools to offer full-time and part-time courses. Among the several graduate programs offered, some of the notable ones include nursing programs such as the Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Doctor of Philosophy. Also, the schools offer a Graduate Entry Prespecialty in Nursing program. It is for those who want to pursue basic nursing and clinical specialties. - University of Pennsylvania
At UPEN, students have access to several notable nursing courses and programs. These include a four-year bachelor’s, accelerated bachelor’s second degree, and a direct entry BSN/MSN program. Also, the university offers a wide variety of specialized MSN programs as well as a doctor of philosophy in nursing and a doctor of nursing practice program. - Duke University
Located in North Carolina, Duke University is known to offer some of the best nursing courses. These include the accelerated bachelor of science nursing program. This program is for those who have graduated in another discipline and would like to study nursing. In addition, the university offers master’s, doctorate, or Ph.D. nursing degrees. - Boston College
For those eager to pursue a career in the healthcare industry, Boston College is a popular choice. Among the several programs offered, some of the top courses include pre-licensure nursing programs, master’s, and Ph.D. nursing programs. Those who graduate from the Boston College Connell School of Nursing are eligible to pursue several nursing roles.
