Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Considering an LPN to RN Bridge Program - What to Look For By Frankie Cowan

Are you an LPN who has been considering becoming an RN? If so, you're not alone. In today's economy, there are so many reasons why the time is right to pursue your degree through an RN bridge program. Given the current nursing shortage, you are practically guaranteed to be offered a job in the professional area of your choice. You will also enjoy a higher wage, better benefits, and the satisfaction of finally being paid at a rate commensurate with the work you do.
How do you choose the right LPN to RN bridge program that meets your needs? If your goal is to earn your degree quickly, easily, and affordably, consider the following to make sure you choose the right LPN to RN bridge program for you:
Are you self motivated? Motivation is the key reason that many people fail when they attempt to take an online program. Look for a program that has been developed with this in mind, and will help you stay on track. Beware of programs that claim to offer you a "system" to get your degree but only deliver you a stack of study guides or text books.
Are you capable of self study without support? Support is important in helping students succeed. Look for a program with an active student forum where you can interact and talk with other students in the program. Is the forum moderated regularly by knowledgeable, experienced nurses? Some programs also offer live two-way conversation interactions, so that you can always speak to someone who is waiting to help you.
Are you a visual learner? Instead of reading stacks of dull textbooks, you might opt for a program that offers video material designed to cover the same material as you would encounter in textbooks, but in a more visually appealing manner. If you are like more than 80% of other people who are visual learners, watching trumps reading any day!
Are you a good test taker? You should look for a program that offers resources to help you not only prepare for the nursing theorem portion of the test, but that will also offer plenty of guided practice taking the exam. Being that distance learning LPN to RN bridge programs are based on credit by examination you need to be sure you bone up on your testing skills. Your degree depends on it! If you're not good at test taking, don't worry. It is a skill that can be learned if given the right support and guidance.
Are you wanting to finish your degree in as short a time as possible? Taking an online LPN to RN bridge program can help you earn your degree faster than taking the same program in the traditional manner. This is because you can study at your own pace, and you are not forced to learn at the same pace as an entire class. People who are often impatient in traditional classrooms will find this appealing because you won't be held back by your classmates.
There are an abundance of online RN bridge programs available today, making it doubly important that you find the right program to meet your needs. The most important thing you need to ask is are they accredited and who are they accredited by? Do your research on the accrediting body. Just because they put their stamp of approval on the program doesn't mean it will be nationally recognized. Look for programs that are regionally accredited.
Want to be an RN? You don't have to do it alone. Get the support and structure of a traditional program with the flexibility and acceleration of a distance learning program. If you are going to make the leap from LPN to RN then check out http://www.RNBridgeprogram.com and find out how you can get your accredited two year RN degree in as little as 8 months all from the comfort of your own home and without reading stacks of books.

No comments:

Post a Comment