All About Nursing Continuing Education

As a nurse, there are two forms of continuing education that you have to consider. The first is the continuing education that is required of most nurses in order to remain licensed in your states. The second is continuing education that allows you to get more advanced degrees and qualify for higher-level nursing positions. In both cases, you show take some time to learn about your nursing continuing education options.

Required Continuing Education

In order to keep working in the field of nursing, you have to stay sharp with skills and learn about new technology and new ways of handling certain procedures. How do you meet continuing education requirements? Well, usually, it means that you have to attend classes, take online study courses, participate in nursing organization events, take and pass quizzes, or complete other requirements from a list of options. State nursing boards make requirement rules and can help nurses learn about continuing education requirements. Although some states do not have continuing education requirements, most require between five and thirty hours of education even one to three years. Once you complete the education, you simply have to submit your paperwork to qualify.

Higher Education Options

As a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN), you are required to have an associate’s degree, but in order to qualify for higher-level nursing positions, you may want to consider going back to school for an advanced degree. First, you can get a bachelor of science in nursing, or BSN. There are LPN-to-BSN courses for nurses who are not yet qualified as registered nurses, as well as BSN programs for RNs who want advanced degrees.

If you have aspirations of becoming an advanced practice nurse (nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse midwife, or certified nurse anesthetist), you need at least a master of science in nursing, or MSN. This type of degree program is possible if you already have a BSN, but there are also RN-to-MSN programs for nurses who don’t yet have bachelor’s degrees, so this is also an option for you. One of the best things about getting an MSN is that you’ll be able to specialize in a field that you enjoy, such as geriatrics, mental health, or acute care. An MSN also qualified you to write prescriptions, and you may be able to work independently, without the supervision of a physician, depending on the state where you live and work.

For those interested in research or education, there are also doctorate degrees available in nursing. You can get a doctorate in philosophy, education, science, or nursing science in order to enter one of these fields. In addition, practicing nurses sometimes go back to school for a doctor of nursing practice or a doctor of nurse anesthesia practice degree. Both are great for nurses who want to own their own businesses, work as administrative leaders, or have advanced roles in a clinical setting.

The Best Online Nursing Education Programs

Continuing your nursing education can open new opportunities for you in the workplace. Whether you're looking to obtain RN licensure or become an advanced practice nurse through a master's degree (MSN) program, the schools listed below will help you achieve your career goals. All of the college programs below are taught fully online and can be completed quickly and cheaply from the convenience of home.

LPN to RN LPN to BSN BSN RN to MSN	*The College Network (Various Universities)* - Earn your LPN/LVN to RN, LPN to BSN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN and MSN degree from The College Network and its accredited university partners, including Indiana State, Regis University, and many more. At The College Network, there are no waiting lists and you can earn your degree in half the time and half the cost compared to campus-based schools.
BSN MSN More Degrees...	*University of Phoenix* - The University of Phoenix College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and offers students a wide variety of certificate, bachelors, masters, and doctorate nursing programs. These degree programs both enhance the knowledge of registered nurses and provide advanced training opportunities.
BSN BSN to MSN MSN: Nurse Education More Degrees...	*Walden University* - Walden's University online nursing programs offers degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and certificate level. Students are able to obtain their RN to BSN degree online in as little as 18 months. A certificate in Education, Informatics, or Leadership & Management is also availible. Programs are dedicated to empowering students to become agents of change in the healthcare field.
RN to BSN RN to MSN MSN: Administration More Degrees...	*Kaplan University* - The mission of Kaplan University's College of Nursing is to educate the next generation of healthcare professionals via an advanced online environment. The university features a bachelor's degree and master's degree for RNs, which includes the specializations of Nurse Administrator and Nurse Educator. Courses are taught by experienced professionals that bring their real-world skills into the classroom.
LPN to BSN RN to BSN	*Indiana State University* - The Indiana State University College of Nursing, Health, and Human Services features two baccalaureate programs, including an LPN to BSN and an RN to BSN. The university additionally offers a Master of Science in Nursing program.
BSN MSN	*Chamberlain College of Nursing* - Students at Chamberlain College of Nursing benefit from an environment of collaboration and co-curricular learning. Chamberlain College offfers a Master of Science in Nursing as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
BS in Nursing MSN: Nurse Education PhD: Nurse Education More Degrees...	*Capella University* - Capella University's Nursing College confers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in the field of nursing. For the bachelor degree, the university provides registered nurses who have not completed a bachelors an RN to BSN program. Students may also pursue master's and doctoral programs in Nurse Education.
BSN MBA/MSN MSN: Nurse Education	*Grand Canyon University* - The Grand Canyon University College of Nursing and Health Sciences is the Southwest's leader in healthcare education. Courses feature academic and clinical rigor with Christian values to graduate committed healthcare professionals. Obtain a BSN, MBA/MSN Dual Degree, or a nurse educator MSN.
MSN: Adult Nursing MSN: Nurse Education MSN: Nurse Midwifery More Degrees...	*University of Cincinnati* - At the University of Cincinnati, students who possess a registered nurse license are eligible to enroll in one of several RN to MSN degree programs. Specializations include adult nursing, nursing education, women's health nursing, and many more. Courses are offered both on-campus and a convenient online format.
BSN MSN: Nurse Education MSN: Nurse Management	*Herzing University* - Herzing's BSN degree will enable you to help patients by understand their health issues and knowing the treatments necessary to heal them. The MSN - nursing education program will allow you teach in hospitals, doctor's offices, at the university level, or work in K-12 schools. You will be prepared to mentor current and future nurses. The MSN - nursing management degree will prepare you to handle the administrative and management responsibilities that hospitals require of you.
BSN MSN MSN: Nurse Education More Degrees...	*South University* - South University offers students both a Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Nursing. The on-campus bachelor's program prepares students for careers at acute care hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, and community-based clinics. The online master's program develops advanced clinical teaching skills and research.
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