LPN to RN Bridge Programs in Arizona
Arizona is a state with many unique and evolving health care needs, a trend that is expected to continue in coming years as the Affordable Care Act changes the face of health care throughout the United States. With your experience in the field of practical nursing, you are likely well aware of the health care needs in your community.
Becoming a registered nurse may expand your career opportunities and give you the chance to use your experience to change the face of health care. Now could be a great time to take the next step in your education; local health care organizations are expanding operations throughout Arizona. Find out how you can use your LPN experience by contacting LPN to RN programs in AZ.
Why Should I Enter an LPN to RN Program in Arizona?
If you are still thinking about whether or not becoming a registered nurse is the right choice for you, consider that now may be the best time to act. Arizona has some of the largest elderly populations in the entire country, and as these populations age, they require the care of nursing staff. The advanced education you get as a registered nursing student may put you in a position to become a leader.
You may also enjoy a boost in your income after going through an LPN to RN Arizona program. The average salary for a licensed practical nurse is $49,600 per year, while the average salary for a registered nurse is $70,700 per year (O*Net, 2014).
Curriculum of LPN to BSN Programs in Arizona
In many cases, LPN to RN programs in Arizona are fairly short and very accelerated. This is because of everything you bring to the table as a working LPN. Your work experience and previous education should have given you a strong sense of patient communication and care, an understanding of the field of nursing, and the confidence to develop registered nursing skills. As a result, you may be able to jump right into addressing the learning goals of your chosen program. Your school may want you to develop independence as a nursing professional, expand your clinical reasoning in different nursing specialties, and deepen your theoretical knowledge of the human body and medical treatment.
Reaching these goals requires between one and three years of study, depending on which degree you decide to pursue. In addition to a transition LPN to RN course that prepares you for the program, you may enroll in classes like Pediatric Nursing, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Management Concepts for Elder Care, and Assessment & Management of Mental Health.
As you work through these courses, you should complete a variety of clinical experiences. If you maintain employment during this time, you may even be able to complete your clinical experiences at your place of employment. After meeting your classroom and clinical requirements, you can register to take the NCLEX-RN. You should be fairly familiar with this test, as it is similar to the NCLEX-PN you must take to work as an LPN.
There are quite a few professional resources for student nurses in Arizona. You may want to look for financial aid programs through groups like the Arizona Nurses Foundation.
Arizona’s growing population needs and deserves high-quality health care. Do your part by contacting LPN to RN programs Arizona.
