LPN to RN Bridge Programs in Ohio
You’ve worked as a licensed practical nurse for some time, and you’re ready to take your career to the next level. Maybe you want to explore different specialties in hospital wings, or perhaps you simply want to expand your scope of practice in your current position. Regardless of how you want to grow your nursing career, completing a registered nursing program may be the key.
Health care is one of the fastest growing industries in Ohio and across the country, thanks to recent health care legislation changes that have expanded hiring needs. The Columbus Dispatch notes that a growing number of employers now require college degrees. The same is true of nursing employers. Completing your nursing degree may help you enjoy more job security and explore new career options.
Why Should I Enter an LPN to RN Program in Ohio?
For many people, the growing need for registered nurses is the single best reason to become a registered nurse. Not only is this good for your job outlook and the future of your career, you’ll feel good knowing that you are doing something to strengthen the health care industry of Ohio and provide better care to patients.
Since registered nursing involves more responsibility and a greater scope of practice than what you may have as an LPN, it is often associated with an increase in pay. Per O*Net, the average salary for a licensed practical nurse in Ohio is $40,400 per year. Those who go on to become registered nurses earn an average of $61,000 per year (O*Net, 2014).
LPN to ADN and LPN to BSN Curriculum in Ohio
Learning about the curricula of registered nursing programs in Ohio can help you feel more confident about your choice to go back to school and prepare you for the educational challenges you may face. In general, you’ll find that the classes you take build on the experience you’ve gained as an LPN. If you pursue an Associate’s degree, you may stick to broad fields of nursing like medical-surgical nursing. If you decide to complete your Bachelor’s degree, you may get more practice in specialties like women’s health care, pediatric care, and labor & delivery. Programs range from one year to three years.
The classes you take include both classroom and clinical components. In total, your education may provide you with over 300 additional clinical hours. Some of the classes you may take include Clinical Nutrition, Nursing Care for Adults, Nursing Care for Children, Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing, and Nursing Leadership.
If you are a member of local nursing organizations, check and see if there are scholarship opportunities for members. Quite a few schools, associations, and government agencies have financial aid options. The Ohio Nurses Foundation funds thousands of dollars of scholarships every year. If you plan on staying at the same employer after graduation, they may provide you with tuition assistance or reimbursement.
Are you ready to further your health care career and assist the people of Ohio? Get started now by reaching out to LPN to RN programs in Ohio.
