LPN to RN Bridge Programs in Oklahoma
In the time you have spent working as a licensed practical nurse, you have likely gained experience with hundreds of health conditions and many different types of patients. In addition, the clinical experience and judgment you bring to this field is invaluable. These traits and many more are what often make LPNs a natural choice for registered nursing degree completion programs.
Health care needs are evolving in Oklahoma, and these needs call for a greater amount of registered nurses. The Oklahoma Heart Hospital recently announced a growing demand for emergency room nurses. The training you receive in a registered nursing program may give you the qualifications you need to apply for demanding, exciting jobs like this one. Learn more about what it takes to become a registered nurse by contacting LPN to RN programs in Oklahoma.
Why Should I Enter an LPN to RN Program in Oklahoma?
You may have already experienced the effects of the statewide hospital nurse shortage. In fact, this shortage is starting to affect a growing number of nursing homes, clinics, and other health care settings. According to KTEN in Oklahoma, the shortage in this state is expected to get much worse before it gets any better. Since you already have a jumpstart on your nursing education, you may be able to use your skills to address the shortage before it becomes even worse. With your nursing degree, you may work more closely with patients, expand your scope of practice, and feel even more fulfilled in your career choice.
For many nursing professionals, earning a registered nursing degree means an increase in income. While the average salary for a licensed practical nurse is $37,600 per year, the median salary for a registered nurse is $57,300 per year (O*Net, 2014).
Curriculum of LPN to BSN and LPN to ADN Programs in Oklahoma
Nursing degree completion programs aim to meet a number of learning outcomes. Instructors hope to make the most of your LPN experience and the previous education you’ve enjoyed in this field. In addition, you may be expected to increase your critical thinking skills, understand the differences between LPNs and RNs, and further your knowledge of a range of nursing specialties. You can tackle these goals in a one-year Associate’s degree completion program or a three-year Bachelor’s degree completion program.
In both of these programs, you should take high-level nursing courses that expand your understanding of leadership, nursing practice, nursing ethics, and research. You may take courses like Clinical Care Across the Lifespan, Mental Health Community Concepts, Management Concepts in Nursing, Health Alterations, Health Promotion, and Clinical Transition for RNs.
It should be clear that clinical work is a priority in this degree program. From the very first semester, you should gain experience in nursing homes, clinics, and hospitals, to the tune of over 300 hours.
Make sure to dedicate some time to financial aid. Applying for different financial aid awards can significantly decrease the cost of your degree. If you plan on working as an LPN throughout your education, you may qualify for a tuition assistance program through your employer. The PMTC Nursing Student Assistance Program provides scholarship assistance to students at different levels of education.
You could be working as a registered nurse in as little as one year. Find out more by requesting information from LPN to RN programs in Oklahoma.
