Good posting about finding vocational schools from Nursingeduonline.co.cc. Check it out.

http://nursingeduonline.co.cc/

(Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2009)
Most training programs, lasting about 1 year, are offered by vocational or technical schools or community or junior colleges. LPNs must be licensed to practice. Successful completion of a practical nurse program and passing an examination are required to become licensed.

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Education and Training
All States and the District of Columbia require LPNs to pass a licensing examination, known as the NCLEX-PN, after completing a State-approved practical nursing program. A high school diploma or its equivalent usually is required for entry, although some programs accept candidates without a diploma, and some programs are part of a high school curriculum.

In 2006, there were more than 1,500 State-approved training programs in practical nursing. Most training programs are available from technical and vocational schools or community and junior colleges. Other programs are available through high schools, hospitals, and colleges and universities.

Most year-long practical nursing programs include both classroom study and supervised clinical practice (patient care). Classroom study covers basic nursing concepts and subjects related to patient care, including anatomy, physiology, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatric nursing, the administration of drugs, nutrition, and first aid. Clinical practice usually is in a hospital but sometimes includes other settings.

Licensure

The NCLEX-PN licensing exam is required in order to obtain licensure as an LPN. The exam is developed and administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. The NCLEX-PN is a computer-based exam and varies in length. The exam covers four major categories: safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity.

Other qualifications. LPNs should have a caring, sympathetic nature. They should be emotionally stable because working with the sick and injured can be stressful. They also need to be observant, and to have good decision-making and communication skills. As part of a health-care team, they must be able to follow orders and work under close supervision.

Advancement
In some employment settings, such as nursing homes, LPNs can advance to become charge nurses who oversee the work of other LPNs and of nursing aides. Some LPNs also choose to become registered nurses through numerous LPN-to-RN training programs.

The following is an overview of the different types of nursing programs – online or campus based:

1.  LPN or LVN

Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) programs typically involve one year of training at a hospital, vocational technical school or community college. Graduates are eligible for licensure as an LPN or LVN after receiving their diploma or certificate. To earn an LPN license, you must pass a state administered nursing examination called the NCLEX-PN® examination.

2.  LPN to BSN

This program offers the licensed practical nurse or licensed vocational nurse (LVN) the opportunity to attain the BSN degree in just four academic semesters.

3.  Associate of Science (AS) in Nursing

The 2-year associate degree focuses more on technical skills than theory and for 30 percent of ASN graduates, it is their stepping stone to a BSN. It allows a student to become a Registered Nurse (RN) and earn money more quickly than a 4-year BSN program, so it works better for many students. It is the entry point for technical nursing practice.

4.  Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The 4-year BSN degree is preferred by most nursing leaders and provides the best opportunities in today’s job market. If you look at job postings, you’ll find that a BSN degree is a requirement for many positions. It is the entry point for professional nursing practice. Typically the first one to two years of the program are spent fulfilling general education requirements, while the last two to three years are spent on nursing courses.

5.  RN-to-BSN

This is a program designed for Registered Nurse graduates of associate degree or diploma programs who want to complete their BSN degree. It provides credit for nursing skills already learned through school or work experience. Most often these programs are available with a very flexible schedule designed to meet the needs of working nurses. Classes might meet only evenings or weekends. Some schools have “RN-only” classes which are separate from classes taught to pre-licensure students.

Several online RN-to-BSN programs are available. These programs are also known as Bridge Programs, BSN for RN’s, Completion Programs, Nursing Mobility in Education Programs, Advanced Placement, Advanced Standing, or Transition Options. Approximately 30 percent of BSN graduates annually come from RN-to-BSN programs.

6. Second Degree BSN

Second Degree BSN programs are designed for non-nurses who have bachelor’s degrees in non-nursing fields. These programs will give you credit for having completed your liberal arts requirements, allowing you to complete the nursing portion of your coursework (and earn your BSN) in two academic years or less.

7.  Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

A master of science in nursing degree is an 18 – 24 month program that allows a nurse to specialize in a particular area, such as an area of advanced clinical training or research. Some students take on joint degrees in related fields like business administration, public health or hospital administration. Most people working towards an MSN already have a BSN, but there are accelerated programs for ADN nurses to earn a BSN and MSN in one shot, or for non-nursing college graduates.
Typical requirements include a BSN from an accredited nursing school, an RN license, minimum GPA and GRE scores, and some period of clinical work experience. Each school has its specific requirements, so make sure to check with them before applying.

8. Nursing Doctoral Programs

Nurses with doctoral degrees are expected to have tremendous job demand over the next ten years. These programs prepare nurses for careers in health administration (a PhD is the preferred degree for nursing executives), clinical research, and advanced clinical practice. The programs take from four to six years to complete, so they represent a significant commitment on your part.

In a doctoral program everyone receives training in research methods (including statistics and data analysis), the history and philosophy of nursing science, and in leadership skills. But it’s up to you to focus in on a specific research area for your degree. Compared to a BSN or MSN, it’s important to match your particular interests with those of a particular faculty member.

Accredited online nursing degrees are hot! The reason is because
registered nurses are projected to create the second largest number of new jobs among all occupations; job opportunities in most specialties and employment settings are expected to be excellent, with some employers reporting difficulty in attracting and retaining enough RNs.

The number of searches each month performed in Google is continuously rising. Here are the top accredited online nursing schools with links for additional information.

1. Walden University

Walden U. is for working professionals who desire an advanced degree while maintaining career & personal commitments. Walden’s flexible, student-centered education allows you to earn a master’s or Ph.D. from the convenience of your home or workplace.

2. Kaplan University

The world is looking for talented professionals with real-world experience. Kaplan University can help you develop that talent. We’re an accredited university with more than 100 degrees and programs. Yet the approach to education is a bit nontraditional. We believe a university should adapt to its students, not the other way around. Our classes fit around your schedule. The professors bring real-world expertise and provide you with the academic support you need.

3. University of Phoenix

UOP was one of the first accredited universities to offer degree programs online. With more than a decade of experience in Web-based delivery, our online format has been perfected and proven effective for thousands of successful graduates.

University of Phoenix degree programs are designed in collaboration with academic and industry professionals to ensure quality, relevance and rigor. Our curriculum is regularly updated to reflect the latest proven concepts, methods and practices.

4. Gonzaga University

Founded in 1887, Gonzaga University has been committed to developing excellent leaders. In response to society’s growing need for value-based, visionary leadership, Gonzaga University’s Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership was established in 1986

5. Chamberlain College of Nursing

The tradition of quality education and professional preparation now includes a web-based delivery of RN to BSN completion degree and an LPN to ASN degree.

About this page: This page is a listing of distance learning and online nursing degrees offered by accredited online colleges and online universities. The online nursing degrees listed above may be delivered using a variety of online and distance learning technologies allowing you to study from home or work; however, some may require on-campus time. Check each degree’s requirements and request information to learn more.

The shortcut to see all schools is here: Accredited Online Nursing Degrees

According to the US Dept of Labor, there will be a huge shortage of nurses by the year 2020 and nursing remains one of the hottest careers.  It’s still pretty difficult to get into nursing schools but alternatively becoming a licensed practical nurse is a great start to a nursing career.

You can become an LPN after passing the NCLEX-PN exam after spending only 9 to 12 months in training at a community college or career school. Right now, you can take courses for Lpn programs online.

LPNs work under the supervision of registered nurses as vital members of the nursing team.  They perform basic bedside care, taking vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. They also prepare and give injections and enemas, monitor catheters, apply dressings, monitor their patients, and report adverse reactions to medications or treatments. They collect samples for testing, perform routine laboratory tests, feed patients, and record food and fluid intake and output. In States where the law allows, they may administer prescribed medicines or start intravenous fluids. Experienced LPNs may supervise nursing assistants and aides.

There are thousands of job openings in hospitals, long term care facilities, physician’s offices, home health agencies, and a variety of private businesses are available for LPNs.

So this is a great opportunity – start now!

Also, Licensed Practical Nurses have the ability to get an Associate Degree in Nursing completely online in as little as 12 months, while they work at their regular job, and in most cases with the help of employer’s tuition repayment or reimbursement plans.

Henry