The decision about where to go to college isn’t always easy. The problem isn’t about having no options; it’s about having too many of them. You’re overwhelmed by having to decide on something potentially life-altering in seemingly very little time. Let’s take a look at why it can get difficult to search for a good college and what you can do to simplify this search.

Having too many options 

When you’re young, you don’t always know how to decide what’s good for you. In fact, you might not even know where to start looking! Having options is good, but having too many options isn’t. While you might think that having many options could bring you reassurance and satisfaction, it isn’t always so.  Most often you will find that having too many choices can cause stress and anxiety. You might feel unmotivated and lazy, and might want to put off deciding until later. You see, having the freedom to pursue whatever you want is one thing, but knowing that your entire future could be riding on this ONE decision is quite another.

Trying to make the “right” choice from a wide sea of choices with so much at stake can make you feel burdened and overwhelmed and could very well make you unhappy.

The solution: The key is to realize that you are better off with fewer options. You don’t want to be paralyzed with too many options. Narrow down your options by putting on paper your top five interests that you could turn into careers.

Not knowing what to make of all the information 

In the current Internet age, information about everything is readily available at the click of a button. But although finding information is easy, how do you know what to look for? Above all, how much of it do you really understand? It is a universally known fact that when you know better, you do better. But how are you expected to know better when you can barely understand this information? While looking up colleges on the Internet, you are likely to come across words such as “accreditation” and “financial aid,” and you wish someone would sift through all this information, keeping aside only that which is relevant to YOU.

The solution: Seek professional help. Why shouldn’t you? You are, after all, trying to make a life-changing decision. Why shouldn’t you make the most of all the help you can get? People like professional career guidance counselors and advisors help you understand your options based on your interests, and educate you in information vital to you. Some colleges like Stevens-Henager College arrange a student meeting, upon visiting the campus, with a financial planner and admissions consultant who, according to Stevens-Henager testimonials, aim to understand your needs and motivations and help you understand your options better. 

The fear of making a mistake 

Human beings make mistakes, Period. But to a student who is trying to figure out his or her life at the young age of sixteen and seventeen, making a mistake about your education and spending the rest of your life dealing with its repercussions can sound like a nightmare.

The solution: You’re at an age where you don’t always know how to tell the good from the bad. Learn to trust your instincts. If you feel uneasy about something, try to find out why. If you feel really good about something, explore all your options.

Where you go to college is a big decision. But it doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking, dreadful one. No one can really tell you which college is the absolute best for you; what makes a college the absolute best is subjective. You have to find a college that works for YOU and you alone, and not get caught up in playing it safe and choosing a “good” college because you think everyone knows about it. 
 
Every year the U.S. federal government provides billions of dollars of financial aid to qualified undergraduate and graduate students in the form of grants, scholarships, loans,and work-study jobs.The U.S. Department of Education overlooks the management of these funds and they are dispersed through individual educational institutions.

To receive federal financial aid from the government, a student must first fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can be doneonline through FAFSA on the Web. Financial aid is provided to students on a first come, first served basis, so the sooner you apply, the greater your chances of securing maximum financial aid if you are eligible.

What does the FAFSA help to decide?

 

You should try to fill out the FAFSA as close to January 1 as possible. The FAFSA aims to determine a student’s and family’s Estimated Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC is the amount of money a family can be expected to contribute toward a college education.

Based on the information you provide on the FAFSA, a Student Aid Report (SAR) will be generated. This will list your EFC and the different kinds and amounts of financial aid for which you qualify.

Furthermore, the SAR will be sent to the colleges you list on the FAFSA form. These colleges can use this data to decide which student will receive what kind of grant, scholarship, and loan.

Who can file the FAFSA?

 

Any student who wishes to pursue a post-secondary education or is currently enrolled in a post-secondary program can file the FAFSA.

To be eligible to receive federal student aid, you need to:

·         Be a U.S. citizen, legal, permanent resident of the U.S., or an eligible non-citizen U.S. national

·         Have a high school diploma or a GED equivalent

 

How should you fill out the FAFSA?

 

Try to fill out the FAFSA with care and precision and try to ensure that all the information you provide is accurate. There are a few documents you need to get together before you fill out the FAFSA,such as your income tax records, bank statements, and current business and investment records.Refer to the FAFSA website for a comprehensive list of the documents you need, so you can get them all together before beginning to fill out the FAFSA form.

What happens after you fill out the FAFSA?

 

A few days after you submit the online FAFSA form, you will receive an e-mail with a link to your Student Aid Report (SAR), which will hold a summary of all your submitted information and your estimated family contribution (EFC). Your SAR will also be sent to the colleges you have listed on your application, so that these colleges can use this information to assemble a financial aid package for you. You will then receive an Award Letter if you are eligible to receive financial aid, which will list the financial aid packages that have been offered to you.

Do colleges provide any help with the FAFSA and the financial aid process?

 

They do. Colleges like Stevens-Henager College arrange a meeting between a financial planner and the student to help simplify the financial aid process. Like with any other college, if you read a Stevens-Henager review, you’ll find out details about its programs. Reading some Stevens-Henager reviewswill tell you more about their student services, the help they provide for filling out the FAFSA, their financial aid assistance programs, and much more.

Take your time and read up on as many articles as you can before applying for financial aid. After all, when you know better, you do better.
 
When consideringinvesting in a higher, post-secondary degree, you need to know exactly what you’re signing up for and what you’re likely to gain from it. Students often find themselves confused about the difference between associate’s degrees, diplomas, and certificates and sometimes think they all mean the same thing.In this article we’ll discuss post-secondary credentials and help you decide on your course of education in a particular field.

Diplomas and certificates

 

Diplomas and certificates are the shortest post-secondary credentials and also the least expensive.They focus on a narrower course of study, mainly very specific practical skills as compared to the study of entire subjects.

Advantages:

·         The additional skills and expertise you acquire during a diploma or a certificate course gives you an edge by supplementing your existing education or degree.

·         Depending on the career you wish to pursue, a diploma or a certificate could qualify you for a job in arelated field more quickly.

·         Not only are they open to all, they also offer convenience and flexibility for working professionals to polish their skills or learn new ones.

·         For some occupations like nursing, a certificate is needed to meet a state’s requirements. Colleges offer programs that prepare students to take the necessary exam.

·          

Associate’s degree

 

Students tend to overlook associate’s degrees as they are of the belief that a bachelor’s degree is the minimum, default undergraduate qualification. But this is not true. Associate’s degrees can provide students with the advantage of saving time and money while preparing them with the necessary skills required for entry-level jobs in their field.

Advantages:

·         Two-year degree programs that can be pursued through colleges that offers part-time classes, evening classes, and online programs, depending on the student’s needs and requirements. 

·         Some colleges like Stevens-Henager College allow students to complete their programs in as fewas 15 months, depending on the program. According to Stevens-Henager reviews, this gives students the added advantage ofbeing able to pursuework that much sooner. A look at a review about Stevens-Henager Collegewill help you find out more about their programs.

·         Students always have the option of pursuing a bachelor’s degree at some point in the future.

Bachelor’s degree

 

A bachelor’s degree can helpyou pursue higher-paying, managerial jobs with good benefits. It is typically a four-year program, but some colleges allow students with associate’s degrees to transfer their credits to a bachelor’s program and complete their program in less than the normal time.

Benefits:

 

·         A four-year bachelor’s degree canresult in greater financial returns as compared to an associate’s degree.

·         These programs are offered by a number of accredited colleges both online and on-campus, so students have the flexibility of choosing their mode of instruction.

·         A four-year degree can provide you with the opportunity to pursue a variety of job options within a specific industry.

·         For those looking for advancement within an industry, it can qualify you for managerial job positions.

Master’s degree

 

A master’s degree is awarded to students who have undergone extensive training and achieved mastery in a specific field. Students can enroll in master’s programs after having completed a bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Benefits:

·         A student can apply forhigh-paying administrative job roles in their field.

·         A master’s degree provides a student with in-depth knowledge about a field.

Some students might want to continue their education even after completing their master’s, and want to reach the apex of their field. Such students choose to pursue a doctorate in their field, which is the highest academic credential you can earn in a field of study.

Irrespective of the degree you opt for, your education requires commitment, dedication, a zeal for learning, and passion for your subject. Do your homework well before applying to a program. Read reviews, speak to current students, and make a decision that best suits you. 
 
If you want to be a part of the healthcare industry but don’t want to go to med school, then we have great news for you. You can still establish a career in the healthcare industry, and it will be rewarding and immensely satisfying. What’s better is jobs in the healthcare industry are diverse and cater to a wide range of professional skill sets. Here is a list of some of the careers you can pursue in this industry.

Registered Nurse (RN)

 

Registered nurses work to provide direct care to patients of all ages in a variety of healthcare settings. RNs can also choose a specialty in nursing at the graduate level, should they wish to specialize in a particular field in nursing.

Educational requirements: Students have two educational routes to becoming a registered nurse. You can either opt for a two-year associate’s degree program or a four-year bachelor’s degree program, after which you are required to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX RN) in order to become a registered nurse.

Expected salary: Median annual salary: $64,690, depending on position, location, education, and experience.1

Physician’s Assistants

 

Physician’s assistants (PAs) work under the supervision of physicians to examine, diagnose, and provide treatment to those with injuries and illnesses.

Education requirements: To become a physician’s assistant, a student must hold a bachelor’s degree in the healthcare field with some work experience. They can then enter a two-year physician’s assistant education program, after which they must take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) in order to become a certified physician’s assistant.

Expected salary: Median annual salary: $86,410, depending on position, location, education, and experience.2

Pharmacist

 

Pharmacists hand out prescription medication to patients and educate them about the safe use of these medicines. They can work in hospitals, pharmacies, and drug stores.

Educational requirements: In order to become a pharmacist, a student must have a bachelor’s degree in science or pharmacology, followed by a master’s degree. You must then complete a doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited school. Students must pass two exams to get a pharmacy license.

Expected salary: Median annual salary: $117,570, depending on position, location, education, and experience.3

Medical and Health Services Managers:

 

Medical and health services managers plan, direct, and supervise the delivery of healthcare in healthcare facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes. Depending on their educational qualifications, they could either manage a division within a healthcare facility or even an entire facility in itself.

Educational requirements: Students can enter the workforce with a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or a similar management fields such health services, health sciences, long-term care, public health, etc. They then have the option of pursuing a master’s degree in healthcare administration.

Expected salary: Median annual salary: $84,270, depending on position, location, education, and experience.4

Physical therapists:

 

Physical therapists help people with injuries and illnesses with their movements, and pain management. They could work in clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers.

Educational requirements: Students must first have a master’s degree of physical therapy, followed by a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT). They are then required to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination or a similar state-administered exam to be licensed.

Expected salary: Median annual salary: $76,310, depending on position, location, education, and experience.5

Where should you study?

 

The above-mentioned professions are just a few of the healthcare occupations you can consider among others such as: respiratory therapists, dental hygienists, occupational therapists, registered nurses, radiologic therapists, and more. Luckily, most of these healthcare occupations are offered by both standard brick and mortar colleges as well as online schools. An example of one such college is Stevens-Henager College. The college offers a variety of healthcare programs (among others, business, information technology, and graphic design programs) both online and on-ground. College reviews, complaints about Stevens Henager College, and testimonials can be found online if you wish to find out more about the college.

If you’re interested in healthcare but don’t want to go to medical school, you might want to consider some of the above-mentioned occupations.

Resources:

1)     http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Registered-nurses.htm#tab-5

2)     http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Physician-assistants.htm#tab-5

3)     http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Pharmacists.htm#tab-5

4)     http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Management/Medical-and-health-services-managers.htm#tab-5

5)     http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Physical-therapists.htm#tab-5

 
Many students are advised to opt for a four-year bachelor’s degree rather than a two-year associate’s degree. While this advice can be right in many cases, the truth is that not all jobs require a four-year bachelor’s degree, and you can very well have a successful career with an associate’s degree. Let’s take a look at some of the most high-paying, satisfying jobs you can get with a two-year associate’s degree program.

Registered Nurse (RN)

 

Registered nurses work in a variety of healthcare facilities, ranging from hospitals and nursing homes to schools and home health care services. Upon completion of a two-year associate’s degree program in nursing (ADN), a student can take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse. After working for a couple of years, a student can always choose to continue his or her education by going back to school and pursuing a bachelor’s degree, either online or on-campus, in order to be eligible for managerial job roles.

According to Pay Scale, students with an ADN can earn salaries of up to $53,427, depending on position, location, and experience.1

 

Respiratory Therapist

 

An associate’s degree in respiratory therapy will focus on subjects such as microbiology, pulmonary anatomy and physiology, pulmonary function testing, respiratory care, perinatal and pediatric care, and more. According to Pay Scale, students with an associate’s degree in respiratory therapy can earn salaries of $44,539 ormore, depending on position, location, and experience.2

 

Paralegals

 

Paralegals are trained in matters pertaining to legal issues and assist qualified lawyers with their legal work. To enter the field a student must first earn an associate’s degree or a certificate in paralegal studies. In order to be successful as a paralegal, a person should be organized, pay close attention to detail, and enjoy reading and writing. Depending on the kind of job you opt for after having completed an associate’s of applied science paralegal degree, a person can earn a salary of up to $45,988, depending on position, location, and experience.

 

 

Dental hygienists

 

Dental hygienists work under the direct supervision of dentists to assist with the procedures and prepare patients for dental exams. They undergo training to carry out tasks such as administering anesthetics, working with the material used in fillings, scaling and root planning for patients with periodontal disease, and other related health concerns.

Employees with an Associate’s of Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Hygiene can earn salaries of up to $50,000, depending on position, location, and experience. 

Medical Assistants

 

Medical assistants are responsible for performing routine administrative and clerical tasks in the offices of health practitioners. Depending on their years of experience, medical assistants can earn salaries of up to $50,684. Entry-level medical assistants can earn yearly salaries of up to $35,854.

Where should you begin your search?

 

Start your search by narrowing down your interests and looking for colleges that offer associate’s degree programs in these fields. Colleges like Stevens-Henager College offer associate’s degree programs in information technology, graphic design, business, and healthcare. According to Stevens-Henager College reviews, these associate’s degree programs can be completed in less than the normal completion time, depending on the program you opt for. Reading a review about Stevens-Henager Collegewill give you details about its student support services, FAFSA help, and much more.

Associate’s degrees are an attractive option for reasons such as affordability and shorter duration.

Resources:

 

1.     http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Associate_Degree_Nursing_(ADN)/Salary

2.     http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Associate_of_Applied_Science_(AAS)%2c_Respiratory_Therapy/Salary

 
The demand for medical assistants continues to grow, as medical professionals rely heavily on medical assistants to perform daily administrative tasks in their offices. They are required to maintain close contact with patients and are responsible for activities such as taking blood pressure, recording and maintaining medical history, running routine tests, etc. These activities might vary with a person’s professional qualifications, education, and years of experience working with patients. Let’s take a look at the medical assistant profession in detail.

What are the job functions of a medical assistant?

 

The clinical and administrative functions medical assistants perform ensure the smooth running of a physician’s practice. Their functions are greatly dependent on their work environment. For instance, a medical assistant working with an ophthalmologist could be responsible for measuring and recording a patient’s vision range, administering eye medication, etc. However, medical assistants are typically responsible for:

·         Interviewing patients and maintaining their medical records

·         Checking and recording a patient’s vital signs, such as heart rate, temperature, etc.

·         Running tests such as ultrasounds and checking blood pressure

·         Authorizing prescriptions and refills

·         Running laboratory tests such as blood tests

·         Handling insurance forms, bills, e-mail, etc.

 

What are the career benefits of being a medical assistant?

 

Being employed in the healthcare industry has its advantages. Some of the benefits offered to healthcare professionals might include:

·         Health and vision plans

·         Medical and dental insurance

·         Paid vacation and sick leave

·         Long-term disability and accident plans

·         Pension and retirement plans such as the 401k

What are the educational requirements to become a medical assistant?

 

Since medical assistants are responsible for carrying out various clinical and administrative functions in a healthcare setting, most positions require formal training. Community colleges and technical and vocational schools offer certificates, diplomas, and associate’s degrees in medical assisting. Colleges like Stevens-Henager College offer an associate’s of occupational studies in medical specialties that prepares their students to take on jobs as medical assistants with practical skills in billing, laboratory procedures, and more. According to Stevens-Henager College reviews, their associate’s degree programs can be completed in as few as 15 months, giving their students the chance to join the workforce that much sooner.

Though medical assistants are not required to be certified, the option is always open. The four certifications for medical assistants are:

·         Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

·         National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) 

·         Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

·         Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

 

What are the employment opportunities and the salary outlook for medical assistants?

 

The healthcare industry is constantly growing despite the economic downturn. No matter what the economic situation is, the need for healthcare professionals will remain. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment opportunities for medical assistants are expected to grow by 31 percent from 2010 to 2020.

The salary for medical assistants largely depends on a number of factors, such as educational background, field experience, the type and size of health care facility they’re working at, and geographic location. The median annual wage of medical assistants as of May 2010 was $28,860.

If you enjoy working with people and would like to be a part of the healthcare industry, you might want to consider medical assisting as a career option.

Read aStevens-Henager College review if you want to find out more about the programs and the student services they offer.
 
In this day and age, where competition is stiff and the need for professional qualification is apparent, you might find yourself questioning the importance an associate’s degree holds in today’s job market. How can a two-year degree contribute to your personal and professional growth? Let’s find out.

Why do students opt for an associate’s degree?

 

A two-year associate’s degree can be a stepping stone toward establishing yourself within an industry, or it could mark the start of your college education. Each year, thousands of students from all over the country enroll in associate’s degree programs either on-ground or online. These students might not have the financial means or enough time to complete a standard four-year bachelor’s degree. Whatever your reasons for choosing an associate’s degree, you should know that an associate’s degree can help bring you closer to new and exciting opportunities in a field that interests you.

What significance does an associate’s degree hold?

 

More jobs now require employees to have some form of formal training and to possess the basic skills to carry out a job well. An associate’s degree helps prepare students with entry-level, basic skills, enabling them to qualify for entry-level technical jobs.

Greater return on investment

 

You spend two years earning an associate’s degree, which means you can begin looking for work that much sooner. This gives you the chance to earn back all the money you spent paying for your degree and more. Along with that, you gain work experience that is invaluable, and you always have the option of going back to college later to earn a higher degree as well.

Making a career switch

 

People in the latter years of their lives sometimes decide to switch careers. There could be various reasons. Some might feel like they have reached the peak of advancement within an organization and might desire a change. Some might want to learn new skills and enter an entirely new field. Such people can pursue a two-year associate’s degree program in the field that interests them. Since it’s a considerably smaller commitment in terms of time and money, students find it an easier and more convenient option.

What should you pursue an associate’s degree in?

 

In order to increase your chances of employment with an associate’s degree, make sure it is in a field that is in demand, such as degrees in healthcare and computer science. Get an associate’s degree in a field that will either cultivate new skills that will be valuable in the job market or polish your existing skills.

Once you know what you’d like to study, start your search for accredited colleges that offer associate’s degree programs in that field. Colleges like Stevens-Henager College offer associate’s degree programs in fields such as healthcare, business, graphic design, and information technology that can be completed in as few as 15 months. If you read a review about the college, it will highlight details about Stevens-Henager College accreditation and other student services, which can helpful in your decision-making process. 

Whether you’re looking to take a step towards a higher education or kick-starting your career, chances of you going wrong with an associate’s degree are very slim.
 
Being organized, well-disciplined, and meticulous can go a long way in helping you become a surgical technologist. In this article we’re going to map out a route for you to become a surgical tech, starting with the education you need to harness the necessary skills.

Selecting the right degree program to become a surgical tech

 

Surgical techs are trusted with the responsibility of handling surgical equipment in an operating room, and hence require proper training. When it comes to education, there are three main paths a student can take towards becoming a surgical tech. These are: certification, diploma, or an associate’s degree. You should pick one that fits your goals and professional needs.

Getting enrolled in the program of your choice

 

Once you have decided on the degree program you’d like to pursue, you can begin your search for a college that will offer you the desired program. There are other factors that should influence your decision of college to attend, such as student services, financial aid help, accreditation, etc., so make a decision taking all these factors into consideration.

Students are always advised to enroll in a surgical tech program that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). An example of a college which has its surgical technology program accredited by CAAHEP isStevens-Henager College. According to reviews, Stevens-Henager College accreditation is through the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE), and its medical programs have been accredited by well-recognized accredited agencies such as the National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

Carrying out an externship

 

Being successful in the surgical tech field requires clinical as well as classroom experience. Most surgical tech programs also give students the opportunity to gain experience through externships in the field. While working in a clinical setting during the externship, students can gain practical experience that can prove to be valuable when they join the workforce. Through these externships students can also apply their classroom education to real-life clinical settings.

Optional certification

Getting a certification after graduating from a surgical tech program is optional but most students find that it can give them an edge when applying for jobs in the industry. There are various options for certification that signify a student’s abilities. You can also gain a certification in a certain specialty such as neurosurgery, heart surgery, etc.

The two certifications you can earn are:

·         Certified Surgical Technologist (CST): This is conducted by the National Board for Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). A student can take this exam within 30 days of graduating from a program.

·         Tech in Surgery–Certified (TS-C): This is conducted by National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). A student must have one year of work experience in order to take the exam.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment opportunities for surgical technologists are expected to increase by 19 percent from 2010 to2020, which is just about as fast as the average for all occupations. They can earn salaries of up to $57,330 and more depending on their geographic locations, years of experience, level of education, and types of certification.

If you can work well under pressure and are highly organized, getting you an education in surgical technology might be beneficial to you.
 
A clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is an advanced practice nurse who holds either a master’s or doctoral degree in a certain area of nursing practice. Clinical nurse specialists are trusted with significant responsibilities and work in a variety of healthcare settings such as emergency units, surgery units, intensive care units (ICUs), critical care units (CCUs), etc.

Jobs and responsibilities of a CNS

 

According to the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS), the three main areas of CNS practice, also known as the “three spheres of influence,” are:

·         Patient (clinical patient care)

·         Nursing personnel (teaching/training nurses and nursing research)

·         Healthcare system (consulting, managing, and supervising)

The typical responsibilities of a CNS are:

·         Examining and assessing patient’s medical condition and suggesting a treatment plan

·         Working with fellow healthcare professionals, such as physicians and nurses, to ensure quality patient care

·         Determining treatment procedures and educating the nursing staff about upcoming treatments

·         Allocating the financial resources of an organization

·         Keeping track of patient progress

·         Training nursing staff on various nursing procedures, public health, etc.

Educational requirements to become a CNS

 

In order to become a CNS, the student must first be a registered nurse with at least two years of work experience. The student should then move on to earning a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited college.

Today, a large number of colleges offer a variety of master’s programs that can enable you to become a clinical nurse specialist. Colleges like Stevens-Henager Collegeoffer master’s programs in nursing administration that prepare students to take on various job roles, including clinical nurse. If you wish to find out more about the accreditation of Stevens-Henager College, read a review of the college on the Internet.

Job outlook and salary of a CNS

 

According to Pay Scale, a clinical nurse specialist can earn a salary of up to $58,939, depending on position, location, education, and experience. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment opportunities for registered nurses should grow by 26 percent between 2010 and 2020, which is much faster than average for all occupations.

Benefits of becoming a clinical nurse specialist

 

Pursuing an education in nursing to become a clinical nurse specialist can have many benefits. Here is a look at some of the benefits of becoming a clinical nurse specialist:

·         Clinical nurse specialists work in a variety of healthcare settings, such as emergency rooms, intensive care units, critical care facilities, etc.

·         Critical nurse specialists have the option of choosing their area of specialization. They could choose to work with women’s health nursing, patients with cardiovascular diseases, oncology departments within a hospital, and much more.

·         Some well-reputed schools offer nursing programs both online as well as on-campus, which gives students the flexibility to choose the type of program that is most convenient for them.

·         As mentioned earlier, clinical nurse specialists are in demand, as the healthcare industry will continue to grow over the upcoming years.

·         Being a clinical nurse specialist can bring you added perks and benefits such as: medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid vacations, retirement benefits, and more.

As is true with any healthcare related job, a career as a clinical nurse specialist can bring you the satisfaction of bringing relief to those in need. 

 
Most registered nurses who feel the need to advance their careers and acquire new skills earn their master’s degrees in nursing. However, not everyone can afford to give up their current jobs and be completely dedicated to an on-campus program. For such students, an online master’s program in nursing comes as a blessing. Let’s look at some of the other advantages of earning your master’s degree in nursing online.

Study and work simultaneously

 

Today well-reputed, accredited colleges like Stevens-Henager Collegeoffer nursing programs (amongst other healthcare programs) which can be pursued on-campus as well as online. These online programs meet the educational standards set by their on-campus counterparts and provide students with the right training to excel in their jobs. With the flexibility these online programs offer, a student can work and pursue their master’s degree simultaneously. If you wish to find out more about Stevens-Henager College accreditation and student services, read a review of the college online.

More family time

 

Part of being a responsible adult is balancing work responsibilities with familial responsibilities. Although a master’s degree in nursing could help you get higher paying jobs, it might not always be easy juggling the pressures of family commitments with a standard campus education. Studying online gives you freedom to work out a schedule that works best for your program and your family.

Increased interaction with instructors

 

Some students are under the misconception that pursuing a degree online will reduce the level of interaction with instructors. However, the truth is exactly the opposite. While studying online, you will find that it is easier to communicate with your instructors. Not only do you get their undivided attention, but you can also e-mail them at any point of the day and participate in forum discussions and chat-room conversations. You don’t have to worry about having to wait for office hours to contact faculty. Online colleges make their services available 24/7.

Receive constant help

 

Students worry about not getting enough attention or help with their programs from college faculty. However, online students get personalized attention from instructors, faculty members, and advisors who help with the program every step of the way, from enrollment to graduation.

Considerably cheaper

 

Unlike a program at a standard college, an online nursing master’s program can save you precious time and money; for instance, online programs allow you to save on the time and cost of commuting to campus on a daily basis.

If you’re working full time and want to continue your education in nursing, attending a brick and mortar college maybe an impractical decision. With an online degree, you can reach your professional goals while not disrupting your current lifestyle. An online degree is the right option for registered nurses looking to get ahead in their careers.

    Author

    Raymond Gutierrezz

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