Accelerated Nursing Degree

Many persons would love to get into the nursing segment but few know how to get hold of an accelerated nursing degree. There are plenty of degrees out there but the CNA is the best program when it comes to a quick degree in nursing!


What is a CNA?

CNA is the abbreviated form of certified nurses aide. This is essentially an entry-level but accelerated nursing degree course and is the perfect solution for those persons interested in entering the nursing segment fast. You need to invest a few weeks of your time in undergoing training and after this you need to appear for the certification examination. Once you pass this, you are on your way to becoming a graduate. You also gain the title of a becoming a licensed certified nurses aide. In this manner, you also get to start your nursing job instantly! If you are willing to wait it out longer then an LPN course is a better option.

What is an LPN?

LPN stands for licensed practical nurse. In this accelerated nursing degree course, the duration is around 1.5 to 2 years and within this time you study in-depth about all aspects pertaining to home care, learn how to become proficient in administering and using medications. You also learn more about subjects as diverse as psychology, nutrition etc. so that you can become a master in dealing with difficult patients. This especially applies in the situation of home care where patients need continuous supervision and care. While the LPN program may take longer as compared to a CNA program, the salary in the former case is certainly more – almost more than double that of a CNA. The typical job descriptions of a LPN ranges from administration of medications, caring for patients, monitoring blood pressure, ensuring their comfort, measuring temperature of patients etc.

What is an RN?

One of the higher forms of nursing education is the accelerated nursing degree called rn also standing for registered nurses. These nurses are well-versed in all aspects of the health care segment and their profile descriptions may at times include prescribing medications for patients. While a CNA works under an LPN, an LPN under an rn, an rn works under the doctor directly. Once you are a graduate in the rn discipline, you can expect a higher salary, more specialized job descriptions and much more responsibility.

Pay structure:

The pay scale for all the three forms of accelerated nursing degree are good. Even though CNAs have an entry-level position in the realm of nursing, the pay package is quite high. Since these CNAs are always in terrific demand across diverse medical centers, the pay packet is also high. Most CNAs prefer taking the internship as well as training within the same hospital as what they wish to work in later on. Training period also involves steady payments from the hospital. In terms of career growth, the LPN degrees are better choices. Annual salary of an LPN graduate is around U.S $49,000. Some clinics and hospitals offer higher pay packets but this depends on your experience and grades. One of the highest paying jobs is that of an rn. An rn earns much more than either the CNAs or the LPNs. The salary of an rn is even more than that of an LPN.

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