Ten Great Certified Nursing Assistant Programs

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Sarah

Best Certified Nursing Assistant Programs (bestcertifiednursingassistant.org) has named the Top 10 Best Online Certified Nursing Assistant Programs. The listing is part of the site’s article base on Certified Nursing Assistant education and career preparation.

cna

Working in hospitals, long-term healthcare facilities and for private agencies, Certified Nursing Assistants provide patients with help in basic living activities including bathing, feeding and mobility. They assist nurses, take patients’ vital signs and in some cases may administer medications. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for Certified Nursing Assistants are expected to increase by 20 percent in the decade 2010-2020. This is a faster rate of growth than the 14 percent growth expected for all occupations during this period. Students interested in a career as a CNA can benefit from the flexibility of online studies while continue to work and meet personal responsibilities.

Programs listed include community college programs, career college programs, medical center training and training offered by the American Red Cross. Information on program highlights, tuition and special features of each program is included.

All of the programs ranked Top 10 by Best Certified Nursing Assistant Programs offer the opportunity to complete at least some coursework online. Some offer all courses online, with lab components completed on site. Each program prepares students for the certification examinations necessary to obtain the CAN credential.

The Top 10 Best Online Certified Nursing Assistant Programs are:

1. American Red Cross – Cost: $670-$1,900 program tuition, depending on chapter.
Degree Name: Certified Nursing Assistant examination preparation.

2. Maine Medical Center – Cost: Courses and books are paid for by the Medical Center.
Degree Name: Certified Nursing Assistant examination preparation.

3. York College – Cost: $1,299 program tuition.
Degree Name: Certified Nursing Assistant examination preparation.

4. Career Colleges of America – Cost: $2,400 program tuition.
Degree Name: Certified Nursing Assistant examination preparation.

5. Century College – Cost: $185 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Certified Nursing Assistant examination preparation.

6. Bryan University – Cost: $300 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Certified Nursing Assistant examination preparation.

7. Salter School of Nursing & Allied Health – Cost: $1,328 program tuition.
Degree Name: Certified Nursing Assistant examination preparation.

8. Dawn Career Institute – Cost: $1,520-$6,144 program tuition.
Degree Name: Certified Nursing Assistant examination preparation..

9. Houston Community College – Cost: $695 program tuition.
Degree Name: Certified Nursing Assistant examination preparation.

10. Johnson County Community College – Cost: $84 per credit hour for Johnson County (Kansas) residents; $99 per credit hour for state residents outside Johnson County; $197 per credit hour for non-resident students.
Degree Name: Certified Nursing Assistant examination preparation.

Source: Top 10 Best Online Certified Nursing Assistant Programs

A Wide Range of Careers are Possible With These Top Health Science Degrees

Posted on December 3, 2012 by Sarah

Best Health Science Degree Guide has listed the Top 10 Online Health Science Degree Programs. The site is a guide for students considering a career in health science, and features articles on jobs, salaries and top schools offering degrees in health science. A degree in the field can qualify professionals for positions in hospitals, pharmacies, schools and other segments of the healthcare industry. Students who are already working often find online programs the best way to accommodate both work and study.

Degree programs chosen by Best Health Science Degree Guide can be completed online and are considered by the site to offer quality distance education. An executive summary of each program provides highlights, and tuition information and unique features of the programs are also discussed.

According to the site, the online programs selected all offer outstanding programs providing students with a foundation in body systems, health laws, ethics and epidemiology to prepare them for health science careers.

The Top 10 Best Online Health Science Degree Programs:

1. Ashford University – Cost: $402 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Studies.

2. Grand Canyon University – Cost: 687.50 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences.

3. Kaplan University – Cost: $371 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Public Health or in Health Care Administration, with fast track courses to complete up to five courses toward a master of Health Care or Master of Public Health while completing undergraduate degree.

4. Walden University – Cost: $7,260 program tuition.
Degree Name: Associate in Health Science; Bachelor of Science in Health Science.

5. South University – Cost: $22,693 average program tuition.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Health Science.

6. Keiser University – Cost: $440 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Health Science.

7. Arizona State University – Cost: $442 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Health Science.

8. Bellevue University – Cost: $370 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Arts in Health Science.

9. United States University – Cost: $250 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences.

10. Nova Southeastern University – Cost: $300 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Health Science.

3 Tips for Launching Your Mental Health Counseling Career

Posted on December 3, 2012 by Sarah

Mental health counselors play vital roles in their communities as mentors and support systems for individuals who suffer from psychological ailments and disorders. These professionals not only possess advanced degrees in their field, they also obtain a strong desire to help others maintain mental wellness. Aside from being rewarded with personally satisfying occupations, mental health professionals are also rewarded with countless job opportunities in a field that is expected to grow much faster than average according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For the best career opportunities, marketability, and earning potentials as mental health professionals, individuals are encouraged to review the top 3 tips that are described below.

1. First and foremost, individuals who desire to become mental health counselors should acquire an advanced degree through an accredited institution of higher learning. Individuals who possess at least a high school diploma are encouraged to pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, education, or another science. It is through programs for degrees in those fields that students obtain a strong foundation in human behavior and development, psychology, sociology, statistics, and behavioral science courses. After acquiring a bachelor’s degree, students are eligible to pursue a master’s-level degree in counseling and/or psychology. Programs for this degree are offered by both online and campus-style schools, and they provide students with the advanced skills that they need to work as professionals in hospitals, private practices, schools, mental health centers, correctional facilities, and rehabilitation centers. It is ultimately through both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in the field of counseling that individuals are rewarded with the greatest marketability, salaries, and promotional opportunities as professionals in their field.

2. As soon as individuals have obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology or counseling, it is recommended for them to pursue acquiring hands-on experience in their field through internships, externships, and entry-level jobs. Opportunities for internships, externships, and entry-level jobs are provided through many local schools, colleges, hospitals, nursing homes, private clinics, and mental health centers. Experience in these areas not only provides individuals with enhanced resumes and skills, it also provides them with the opportunity to obtain valuable credentialing as mental health counselors through the National Board of Certified Counselors. This credentialing agency is highly selective, and it is estimated that only 1,100 mental health counselors possess this credentialing in the United States.

3. Once individuals have acquired an advanced degree from an accredited college or university, they should pursue credentialing through the National Board of Certified Counselors. This agency offers three credentials for individuals who meet certain criteria, and those credentials entail the following: the National Certified School Counselor credential for school counselors, the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor credential for clinical mental health counselors, and the Master Addictions Counselor credential for addictions counselors. Acquiring credentialing through the National Board of Certified Counselors not only provides individuals with enhanced resumes, it also provides their potential employers with the reassurance that their prospective employees possess the advanced skills, experience levels, and reputation as mental health professionals. Qualified candidates for any one of the credentials mentioned above must possess the following: a passing score on the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification, official college transcripts for a master’s-level degree in the field, and at least 3,000 hours of documented experience in the field of counseling. For students who complete a master’s degree in counseling that is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs, the 3,000 hours of experience is not a required prerequisite for credentialing.

Resources

National Board for Certified Counselors (Wikipedia.org)
Mental Health Counselor (Wikipedia.org)
Licensed Professional Counselor (Wikipedia.org)

About the Guest Author

Alexa Trey is a high school guidance counselor with a particular interest in careers in health services. Learn more about a career in counseling and mental health in her recent article Counseling Jobs and Careers.

There’s Never Been a Better Time to Finish Your Nursing Degree Online

Posted on December 2, 2012 by Sarah

The Top 10 Best Online Nursing Degree Programs list has been released by onlinenursingdegreeprograms.net. The site is a resource for students considering online nursing education at all levels, from certificates through post-graduate degrees. Online degree programs can increase career and earning opportunities for nurses, or allow aspiring nurses to get their start in the field.

Onlinenursingdegreeprograms.net lists its top 10 selections in alphabetical order. The programs were chosen because they offer flexible opportunities for prospective students to access quality nursing education.

All of Online Nursing Degree Programs’ top 10 programs are accredited. Many are both regionally accredited and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

1. Chamberlain College of Nursing – Cost: $30,640 tuition for RN to BSN program; $55,420 for RN-BSN to MSN program.
Degree Names: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN); Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

2. Drexel University – Cost: $500-$800 per credit hour, depending on program chosen
Degree Names: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN); Master of Science in Nursing (MSN); other certificates and degrees offered as well.

3. Grand Canyon University – Cost: $687.50 per credit hour.
Degree Names: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN); Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

4. Indiana Wesleyan University – Cost: $410 per credit hour average tuition.
Degree Names: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN); Master of Science in Nursing (MSN); other certificates and degrees offered as well.

5. Kaplan University – Cost: $315 per credit hour includes books and materials.
Degree Names: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN); Master of Science in Nursing (MSN); other certificates and degrees offered as well.

6. Keiser University – Cost: Approximately $7,000 per 12-credit semester..
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

7. Norwich University – Cost: $24,876 program tuition, including fees.
Degree Name: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

8. Seton Hall University – Cost: $797 per credit hour.
Degree Names: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN); Master of Science in Nursing-Nurse Practitioner; Master of Science in Nursing-Health Systems Administration.

9. South University – Cost: $391 per credit hour for RN to BSN degree program; $436 per credit hour for MSN programs.
Degree Names: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN); Master of Science in Nursing (MSN); Master of Science in Nursing-Nurse Practitioner.

10. Walden University – Cost: $290-$555 per credit hour depending on program.
Degree Names: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN); Master of Science in Nursing (MSN); Doctorate of Nursing; Post-Masters certificates offered as well.

10 Easy Ways to Earn a BSN Degree

Posted on December 1, 2012 by Sarah

nurse A list of “10 of the Best Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degrees” has been developed by the site, “Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Guide” (bachelor-of-science-in-nursing.com). Online study provides adult learners with the opportunity to obtain their degrees while continuing to develop their careers. In the nursing field, the BSN degree can lead to increased earnings and responsibilities.

Bachelor-of-science-in-nursing.com’s list is presented in alphabetical order. The site gives an overview of each program, with information on costs, unique aspects of the programs and accreditation information.

Each school chosen for the list has regional accreditation or is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. All offer opportunities for Registered Nurses to continue their careers while increasing their education and credentials.

10 of the Best Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degrees:

1. Bellevue University – Cost: $370 per class; $150 in fees.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

2. Colorado Technical University – Cost: $27,755 includes all program tuition, fees, software and books.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

3. Herzing University – Cost: $59,940 program tuition.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

4. Keiser University – Cost: $27,000 program tuition.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

5. Ohio Christian University – Cost: $22,693 average program tuition
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

6. Penn State World Campus – Cost: 504-$542 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

7. University of Phoenix – Cost: $510 per credit hour plus $95 per course fee for electronic materials.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

8. University of Saint Mary – Cost: $410 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

9. Walden University – Cost: $290 per credit hour, plus $95 per quarter technology fee.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

10. Western Governors University – Cost: Individually calculated based on length of time needed to complete degree.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Source: Best Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degrees

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Monthly Archives: December 2012