Nursing Schools - Programs and Training

While many people think of nursing as a single all-encompassing field, the truth is there are numerous specialties and callings within the nursing profession.

Registered Nurse

Registered nurses make up the majority of working nurses, and most are employed in hospitals. They treat, educate, and care for patients, often acting as de facto filters for the doctors, explaining follow-up therapy and programs, and providing important details to patients and families.

There are three main ways of becoming a nurse:
  • Bachelor's of Science in Nursing: A BSN from a college or university takes about four years to complete. Though more time consuming and costly, a BSN from a nursing school can lead to better nursing career opportunities and advancement.
  • Associate's Degree in Nursing: If a nursing program at a community or junior college looks best to you, an ADN can be attained in two to three years. While quicker and less expensive, an ADN might limit your opportunities for advancement. Many nursing schools offer ADN to BSN programs for nurses who decide they want to move into more advanced positions.
  • Diploma: An increasingly rare options, some hospitals do offer nursing training programs that take about three years.
According to the Bureau of Labor Services, registered nurses average about $62,000 per year.

Nurse Practitioner

A nurse practitioner is essentially a primary-care provider who can prescribe medication and perform physician functions at a lower cost for patients.

More advanced nursing professions include nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, and nurse anesthetist. These nursing careers require a master's degree. With the cost of additional school come benefits of higher pay, greater advancement opportunities, and future positions in nursing administration.

Licensed Vocational Nurse/ Licensed Practical Nurse

LVNs and LPNs provide patient care--often full time--for convalescent, injured, and disabled persons, and spend about a year in a nursing training program, through nursing trade schools or community colleges. They average about $39,000 per year.

If you have the compassion, organizational skills, and fortitude to take on a nursing career, research nursing schools and look into your options. They are as diverse as the people who enroll in them.

Nursing School Specialities

South University Campus - Montgomery
Make the most of your potential with a quality education from South University. Earn your degree online, on your own timetable, or at one of our five convenient campus locations.

Programs Offered:
  • Medical Assisting (AS)
  • Nursing (RN-BSN)
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Fortis Institute - Dothan
Get the skills and training you need for a great career at Fortis College. * Programs vary by location * Please contact each individual campus for accreditation information * Fortis College - Indianapolis advertising code is AC-0163.

Programs Offered:
  • Medical Assistant
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Fortis Institute - Foley
Get the skills and training you need for a great career at Fortis College. * Programs vary by location * Please contact each individual campus for accreditation information * Fortis College - Indianapolis advertising code is AC-0163.

Programs Offered:
  • Medical Assistant
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Fortis Institute - Mobile
Get the skills and training you need for a great career at Fortis College. * Programs vary by location * Please contact each individual campus for accreditation information * Fortis College - Indianapolis advertising code is AC-0163.

Programs Offered:
  • Dental Assistant
  • Medical Assistant
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Fortis Institute - Montgomery
Get the skills and training you need for a great career at Fortis College. * Programs vary by location * Please contact each individual campus for accreditation information * Fortis College - Indianapolis advertising code is AC-0163.

Programs Offered:
  • Dental Assistant
  • Medical Assistant
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Brown Mackie College - Birmingham
Improve your career skills with a quality education from a Brown Mackie College. Choose from many different career-track programs in today's most in-demand fields.

Programs Offered:
  • Associate of Science in Medical Assisting
  • Diploma in Medical Assistant
  • Diploma in Dental Assistant
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Fortis Institute - Birmingham
Get the skills and training you need for a great career at Fortis College.

Programs Offered:
  • Dental Assisting
  • Medical Assisting / Medical Assisting Specialist
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Charter College - Wasilla
Get the technical skills you need to reach the next level of career success at Charter College.

Programs Offered:
  • Medical Assistant
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University of Phoenix - Phoenix Campus
University of Phoenix makes higher education highly accessible.

Programs Offered:
  • BS in Nursing (RN Required)
  • MS in Nursing (RN Required)
  • Licensed Practical Nurse/ Licensed Vocational Nurse to BSN
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University of Phoenix - Southern Arizona Campus
University of Phoenix makes higher education highly accessible.

Programs Offered:
  • BS in Nursing (RN Required)
  • MS in Nursing (RN Required)
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