Online Nursing Programs
Choosing the best Nursing School is the smartest career move. We help you to find the fast track to a promising career
Nursing Continuing Education
What is nursing continuing education?
Nursing continuing education programs are designed for nurses who wish to boost their career by specializing in a particular area, maintain their license, or simply stay up-to-date with the latest health care trends. Practicing nurses are often required to earn a certain number of continuing education units each year in order to maintain their license. Nurses can even pursue an advanced degree by continuing education, which is ideal for people who are interested in moving to a management position. Practicing nurses that don’t earn continuing education units often find it hard to stay abreast with the latest medical and technology developments. By continuing education, nurses can also select a field of specialization from a wide variety of branches ranging from psychiatric to palliative nursing.
Top Schools Offering Nursing Continuing Education
Top Schools Offering Nursing Education:
Liberty University Online
Continuing Education Units (CEU) for Nurses
Almost all practicing nurses are required to complete some continuing education units (CEU) each year. The number of continuing education units a nurse needs to complete varies from state to state in the US. Attending an approved nursing continuing education class or activity for 50 consecutive minutes amounts to one contact hour. Each CEU comprises of 10 contact hours. Nursing Continuing Education Credits (CE) can be earned by participating in workshops, conferences, and nursing seminars. Nurses can even get CE credits for taking part in courses or activities that are related to nursing.
Advantages of Online Programs
It is not always possible for practicing nurses to attend on-campus classes as it is difficult to take time off from work, which is why online nursing continuing education programs are very popular among nursing students. These online programs have the added benefit of being affordable and enable nursing students to study at their own pace and schedule. However, some of these programs might still require nursing professionals to spend a few credit hours at a clinic as a part of their training. Nurses can even specialize in a field through professional nursing certification programs. Online nursing continuing education programs are also ideal for traveling nurses.
Nurses should confirm whether the nursing continuing education program they are about to pursue is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or not. Unaccredited programs might not match the quality of education required by most health care facilities.
Scholarships and Funds
A number of grants and scholarships are available for nurses who wish to continue their education. Many medical schools and centers also provide funds and financial assistance to nursing students. Nursing professionals find it easier to pay for their education, compared to regular students, as most of them are already earning through their practice.
Better Job Opportunities
There is an abundance of job opportunities for nurses and patient care practitioners in the US. Studies even indicate that the demand for trained nurses is going to increase in the coming years. But by continuing education in nursing you can find your niche in the health care industry. It is also a fast track to acquiring a higher position and better compensation. Nurses who pursue advanced degrees stand a better chance of securing a position in management or education.