Healthcare careers are known for providing financial stability. The nursing profession is no exception, with ample opportunity to advance one’s education and career over the long term. Nurses report high job satisfaction in a field that is both challenging and rewarding.
Aspiring nurses can pursue prelicensure programs at either public or private schools, and each path has its own advantages. Although private schools tend to be more expensive, they are generally regarded as more selective and academically rigorous. Private schools often have smaller class sizes, making it easier to seek individual help and forge connections with professors. Private schools also tend to have smaller campuses and thus more intimate communities.
A nursing degree or certificate can launch a stable and rewarding career in healthcare, with frequent opportunities for career advancement. An aspiring nurse can complete her prelicensure program at either a public or a private school. While both options have their merits, public colleges and universities in Washington are heavily subsidized by the state government. This makes them more affordable options that are ideal for state residents with a tight financial budget.
The state of Washington is home to about 40 nursing schools that have been approved by the state’s Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission. These schools offer prelicensure programs for certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs).
Certified nursing assistant
Newport News is home to two reputable institutions offering educational programs for aspiring licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs).
Riverside School of Health Careers and ECPI University both offer a state-approved certificate program in licensed practical nursing. The LPN certificate takes 12 to 18 months to complete. It provides education in basic health sciences such as anatomy and physiology, as well as hands-on clinical experience. Graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN national licensure examination at the conclusion of their studies.
There is enormous potential for growth in the healthcare industry of Lynchburg, Virginia. Data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics reflects a demand for nursing professionals at all levels. The Lynchburg area has several accredited nursing schools, presenting promising career opportunities for the city’s aspiring nurses. Below we describe the major nursing career paths in greater detail.
Certified nursing assistant (CNA)
In the Greater Richmond metro area of Virginia, there are a large number of colleges and universities, both public and private, with accredited nursing programs. A few examples are listed below, along with a brief overview of the programs they offer.
Community colleges and vocational schools
Ten community colleges and vocational schools in the Greater Richmond area offer nursing programs. Several of the largest schools are Asher Comprehensive Training Center, John Tyler Community College, and Chesterfield Technical Center.
Chesapeake is part of the Hampton Roads metro area of Virginia, and nurses in the area make up almost one quarter of the state’s total nursing population. The nursing schools and employers in the area are thus significant players in Virginia’s healthcare field.
In York, Pennsylvania, and throughout most of the country, there are three different occupations within the nursing field: certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), and registered nurse (RN). Below we profile each nursing role in depth.
Certified nursing assistant
The Scranton / Wilkes-Barre area is home to several educational institutions that can provide the training, experience, and opportunities needed for a successful nursing career. If you are considering a career in nursing, you should carefully consider your time commitments, finances, personal aspirations, and professional goals in order to select the best educational program. There are three types of programs that can lead to a satisfying career in the nursing field.
Certified nursing assistant