St. Mary's Hospital, Supplemental Health Care, Riverside Health System – all are major healthcare providers in the DC suburbs of Virginia, and all are currently looking for experienced nurses. More than 70,000 nurses are employed in the DC metro area. Recent advances in the healthcare industry, coupled with an aging U.S. population, will ensure that this talent pool continues to grow.

Overview of nursing programs

Roanoke’s prospective nurses can pursue one of three major nursing roles. All nursing roles will experience faster-than-average employment growth over the coming decade. However, there are important differences in job scope, education requirements, and compensation.

Certified nursing assistant (CNA)
Certified nursing assistant is the most junior nursing role. To become a CNA, students must complete a brief certificate program and sit for a state-administered examination to obtain licensure. CNAs in Roanoke, Virginia, earn roughly $22,500 per year.

It’s an exciting time for the nursing industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the industry will enjoy faster-than-average growth for the 2012-2022 decade. This means that aspiring nurses can expect a large number of employment opportunities for many years to come. This expectation is cemented by the behavior of major healthcare employers such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, which is on the lookout for new nurses to fill a host of positions.

Overview of nursing programs

Private nursing schools are funded primarily by students, alumni, and private organizations. They receive no direct financial support from the state government. Private school students are often willing to pay a premium for their education, since these schools offer enhanced prestige, lower student-to-teacher ratios, and a more personalized learning environment. Utah’s private nursing schools offer prelicensure programs for two roles: registered nurse (RN) and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).

Public nursing schools receive substantial funding and administrative assistance from the government. They are an excellent option for individuals with tight financial budgets, since public nursing schools have lower tuition fees than their private counterparts. Public school students also benefit from using state-approved syllabi and methods of instruction. Utah’s public nursing schools offer prelicensure programs for all four nursing roles: certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN), and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).

Many of the nation’s top colleges are private. Private colleges typically offer an excellent student-to-faculty ratio, a unique curriculum, and a close-knit school community. Private institutions also tend to be associated with prestige. Private schools are often more expensive than public schools since they are not subsidized by the state government. However, for many aspiring nurses, the benefits of a private school education more than justify the increased cost.

Overview of private nursing schools