LPN to RN Bridge Programs in Louisiana
Since the field of nursing became an established part of the health care industry hundreds of years ago, it has changed greatly. As a nurse, you can work in different specialties, perform different procedures, and even take on independent practice roles with the right education. In fact, your LPN degree and work experience can help you smoothly transition from LPN to RN; Louisiana schools offer bridge programs that allow you to complete your degree more quickly.
Find out what LPN to RN programs in Louisiana entail and how you can get started today.
Through programs like the Great 100 Nurses of Louisiana, the health care industry of Louisiana makes it clear how much they value nurses. The more you can do for your patients and your employer, the more fulfillment you may find in your nursing career.
Why Should I Enter an LPN to RN Program in Louisiana?
If you are in the nursing field because you care about your patients and their health, becoming a registered nurse is the next logical step in your career. Experts in this industry have forecasted a significant nursing shortage in Louisiana, thanks to decreasing enrollment numbers and shrinking class sizes. Dedicating yourself to becoming a registered nurse can help you do your part to alleviate this shortage.
Though income is not the main motivator for most nurses, you may find that becoming a registered nurse does allow you to take home more money each week. To compare, the average salary for a Louisiana LPN is $37,300 per year and the average income for a Louisiana RN is $58,800 per year (O*Net, 2014).
Curriculum of LPN to ADN and LPN to BSN Programs in Louisiana
LPN to RN programs Louisiana schools offer are simply designed to bridge the gap in knowledge between LPN licensure and RN licensure. Because of the nature of this program, you may graduate much more quickly than traditional students. Completing an Associate’s degree may take just one year of study, and finishing your Bachelor’s degrees usually takes about three years.
These programs concentrate on advancing your nursing abilities and knowledge. At the undergraduate level, you may explore more specialties than you would at the Associate’s degree level. Courses that are typically required in both programs include Medical-Surgical Nursing, Geriatric Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, and Nursing Assessment & Skills.
You test and develop your skills in the classroom and in a variety of clinical settings. By the time you graduate, you should have accumulated at least 300 additional clinical hours.
Throughout the state of Louisiana, you can find a variety of scholarship and grant programs that are intended for undergraduate students. In addition to state government and federal government programs, look into local organizations like the Louisiana Association of Student Nurses. Applying for lots of different scholarships and grants can help you finance your education.
Health care is changing rapidly all over the country. Take advantage of the opportunities this growth is creating and find out more by contacting Louisiana LPN to RN programs.
