Want To Be a Nurse? Accelerate Your BSN Degree With These Top Online Programs

Best Top 10 Online Accelerated BSN Programs  The Top 10 Online Accelerated BSN Programs have been ranked by the site accelerated-bsn.net, an information site for nurses who wish to attain the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and for students who already hold a degree in a non-nursing subject and who wish to enter the nursing field. Many nurses begin their careers with a diploma from a hospital training program or with an associate degree. Increasingly, however, a minimum of a BSN is required for advancement to nursing management and administrative positions. Some states, including New Jersey and New York, now require that RNs complete a BSN within 10 years of earning their RN certification. Earning a degree online allows nurses to continue and advance their careers while working toward a degree, and employers in some cases will pay for nurses to earn a degree. Some programs credit the student for college-level learning achieved through work and through prior studies, allowing the degree to be completed in as little as 12 months.

The schools named by accelerated-bsn.net were chosen because each offers the combination of flexible scheduling and a challenging curriculum. All offer courses leading to a broad foundation of knowledge in the nursing field, according to the site. All schools listed are accredited.

In addition to cost information on, and an “executive summary” of, the programs ranked, accelerated-bsn.net also notes unique characteristics of each program. This information is intended to help prospective students choose the online program that best meets their own circumstances.

1. Marian University – Cost: $795 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

2. University of Wisconsin – Cost: $315 per three-credit course.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

3. University of Texas at Arlington – Cost: $1,004 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

4. Indiana State University – Cost: $286 per credit hour for Indiana residents; $358 per credit hour for non-residents.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

5. Sullivan University – Cost: $260 per credit hour, plus $50 online fee per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

6. Utica College – Cost: $375 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

7. Chatham University – Cost: $709 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

8. Linfield College – Cost: $375 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

9. Roseman University – Cost: $46,852 program tuition.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

10. Chamberlain College of Nursing – Cost: $665 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Source: Best Top 10 Online Accelerated BSN Programs

Careers in Public Health a Great Choice for Community-Minded Health Professionals

The Top 10 Best Online MPH Degree Programs have been selected by best-mph-programs.com. Best MPH Degree Programs provides information for prospective students on Master of Public Health degree programs and career options. Students who want to advance their careers in the health care field while continuing their careers and fulfilling other responsibilities often find online study meets their needs. The MPH degree prepares students for leadership positions in community and public healthcare, which can lead to increased career responsibilities and compensation.

Masters in Public Health

The schools named by best-mph-programs.com include both public and private universities. The programs were chosen because they combine the flexibility to study anywhere with a high quality curriculum.

All of the programs on the Top 10 list are accredited. In addition to cost information on the programs listed, best-mph-programs.com also notes unique features of each program, such as concentrations available and entrance requirements.

The Top 10 Online MPH Programs are:

1. A.T. Still University of Health Sciences – Cost: $388 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Master of Public Health.

2. Creighton University – Cost: $850 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Master of Public Health.

3. Benedictine University – Cost: $570 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Master of Public Health.

4. Capella University – Cost: $448 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Master of Public Health.

5. Loyola University – Cost: $905 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Master of Public Health.

6. University of Massachusetts – Cost: $590 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Master of Public Health.

7. University of South Florida – Cost: $399.76 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Master of Public Health.

8. Michigan State University – Cost: $660 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Master of Public Health.

9. Emory University – Cost: $1,540 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Master of Public Health.

10. Concordia University – Cost: $420 per unit.
Degree Name: Master of Public Health.

Earn A Nursing Degree In Just 12 Months with an Accelerated Nursing Degree

The Best Top 10 Online Accelerated Nursing Programs list has been released by acceleratednursing.org. The site provides information for nurses already working in the field who wish to earn a degree to advance their careers while continuing to work in the field.

All programs selected for the list are accredited and offer challenging curricula. The programs are flexible and are specifically designed for adult learners who either already hold a degree in a non-nursing major or who are licensed RNs. Students working online toward an accelerated degree can save both time and money, in some cases completing a degree in as little as 12 months.

The Best Top 10 Online Accelerated Nursing Programs are:

1. American Sentinel University – Cost: $380 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

2. Kaplan University – Cost: $315 per credit hour for BSN courses; $368 per credit hour for MSN courses.
Degree Names: Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Master of Science in Nursing.

3. South University – Cost: $380 per credit hour.
Degree Names: Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Master of Science in Nursing

4. Brandman University – Cost: $500 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

5. Northeastern University – Cost: $550 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

6. Benedictine University – Cost: $540 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Master of Science in Nursing.

7. Lewis University – Cost: $740 per credit hour.
Degree Names: Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Master of Science in Nursing.

8. University of Wisconsin – Cost: $8,890 per semester for residents; $12,885 for non-residents.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

9. Roseman University – Cost: $45,750 program tuition.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

10. College of St. Scholastica – Cost: $12,515 per semester.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Online RN to BSN Degree Programs a Great Way for Nurses to Advance Professionally

Best-rn-to-bsn.com has ranked the Top 10 Best Online RN to BSN Programs. The site is a guide to programs for RNs who wish to advance their careers and broaden their opportunities by obtaining a BSN. The degree is required for many specialization and management positions, and for those who wish to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing. Online degree programs give RNs the opportunity to obtain a degree while continuing to work full-time.

Online programs chosen by best-rn-to-bsn.com were chosen because they offer the flexibility to work while studying and because they have challenging, broad curricula.

Some schools listed on the Top 10 Best Online RN to BSN Programs list award credit hours to distance learning students who are licensed and experienced RNs. All of the schools ranked are accredited.

1. Drexel University – Cost: $569 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

2. Grand Canyon University – Cost: $435 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

3. Sacred Heart University – Cost: $500 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

4. Capella University – Cost: $290-$305 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

5. Western Governors University – Cost: $2,890 per six-month term.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

6. American Sentinel University – Cost: $380 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

7. Franklin University – Cost: $415 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

8. University of St. Mary – Cost: $410 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

9. Saint Peter’s College – Cost: $ $552-$690 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

10. Ohio Christian University – Cost: $395 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Where are the Best Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs?

The Top 10 Online BSN Program rankings have been released by best-bsn-programs.com, a resources site that provides expert information for students considering pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The BSN provides a wider variety of career options than an RN credential alone. Many nursing management positions require the degree, and most nursing positions pay an increased salary to candidates possessing a bachelor’s degree. Many students seeking a BSN are already employed in nursing or the healthcare field. Online study allows these students to advance both their studies and their careers.

All of the schools whose online programs were selected by best-bsn-programs.com are regionally accredited. Many also have unique features and benefits, such as hybrid on-site and online classes, in their distance education programs which are reported in the rankings as well.

Some schools listed require that applicants already possess either a nursing diploma from a hospital program or an associate’s degree, or be a Licensed Vocational Nurse or a Licensed Practical Nurse to qualify for the BSN degree program.

The Top 10 Online BSN Programs are:

1. Colorado Christian University – Cost: $598 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

2. Indiana State University – Cost: $286 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

3. Western Governors University – Cost: $4,250 per six-month term.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

4. Kent State University – Cost: $384 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

5. Keiser University – Cost: $7,092.00 per semester for full-time students.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

6. Liberty University – Cost: $342 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

7. Colorado Technical University – Cost: $305 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

8. Walden University – Cost: $395 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

9. Drexel University – Cost: $569 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

10. Graceland University – Cost: $495 per credit hour.
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Source: Top 10 Online BSN Programs

Masters in Public Health Degrees Offered Online Prepare Students For Community Wellness Careers

A community’s wellness is ultimately maintained through the dedication and skills of trained professionals in the field of public health. Most of those professionals acquire a Masters in Public Health Degree, which provides them with valuable training in courses such as Public Health Laws, Health and Social Behavior, Occupational and Environmental Health, and Health Care Management and Policy. After the completion of those master’s degree programs, many graduates work as Health Educators, Behavioral Health Scientists, State Environmentalists, Infectious Disease Directors, and Hospital Program Developers in their communities. As participants of a growing field, public health professionals who gain employment in those occupations are rewarded with salaries of up to $90,000 or more per year. In most circumstances, those admirable job opportunities and earning potentials are obtained and maintained through a Master’s in Public Health Degree from a reputable college or university.

Online Masters in Public Health Degree programs provide students who already possess a bachelor’s degree with affordable, quality opportunities to enhance their marketability in the field of public health. The alphabetical list below includes ten of the best online Masters in Public Health Degree programs that are available today.

A school’s accreditation enhances its reputation as a quality institution of higher learning. Aside from the distinction of offering online Masters in Public Health Degree programs, all of the schools listed below also possess regional and/or national accreditation.

1. Argosy University- Cost: $27,810 for the entire program
Degree Name: Master’s in Public Health

2. A.T. Still University of Health Sciences- Cost: $437.50 per credit hour
Degree Names: Master’s in Public Health, Master’s in Public Health-Dental
Emphasis

3. Benedictine University- Cost: $570 per credit hour
Degree Name: Master’s in Public Health

4. Concordia University Nebraska- Cost: $420 per credit hour
Degree Name: Master’s in Public Health

5. Emory University-Rollins School of Public Health- Cost: $1,320 per credit hour
Degree Name: Master’s in Public Health
Tracks: Applied Epidemiology, Applied Public Health Informatics, Prevention
Science

6. Grand Canyon University- Cost: $23,590 for the entire program
Degree Name: Master’s in Public Health

7. Kaplan University- Cost: $23,100 for the entire program
Degree Name: Master’s in Public Health

8. University of New England- Cost: $600 per credit hour
Degree Name: Master’s in Public Health

9. University of Southern California- Cost: $66,928 for the entire program
Degree Name: Master’s in Public Health
Tracks: Health Education and Promotion, Biostatistics-Epidemiology, Health
Communications, Child and Family Health, Global Health Leadership, Public Health
Policy, Environmental Health

10. Walden University- Cost: $445 per credit hour
Degree Name: Master’s in Public Health

The Healthcare Industry Needs Qualified Individuals For Online MBA in Healthcare Management Programs

Today’s healthcare system is a multi-billion dollar business, one challenged by the demands of an aging population, increased governmental involvement and rising expenditures. In order to continue providing efficient patient care, the health industry will need informed and innovative leadership from individuals committed to creating real-world solutions, and an MBA in healthcare management degree readies graduates to do just that. With specialized coursework geared toward the medical field, a health management MBA goes beyond a basic business degree to prepare students for upper-level employment in hospitals, clinics and other health services facilities. As with conventional MBA programs, healthcare management MBA degree programs tend to prefer applicants with some business or managerial experience in the field. In the past, this often left health management MBA students struggling to balance current career obligations with academic scheduling, but thanks to the ever-growing number of quality online degree programs, this no longer needs to be the case. To help prospective students find the best programs, MBA-Healthcare-Management.com has recently released a ranking list of the top 10 online MBA in Healthcare Management degree programs.

The programs on the list are ranked according to school reputation and academic rigor. Each of the schools listed is fully accredited by a recognized educational accreditation body. Many are further accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, an organization dedicated to advancing and improving business education. Universities mentioned have earned high rankings and accolades from publications in both the business and academic spheres, such as the U.S. News and World Report, Entrepreneurial Magazine and the Princeton Review.

Potential students will find a range of quality educational options on MBA-Healthcare-Management.com’s list. Highlighting the growing acceptance of distance-based programs by the world of academia, all of the schools named on the list are traditional, not-for-profit universities that have chosen to extend their respected degree programs to students beyond their campuses. Degree candidates in these online programs will benefit from the same experienced faculty and challenging curricula as their on-campus counterparts.

1. Drexel University – Cost: $64000 total tuition costs
Degree Name: Master of Business Administration, Healthcare Management

2. Northeastern University – Cost: $67,250 total tuition costs
Degree Name: Master of Business Administration, Healthcare Management

3. University of Massachusetts – Cost: $750 per credit
Degree Name: Master of Business Administration, Healthcare Management

4. Florida International University – Cost: $50,000 total tuition costs for in-state students; $54,000 total tuition costs for out-of-state students
Degree Name: Master of Business Administration, Healthcare Management

5. University of Scranton – Cost: $877 per credit
Degree Name: Degree Name: Master of Business Administration, Healthcare Management

6. George Washington University – Cost: $1,420 per credit
Degree Name: Master of Business Administration, Healthcare Management

7. Quinnipiac University – Cost: $895 per credit
Degree Name: Master of Business Administration, Healthcare Management

8. Plymouth State University – Cost: $522 to $606 per credit in-state tuition; $569 to $663 out-of-state tuition
Degree Name: Master of Business Administration, Healthcare Management

9. Brenau University – Cost: $540 per credit
Degree Name: Master of Business Administration, Healthcare Management

10. Tiffin University – Cost: $25,200 total tuition costs
Degree Name: Master of Business Administration, Healthcare Management

Consider One of These Top Online Masters in Psychology Degree Programs

The field of psychology not only benefits its professionals with challenging careers and satisfying salaries, it also rewards its professionals with the knowledge that they contribute to the mental health maintenance and sustenance of individuals in their communities. Those professionals of psychology include Counselors, Behavioral Health Specialists, Psychiatrists, Forensic Psychologists, Rehabilitation Program Directors, and Social Workers. Many individuals who work in those occupations acquire both a Bachelor’s in Psychology Degree and a Masters in Psychology Degree. While there is no doubt that obtaining a Masters in Psychology Degree is a demanding pursuit, it is also a short-term sacrifice for long-term career and financial stability.

Online programs provide students with a great means of acquiring a degree while still continuing to work professionally. All of the colleges and universities reviewed below offer some of the best online Masters in Psychology Degree programs that exist today.

There are many characteristics that make schools stand out, and some of the most desirable of those characteristics are accreditation and comprehensiveness of degree programs. Each of the colleges and universities that is mentioned below possesses an online Masters in Psychology Degree program that is both accredited and comprehensive.

1. Sacred Heart University- Cost: $725 per credit hour
Degree Name: Master’s of Science in Applied Psychology

2. Angelo State University- Cost: $304.50 per credit hour for residents of Texas;
$655.50 per credit hour for residents of Texas
Degree Name: Master’s of Science in Applied Psychology

3. Union College- Cost: $410 per credit hour
Degree Name: Master of Arts in Psychology

4. Grand Canyon University- Cost: $18,370 for the entire program
Degree Name: Master’s of Science in Applied Psychology

5. Palo Alto University- Cost: $1,046 per unit
Degree Name: Master’s of Science in Psychology

6. Walden University- Cost: between $21,000 and $44,000 per degree program
Degree Name: Master’s of Science in Psychology
Specializations: Applied Psychology, Educational Psychology, General Psychology, Organizational Psychology, Health Psychology

7. Northcentral University- Cost: $675 per credit hour
Degree Name: Master of Arts in Psychology

8. Capella University- Cost: between $420 and $430 per credit hour
Degree Name: Master’s of Science in Psychology
Specializations: Clinical Psychology, General Psychology, Child and Adolescent
Development, Counseling Psychology, Educational Psychology

9. University of the Rockies- Cost: $726 per credit hour
Degree Name: Master of Arts in Psychology
Specializations: General Psychology, Business Psychology, Career Management and
Counseling, Mental Health Administration, Sport and Performance Psychology

10. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology- Cost: $982 per credit hour
Degree Name: Master of Arts in Psychology

Where to Earn a Master of Health Administration Degree Online

In order to help patients as effectively as possible, hospitals and health services facilities rely on the leadership and business acumen of health administrators and other health management professionals. The modern medical system is a business, and a multi-billion dollar one at that, and its need for forward-thinking management has never been greater. For individuals interested in pursuing or advancing a career in health administration, a specialized graduate degree program provides a career-oriented academic experience. To assist prospective students in sorting through the options, Master-of-Health-Administration.com offers a newly released ranking list of the Top 10 Best Online Master of Health Administration Degree Programs. Pertinent details such as tuition rates and curricular features are included to simplify the school search.

All of the schools chosen for the ranking list have been fully accredited by academic accrediting bodies. A number are also accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business or by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, recognized as leading accrediting organizations for business schools. Unique educational options available through the selected degree tracks include virtual residencies and specialized concentration areas.

Master-of-Health-Administration.com’s ranking list underscores the caliber of education available to today’s online students, with nationally and regionally ranked universities both public and private appearing on the list. The schools named have earned high marks from business and academic ranking publications alike, including Bloomberg, the U.S. News and World Report and the Princeton Review. Students who choose to enroll in any one of these online programs can expect the same level of academic quality as traditional on-campus students.

1. University of Southern California – Cost: $54,000 total tuition costs
Degree Name: Executive Master of Health Administration

2. Northeastern University – Cost: $1,345 per credit
Degree Name: Master of Business Administration, Healthcare Management

3. University of North Carolina – Cost: $497 per credit in-state tuition; $1,229.48 out-of-state tuition
Degree Name: Executive Master of Health Administration

4. George Washington University – Cost: $1420 per credit
Degree Name: Master of Business Administration, Healthcare Management

5. Ohio University – Cost: $654 per credit in-state tuition; $673.00 per credit out-of-state tuition
Degree Name: Master of Health Administration

6. University of Cincinnati – Cost: $790 per credit
Degree Name: Master of Health Administration

7. Quinnipiac University – Cost: $895 per credit
Degree Name: Master of Business Administration, Healthcare Management

8. Saint Joseph’s University – Cost: $752 per credit
Degree Name: Master of Health Administration

9. Saint Francis’ University – Cost: $679 per credit
Master of Science in Healthcare Administration

10. Utica College – Cost: $625 per credit
Master of Science in Healthcare Administration

Affordable RN to BSN Degree Programs Detailed in Comprehensive Web Guide

For registered nurses, a bachelor of science in nursing degree is the next step on the path to greater and more fulfilling opportunities, whether career or academic. A BSN degree can pave the way to management-level employment, facilitate specialization in areas of interest such as clinical care or pediatrics, or act as a stepping stone toward graduate or doctoral studies in nursing. With the high demand for qualified nursing professionals, and the augmented salary potential a baccalaureate degree provides, an RN to BSN degree completion track is a smart choice for many of today’s registered nurses. The most common obstacles, of course, are tuition costs and the challenges of balancing campus-based classes with the scheduling demands of the nursing profession. To assist potential students in finding the solutions to these obstacles, BestCollegesOnline.org has recently debuted a ranking list of the top 10 most affordable online RN to BSN programs.

Selected degree programs are ranked according to tuition costs, beginning with the lowest rates and advancing toward the highest. In compiling the ranking list, factors such as school reputation, scheduling flexibility and the depth and breadth of required coursework were all taken into account. Affordability was a top priority, as was the compatibility of the curriculum with the busy schedule of a working registered nurse. That being said, none of the degree programs chosen compromise on academic quality. Potential students can expect the same level of education and career preparation from these degree tracks as from a conventional on-campus program, while benefiting from the convenience and expediency of distance-based learning.

Perusing the list, degree candidates will discover that a number of traditional state universities have extended their RN to BSN degree programs to online students, with such recognizable names as the University of Massachusetts and Arizona State University appearing on the ranking. Other online academic options available to RNs include the faith-based education offered by Liberty University, and Kent State University’s notably rigorous BSN curriculum, which encompasses a clinical capstone project. Each of the schools presented is fully accredited, enabling prospective students to feel confident in pursuing their studies online.

1. University of Wyoming – Cost: $106.00 per credit
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

2. Lamar University – Cost: $150.00 per credit
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

3. Western Governors University – Cost: $3,250.00 per term
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

4. Thomas Edison State College – Cost: $3,186.00 to $5,006.00 per term in-state tuition; $5,322.00 to $7,837.00 per term out-of-state tuition
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

5. Liberty University – Cost: $325.00 per credit for full-time studies; $365 per credit for part-time studies
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

6. University of Massachusetts – Cost: $330.00 per credit
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

7. California State University Dominguez Hills – Cost: $1,348.00 per class in-state tuition; $2,250.00 per class out-of-state tuition
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

8. Colorado Technical University – Cost: $305.00 per credit
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

9. Kent State University – Cost: $425.00 per credit
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

10. Arizona State University – Cost: $445.00 per credit
Degree Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Choosing Between a Master’s in Public Health and a Master’s in Healthcare Administration

Graduating college with a bachelor’s degree is a big step toward unlocking the potential your future holds. Now more than ever having a bachelor’s can give you a significant advantage in the workforce. However, many students elect to continue their studies beyond the bachelor’s level and pursue postgraduate education. For students considering options in the healthcare industry, receiving their bachelor’s degree not only indicates an important watershed moment in their lives, but places them at a crossroads that will directly affect which way they go for postgraduate studies. By examining the similarities between a master’s degree in public health and a master’s in healthcare administration, you may be able to choose the career that best suits your lifestyle and personality.

The Similarities and Differences

At first blush, there’s not much to choose between a public health and a healthcare administration degree. Both are concerned with helping people, crunching numbers, and tailoring healthcare to be more effective in a wide array of settings. The difference is primarily one of management. A master of health administration is primarily interested in assuming a management role in a hospital or government agency such as the Centers for Disease Control, as well as healthcare at the federal, state, and local levels or as a member of a nonprofit. A master of public health, however, may work in a laboratory, hospital, as a social worker, or even as a medical correspondent for a newspaper or national television news.

The Best Person For The Job

Choosing the right master’s program for you is a distinctly personal decision, but there are some signposts you might consider as “markers” for which role you’d be happiest in. An outgoing, friendly, analytical person who’s not as interested in financial or organizational management will probably be happier as a master of public health. Meanwhile, a person who enjoys working with numbers, finances, and who enjoys being “in charge” or is interested in functioning as a member of middle to upper management will probably find themselves enjoying the options a master of healthcare administration is afforded.

Comparison and Contrast of Master’s Requirements

The core disciplines for each master’s degree vary according to the various requirements for the courses. A master of public health will typically have as the core disciplines under consideration biostatics, epidemiology, environmental health, health administration and policy, and social and behavioral sciences. For an MPH, the emphasis will naturally be on dealing with diseases on a one-to-one basis and as statistically significant elements of a larger population. A master of healthcare administration will generally take less “hands-on” courses by comparison to the MPH, taking instead such courses as statistical analysis and application, financial analysis and assessment, governance, leadership, population health, healthcare economics, and strategy formulation and implementation. For the MHA, the emphasis is not on individual interactions so much as the systems that allow the broadest coverage of healthcare to the widest number of people.

After The Master’s Program

People with masters’ degrees have a far wider array of employment opportunities available to them compared with those possessing a bachelor’s, such as governments from local to federal, nonprofit organizations such as the American Red Cross, and private-sector institutions such as private hospitals. Salaries vary widely depending on one’s concentration and experience, but generally starting salaries begin at a median of $35,711 a year, with a median salary among MHAs of $90,000 per year and $67,534 for MPHs. Public- and private-sector laboratories and agencies have a high demand for both these degrees, and your concentration could easily exceed the medians given here depending on a number of factors.

About the Author

Will Burnham is a Topeka-based healthcare educator and a columnist for Masters Public Health, a resource for students interested in advanced degrees in public health.

In-Demand Medical Careers

Careers in the medical field are in high demand and that demand is expected to create continuous growth in the next decade. Some jobs will see more growth than others but they will all provide ample opportunity to embark on a fulfilling career in the field of medicine. This demand is greatest for:

Physicians

Even though insurance rates have increased and managed care has tightened the financial reins in many areas, doctors are top-earners in the medical field. While some doctors earn more than others, such as surgeons and specialists, most can find themselves in a position where they can earn over six figures, even as a family practice doctor. By 2016, it is estimated that the demand for medical doctors will rise up to 20%.

Registered Nurses

Registered nurses are an essential component of the health care industry and its structure. They assist doctors with certain patient care procedures, such as inserting an IV and running simple tests. Roughly 15% of those who work in health care are nurses. The need for qualified registered nurses has been projected to increase by 25% over the next ten years.

Medical Assistants

By 2016, the need for medical assistants will experience an explosive growth of over 36%. A certified medical assistant is a highly sought commodity. Medical assistants are employed in either a clinical capacity or an administrative role. The clinical medical assistant can check vital signs, record height and weight and collect various types of samples for testing. For those medical assistants with extensive training beyond their initial degree, they will be tasked with more responsibility and better pay. These medical assistants are able to place IVs, collect blood and distribute medications to patients.

Physician Assistants

Often simply called PAs, physician assistants are trained to practice medicine under the supervision of a doctor. They are qualified to diagnose certain conditions, provide many kinds of treatment and they are also permitted to prescribe certain non-narcotic medications. The need for physician assistants will grow at a rate of 30% by the year 2020.

Medicine is an ever changing, ever growing and ever advancing field. The need is great, now more than ever, for qualified, educated and hardworking medical professionals. Now is the perfect time to enter the field of medicine. Many local and community colleges have started offering degree programs for the many varieties of medical career options available. The sky is the limit for those who obtain degrees and are licensed and registered to work in medicine.

Jerry is a senior programmer for Brit Systems, a technology company in the medical industry. His company installs and integrates various medical imaging systems.

Attention Nurses: Know Your Continuing Education Requirements Before Applying

Pursuing your Nursing CEU online is the key to a rewarding career in Public Health and greater financial mobility.

Nothing means more to frightened patients than knowing they are in the skilled, capable and caring hands of a trained nursing staff. Given current trends in medicine, and long-term projections for the health of the nation, a nursing career can be as challenging as it is fulfilling.

Fortunately, the foundation for growing your success and maintaining the public wellbeing is possible through a managed structure built around your Continuing Education requirements and aspirations.

Time is our most precious resource, and Quality Time is the most fleeting off all.

Whether you are dealing with your License Renewal or State Mandatory CE requirements, an accredited Nursing CEU online provider makes extremely affordable, high quality courses easily accessible for all state required subjects, courses all nurses should be familiar with, and courses within your nursing specialty.

Not only are nurses required to meet certain ongoing continuing education criteria, staying on top of the latest practices and methodology is essential to forwarding a nurse’s career. While there are many ways to remain current with all state requirements, continuing education online courses have become the most convenient, and most cost effective method for nurses to maintain the broad scope of knowledge they need to call upon each day in our constantly changing health care industry.

All specialties are readily available for online study, from Ambulatory Care to Bioethics, from Cardiology and Endocrinology to Immunology and Infectious Disease Control.

Advantages of Online Nursing CEUs

  • No Upfront Charges: (Test, Re-Test as Necessary, Pass & Receive your Certification as Receipt of Payment)
  • Study in the Comfort of Your Own Home
  • Convenient: (Taking time away from work and family is no longer an issue)
  • Study at Your Own Pace: (Log online hours around your schedule, pick up where you left off)
  • Best Way to Stay Current With Latest Advance
  • Geography is no longer an issue: (No matter where you are located, everything you need is at your fingertips)

The key is finding a nursing CEU online provider with whom you are the most comfortable.

Your chosen provider will keep an official record of all courses completed as well as credit hours earned and should allow nurses who completing testing and course work to print their own certificate upon completion.

In so many ways, nurses are the frontline of healing. Pursuing your Nursing CEU online is the easiest and most cost-effective way to stay out in front, to excel and bring the gift of healing to those who need it most.

Jesse Dugan is a part of an elite team of writers who have contributed to hundreds of blogs and news sites. Follow him @JesseDugan.

Careers in Assisted Living Facilities in High Demand

Assisted living facilities are a middle ground for individuals who need some supervision, but do not require 24-hour medical care. This service is not just for the elderly, although that is often the clientage. This environment is for anyone with a disability. The expense of nursing homes has given new life to this industry along with jobs opportunities.

Administrators

The administrative staff handles all the accounting and paperwork. A typical member of this office community would need to have training in medical coding and billing practices including terminology. This is not a medical position with hands on resident interaction.

Nursing Staff

The certified nursing assistant, or CNA, is responsible for basic care of patients such dressing and bathing. For medical procedures that require a nursing degree, facilities rely on licensed vocational and practical nurses. They see to managing patients records and monitoring the residents overall health, as well as dispensing medication and supervising CNA staff. Registered nurses are the top management that supervise LPN and LVN staff plus deal with emerging care for residents that become suddenly ill.

Therapists

A number of therapists find employment at assisted facilities. A recreational therapist, or RT, provides hobby and leisure activates to help keep residents active. Physical therapists come in to improve mobility for patients healing from a fracture, dealing with the after effects of a stroke or to do range of motion exercises for patients with disabling conditions. Occupational therapists educate patients in basic living skills to improve their quality of life. For example, a OT might help train a resident going back to living in an unassisted environment. All therapists require education in their professional and state certification.

Support Staff

Support staff would include building maintenance, kitchen and front desk crew. The educational requirements will vary by facility. These positions do not necessitate advanced degrees or formal training. The facility may hire maintenance or cooking staff based on experience, instead of requiring specific training. Cooks may undergo special in-house training to deal with restricted diets.

Social Worker

Depending on the size of the facility, a onsite social worker may monitor the quality of life for residents. The social worker could be a part-time position that serves as a liaison between the facility, residents and the government. They would help process forms for Medicaid and other state and federal programs.

Assisted living is a good alternative for individuals who require medical supervision, but not full care. It is the ideal environment for elderly on medication or who require monitoring. The decision to put a love one in any facility is difficult. This is an option that goes beyond a nursing home.

Learn more about Assisted Living Facilities in Ohio. Need an author? Contact Stephen Craig

3 Tips for Evaluating Nursing School Rankings

Choosing a nursing school can be difficult. Not only do most state and private universities offer nursing degrees, but the programs in various schools can vary by quite a bit. If you want to choose a good school, then, you will need to make use of every resource at your disposal. One of the easiest ways to look for a great school is to look at rankings – the easy-to-read lists are a quick way to find out which schools are at the top of the heap, after all. Unfortunately, these lists are not always as transparent as one might hope.

Remember How Names Impact Rankings

Reputation is a huge part of the ranking process. While there are other issues considered, almost every nursing school ranking depends largely upon what others in the field think about the school. As such, a few major names will always dominate the top of the list simply because they have been on the lists in the past. These schools may be wonderful, of course, but that does not mean that they are really the best. Before you spend money applying to all of the top-ranked schools, do a bit of digging. You might find that there are better schools in your area, or that some of the top-ranked programs have begun to coast by on reputation alone. Your job as a nursing student should always be to find the best possible degree from the school that is really the best in the field.

about nursing school rankings

Read the Fine Print

Nursing schools are ranked on a number of criteria, some of which may be less important to you than they are to those who compose the list. Some of the criteria used are invaluable of course – including graduating percentages and starting salaries of recent grads – but others tend to matter more to academics than nurses. You may not care what other universities think about the facilities at your school, for example, or how often your professors are published. If you see that a school in which you are interested has a lower ranking than you may have otherwise imaged, try to find out why. You might find out that the school is actually a great fit for you, even if other academics have dismissed it due to reasons that do not really concern students.

Look in Your Area

While having a “big name” university on your diploma can be helpful, your best bet for future employment is to find out where the majority of the nurses around you went to college. Networking is a huge part of getting a job, and it is often better to look for a higher ranking university around the area in which you wish to be employed than it is to look for the best overall university. There are few, if any, nursing schools that will actually leave you unprepared for your future in nursing, so your job is to find the best school that will give you the best chance of getting a job in the future.

If you must look at nursing school rankings before you apply to school, try to exercise a bit of common sense. Lists are not always accurate, and the opinions espoused by the lists are not always relevant to your needs. You are always a better judge of what school will give you the best opportunity in your area, and never let one piece of random information sway you. Do all the research that you can, and always do what you can to make sure that you make a choice that will set you up for a better career in the future.

About the Guest Author

Liz Park is a Wichita-based nurse educator and advocate of unbiased nursing school rankings, a topic she covers for Nursing School Rankings, a resource for prospective nursing school students.

What Should You Expect From a Medical School Interview?

There are many medical school programs that require an admission interview. Let’s face it, not all of us look good in paper. As you know, dealing with internet communication makes it hard to pick out your tone of voice, facial expression and mannerisms. This is a good opportunity for you to shine in the admission process.

What kind of questions should you expect?

The questions asked vary from school to school. Fortunately, they can all be summarized into a small set and these are just some of them:

1. Why do you want to be a doctor?

This is a broad question that many applicants fumble. Some committee members may admire your honesty when you pertain to wealth in answering this question. Nevertheless, you should sill maintain diplomacy in all your answers. It’s a question posed to people who are unsure of their reasons in applying to medical school. You have to understand that many students go to medical school for the wrong reasons. This question can then filter these types of applicants.

The best way to answer the question is to look at the “ideal” candidate and the values he or she should posses. You then look through your own personal values and history and see where the matches are. Prepare little talking points and memorize it. Quickly go to the heart of the matter and dig deeper to your personal story which can back up not only what they want to hear but also what you want to do. You are not lying if it is based on your personal values.

Photo Credits

2. What will you do if you are not accepted in medical school?

This question should not hit you by surprise because many applicants don’t get to a medical program. You should outline your non-medical career alternatives, reduce it to talking points and present it.

3. What makes you special?

This is another broad question that weeds out people who don’t have enough self-confidence to talk about themselves. You have to honestly dig deep and figure out what your core competencies are. This really is all about you so you should take the ball and roll with it. The only way you can really screw this up is if you make it look like you are unsure of your answer. Be ready for this question. If you speak honestly and it is from the heart, then you should be okay.

These are just a few of the questions that may come up. It is important that your answers will always be based on personal facts and are honest and ethical.

This guest post was written by Chris Walker, a personal statement examples writer for IvyResearch.Com

3 Tips for Evaluating Online Nursing Degree Programs

Whether you have just decided to become a nurse or want to make a career transition, carefully evaluate your options to make the right decision. A nursing degree program should have many qualities to prepare you for a position in the medical field. The journey to become a nurse can take you in many different directions. The following three tips can offer some guidance on evaluating programs that align with your career goals and aspirations.

1. Regional Accreditation

Generally, working as a nurse does not require graduating from a regionally accredited degree program. However, transitioning into a graduate program is much easier if you attend an accredited school. Even if you do not plan to pursue an advanced nursing degree, your career options increase by graduating from an accredited program.

Most positions require applicants have a degree from a school that is recognized by either a national or regional organization. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits undergraduate, graduate and residency programs. The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) also accredits these programs in addition to practical nursing and diploma programs.

Typically, regional accreditation is the highest level of an official academic approval to the curriculum provided. The online nursing degree program at Jacksonville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. This regional accreditation helps to ensure the quality of Jacksonville’s educational program offers proper training. Additionally, the School of Nursing at Jacksonville University is accredited by CCNE.

2. Requirements for Clinical Studies

Another important consideration is the clinical studies of a nursing degree program. As with traditional on-campus schools, online nursing degree programs must offer clinical studies to help you gain hands-on experience. Evaluate which online program includes a clinical portion and the specific requirements to participate. Restrictions may apply based on your primary residence.

Online nursing degree programs should have partnerships with local medical facilities. Several questions may help you determine which program is best for your goals. Some questions include:

• Am I required to travel to a different city?
• If I am required to travel, are the travel costs included n the tuition?
• Does the program offer flexibility in selecting a facility?

Besides clinical studies, you want to evaluate programs based on the teaching techniques during course instruction. Some schools offer lectures in video and audio formats to provide interactive learning sessions. Discussion boards help you interact with your peers and course instructors to supplement your learning experience.

Kaplan University offers online nursing degree programs with a clinical component. In addition to clinical settings, you will participate in laboratory exercises to fulfill degree requirements. Of course this program requires that you live in a city where Kaplan has a physical campus. Nevertheless, Kaplan University is a good example where you can apply textbook teachings in a real-world setting. This can help to build your self-confidence.

3. Tuition and Fees

Educational costs are a legitimate concern for students. Having the ability to pay for a nursing degree determines whether you can successfully complete the program. Each school offers different financial aid and unique scholarship programs to help students pay for college.

Most educational institutions charge an assortment of fees in addition to tuition. Some fees include technology usage and application fees. Your evaluation of the costs for nursing degree programs depends on your financial situation.

Walden University offers a $1,500 scholarship to students who are fully admitted to an online degree program. This can help to offset any costs related to completing a RN to BSN program at the university.

About the Author

Jess Langford is a nurse instructor and blogs on such topics as Top Online Colleges for Nursing.

3 Benefits of Getting Your Psychology Degree Online

Getting a degree online is becoming increasingly common in the field of psychology. While most students do attend classes on campus, telecommunication options currently allow more students to gain the same level of education from remote locations. If you are considering either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology, you might want to consider the following reasons for choosing an online degree path.

Access to Better Classes

Psychology is one of the larger majors at most universities. Even if most students do not stick out the course of study over four years, it can still be difficult to get into classes. Even worse, it can be almost impossible to get into the higher level courses, as they tend to be dominated by those who have been at the school the longest. If you want to get access to the best classes, you may want to take them online. These courses tend to allow more students to register at once, and you will no longer have to worry if two of your valued classes overlap.

online psychology degree

A More Reasonable Schedule

Scheduling is a huge issue for psychology majors. Due to the way the major tends to be structured in most schools, it is quite difficult to find a class that takes place outside of working hours. Even if you can find a single class, you might find that many of the major’s required courses are only available during those hours which are most open occupied by work or family obligations. If you choose to get your degree online, though, you can typically do your classwork at a more convenient time. This is especially useful for those pursuing graduate degrees, as this will allow them to pursue their education without requiring them to quit their current jobs.

Pacing Concerns

Perhaps the best reason to get your psychology degree online is the ability to set your own pace. Traditional lecture courses, while useful, are time consuming. There are only so many classes in a day, and it is often impossible to accelerate the speed of your education if you follow the school’s traditional schedule. Rather that finding a method of attending multiple physical classes at once, you can pursue your degree online and go as fast or slow as you like. Most online programs have different options for those who want to go more slowly or those who want to go faster, and it is easy to find a way to get into courses when you need them.

Getting an online degree gives you more freedom in choosing your courses, a greater ability to choose your own hours and a great chance to get the degree at your own pace. While choosing the online path may not be perfect for every student, it is often the best choice for those who value a bit of independence in their own studies. It can take time to get used to online classes, but those who have taken such courses are often amazed at how valuable the experience can be.

About the Author

Jim Rayfield is a columnist for Online Psychology Degree, a resource for prospective psychology students.

3 Advantages to Getting Your Degree in Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine is a growing field of study as more people take responsibility for their health and preventive health care needs. Alternative medicine often offer patients more natural health care options than traditional, pharmaceutical backed medical practices. Students who seek to gain higher education in the field of alternative medicine have a variety of career options available to them upon completion of their academic programs. Career options in alternative medicine can relate to food, therapeutic services, and education. Advantages of gaining a degree in alternative medicine are the opportunity to help others reverse health problems, enhanced personal health, and the high growth career opportunities available.

Hippocrates, a famous ancient, healthcare practitioner stated, “Let food be thy medicine and let thy medicine be food.” Modern alternative medicine practitioners are still taking his advice today. This opens the doors for educated people within this field to effectively work in health food stores, Kansas agri-tourism businesses and farms, and many types of upscale healthy restaurants.

Health Food Store Employee
Average starting salary: $10-17 per hour (Note that average salaries may vary based on job location and candidate experience level.)
Career path: Manager or Owner of Health Food Store

Upscale Healthy Restaurant Employee
Average starting salary: $14.00 per hour
Career path: Healthy Restaurant Owner

alternative medicine degree

Some of today’s health spas focus on overall anti-aging methods that have their roots in the field of alternative medicine. The operators of these state of the art health spas want to create an environment where the guests not only come to relax and rejuvenate, but they actively fight the aging process through the use of alternative medicine techniques. They want their guests come away from the experience armed with knowledge to make lasting healthy lifestyle changes. This opens the doors for alternative medicine majors to work as interns and later as health consultants with these upscale health spas. Alternative medicine majors have the option to think globally because people the world over want to halt and reverse the ageing process; these health spa facilities are popping up around the world.

Health Spa Assistant
Average salary: $39K/year (this position requires a minimum of two years experience)
Career path: Alternative Healthcare Consultants

Other natural therapeutic services such as chiropractors, colon therapists, and physical therapists have offices in which alternative medicine majors could work in an administrative capacity. Because of the scarcity of these positions, the competition for them is fierce. However, they are worth pursuing for those who wish to gain experience running their own therapeutic service practice. Alternative medicine majors should look for naturopathic health care facilities such as West Side Family Medicine in Lawrence, Kansas or Counselman Chiropractic Clinic in Topeka, Kansas when searching for these types of positions.

Alternative Medicine Administrative Assistant
Average salary: $33K/year (the desired but not required experience level for this job is two years)
Career path: Alternative Medicine Professional

Career options relating to natural health education is also an attractive option for alternative medicine majors who wish to someday pass on the valuable knowledge they have gained. Natural health education can be anything from formally working as an alternative medicine professor’s assistant to writing for a natural health blog.

Alternative Medicine Teacher’s Assistant

Average salary: $40K/year
Career path: Alternative Medicine Professor, Alternative Medicine Education Center Operator, Alternative Medicine Author

Alternative medicine majors have many career opportunities open to them while they are still pursuing their degree and many more opportunities become available to them after the completion of their degree programs. More importantly the alternative medicine career field allows people to pursue a passion for good health.

Arthur Frost blogs for Business Research Guide, focusing on such resources as the guide to Best Online Degree Programs in Alternative Medicine, among others.