Modern nurses follow the footsteps of Florence Nightingale in providing professional patient care in various work settings such as hospitals, clinics, health care institutions, hospices and offices of individual physicians. They take care of those who are ill, suffering from diseases or injuries and those who are disabled. They are often indispensable and assist physicians in discharging vital duties.

Individuals interested in a career in nursing can choose from several nursing degree programs such as Associate, Bachelor and Master’s degrees. Doctoral programs are also available. Other programs include Certified Nursing Assistant [CAN], Licensed Practical Nurse [LPN] and Registered Nurse [RN]. Conventional nursing education has also transformed itself through online channels leveraging latest internet technologies.

The Associate degree in Nursing [AND or ASN] is often the stepping stone for students to kick start careers in nursing. The program focuses more on equipping students with technical skills rather than theory. Moreover, it is a shorter duration program spanning 2 years available through campus and online modes. It is often viewed as a money spinner since it allows students to enter the work stream faster. The program also assists nurses in preparing to take the qualifying exam for Registered Nurses. Course content includes subjects such as anatomy, physiology, behavioral sciences, microbiology and basic math.

Opportunities for career progression greatly depend on the level of specialized education nurses complete. A Bachelor degree in Nursing [BSN] provides an edge to employment opportunities and future advancement. Graduates of this program are highly competent and provide professional nursing care in various work settings. The program normally spans 4 years and is available dual mode through campus and online channels. Some elements of the course work are pathophysiology, biochemistry, statistics, assessment of health, health care budgeting and health care.

Experienced nurses may look forward to leadership and administrative roles. A Master’s degree in Nursing [MSN] paves the way for crystallizing their aspirations. The program lasts for 2 years and students can pursue it through campus and online modes. Career paths include nursing managers and nursing administrators. The degree equips nurses for advanced roles in various health care settings. Graduates in this program can enter educational channels, collaborate in research and implement advanced practitioner nursing. Subjects include curriculum development and evaluation, leadership and ethics, current health care issues, advanced health assessment, nursing management, health care epidemiology and infection control, to name a few.

License requirements and qualifying exams apply to practice in the field of nursing. Salaries are lucrative and vary on variables such as level of education, experience, location and employer. As per Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses drew median annual earnings of $50,000 in 2004. The top end went up to $70,000. Specialized and formal education like BSN and MSN programs can improve salary ranges even further.

Net to net, nursing is forecasted as the number one occupation, growing faster than average of all occupations through 2014. Advanced level of education ensures that nurses stay ahead of their competition and improve their compensation packages, employment opportunities and career advancement.

It is difficult to imagine or visualize hospitals without nurses. They are indispensable for smooth functioning of health care institutions. Primarily, nurses assist physicians, implement health care plans and treat patients.

Nursing covers several specializations though it appears to be just one broad category. Fields in nursing can include, among others, ambulatory nurses, critical care nurses, emergency nurses, hospice nurses, infusion nurses, preoperative nurses and radiology nurses. Each specialization is unique and caters to specific needs of patients and Doctors. For example, hospice nurses take care of the terminally ill whereas radiology nurses attend to patients receiving radiology treatments.

There are also various types of nurses depending on their qualifications, accreditations and licenses like nurse assistants, nurse practitioners, family nurse practitioners and registered nurses. There are numerous programs offered by institutions in line with the menu of choices available in the nursing field. These include Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees accompanied by diplomas and certifications. License requirements apply based on the state that you working in. These programs are also offered through online channels too breaking down geographic barriers. These are especially convenient for working staff since they allow them to study and work simultaneously. Since nursing is a hands-on profession, only those parts which are non-clinical can be completed through the internet.

Career opportunities are good in this discipline with increased focus on health care and an aging population. Interesting, this is not a discipline that can be outsourced and that is a strong plus for nursing. Remuneration is attractive and median annual earnings were $57,280 in 2006.

The University of Phoenix and Strayer University offer quality programs that are convenient and flexible followed by Kaplan University and Argosy University with an equally high reputation in academic excellence. Capella University focuses on programs that are customized and fit the schedule of students.