Colleges and Universities with Nursing Programs Key Terms

Learn key terms regarding nursing programs at colleges and universities

By Adah Chung

Due to the demand for nurses in health care, nursing programs are delivering their curriculums in a variety of ways to meet the needs of people who want to become nurses. Night classes, online courses, distance learning are among the methods that nursing schools are deploying to educate a new work force of nurses. Nursing schools also offer a variety of specializations and degrees within the nursing profession. The following are some key terms for colleges and universities with nursing programs.

RN to BSN programs

Some schools are offering a program in which current registered nurses (RN) can earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). These programs often offer their programs at an accelerated pace as well as online so that registered nurses can continue to work while they study toward their degree.
Try: World Wide Learn discusses the RN to BSN program. You will need to scroll down the page to find the section on RN to BSN programs.

Nurse Practitioner

Not only do nursing programs offer courses towards becoming registered nurses (RN), some programs also offer courses to become nurse practitioners (NP). This type of nursing specialty is offered at a graduate level. The job allows nurses more responsibilities in diagnosis and treatment than an RN.
Try: The American College of Nurse Practitioners offers an explanation of nurse practitioners as well as NP education programs.

Dual degree programs

Many nursing programs offer dual degree programs, in which a nursing major is usually offered jointly with another educational department. This allows students of nursing to expand their skills into other areas. A popular dual degree program is the Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Masters of Business Administration (MBA) where students earn both of these degrees at the end of their study.
Try: Online Nursing Career offers a description of the MSN/MBA dual degree program.

Direct entry MSN

Direct entry MSN refers to a nursing program that allows a student without any background in nursing to register to earn a Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN). The program is designed so that you earn your BSN at an accelerated pace and then enter your graduate level of study in nursing.
Try: BecomeRN.com discusses the direct entry MSN as well as lists schools that offer this program.

National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission

Accreditation refers to the adherence to national standards and guidelines for education programs. At colleges and universities with nursing programs, there are two accrediting bodies: the National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Try: All Nursing Schools.com discusses accreditation by NLNAC and CCNE and the advantages of attending an accredited nursing school.

Accelerated nursing programs

Accelerated nursing programs are typically BSN programs offered at a faster pace than other BSN programs. On average, students can finish their BSN in 12 to 18 months instead of the typical three to four years for BSN programs. The work demand and commitment is high for these types of programs, but the advantage is that it allows you to begin your career earlier.
Try: My Nursing Degree Online provides an overview and requirements for accelerated nursing programs.