For more than two decades, nursing has been ranked the most trusted profession in America. People value the compassion, honesty, and ethics that nurses exude, not to mention their high-quality care. If you are looking for an impactful and respected career, nursing is an incredible choice. And, it doesn’t take long to get there. A nursing career can be achieved in roughly two years’ time, with several different pathways leading to success.
To become a registered nurse (RN), an associate degree in Nursing is required. This may be achieved through a dedicated nursing school. After degree completion, RNs can then sit for their licensing examination and, if passed, begin practicing in their state. The type of school in which nurses earn their degree is not limited; it may be a traditional nursing school, for example, or a career-focused nursing college (also known as a nursing career college or nursing technical school).
What is a Nursing Career College?
By definition, a nursing career college is a type of postsecondary institution where students learn the practical skills they need to become nurses. Typically, career colleges – sometimes referred to as technical schools and vocational schools – focus on preparing students for entry-level careers so they can join the workforce fast. As such, a nursing career college will usually offer shorter-term nursing programs where students can complete their education in a couple years or less.
Examples of nursing programs offered in career colleges include:
- Associate degree in Nursing (which is required for registered nurses)
- Practical Nursing diploma or certificate (required for LPNs)
- Nursing Assistant certificate (required for CNAs)
- RN-to-BSN programs (a fast and flexible option for RNs seeking a bachelor’s degree to advance their careers)
As you can see, these are vastly different from the traditional Bachelor’s in Nursing route, which takes four years in school to complete. However, they are very comprehensive when it comes to preparing for a nursing career. Nursing career colleges are dedicated to ensuring that graduates leave ready for the workforce. This means preparing them for responsibilities like:
- Patient assessment and exams
- Medical history documentation
- Diagnostic testing and analysis
- Administration of medications
- Coordinating treatment plans
- Operating medical equipment
- Patient and family education
- Patient advocacy
Nursing career colleges offer skills-based, practical training to prepare nurses for a professional setting. In the classroom, in simulation labs, and in their clinical experiences, nursing students learn how to deliver patient care and carry out critical job duties that they will perform in the field. In a nursing career college, the curriculum is entirely tailored to a nursing career, with courses like Nursing Skill Development and Integration of Nursing Practice.
This is in contrast to traditional BSN programs, which often begin with an array of non-career specific, general education courses that are mandatory for a bachelor’s degree.
Career-focused Nursing Colleges and Universities
Nursing career colleges and universities are not one-size-fits-all, meaning each will offer different types of nursing programs as well as different training and coursework.
On average, most career colleges, technical schools, trade schools, and vocational schools will offer only diplomas, certificates, and associate degrees that take two years or less to complete. However, some career-focused nursing schools – such as Goodwin University – will offer an even higher level of nursing education for those interested. At Goodwin University, aspiring nurses have the option to pursue:
- A Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) certificate, to get into an entry-level career fast
- An associate degree in Nursing, to launch a career as a successful RN
- An RN-to-BSN degree, to advance their career after RN licensure
- An accelerated BSN, for those making a career change to nursing
- Several master’s degrees in Nursing, including FNP-APRN and PMHNP-APRN programs
Our nursing school is focused on career-oriented training, while also providing students the opportunities to continue growing in their careers. Students may start in the associate program, for example, but later come back to advance their education (and salary potential) through the RN-to-BSN.
As a career-focused university, Goodwin boasts a career-focused model, where nursing students gain the experiences and hands-on training needed to be successful in the field. However, nursing students go beyond technical training in that they also gain important experience and knowledge in problem-solving, critical-thinking, communication, and more. They can then put their skills to practice in immersive clinical rotations, where students work alongside other medical professionals in a real-life care setting.
Career Services in Nursing School
On top of career-focused training and immersive clinical experiences, a career-focused nursing college or university also offers an array of career services to help graduates into positions they love. At Goodwin, for example, aspiring nurses have access to mentorship and guidance throughout their time in school. Career services we offer include:
- Career coaching
- Resume and cover letter development/review
- Mock interviews
- Job search assistance
- Career fairs
- Employer networking events
- Career assessments
- Workshops on career-related topics
- Facilitating access to local, off-site opportunities for career development
We do not stop until students are in nursing careers they love.
If you are looking to become a nurse in Connecticut, or advance your nursing job through a career-focused program, do not hesitate to contact Goodwin University today. We are recognized as one of the leading career-focused institutions in Connecticut, with a specialization in healthcare and flexible nursing programs offered locally and online. Request more information online today.