Healthcare professions are in high demand because of the number of professionals retiring and the growing number of baby boomers getting sick. Many people are becoming nurses to meet the demand. To qualify for an accelerated program, a prospective student should already hold a degree to complete the next phase of the program. Even non-nursing degree holders are eligible to apply.

Most students would prefer to attend one of the top 10 online accelerated nursing programs. These programs are accredited and challenging. Most programs require that students complete labs or clinical programs at facilities near their homes. All theory courses can be completed online. Here are the online accelerated nursing programs that made the top 10:

1. American Sentinel University

Tuition Costs: $380 per credit hour

Summary: This private online nursing school is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Unique Offerings: Applicants with a RN licenses and two years of working experience will automatically receive 30 semester hours of credit towards the degree. After the credits, only 30 credits are required to complete the degree. New students can enroll every month, and the terms are eight weeks in length.

2. Kaplan University

Tuition Costs: The cost of the program is $314 for bachelor’s of science in nursing and $368 for a masters of science in nursing.

Summary: Kaplan University received its accreditation from The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Unique Offerings: Registered nurses can complete a BSN or a MSN degree program within 36 months with Kaplan University. Students can complete their requirements for their Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in one learning unit. Only nine credits are required with the MSN degree.

Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Administrator, Family Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator in Informatics.

3. South University

Tuition Costs: $380 per credit hour

Summary: South University is a private institution that is also private. The university earned its accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Unique Offerings: The university features a RN to MSN program to help students without a bachelor’s enroll in a program addressing both programs. The RN TO MSN program is flexibile and allows students to work and study at their leisure.

Concentration: Nurse administrator, Nurse Informatics and Nurse Educator

4. Brandman University

Tuition Costs: $500 per credit hour

Summary: Brandman University is accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges and has been serving the needs of working adults since 1958.

Unique Offerings: The RN to BSN only requires one year to complete. The program can be completed in fall or winter.

6. Northeastern University

Tuition Costs: $550 per credit hour

Summary: Northeastern University has been serving students since 1898 and offering the RN to BSN to students since 1973. To enroll, a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 is required from an accredited nursing program.

Unique Offerings: Most licensed registered nurses only require 12 months to complete their degrees. Classes for the RN to BSN program have a flexible start schedule. Prospective students can enroll in January, May and September.

7. Benedictine University

Tuition Costs: $540 per credit hour for the MSN and $1620 per three-credit course.

Summary: Benedictine University is one of the highest-ranked universities in the United States. The school is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Unique Offerings: There are three courses per year offered by this university, and there is no thesis required for the program. Instead, a 120 hour capstone project is required for successful completion of the nursing program. Most students can complete their degree in two years.

8. University of Wisconsin

Tuition Costs: Residents of the state of Wisconsin will pay $8,890 per semester. Out of state students pay $12,885 per semester.

Summary: In 1871, the University of Wisconsin started serving students and is one of the largest public schools in the state. The university received its accreditation by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).

Unique Offerings: The accelerate bachelor’s to BSN only requires one year to complete with a bachelor’s degree. Clinical rotations occur near the home and all theory courses are completed online.

9. Roseman University

Tuition Costs: $45,750 per year

Summary: Roseman University is a private and accredited university. The university is not-for-profit and is accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Unique Offerings: Students with an undergraduate degree in a non-nursing major. All exams and other physical training is completed in a simulation lab. The clinical rotation must be completed at healthcare facilities in Southern Nevada.

10. College of St. Scholastica

Tuition Costs: $12,515 per semester

Summary: In 1912, a group of Benedictine sisters founded the College of St. Scholastica. The BSN program earned its accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Unique Offerings: The accelerated BSN program is recommended for students with a degree in a non-nursing major. Students must complete theory courses online and complete lab work at the University’s St. Cloud Campus. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates can take the NCLEX exam to become a Registered Nurse.

Health informatics is a fast growing career field in which graduates from top educational programs can expect many excellent job opportunities. Here is our list of the top health informatics degree programs.

1. Kaplan University – Offers a bachelor’s degree in health informatics. The school is accredited and one of the nation’s leading online education institutions. Kaplan University is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and has accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. Kaplan University also has regional accreditation. However, it cannot guarantee the transferability of its credits so you will have to check with specific institutions for relevant information.

2. University of Phoenix – The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Administration – Health Information Systems. The University of Phoenix has more than 200 local local campuses and learning centers across the United States. The BS program in health administration provides a concentration in health information systems. The Higher Learning Commission accredits the University of Phoenix, which is also a member of the North Central Association.

3. Ashford University – Offers a bachelor of arts in health informatics. The degree covers statistics, software, data management, telecommunications, research and other subjects related to health informatics. Ashford University specializes in offering students online courses including providing a mobile application that allows study using mobile devices. Ashford University has accreditation from The Higher Learning Commission.

4. Rasmussen College – The bachelor’s degree in health information management provides preparation for management of electronic medical records (EMR) and for other duties related to the health information field. Rasmussen College offers 24/7/365 support from career advisers and technical experts along with other professional teams. The accelerated bachelor’s program allows students to complete a degree in only 18 months. The school has accreditation from The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

5. Walden University – Offers the following degrees: Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems – Healthcare Informatics, Bachelor of Science in Health Studies – Health Informatics, and Bachelor of Science in Health Studies – Health Informatics. Concentrations include healthcare informatics, human computer interaction, new media communications technologies, and web systems design and usability.

6. Western Governors University – The Western Governors University offers a bachelor’s of science degree in health informatics. The school is a non-profit university featured on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams in a segment on distance learning. WGU has both national and regional accreditation. A six-month flat rate program provides greater flexibility and affordability for students who cannot study full-time. The Northwest Commission for the Accreditation of Teacher Accreditation (NCATE) accredits WGU’s Teacher’s College. The nursing programs receive accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

7. Capella University – Offers a health informatics BS degree. Course work covers electronic recordkeeping and governmental regulations, information security, data management, and data integrity. Capella University has accreditation from The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and it is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).

8. WGU Indiana – The school offers a bachelor’s of science in health informatics and also an online M.A. in Science Education. WGU Indiana is the state’s only competency-based online university. The school has more than 50 accredited programs. Regional accreditation comes from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) provides national accreditation. Additionally, the school has accreditation from the the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education through its parent institution, the Western Governors University. NCATE is the leading specialized accrediting agency for teacher preparation in the United States.

9. Brandeis University – Students at Brandeis University can earn a master’s of science degree in health and medical informatics. U.S. News & World Report rated the school as a world-class research institution. The learning environment includes chat forums, discussion boards and email discussion. Brandeis University receives accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

10. Walden University – Offers a master’s of science degree in health informatics to students in the United States and Canada. The school specializes in accommodating people who are working while studying. Walden University receives accreditation from The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and it is a member of the North Central Association.

Before finding out what a public health nurse does, what a public health nurse is, should be established. “A public health nurse integrates community involvement and knowledge about an entire population or community with personal, clinical understandings of the health and illness experiences of individuals and families within that population.” This is the official definition of a public health nurse, according to American Public Health Association. In layman’s terms this simply means, that a public health nurse works within a community, and they apply their nursing training to both help prevent diseases, of all varieties, and to nourish health within the community.

What do public health nurses do?
The most common interaction people will have with a public health nurse, is when receiving vaccinations. Also, people might encounter these nurses while receiving a screening. Most often, these nurses work at the local health department. While giving vaccinations and screenings can seem insignificant, in reality these procedures are preventative services that make the community healthier. In addition while performing preventative services, public health nurses collect data from patients that is valuable for long term community health.

Is administering vaccinations and screenings all public health nurses do?
Vaccinations and screenings are a big part of a public health nurses job, however, they are responsible for so much more. Their main focus is preventing infectious diseases. Diseases that have been eradicated can easily return without public health efforts to keep them under control. In addition to communities, public health nurses can also be assigned to specific people groups. For example, a nurse may be given the task of caring for refugees. This can be challenging as most often there is language and cultural barriers to overcome.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
As previously mentioned, an immense amount of a public health nurses duties involve disease prevention. Prevention, most often, starts with relationships. Nurses build relationships with people within the community they are serving. After a relationship has been established, patients are more likely to seek help when facing a medical problem. When people are more willing to come in for help, many diseases are prevented from getting out of hand. Public health nurses are a huge part of keeping diseases under control.

The nursing profession is a very selfless profession. However, public health nurses go above and beyond their calling. They administer kindness and preventative health care to communities in desperate need. Vaccinations, screenings, and building relationship with members of the communities they serve, are all important aspects of their job. A public health nurse’s job is immensely important to the overall health of the Nation, however, they are one of the most under-appreciated professions in America.

Top Medical Schools In Iowa

by David Paul Krug

The state of Iowa has two Top Medical Schools, and you’d do well to consider them. One is the University of Iowa’s Carver College of Medicine located in Iowa City. The other is Des Moines University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Iowa has a reputation for being a progressive Midwest state, and the history of Carver College of Medicine certainly contributed to that. Its first class, back in 1870, contained a mere 37 students – and eight of those were women. It was, in fact, the first public institution in the United States to admit women. This top medical school is located in Iowa City, a town of about 68,000 people in southeastern Iowa. The University and its affiliated health centers is the largest educational institution in the state, as well as being the city’s leading employer.

Approximately one and one-half hours to the west is Des Moines University, home to the College of Osteopathic Medicine. This medical school was founded in 1898, and is the second largest osteopathic training facility in the United States. Des Moines is both Iowa’s capital and its most populous city and has been cited often as one of the top cities in the United States for businesses, women, and young professionals.

Top Medical Schools In Hawaii

by David Paul Krug

If you are thinking of pursuing a career in medicine in the state of Hawaii, you can look into finding the top medical schools by researching ahead of time using the internet and also by browsing from home using local directories and school listings. When you want to find various Hawaii medical schools that offer the programs that appeal to you, you can do so from home by looking into medical university options you have available based on the island you are living on and the type of career you want to obtain once you have completed the program and earned your very own medical degree.

Searching for top medical schools from home in Hawaii allows you to compare programs, length of the programs, the cost of the schools, and even the specific degrees that are available for you to earn when you are going to the school in Hawaii to pursue your medical career. Looking online for top medical universities and programs available in Hawaii is a way for you to find the ideal route you want to take when you are looking to become a doctor, pediatrician, nurse, or even a medical specialist in a specific industry. One of the universities available in Hawaii that offers a well-known medical program is the University of Hawaii, which is located directly on the island of Oahu in Honolulu, the capital city of the state. You can attend the university in person or opt for online programs for other universities available to those who live in the US.

Top Medical Schools In Florida

by David Paul Krug

The state of Florida has four medical schools. The top medial schools in the state include the University of Florida College of Medicine, The University of South Florida College of Medicine, the University of Miami School of Medicine and the Florida State University College of Medicine. These schools use the same type of admissions process. The number of students that are enrolled in medical studies at each of the schools ranges from 475 to nearly 750. Each of these medical schools have a similar amount of tuition paid by all students that have been accepted to the medical school program.

The average tuition of the University of Florida College of Medicine is around $30,300 for all full-time students that live in the state. Tuition for out-of-state full-time students about $59,500. The tuition for a full time in-state student attending the University of South Florida College of Medicine will pay around $27,000 for tuition. Tuition for out-of-state full-time students is about $56,500. All in-state students that are attending the University of Miami (Miller) School of Medicine will have a tuition of nearly $40,000. The tuition paid by in-state full-time students to the Florida State University College of Medicine is just over $23,000. A full-time student that lives out-of-state will pay almost $70,000 in tuition.

Top Medical Schools In Delaware

by David Paul Krug

There are a number of medical schools in Delaware. Whether you are looking to become a physician, a nurse, a nurse’s assistant or work in a medical laboratory, Delaware medical schools may be an ideal. University of Delaware, Wilmington University or Delaware State University are just a few of the top medical schools located in Delaware.

The University of Delaware has a couple of programs that can help a student with acceptance into a medical school. The Health Science Advisement and Evaluation Committee is open for all majors and requires some knowledge of science and mathematics. This program provides a recommendation to any medical schools the student desires. The Medical Scholars Program is open to second semester freshmen. An early admission into the Jefferson Medical College could advance students to a B.A as well as a M.D in Liberal Studies from University of Delaware and Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA.

Student who are accepted into medical schools must demonstrate a certain aptitude level. A commitment to complete demanding programs is needed. Volunteering in a health-care program or performing laboratory research with relevant medical tasks could help too. Some of the coursework that a medical student might be required to take may include General and Organic Chemistry, General Physics, Calculus and English. Student must complete science requirements to take the Medical College Acceptable Test (MCAT).

The State of Connecticut has two medical schools Yale School of Medicine and the University Of Connecticut School Of Medicine. Both Schools are very competitive and offer top rated medical programs to provide students with the highest quality of medical education.

The Yale School of Medicine at Yale University is a private medical school that is located in the city of New Haven, and the county of New Haven. The school was founded in 1810. Many media and news outlets have stated the Yale School of Medicine is the best medical school in the nation and possibly the world. The school is very competitive to get into and has many top rated medical programs for its students. The school only has 558 students in the program. In the 1920′s the school created the “Yale System.” The Yale System doesn’t grade or rank first or second year students in an attempt to help them understand the medical system without being graded. The system has been a very large success for decades.

The University Of Connecticut School Of Medicine is located in Farmington, Connecticut and is also considered a very competitive successful medical school. The school was established in 1961. The curriculum of the UCONN School of Medicine consists of a 164 week program. The programs are organized into 3 phases. Phase 1 Is a two year program that helps students understand the basic principles of medicine. Phase 2 becomes more with clinical experiences and Phase 3 is an overview of the entire program, which includes rigorous testing and practical work.

With the weak economy, nothing can further a career like receiving an advanced degree. Many of the top Masters in Public Health degrees are extremely affordable. An on-line education provides students with a convenient and inexpensive way to pursue their future career goals. To get started on developing your future, check out one of the following ten Master degree programs.

Walden University
Started in 1970, this school began to experiment with distance education early on. Walden University offers an entirely on-line Master of Public Health. This accredited university seeks to develop students’ understandings of communications and leadership. While striving to promote diversity, the school also works as an advocate of positive social change.

One testament to its phenomenal potential is the vast number of students enrolled at the university. At any given time, there are nearly 50,000 students who chose to attend Walden University to further their career goals. The program is extremely flexible and is designed with an innovative MobileLearn platform. Students can choose to study on their own time and at their own pace.

Kaplan University
Overall, there are 60,000 students who attend Kaplan University on-line or on-campus. This private university is regionally accredited and offers support centers throughout the United States. Named in honor of Stanley H. Kaplan, Kaplan University was started in 1937.

Students who want to pursue a degree in public health can do so within Kaplan’s School of Health Sciences. Kaplan University provides several special emphasis areas including public health program development, epidemiology and health education. With consistent study, students will learn how to create public health programs and implement health education curricula. This unique program is also designed to teach student about the effects of environmental exposures on the health of the general population.

Grand Canyon University
Based out of Phoenix, Arizona, Grand Canyon University has more than 40,000 studying at its main campus. This regionally accredited school was started in 1949 to meet the needs of entrepreneurs and education professionals in the area. Currently, Fortune Magazine listed Grand Canyon University as one of the top colleges for entrepreneurship.

This university runs its Master in Public Health program out of the College of Arts and Sciences. The curriculum is designed to emphasize a multidisciplinary approach to public health. Students learn the principles of epidemiology, public health administration processes and population-based health disparities. At the end of their studies, students will conduct a practicum and capstone project.

Benedictine University
Started in 1887, Benedictine University is a Catholic school. This private college has only 5,000 students at any given time. Remarkably, this relatively small college has managed to achieve a job placement rate of 96 percent for graduates.

The Master in Public Health Program teaches student’s information about the effects of genetics and the environment on an individual’s health. In addition to covering current trends, the program is designed to give students the background they need to pursue doctoral studies in the subject matter.

Capella University
The Masters in Public Health Degree at Capella is run though its School of Public Service Leadership. This regionally accredited college was started in 1993 and has a high level of academic support for its students. MPH program attendees can study a generally MPH program or select additional specializations. Some of the specializations offered include health management, behavioral sciences, public health policies and social sciences.

Capella University has a curriculum that is designed to meet national education standards. While studying at Capella University, students will be constantly challenged through their academically rigorous course work.

A.T. Still University of Health Sciences
Unlike many schools on this list, A.T. Still University is still relatively unheard of by many prospective college students. Despite its lack of fame, A.T. Still University was the first osteopathic school of medicine ever. This university was started in 1892 and still has a unique relationship with the National Association of Community health Centers. The program at A.T. Still University was created to promote leadership among its students. Scholars will work on addressing health disparities and learn ways to promote the well-being of the community.

Creighton University
Begun in 1878, Creighton University was first started by the Society of Jesus. This Jesuit college is based out of Omaha, Nebraska and regularly enrolls 8,000 students every year. The Center for Health Policy and ethics at Creighton University runs the college’s Master of Public Health degree. Students receive an education focused on biostatics, community health, marginalized populations and epidemiology. Offered entirely on-line, this program also provides students with specialization options in Public Health Services Administration and Health Policy.

University of Liverpool
Over time, the University of Liverpool has served as the alma mater of nine different Nobel Prize winners. Founded in 1881, the University of Liverpool has an on-line MPH designed to promote the prevention of disease and promotion of health. While enrolled at the university, students can put their academic coursework into practice. The University of Liverpool has designed its program to prepare students for a brilliant career in public health and non-profits.

University of Massachusetts Amherst
Founded in 1863, the University of Massachusetts is one of the top ranked schools in the world. This college is a public research university based out of New England. The University of Massachusetts Amherst also has the distinction of being the largest public university in the New England area.

Students who receive a Master of Public Health at this university will be able to complete all of their coursework completely on-line. The structure of the classes has been created to promote access for full-time workers. All of the university’s courses are available year-round in their on-line formats.

Concordia University- Nebraska
As a private school in Seward, Nebraska, Concordia University has an affiliation with the Lutheran Church. Started in 1894 as a teacher’s college, it has grown to encompass 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The MPH program offers specializations in Health Policy and Administration or Community Health Education. Along with a Christian education, students at Concordia University-Nebraska will be able to learn new public health concepts and increase their knowledge of public policy.

Top Medical Schools In Arkansas

by David Paul Krug

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is one of the top medical schools in the country, and it’s the only medical school in the entire state. Most of the state’s doctors and physicians are trained and educated in the UAMS College of Medicine. As claimed on their website, their mission is to improve health care in the state and in the country by providing students with the state of the art technology. Integrity, teamwork, and excellence are some of the top core values that are reinforced in this college.

With the enrollment being 576 students, the class’ average incoming grade point average is 3.6, and the matriculation percentage is 8%. In addition, the average MCAT percentile is 27, and based on the US News Medical Schools’ Ranking System, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences has a score of 67 in the Smart Rank. The college is considered to be the only academic health center that manages to have an outreach in pretty much every single county in the state; also, the college, hosts five different schools. The college’s main goal is to advance health care through education. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is truly preparing future leaders for tomorrow’s world.

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