The Advantages of Taking General Education Courses Online

Online college General Education courses offer several advantages for students. One of the main benefits is flexibility. Online courses allow students to attend class at their convenience rather than having to be in a physical classroom at a specific time. This is particularly beneficial for students who work or have other obligations that make it difficult to attend traditional in-person classes. Online courses also allow students to take classes from anywhere, so they can continue their education even if they move or travel.

 

Another advantage of online General Education courses is the ability to learn at your own pace. In traditional in-person classes, students may feel pressure to keep up with the pace of the class, which can be difficult for some students. With online courses, students can take the time they need to fully understand the material and complete assignments at their own pace. This can be especially beneficial for students with learning disabilities or other special needs.

 

Online college General Education courses offer a more comprehensive range of courses. Online classes are not limited by the number of students who can physically fit in a classroom, and they can be offered to a more significant number of students. This means that students have a more comprehensive range of courses to choose from and are more likely to find a class that fits their interests and career goals.

 

Online General Education courses also offer a cost-effective option for students. Online courses are generally less expensive than traditional in-person courses, as they do not require the same infrastructure or resources. In addition, students can save money on transportation and other expenses associated with attending in-person classes.

 

Online General Education courses also offer a variety of tools and resources to support student learning. For example, many online courses use interactive discussion boards, virtual collaboration tools, and online quizzes to engage students and help them learn. Online courses also often provide access to a wide range of digital resources, such as videos, podcasts, and articles that can be used to supplement the course material.

 

Finally, online General Education courses can help students develop valuable skills that are in demand in the digital age. Online courses require students to be self-motivated, organized, and able to manage their time effectively. They also need students to be able to communicate effectively and collaborate with others in a virtual environment. These skills are highly valued by employers and can be beneficial for students in any field.

 

In conclusion, online college General Education courses offer a number of advantages for students, including flexibility, the ability to learn at your own pace, a more comprehensive range of course options, cost-effectiveness, access to tools and resources to support student learning, and the development of valuable skills that are in demand in the digital age. These advantages make online General Education courses an attractive option for students looking to further their education while balancing other responsibilities.

 

Written By: Justin Hart

What are The Advantages of Starting Your Nursing Degree Program Online?

Online nursing programs have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering several advantages for students looking to pursue a career in nursing. Some of the key benefits of starting your nursing degree program online include the following:

 

  1. Flexibility: One of the most significant advantages of online nursing programs is their flexibility. With online classes, students can attend class and complete coursework on their schedule, allowing them to continue working or taking care of other responsibilities while they pursue their degree. This is especially beneficial for working adults or those with families who may not be able to attend traditional on-campus classes.
  2. Convenience: Online nursing programs are also convenient, allowing students to learn and study from anywhere with an internet connection. This eliminates the need to commute to a physical campus, saving time and money on transportation.
  3. Cost-effective: Online nursing programs can be more cost-effective than traditional on-campus programs. Many online programs have lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts, and students can save money on expenses such as room and board, transportation, and parking.
  4. Variety of Programs: Online nursing programs offer a wide range of degree options, from associate’s to master’s degrees. This allows students to choose a program that best fits their needs and career goals.
  5. Access to Resources: Online nursing programs also provide students with access to various resources such as online libraries, databases, and academic support services. This can help students stay on track with their studies and be successful in their program.
  6. Networking Opportunities: Online nursing programs also offer students the opportunity to network with other nursing students and professionals through online discussion boards, virtual study groups, and other online resources. This can be a valuable way to connect with others in the nursing field and build professional relationships.
  7. Self-Paced Learning: Online nursing programs allow students to learn at their own pace, which can benefit those who need extra time to understand and absorb new concepts.
  8. Simulation and clinical experience: Many online nursing programs provide clinical expertise and hands-on training through simulation labs, which can help prepare students for their future careers as nurses.

 

Overall, online nursing programs offer several advantages for students looking to pursue a career in nursing. From flexibility and convenience to cost-effectiveness and access to resources, online programs can provide students with the education and training they need to succeed in the nursing field.

 

Written By: Justin Hart

Still Waiting for the Right Time to Start College?

 

Procrastination is the killer of dreams! As a national education company owner, I witness this sad reality every day. For a year, we are contacted by as many as 20,000 adults who have unrealized dreams. This is because they, like many others, have put off the most critical tool for personal, professional, and financial growth…education.

 

There are as many reasons people delay education as there are people, but many tell us they are simply afraid. Perhaps it could be fear of failure, the ever-increasing cost of education, or simply going back and competing in the classroom with students half their age. But you must remember that it’s okay, it’s normal to feel that way, you’ll be fine.

 

Any student at any age contemplating going back to school should start by focusing on why they want to return to school. What is your WHY? I’m guessing it’s more important than your fear. Maintain that focus, establish short- and long-term goals, and remember, the secret to success is getting started. For a moment, overcoming that fear is often more difficult than completing the task. It’s important to note that over 20% of today’s college enrollments are students over 25 (Education Data Initiative); hundreds of thousands of people just like you are doing this, and so can you!

 

Distance Learning Systems has worked with adult students for over 22 years. During that time, it has structured an accelerated and affordable path to earning up to 2 years of college credit, entirely at home and 100% online. That means you can finish the first two years of college at half the cost of traditional education and in about half the time. After saving time and money in the Distance Learning Systems proven program, they will assist you in transferring your credits into one of their 32 accredited universities, where you’ll have over 450 fully online programs.

 

Here are just a few of the available degree programs:

 

Registered Nursing

Aviation-Professional Pilot

Homeland Security

Crime Scene Investigation

Investigative Forensics

Software Development

Sports Management

Cyber Security

Biotechnology

Counter Terrorism

Business Psychology

 

Your degree will be awarded by one of the top universities in the nation, and as a student of Distance Learning Systems, you may be awarded scholarships and/or reduced tuition through graduation.

 

I want to encourage you not to fear your exciting journey to personal and professional success. Please don’t look back 20, 30, or 40 years from now and realize what could have been. You’ve got this!

 

Written By: Dave Christy

It’s Never Too Late to Be On Time

You may take issue with the title of this message, and in most cases, I would agree; however, in the context of when to start college, nothing could be more true.

Most people would agree that the best time to begin college training would be immediately after high school. A marketing services firm tells us that more than 47% of students attending colleges or universities in the US are older than 25. Another interesting statistic is the percentage of non-traditional students in the US, which is 74% says NCES (National Center for Education Statistics). So, if you’ve been out of school for several years or the job market has forced you to retrain and upgrade your professional skills at any age, you are not alone!

Our office receives calls from prospective students of all ages, some even approaching retirement. A lady in Roanoke, Virginia, once told me her dream was to earn her RN. She had been an LPN most of her life and always wanted to earn that title. She enrolled, completed her program, earned her RN, and called me to brag a bit. She was incredible.

Online education has exploded over the last few years. It offers flexibility, especially for non-traditional adult students. Self-paced, online programs allow the student to continue working and raising a family.

If you find yourself in a position that requires additional education, you are not alone. There are unprecedented opportunities in today’s job market. Ever thought about becoming an RN? There are tens of thousands of RN positions open across the country. Have you dreamed about flying? Major airlines are scrambling to find more pilots. The USBLS says there will be over 14,500 openings for pilots over the next few years. These high-paying positions are just waiting for you to complete your academic training to secure higher pay, better benefits, and job security.

There has never been a better time to pursue higher education, regardless of age. So, you see, “On time” is relative, and it never is too late to be on time. Distance Learning Systems is a great place to start your journey. With over 30 university partnerships across the nation, Distance Learning Systems can save you time and money in pursuing your degree. DLSI will start you on the road to your choice of over 450 online degree programs that truly are life-changing. You should call them today; you’ll be right on time!

 

Written by Dave Christy

We’d Like to Hear From You!

To those of you that read these blogs consistently, thank you so much. Having an audience rather than feeling like I am writing into the void is a rewarding experience, so again, thank you. Seeing the reactions to articles, stories and interviews never gets less heartwarming for me. Especially when I can relate to even just one person.

Now I typically write about different topics that I come up with or that seem like a good fit at the moment, but now I want to hear from you guys! To our students, prospective students, and just general followers of our page, what do you want to read about?

We get great feedback especially when I do interviews and personal pieces. So, what type of topic would be personal to you? Do you need motivation? Time management tips? More information on the nursing field? Or would you like to hear about different job opportunities in different areas of study? Let us know!

Leave a comment on this post telling us what you would like to hear next. I’m all ears!

– Lucy

Is This Really Worth It?

There comes a time in every person’s life when they question if they’re on the right path. Perhaps you’ve been studying for 4 hours a day, multiple days a week, and still don’t pass that exam. Maybe you don’t feel the same excitement you felt during the first week of your job. It might even be that you have loved one’s telling you you can’t do it. All of these factors may cause you to ask yourself why you’re making the sacrifices it takes to become a nurse.

This week, Distance Learning Systems decided to reach out to RN’s and see why they chose the nursing field and why they stick with it. These men and women have offered us insight into their lives and careers.

Everyone has a story, and one day, so will you.

1. “I chose to be a nurse because I’ve always felt called to help others. Even though nursing school was hard, the day I saved my first patient was when I knew it was all worth it.” – Sam, 42
2. “It takes a special kind of person to be a nurse. I have been a nurse for over 30 years. I have had my share of disappointments, but it is from my own experience I am able to draw the perfect pleasure of nursing. I was a psychiatric nurse and worked with youngsters who had issues with drugs and abandonment. I became very enlightened and gained abilities to intervene in many cases.In one case, as the young lady was leaving she said to me, “I’ll never forget you, what you said to me, as long as I live.” I guess that one instance made my life important to someone.” Maureen, 61
3. “ I wanted to become a nurse so that I could impact people’s lives during some of the most difficult and traumatic times that they may ever experience. I always knew that I had a heart for helping others and nursing was the perfect career to make a difference. They say that nursing is a combination of art and science and I truly believe that. I wanted to care for patients’ minds, bodies, and spirits which is the holistic approach that nursing is centered around. I have stuck with nursing because I honestly cannot see myself doing anything else after the experiences that I have had. Saving a life or being present when someone takes their last breath are moments that I believe are a privilege for me to take part in. The skills, compassion, diversity, and connections are all reasons that keep me coming back shift after shift. I have seen healthcare teams work together to completely change the prognosis for a patient which is extremely rewarding. Nursing is a career where I have been able to use my talents and knowledge to make a positive impact on others.” – Judy, 25
4. “ I am a supervisor in a nursing home where I oversee 50+ residents. I comfort my residents while they are alive, and I comfort their families when they pass. They give my life purpose. At times it seems as though money is the most important thing., I am proud to know I matter and make a difference in someone’s life.” – Jason, 56
5. “When I was about 6 years old, I was sent to the children’s hospital in our state for some health complications. I ended up needing surgery and check ups every 3 weeks. Since I was there so much, my family and I formed a sort of bond with some of the nurses. They even threw me a little surprise when I had an appointment on my birthday. I never forgot how well they treated me and how comforting they were. I guess that was the motivation I had to be a nurse and why I stuck with it. I wanted to touch lives like they had touched mine.” – Jamie, 29
6. “When my husband passed away, the nurses were there with him every step of the way. They made his last moments comfortable. They earned my trust. To see everything they do and how hard they worked, that’s what inspired me. I became an RN at the age of 50.” – Sharon, 58
7. “I knew I wanted to be a nurse as long as I can remember. I’m not exactly sure why, I just felt drawn to the profession. It’s not a job for me, it’s a calling.” – Rebecca, 22
8. “Nurses run in my family. My great grandmother, grandmother and mother were all nurses. Seeing how fulfilled they were with their jobs and hearing their stories made it an easy decision for me. Was the road to becoming a nurse easy? Heck no! But was it worth it? Absolutely.” – Joanna, 44
9. “I didn’t know I wanted to be a nurse until my sophomore year of college when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I was so young and so scared. My doctors and nurses touched my heart and saved my life. I believe it’s my life’s duty to repay the favor and serve others.” – Sydney, 31
10. “God called me to be a nurse. I woke up one morning and knew that’s exactly what I was created to do. I enrolled in school that very day and have never looked back. I’ve been a nurse for over 20 years now.” – Charlotte, 49

In times as uncertain as these, remember why you’re doing it and who you’re doing it for.

Highest Paying Nurses

In accordance with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), over 2.5 million nurses are exercising across the country, making nursing the biggest labor force within the health care industry. There are plenty of different types and degrees of nurses; it may be mind-boggling to determine which nursing field to select.

If settlement and tons of employment opportunities are at the very top of your list of selecting factors, this list will let you slim the selections for you. Listed here are the top three nursing fields, according to yearly salary, and industry demand. Since they’re the highest paid, these nursing functions also require the most education and learning and training when compared with some other kinds of nurses. This list includes clinically practicing nurses, and doesn’t include of roles which mainly consist of management or managing obligations.

All listed here are advanced practice nurses, which mean they are highly customized and qualified at a graduate level.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) 

Having an average yearly salary of $100,000 or even more, CRNAs have one of the largest salaries on the list of nursing field. In case you are already a licensed registered nurse (RN), you might be allowed to enter a graduate education program to turn into a CRNA.

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Nurse practitioner, known as “mid-level provider,” offers immediate patient care. Several states require NPs to operate within the supervision of a licensed physician, while other states allow NPs to practice relatively independently. NPs are certified and authorized to do patient exams plus some minor procedures and tests and may fulfill many of the same responsibilities as a physician.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

A clinical nurse specialist is a superior practice nurse who also aids with customized study, education, advocacy, and quite often management. Clinical Nurse Specialists also hold a Master’s of Science degree in Nursing (MSN) and they’ve finished the extra CNS certification for their particular specialization.

Career Challenges of a Registered Nurse

The registered nursing career is facing similar old problems as it was in the past. New technology is required to improve the quality of health care services for all patients and there are so many things that need to be developed and changed to make the health care services run smoothly. There are a lot of challenges covering an RN job. This includes the tiring work shifts, impossible work-life balance, continued education and advanced treatment methods.

At the nursing work station, there are many untoward incidences that may lead to injuries and other chronic hazards. An RN is prone to back injuries because of long working shift caring for the patients. It is probably one of the reasons why there is a nursing shortage since most of the nurses with back injuries leave the profession and take other careers.

registered nurseTechnologies are moving at neck-breaking speed, altering the job atmosphere and imposing new skills-training and continuing-learning within the clinical setting. Nurses feel they cannot continue to the profession because of the pressure to upgrade their skills and to keep up with the technology. Continual learning belongs to today’s world; it doesn’t mean nurses have to know everything. It entails nurses to have accessibility to update their understanding and their skills. Keeping up with trends, technology, and research might be outside of nurses’ continuing education (CE) needed to keep qualifications and satisfy state laws and regulations.

The working schedule for most nurses is unhealthy and emotionally draining. They may work 12 hours straight during their shift not including the on-calls and emergency shifts. With this schedule, nurses find it challenging to balance family and work as well as their personal life. The RN shortage added to the problem and put more pressure to nurses to work overtime. Anyone who plans to be an RN must be physically fit and emotionally ready to face the challenges along the way. However, the profession is a decent, respectable and admirable job. If you want to help others through your profession, this job is for you.

 

Difference between LVN and LPN

There are different health care workers in a certain hospital or clinical site. They have different jobs and responsibilities to help patients recover. This includes Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN). Many are confused with the two. Some think that they are just the same. However, they might be correct. They may just differ with their names, but not on their functions. Here we will be discussing further the two courses.

LPNs are nurses who have passed the academic requirements to acquire their license with the next phase within their profession as being a Registered Nurse (RN). LPNs are usually found working under a doctor or RN’s supervision in hospitals or treatment centers. They can also provide home healthcare and practice in nursing care facilities. LVNs are also nurses who passed the state’s educational requirements and the exam to get a license as a registered nurse. LVNs perform their nursing responsibilities in a variety of hospitals, nursing facilities, physician’s clinics, and surgical centers.

LPN and LVNNursing programs today that provide LPN/LVN training possess a moderately intensive listing of subjects which are needed for certification, for example communications, critical thinking, dosage information, drug reference and interactions, ethics, along with other areas. In Texas, the academic needs for that title of LVN require students to accomplish 20 contact hrs every 2 yrs, along with a specific (once-off) two hrs of contact in Ongoing Education for LVNs who are employed in Emergency Rooms and Forensic Evidence Collection. California requires 30 contact hours of Ongoing Education, every 2 years, for license renewal.

The rest of the 48 states have different requirements in terms of continuing education and also the title given by these states is LPN. Some states, for example New York, require LPNs to complete three contact hours for infection control every 4 years. Yet others, for example Florida, require additional study in Prevention of Medical Errors, HIV/AIDS and Domestic Violence, to acquire the LPN title. Essentially, the academic requirements of both LPN and LVN are extremely similar, as well as their responsibilities are consistent.

Actually, the only variation between the two is the state where the course is being offered. In Texas and California, the academic needs are identical, however the title is LVN whereas, other states with similar educational requirements, give the title of LPN. Both jobs require no less than a high school graduation certificate, or GED, just before entering nursing school.

RN as one of the Top Occupation

registered nurseAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nursing is among the top 10 professions with the biggest job growth. Registered nursing (RN) requires a large base of information used to evaluate, plan and perform to prevent disease, promote health, and help patients deal with their sickness. When providing immediate health care, RN’s observe, evaluate and record symptoms, responses and improvement, which provides the basis for health care planning. Nurses are one of the immediate contacts of any patient in the hospital. They are health teachers and supporters for patients and family members.

They have a unique opportunity of practice and can practice individually, although they also work together with all members of the medical health care group to provide the health care needed by each patient as an individual. RN positions range from immediate individual health care and case management to creating medical practice requirements, creating quality procedures, following complicated medical health care systems, performing medical research and educating in medical programs, as well as practicing in many other areas of the clinical field.

Registered nurses also develop and manage medical care plans, advice patients and their loved ones proper health care and help individuals and groups take steps to improve or maintain their health. Expert medical obligations have changed considerably over time. Nurses today are highly known associates of the medical healthcare group who bring their own knowledge and skills to the process of medical health care. Nurses work together with doctors and associates of other healthcare professions. Some nursing staff chooses to focus on a particular specialization.  There are numerous specialized options, each of which has its own training/certification requirements and related professional network or organization.