female nursing student

What Job Should I Have While in Nursing School

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Attending nursing school while working full or part time, on top of potentially caring for your family, isn’t easy, but it can be done with thoughtful time management and realistic goals. You can reduce the stress of working while in school by choosing a job that isn’t as demanding as nursing school, that’s amenable to your schedule and, ideally, is relevant to your nursing program.   CNAs assist nurses in routine patient care, helping bathe and feed patients and monitor their vital signs. This job has fewer duties (and thus less pressure) than a full-time nurse while also giving students hands-on exposure, helping them develop essential skills they can utilize in school and their careers.   PCTs are similar to CNAs, but the position can be more demanding, having more responsibilities such as performing EKGs and basic medical procedures. As a PCT, students can gain valuable exposure and experience. However, these positions may offer far less scheduling flexibility compared to a CNA.   Enrolling in an EMT course before nursing school can allow students to work as an EMT during their program, which has the benefit of a personalized schedule and the opportunity to gain crucial healthcare skills such as working in emergency situations, quickly diagnosing patients and administering treatment under pressure. However, this job can be immensely stressful, which can be detrimental if your nursing program is already difficult.   , providing a dual-purpose stepping stone.   Medical scribes document patient visits in real time for patient assessment, helping nurses and doctors focus on interacting with patients without worrying about taking notes for future reference. This position will give students deeper insights into medical terminology and the daily workflow of a clinic, making it useful to those studying to become nurses and administrators alike.   HHAs provide care to patients at their homes, assisting with their daily routines and medication regimens. These positions can give students access to flexible shift-oriented schedules and a comparatively low-pressure work environment, as well as experience in patient care and forming relationships.   will find this job especially useful, as they’ll gain insight and experience into how hospitals operate.   Nursing school represents a significant investment of time and resources for students, and working while in a program may be a necessity. Between rigorous coursework, exams, hands-on training and lab work, it can be challenging to fit a job into your education.   Staying organized, planning ahead and having understanding employers can help make the juggling act easier to balance. The stress of school and work can also take a toll on your mental health – exercising, sleeping regularly and taking some time to relax whenever possible will help protect you from burnout .   Choosing the right program can also make working while in school easier – especially for degree paths that can be . Certain programs can require rigid, in-person coursework that can make earning money on the side nearly impossible.   St. Louis College of Health Careers’ programs have start dates throughout the year and are designed to be accommodating to students’ needs without compromising academic quality. Our staff understands the struggles students face and strives to be accommodating. Some programs are fully online, so working professionals looking to advance their careers can take courses on their own schedule while still enjoying a reputable and accredited medical education.   Receive a comprehensive yet flexible medical education that will thoroughly prepare you for a fulfilling career in nursing at St. Louis College of Health Careers. Our nursing programs offer a compelling combination of in-depth coursework and ample real-world experience so you gain the knowledge you need to tackle your certification exams and be ready to enter your chosen career with confidence.   Reach our admissions team at 866-529-2070 to learn more about and start your application today.

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Opportunities for LPNs to Specialize in Specific Areas of Healthcare

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One of the perks of entry-level positions within the greater healthcare field is career flexibility. Some types of medical professionals – especially nurses – play roles in virtually every type of healthcare facility and practice area. As an entry-level position, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are able to gain specialized knowledge in a wide variety of fields. LPNs interact one-on-one with patients daily, monitoring their health, and coordinating care with other healthcare professionals. Gaining specialized experience can lead to higher earning potential, increased job prospects, improved job satisfaction and greater eligibility for leadership positions. At St. Louis College of Health Careers, we give our students a thorough foundation of knowledge and skills that puts them in an ideal position to acquire specialized experience when they enter the workforce. This empowers our nurses to stand out in their field so they can pursue their ideal career.   LPNs with this specialty work exclusively with older patients, providing specialized care in nursing homes, memory care and assisted living facilities and home healthcare settings. Those interested in this , including geriatrics, long-term care, IV therapy, life support and hospice and palliative care.   LPNs can choose to specialize in pediatric care, addressing the unique healthcare concerns of children and infants. Nurses pursuing this specialization may benefit from obtaining their Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) certification and potentially a , depending on the position.   An oncology specialization gives LPNs the opportunity to focus on patients undergoing cancer treatments, assisting with symptom management related to chemotherapy as well as other physical and emotional issues. Although oncology employers tend to favor RNs over LPNs, you may still be hired if you’ve demonstrated notable expertise in the field or have earned a Certified Oncology Nurse (OCN) certification. If you want to focus on children with cancer, you may need a pediatrics specialization with a Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON) certification.   Surgical LPNs are right in the operating room, assisting surgeons during surgical procedures. They’re responsible for preparing the room for surgery, sterilizing equipment and ensuring patient safety. Due to the high-pressure working environment, LPNs with a surgical nursing specialty must have Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) and Acute/Critical Care Nursing (CCRN) certifications.   Some LPNs work exclusively with orthopedic surgeons to care for musculoskeletal issues and disorders, such as tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. They work personally with patients to manage symptoms and help them recover after operations. These LPNs tend to work in orthopedic clinics, rehabilitation centers and surgical units. Although nursing in orthopedics doesn’t require a specific specialization, acquiring certifications in wound care, pharmacology and geriatrics can prove valuable, enhancing a nurse’s knowledge of medications and musculoskeletal decline.   LPNs specializing in dermatology focus on assessing skin issues, administering treatments and occasionally assisting with minor wound care surgeries. Depending on the position, some LPNs may need certifications in wound care and pharmacology to pursue this path.   Long-term care (formerly known as gerontology) allows LPNs to care for elderly or chronically ill patients in nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and skilled nursing facilities. Training includes learning how to effectively administer medications and manage proper dietary plans as well as coordinate treatments with other healthcare professionals. This specialization typically requires students to acquire certifications in long-term care, geriatrics and hospice and palliative care.   A hospice and palliative care specialization gives LPNs the knowledge and tools to administer end-of-life care for terminally ill individuals and their families, offering physical and emotional support. LPNs interested in pursuing this important but emotionally demanding specialization may benefit from certifications in long-term care and hospice and palliative care.   The at St. Louis College of Health Careers provides thorough training that equips students with the knowledge they need to pursue a fulfilling medical career. Our program molds students into skilled nurses who are well-prepared to hit the ground running the moment they’re hired. You’ll learn from experienced faculty with a focus on hands-on training and clinical experience to build up your ability to diagnose and implement treatments. The education provided at St. Louis College of Health Careers can help you transition from an LPN to an RN, with access to higher managerial positions and more complex specializations like . We offer fully online programs so you can advance your career conveniently and at your own pace. Gain a superior understanding of your field. Call 866-529-2070 today to learn more about our program and .

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How to Build Strong Patient Relationships as a Nurse

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As a nurse, building strong patient relationships is crucial to providing quality care and improving patient outcomes. Patients who feel comfortable with their healthcare providers are more likely to adhere to treatment plans, share important information about their health and have better overall experiences. Developing these relationships takes time and isn’t necessarily a skill that can be taught in a classroom. The good news is you can get into the mindset of relationship building with patients while you’re still pursuing your degree. This can set you apart from other new nurses and help you establish yourself as a compassionate and trustworthy healthcare provider. Active listening involves giving your full and undivided attention to what the patient is saying, not interrupting and responding in a way that shows you understand and empathize with their concerns. By actively listening, you can gain a better understanding of your patient’s needs, fears and goals, which can help you provide more individualized care. Active listening also helps establish trust and rapport between you and your patients. When patients feel heard and understood, they are more likely to feel comfortable and open up to you, which can lead to a better overall patient experience. Reducing jargon when interacting with patients is crucial for effective communication and building trust. As a nurse, it’s essential to remember that patients may not have the same medical background or knowledge as healthcare professionals. Using complex medical terminology or jargon can confuse patients, create barriers to understanding and even cause unnecessary anxiety. By being proactive, you can anticipate your patient’s needs, identify potential issues before they arise and take steps to prevent them from becoming major problems. Not only is this beneficial for the patient’s recovery and wellbeing but it can help build trust and confidence in you as their nurse. Proactivity can take many forms in nursing. You can display proactivity by regularly checking on your patients, providing education and resources and advocating for their needs. For example, you can check on a patient’s pain level without being prompted to do so and provide pain medication before the pain becomes severe enough for the patient to complain. You can also anticipate the patient’s needs by ensuring they have enough supplies, such as food, water and medication, and communicating effectively with other healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care. If you’re interested in becoming a stellar nurse who not only excels at patient care but also knows how to foster strong nurse-patient relationships, then the St. Louis College of Health Careers is the perfect place for you. Our accredited program offer comprehensive training that teaches not just the technical skills, but also helps hone the interpersonal skills that are necessary for building strong relationships with patients. With experienced faculty and a supportive community, you’ll be able to learn from the best and develop the skills you need to excel in your career as a nurse. To or learn more about the program, visit us online or call 866-529-2070.

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CNA Versus PCT

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Both certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and patient care technicians (PCTs) are vital members of health care teams. They provide basic care to patients, monitor patient conditions and report changes to nurses. Although both titles are often used interchangeably, it’s important to recognize these professions aren’t the same. In general, certified nursing assistants are responsible for helping patients perform everyday tasks, while patient care technicians may have more specialized duties. If you’re thinking about pursuing either of these roles, it’s important to know their responsibilities and educational requirements differ so you can make an informed decision. A CNA is a certified nurse assistant who provides basic care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical facilities. CNAs help patients with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene. Other responsibilities typically include feeding and bathing patients as well as monitoring patient vitals. They may also provide emotional support to patients and their families and record patient symptoms and progress. A PCT is a patient care technician who provides basic care to patients in a hospital setting. PCTs may work with patients who are recovering from surgery, those who are receiving treatment for a serious illness or those who are receiving palliative care. PCTs may also work with patients who are preparing to be discharged from the hospital. Typical duties of a PCT include taking vital signs, recording patient information and preparing and administering medication. Although there’s some overlap between the two professions, there’s also a great deal of differences between a CNA and a PCT in terms of job duties and levels of patient care responsibility. CNAs typically have more patient contact than PCTs and may also be responsible for more clinical tasks such as taking vital signs and recording patient information. PCTs typically work more with medical equipment and may also be trained to perform more complex tasks like drawing blood, administering EKGs or operating dialysis equipment. The median annual salary for a CNA is , but salaries can vary greatly depending on the state or region in which they work. CNAs in Missouri earn a median salary of $42,564. The job outlook for CNAs is also positive. projects that the number of positions for CNAs will grow by five percent between 2021 and 2031, meaning there will be plenty of opportunities for CNAs in the years to come. The average salary for a Patient Care Technician is . However, salaries can vary depending on the level of experience and education you have. The median salary of a Missouri-based PCT is $50,360. The job outlook for Patient Care Technicians is good, with employment expected to grow by 18 percent over the next ten years. This is much faster than the average for all occupations. Whether you’re inclined to become a CNA or a PCT, earning a from the fully accredited St. Louis College of Health Careers will equip you with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to work in both roles. Candidates interested in becoming a licensed practical nurse are encouraged to apply for our four semester . To learn more about how SLCHC can help you pursue , call 866-529-2070.

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Nurse Burnout

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  and long hours, burnout is a risk many nurses will face throughout their health career. According to the World Health Organization, burnout is an official . As an occupational phenomenon, the term “burnout” should only be used within the context of a person’s job or occupation — not as an illness or health condition. While it is not considered to be an ailment or disease, burnout can be diagnosed by a doctor. Stress influences our ability to make decisions. In a medical setting, decision-making is critical. When a nurse is no longer enjoying their job due to burnout, their behavior and attitude can impact their ability to provide optimal patient care. A nurse’s bedside manner is important to the patient’s health and level of care. Poor bedside manner is often one of the first signs that a nurse is suffering from burnout. Nurses who are burnt out may feel a lack of empathy and compassion toward their patients and become more cynical and insensitive. This can leave a patient feeling alone and unimportant and deter them from seeking medical care in the future. Initiating burnout prevention is an important task for hospitals and their staff, including the nurse managers and leaders. While a nurse should do what they can to prevent themselves from experiencing burnout, it is equally important for their workplace to be proactive in monitoring the wellness of nursing staff and to implement preventive measures. Whether you have already spent time working in the medical field or are looking to pursue a new health career, you can earn your diploma from the St. Louis College of Health Careers. We offer including Practical Nursing, Patient Care Technician, Medical Assistant, Respiratory Therapy and more. Learn from experienced practitioners and leaders in the medical community who will provide you with hands-on training and mentorship. Apply for our by calling 866-529-2070.

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First Year of Nursing Classes

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Entering your first year of college is equal parts exciting and intimidating. It’s not uncommon to be nervous about the transition regardless of how prepared you might be. In the days leading up to the beginning of your first semester, do your best to relax and brush up on helpful tips and tricks for succeeding in your first year of classes. Change can be overwhelming — add an academic workload to the mix and it can start to feel unmanageable. The best thing you can do when you first start college is to pace yourself. Don’t try to take on too much all at once. Give yourself time to adapt to your class schedule, the curriculum and assignments. You don’t need to be excellent at everything right away. Allow yourself the room to make mistakes and learn from them — that’s what college is all about. Meeting academic deadlines is crucial to your success. A lot of important dates will begin to pile up all at once and it can be easy to unintentionally miss due dates or forget to complete assignments. Managing a calendar is an absolute must when starting college. Using an online app or a physical planner can help you keep track of important dates. Everyone learns and absorbs information differently (A.K.A. learning styles), which means there are many ways to participate in class or study for an exam. Even if you think you know your learning style, don’t be afraid to explore new study techniques (i.e., flashcards, drawing, reading aloud, seeing a tutor or tutoring another student). You might even discover that you have more than one learning style — which is common for some students. It’s important to understand how to take advantage of each learning style and find ways to improve your study methods. While college could appear cutthroat, your classmates really aren’t your competition. Instead, they are your colleagues who are pursuing their education alongside you. Be open to chatting with the person sitting next to you or schedule time to meet with your peers outside of the classroom. It can be helpful to form study groups before a big exam or ask a classmate for feedback on a paper. The more you allow others into your learning journey, the better you’ll feel about the process. Extracurricular activities are also a great way to get involved on campus because they can introduce you to new and valuable perspectives and experiences. Most students who participate in sports or clubs or attend optional lectures or presentations find their relationships with their peers and professors are better for it. You are in school to learn material you have no prior knowledge of. Naturally, you will likely have questions for your professors or instructors in the middle of a lecture or lab. Your instructors expect you to have questions, so it will come as no shock to them when you don’t understand something. Don’t be intimidated by a classroom or fellow students and always ask your questions. Someone else likely has the same question but are too intimidated to speak up, or you may prompt the instructor to provide elaboration or clarification that will benefit the entire class. If you don’t feel comfortable asking questions in a classroom, you can reach out to your professor via email or schedule a meeting during their office hours. Aside from the goal to graduate college with a diploma, you should also think about short-term and long-term goals over the course of your academic career. Whether that’s making all As and graduating with honors or pushing yourself to enroll in a challenging course, your goals are often important steppingstones toward your career. College is what you make of it, so work hard, be brave and go for it. St. Louis College of Health Careers is committed to providing students with an understanding of our rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. Graduates leave our programs with a and can swiftly apply their skills in the field. We offer numerous associate, bachelor, master and diploma programs that qualify to take certification exams and enter health careers ranging from practical nursing to healthcare administration. Learn more about our by calling 866-529-2070.

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How Can We Fix the Nursing Shortage

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The high demand for nurses in the United States has plagued the healthcare industry for years. Today, the number of registered nurses in America has reached a staggeringly low number for many reasons, including the COVID-19 pandemic. With the aging baby boomer generation and large population of chronically ill and high-risk patients, the current supply of nurses is insufficient to keep up with growing healthcare needs. Our nation’s provide quality care in nearly every healthcare setting, including hospitals, doctor’s offices, behavioral health centers, specialized medical facilities and other institutions. The ongoing nursing shortage and staffing gaps are inevitably affecting patient care and safety as well as patient outcomes. The situation will only continue to get worse if steps are not taken to relieve the nursing workforce by recruiting newly qualified nurses and encouraging the expansion of training programs. RNs play a very important role in evolving and improving our country’s healthcare system, yet their ability to implement or experiment with new healthcare methods is limited by chronically stretched resources. It’s no secret that all aspiring nurses require an to pursue a health career. The problem is that while the country is suffering a nursing shortage, the education system is also suffering from a nursing faculty shortage. This directly impacts the number of qualified students a nursing program can accept — limiting the number of nursing graduates taking certification exams and entering the field. According to the from baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs in 2021. While faculty shortages are the primary cause, the lack of classroom space, clinical sites and preceptors are also contributing factors. In October 2022, the AACN released a that identified a total of 2,166 full-time faculty vacancies across 909 nursing schools nationwide. Pinpointing just one fix that could make all the difference is nearly impossible given the variety of factors at play, but there are changes federal policymakers and organizations could make that might help encourage greater participation in the nursing workforce and training institutions like St. Louis College of Health Careers. Resolving the nursing shortage in America is a lofty goal that won’t happen overnight, but you can be a part of the solution. If you are passionate about people and interested in a career in the healthcare industry, our accredited program may be for you. We combine hands-on practice with rigorous academics to equip students with the tools they need to pass certification exams and enter the nursing workforce. Graduates of St. Louis College of Heath Careers move on to find work at hospitals, residential care facilities, doctor’s offices, nursing homes, clinics and more. Learn more about our LPN program or explore other by calling 866-529-2070.

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Using Your Degree to Become a Traveling Nurse

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While a career in nursing can be rewarding both professionally and personally. It’s not uncommon for nurses to work several years in the same hospital or outpatient facility. People who thrive in consistent environments with clearly defined expectations may excel in those positions. However, others may find greater satisfaction from frequently changing their work environment or experiencing new challenges. If you’re someone with an adventurous spirit who loves to care for people, why not consider becoming a travelling nurse? Travel nurses fill a vital niche in the medical field. The heroic assistance they provided to understaffed facilities overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases was a recent example of just how valuable these healthcare professionals can be for patients.   Generally, a travelling nurse provides medical care to patients on various short-term assignments, which are offered to them by special staffing agencies. These assignments require moving to various locations and working in different hospitals and healthcare facilities. Each assignment typically lasts between eight and 26 weeks. Travel nurses play a critical role in filling in for permanent nurses whose life circumstances are preventing them from working. These circumstances include things like maternity leave, short or long-term disability and familial obligations. Travelling nurses may also play a key role in filling certain specialized nursing positions, especially when hiring the right permanent nurse requires a lot of time and effort.     There is no perfect job, and just like many other professions, travel nursing has its pros and cons. Of course, what one person considers a disadvantage may be a significant benefit to someone else. Deciding to work as a travel nurse should be a personal choice based on your unique needs and preferences. If you want the opportunity to explore different parts of the country, and sometimes even different parts of the world, a career in travel nursing may be right for you. You may also find it interesting to meet people from diverse backgrounds and learn new skills and practices from other healthcare professionals. One of the undisputed benefits of travel nursing is a potentially higher pay than the average nursing salary. It’s not uncommon for travel nurses to earn over a year, depending on their degree and experience. If you’re looking to save up a substantial amount of money and don’t mind living with family or friends in between your assignments, travel nursing may help you quickly achieve your financial goals. The most common disadvantages of travel nursing include being almost constantly away from family and friends, which may be especially problematic if you have children. Although many travel nurse agencies do provide benefits like health insurance and travel reimbursement, they may not be as comprehensive or flexible as the benefits offered by some permanent positions. Travel nurses may also need multiple state licenses to be eligible for certain assignments.   To become eligible for travel nursing you’ll need to earn your nursing degree and gain valuable work experience. Travel nurses must be registered nurses (RNs). To become one, you’ll have to earn either an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in nursing. You’ll also need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses and apply for RN licensure in your state. Some agencies or healthcare facilities may want travel nursing candidates to have at least two years of hands-on experience through a stationary, full-time position, such as working in a hospital, nursing home or outpatient clinic.   If nursing sounds like an interesting career but you’re not ready to commit to years of coursework, consider earning a from St. Louis College of Health Careers. Our academically rigorous, hands-on program will prepare you for a rewarding entry-level nursing career and help you decide if becoming a registered nurse is something you aspire to do. For more information about our diverse catalog of .

nursing students using a simulation lab

What Is a Simulation Lab and How Does It Enhance Learning Experiences

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Becoming a nurse requires a lot of hands-on training. Nursing students need to be prepared to deliver quality care to real-life patients once they enter the workforce. To do so, they must have the opportunity to practice what they learn, make mistakes and learn from them in a safe and supportive academic environment. To ensure nursing students gain as much practical knowledge and exposure to clinical situations as possible, many nursing schools provide their students with realistic clinical settings in the form of simulation labs. These simulation labs, also known as simulation centers, include realistic looking labs, simulation mannequins and medical equipment and technology, such as IV pumps, defibrillators and electronic health records. The labs are designed to resemble typical hospital settings, like emergency rooms, intensive care units, operating rooms and labor and delivery rooms. The experiential learning that happens in simulation labs prepares students for real-life nursing careers without exposing actual patients to the potentially harmful mistakes of students.   Participating in a nursing simulation lab requires much more than just showing up and taking part in a medical scenario. A typical simulation lab consists of three steps: .   Preparation is key to a successful simulation lab experience. Before attending lab practice, your instructor will likely give you a list of example patients with various medical conditions. These conditions may include things like respiratory distress, low blood sugar, cardiac arrest and opioid overdose. It’s the student’s responsibility to attend the simulation lab prepared. This means you’ll need to research each simulation patient’s condition and complete any assigned readings and tasks before the active participation step. Showing up unprepared will significantly diminish your learning experience and may negatively affect your academic performance.   This part requires your active participation in a simulation lab scenario. You’ll be asked to care for a “patient” showing symptoms of one or more of the conditions you were assigned by your instructor. You may be asked to work alone or with fellow students. The idea behind the simulation is to get you to think and act quickly and become accustomed to working in a high-pressure medical environment. Your instructor, who will be watching you from another location, can control what the “patient” says or how they respond to your questions, so you can never really know what to expect or how the scenario will play out. This allows your instructor to evaluate your nursing skills in real time and give you plenty of useful feedback afterward.   A simulation lab cannot be successful without a thorough debriefing session. Here, you’ll get to review the simulation performance of you and your classmates with your instructor and peers. You’ll have the opportunity to reflect on your decisions and actions, evaluate what went well and identify areas for improvement.   As a future nurse, participating in simulation labs is an invaluable learning experience. Research shows ing outcomes when there’s an abundance of practice involved, which a clinical simulation lab provides. SLCHC’s state-of-the-art provide nursing students an abundance of experiential learning to help them excel in their future medical careers. Our students get to polish their skills in a safe and academically nurturing environment alongside dedicated faculty and fellow students. To learn more about our or visit our St. Louis or Fenton campuses.

LPN LVN RN APN nursing degrees

Differences Between an LPN LVN RN and APN

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If you enjoy caring for others while earning a generous salary, a career in nursing may be the right fit for you. The demand for nurses is never-ending and the employment rate . While hospitals are usually the go-to employers for many nurses, there are several other practice settings where you can apply your skills, like schools, assisted living homes, cruise ships or military bases. There are many titles within the nursing field, including licensed practical nurse (LPN), licensed vocational nurse (LVN), registered nurse (RN) and advanced practice nurse (APN). Understanding the differences in qualifications and responsibilities between these titles may help you decide which career path in nursing is right for you.   Despite slightly different job titles, both LPNs and LVNs have the same responsibilities. Both work under doctors and are required to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). Your title will depend on your geographical location. The term LVN is used in Texas and California, while the rest of the United States uses the term LPN. As an LPN, your job responsibilities will involve caring for low-risk patients with relatively simple needs. However, becoming an LPN requires rigorous training, including classroom study and hands-on practice. You’ll be diving into a broad array of subjects ranging from anatomy, pharmacology and nutrition to intercultural awareness when caring for patients.   If you’re curious about a career in healthcare but not quite ready to make a long-term commitment, becoming an LPN may be the way to go. LPN programs are generally a lot less expensive and time consuming than RN programs. With commitment and focus, you can complete the program within a year.   Once you’ve worked as an LPN, you may decide it’s time to advance your knowledge and skills by becoming a registered nurse. As an RN, you will transition from basic nursing care, like checking blood pressure or drawing blood, to more challenging responsibilities, like performing diagnostic tests, analyzing results and supervising LPNs and nursing aides. With an increase in responsibilities comes an increase in salary. While the median annual salary for LPNs in the United States is . Becoming a RN usually requires a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing, but there are several other options available. For example, St. Louis College of Health Careers offers an accelerated for individuals with LPN competency.   Nurses with masters and doctoral degrees may also pursue academic careers working as nurse educators at nursing schools, colleges and universities. APNs are usually the highest-paid nurses, with an annual salary often .   For more than 40 years the St. Louis College of Health Careers has offered academically rigorous, hands-on training for students pursuing carriers in the healthcare industry. We have a diverse array of and a rich catalog of courses to match your professional goals and to help you advance your academic journey. Our on-campus and online classes give students flexibility in both their scheduling and learning preferences. Students of our St. Louis and Fenton campuses find great opportunities to immerse themselves in academic and practical training environments. You can learn more about our programs by calling us at 866-529-2070 or by on our website.