The National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses found that as of 2004, there was a shortage of registered nurses. This is a surprising face considering that the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that a registered nurse enjoyed an average income of nearly $57,000 per year.

Often attaining a higher education holds people back from pursuing professional goals such as a nursing career. However, the convenience and accessibility of online nursing courses give more people access to this valuable education. Whether you are working full-time, raising a family or living in a remote area, distance learning offers the opportunity to earn a nursing degree. There are several types of nursing courses students can pursue, including:

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The Bureau of Labor Statistics states there are over 700,000 working LPNs today. A student studies courses such as patient care, anatomy and physiology for eighteen months to two years and then must pass state or national boards to become a licensed LPN. An LPN license needs to be renewed periodically and some states require continuing education.

Registered Nurse (RN). Over 2.3 million people are employed in the RN profession, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. An RN is a professional nurse who has earned either an associates degree for two years of study, a three-year nursing diploma or a four-year bachelors degree. An RN is also required to pass a certification exam called the NCLEX as well as complete hours of clinical training prior to graduating school. Registered nurses have many responsibilities, such as taking direct care of the patients, supervising LPNs and making patient care decisions.


Advanced Practice Nurse (APN). A registered nurse with advanced experience, education and skills is an APN. An APN has earned a master's or doctorate degree in nursing and may have other certifications. To maintain an APN license, continuing education is required. Positions held by APNs including clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife and certified registered nurse anesthetist.

No matter what type of nursing career a student decides to pursue through distance learning, nurses can work in a variety of places, such as hospitals, military, rehabilitation center, physicians' offices, businesses, hospices, the Red Cross, nursing homes and schools. According the the United States Department of Labor, the fastest growing occupation through the year 2014 is registered nursing. Nurses with a four-year degree are able to earn over $100,000 per year.

Nurses who earn their degrees through distance learning are well-prepared to take necessary continuing education courses online. Distance learning opportunities give nursing students the chance to earn while they learn because of the flexibility they offer. Nursing students can use financial aid, loans and grants to pay for online learning.

If you want a professional career taking care of others that pays well, nursing is ideal. Distance learning gives more people the opportunity to study nursing and join one of the most prestigious occupations in the country, according to the 2006 Harris Poll.

Mary Jackson is a web contributor for http://www.distance-learning-college-guide.com where you find information on distance learning colleges and top accredited online nursing degrees.