Alternative Routes to Becoming a LPN or RN in Washington State

• Online learning opens options for career advancement. Jacqueline Veissid/Photodisc/Getty Images

  In today's busy world, taking time off to return to school is not always an option. With the current shortage of health care workers, some employers may be willing to assist an employee in furthering their education in return for a commitment or hope of retaining that employee. Educators are finding more ways to fulfill adult learners' needs for flexibility in education. Perhaps the most significant advance has been in online education.

Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission

• Nursing training can lead health care workers down several paths. nurse chris image by John Keith from Fotolia.com

  In Washington State, the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission requires all candidates seeking to become a Licensed Practical Nurse - LPN - or a Registered Nurse - RN - take courses through state recognized, accredited educational programs. The candidate must also take seven hours of approved AIDS education and pass a National Council Licensure Examination - NCLEX. The NCLEX exams are administered through Pearson Vue testing sites.

LPN/RN Bridging Programs

• Work experience is important in educational training. angry nurse image by Andrey Kulygin from Fotolia.com

  Bridging programs are designed to fill the knowledge gap between the education received for two different roles. Educational institutions have continuing education 'bridging' programs designed to fill the gap between a Certified Nursing Aid to a Licensed Practical Nurse and between a Licensed Practical Nurse to a Registered Nurse. Alternatively, some institutions will give the student prior learning credits for previous courses and even on-the-job training. Either method saves the student time and money in the educational process.

Online Training Programs

• On-line training provides flexibility woman with computer in the office image by Oleg Berlov from Fotolia.com

  Traditional classroom training today is making way for a new generation of online training programs. With major advances in technology, Learning Management Systems - LMS - are now able to fully engage the students. Virtual classrooms, synchronous and asynchronous venues, live discussion groups and so much more are making online learning a real alternative. The biggest advantages are no travel or relocation required, programs can start at any time of the year and access to courses can be 24/7. For adult learners with job and family commitments, online training can be the answer.

Choosing an Online Training Facility

• Selecting an approved online program requires some due diligence on your part. Things to look for include:

  1. Is the program accredited and by whom?

  2. Will the Washington Commission recognise the program?

  2. What is the completion rate for students that start the program?

  4. Does the program give you any credit for prior courses?

  5. Can you visit a sample lesson/classroom?

  6. Do you have (or can you get) the technical connectivity, etc required?

  7. How will the hands-on parts of the course be handled?

  8. Do they arrange a preceptorship for you?

American Nursing Association Degrees

• The American Nursing Association has established an online degree program resource. This site provides a valuable guide for setting your career ladder goals and helps you to access approved online programs. Joining this organization could greatly benefit your educational goals.