Nursing Profiles

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Demand for Nurses
Nurses may be the most in-demand health care position in the country.

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Nursing Schools by State

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South University
South University has a well respected nursing program for students looking to obtain their degree online.

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RN to BSN
University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and offers nursing degrees at affordable prices.

Nursing Schools in Alaska

The northernmost state of Alaska is known for its stunning coastland, thriving big cities, chilly inland temperatures and small population in comparison to its enormous size. A lot of people in the "Lower 48" states believe Alaska is nothing more than a freezing tundra, but few realize temperatures can be quite mild in the Panhandle, as well as in the Anchorage area, where most of the state's population lives. It is also beautiful, with scenic waterfalls, glaciers and other natural wonders, making it a great place to live. While the cost of living is high, professional salaries for nurses are also higher in Alaska as a result—few states pay their nurses more than Alaska does. Alaska is also a great place to launch a nursing career due to a persistent nursing shortage. Travel nurses are especially in demand to help meet staffing needs; these nurses can earn 20-30 percent more pay than the average staff nurse, because the demand for nurses is so high here. The unemployment rate in Alaska was also lower than the national average in April 2010.

Alaska has a vibrant health care community, and qualified nurses are very much needed in hospitals, outpatient clinics and in health care centers for Native Americans in Alaska. The most in-demand jobs are concentrated in and around the major metropolitan areas at Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau. The good news for nurses is that the largest private employer in Alaska was Providence Health & Services, which includes Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage. The hospital and its associated health care centers keep a good many nurses in Alaska gainfully employed. Nurses in the state can get information about state licensure through the Alaska Board of Nursing. Alaska's nurses are represented by a professional organization called the Alaska Nurses Association, where nurses can search for jobs, find continuing education opportunities and even connect with other nurses.

Employment: 5,010

Hourly Mean Wage: $36.04

Annual Mean Wage: $74,970

Source: http://www.bls.gov/oes/

School Name: Alaska Vocational Technical Center

Address: 809 Second Avenue, Seward, Alaska 99664-0889

Contact: (907) 224-3322

Website: www.avtec.edu

Type of School: < 2-year, Public

Programs Offered: Less than one year certificate;One but less than two years certificate

Student-to-faculty Ratio: 12 to 1

School Name: University of Alaska Anchorage

Address: 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99508

Contact: (907) 786-1800

Website: www.uaa.alaska.edu

Type of School: 4-year, Public

Programs Offered: Less than one year certificate;One but less than two years certificate;Associate's degree;Bachelor's degree;Postbaccalaureate certificate;Master's degree;Post-master's certificate

Student-to-faculty Ratio: 15 to 1

School Name: University of Alaska Southeast

Address: 11120 Glacier Highway, Juneau, Alaska 99801-8697

Contact: (877) 465-4827

Website: www.uas.alaska.edu

Type of School: 4-year, Public

Programs Offered: Less than one year certificate;One but less than two years certificate;Associate's degree;Bachelor's degree;Postbaccalaureate certificate;Master's degree

Student-to-faculty Ratio: 12 to 1

Top Nursing Colleges

University of Phoenix - Certification & Associate's Degree.
University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and offers nursing degrees at affordable prices. Phoenix allows students to practice what they learn with hands on teaching methods.

Herzing University - Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees.
As the of the most well-known online universities, Herzing University has prepared numerous students for nursing careers. Flexible and affordable online nursing classes are available.

Kaplan University - Certification, Associate's & Bachelor's Degree.
Kaplan University has a well respected nursing program for students looking to obtain their degree online. Kaplan is an accredited university with a history of placing students in high-growth nursing careers.

South University - Certification & Bachelor's Degree.
South University is one of the most respected names in online colleges and provides a variety of nursing degree plans. South University makes it possible to earn your entire nursing degree online.

Virginia College - Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees.
Challenging students to be the best student they can be, Virginia College has a large diverse community. A variety of healthcare programs are available at their campus locations or online.

Western Governors University - Bachelor's & Master's Degrees.
At Western Governors University, students will learn the valuable knowledge and practices needed to succeed in the nursing field. The university accepts first time students or working professionals.

Baker College - B.S. in Nursing.
With a variety of online healthcare degrees, Baker College updates their educational curriculum to keep up with the standards of today. Students attending this college will be equipped with the skills and practices needed to become confident medical professionals.

Keiser University - B.A. in Health Services Administration.
Equipped with qualified instructors, Keiser University helps students gain top-notch education in the healthcare field. Keiser gives students the opportunity to complete their nursing degree completely online, allowing them to learn from the comfort of their own home.

Indiana State University - Bachelor's Degree.
Offering upper level nursing degrees, Indiana State University educates students with interactive nursing programs. Indiana State challenges students with a dynamic learning curriculum in a variety of nursing degrees.