The StraighterLine Guide: Careers in Nursing. By Beth Dumbauld,Barry Lenson and Steven Pope StraighterLine. All Rights Reserved.

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1 The StraighterLine Guide: Careers in Nursing By Beth Dumbauld,Barry Lenson and Steven Pope 2012 StraighterLine. All Rights Reserved.

2 Table of Contents Table of Contents Introduction: There May Never Be a Better Time to Become a Nurse Part One: Nursing: Do You Have What it Takes? Know Your Options, Know Yourself Part Two: What Do Nursing Jobs Pay? Part Three: How to Get Started in Nursing Part Four: Where Are the Nursing Jobs? How Do I Get One? About StraighterLine Notes Notes

3 Introduction: There May Never Be a Better Time to Become a Nurse The Nursing Shortage Means Opportunity for You There may have never been a better time to become a nurse.america s baby boomers are aging.at the same time,americans are living longer. The government projects that there will be more than 581,500 new jobs for nurses though 2018.The American Association of Colleges of Nursing is predicting a shortage of trained nurses. Nursing Is More Respected than Ever These days, nurses run more of the show in hospitals and healthcare facilities, even moving into administration. Nurses are more respected than in the past, as more people come to recognize the incredible combination of caring, concern and knowledge required to keep things running smoothly. Online Nursing Degrees Are More Respected,Too Online degrees in general have gained more acceptance in past years.the Pope Center for Higher Education Policy reported on a 2010 survey that found 97% of employers rated graduates of Western Governors University (a non-profit,online-only university and StraighterLine Partner School) equal to or better than graduates of other universities, and 94% were willing to hire WGU graduates.western Governors University College of Health Professions offers a full selection of online Nursing degrees, including B.S. Nursing, M.S. Nursing and an MBA in Healthcare Management. 3

4 Part 1: Nursing: Do You Have What it Takes? Know Your Options, Know Yourself Before we discuss your opportunities as a nurse, let s ask an important question that you should think about first Is a career in nursing a good fit for you? You have many options when it comes to a career in nursing and a variety of entry points into the field. What this means for you, as a prospective nursing student, is that you can begin work as a nurse en route to finishing your degree, whether your ultimate goal is an associate, a bachelor s, a master s, or even a doctorate. The Three Entry Points of Nursing: Nursing Aide, Orderly, and Attendant LPN and LVN (Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses) RN (Registered Nurse) The variety of entry points (and corresponding higher educational requirements) and career opportunities available in nursing help make this field extremely attractive to an adult learner, particularly if you need or want to work while earning your degree. For example, you might find yourself starting your career as a nursing aide to see how you like working with patients. Once you ve decided that this is the career for you, you can go back to college and become an LPN, an RN, or even earn your BSN (Bachelor s in Nursing). Nursing offers a clear career path that aligns itself with educational attainment. Online classes enable those who want to take additional responsibilities and roles as a nurse to do so while they continue to work. Fortunately, online colleges and universities have long been the distance learning option of choice for working nurses looking to earn additional credentials and education when schedule flexibility is essential.truly, with nursing, the opportunities to advance in your field are nearly unlimited. If you are ready, you can take your first steps today but how do know if a nursing career is right for you? 4

5 How Do You Know If a Nursing Career Is Right for You? For many who enter the nursing field, there is a sense that they didn t choose nursing nursing chose them. How do you know if you are one of the chosen? Each entry point into nursing has its own unique set of educational requirements, skill sets, and job duties. Certainly, no matter where you find yourself aiming career-wise within the nursing spectrum, there are qualities essential to any nursing role: a genuine desire to work directly with people and great communication and listening skills. Let s explore which qualities and job duties are associated with each entry point in nursing. As we spotlight each category, you will be able to assess where your career goals and strengths fit, and determine what level of education is required for the nursing roles that interest you most. In doing so, you will be able to see if you have what it takes to become a nurse and if you have the motivation necessary to take the next steps towards earning your college degree in nursing. For many individuals, there s a good chance you ll find you do have what it takes. 5

6 Spotlight: Nursing Aide,Attendants and Orderlies Important Qualities Compassion. Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants provide care for the sick, injured, and elderly. A caring attitude is essential for a career in healthcare. Patience. The routine tasks of cleaning, feeding, and bathing patients or residents can be stressful. Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants must be patient to provide quality care. Speaking and Listening skills. Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants must be able to communicate effectively to understand and address patients concerns.they also need to communicate patients statuses to other healthcare workers. 1 Typical Duties Nursing aides and attendants provide basic care and help with individuals living activities, and generally do the following tasks: Clean and bathe Help patients use the toilet and dress Turn, reposition, and transfer patients between beds and wheelchairs Listen to and record patients health concerns and report that information to nurses Measure patients vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature Serve meals and help patients eat 2 Orderlies may do some of the same tasks as nursing aides and attendants, although they do not usually provide healthcare services.they typically do the following: Transport patients, such as taking a hospital patient to an operating room Clean equipment and facilities 3 Education Required In order to become a nursing aide or attendant, you will need a postsecondary certificate, earned either by taking classes online or in an on-campus setting, as well as passing your state s competency exam. Orderlies, in general, need at least a high school diploma. 6

7 Spotlight: LPN and LVN (Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses) Important Qualities Compassion. An empathetic and caring attitude is necessary. Detail oriented. LPNs and LVNs need to be responsible and detail-oriented because they must make sure that patients get the correct treatment at the right time. Interpersonal skills. As an LPN or LVN, you will be working with people; an ability to do this effectively is essential. Patience. Dealing with sick and injured people is often stressful. LPNs and LVNs should be patient so they can cope with stress that can come from providing healthcare to these patients. Communication skills. You need to be able to communicate effectively both listening and speaking.you will need to be able to listen to a patient and provide information to other nurses, such as an RN, and doctors. Stamina. LPNs and LVNs will need to be comfortable performing physical tasks, such as bending over patients for a long time. 4 Typical Duties Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses typically: Monitor patients health for example, by checking their blood pressure Administer basic nursing care, including changing bandages and inserting catheters Help patients with bathing or dressing Discuss health care with patients and listen to their concerns Report patients status to registered nurses and doctors Keep records on patients health Keep in mind, duties can vary depending on your work setting, For example, you may teach family members how to care for a relative; help to deliver, care for, and feed infants; collect samples for testing and do routine laboratory tests; or feed patients who need help eating. Continues 7

8 In some states, LPNs with proper training can give medication or start intravenous (IV) drips, while in other states they cannot. State regulations govern the extent to which LPNs and LVNs must be directly supervised. In some states, an LPN may provide certain forms of care only with instructions from a registered nurse. 5 Education Required LPNs and LVNs must complete an accredited program, typically a combination of classes (either online college courses or on-campus), such as anatomy & physiology, pharmacology, and nursing as well as supervised clinical experience.an LPN or LVN must also pass the National Council License Examination (NCLEX-PN) to obtain their license to work in all states. 6 8

9 Spotlight: RN (Registered Nurse) Important Qualities Critical-thinking skills. Ability to assess changes in the health state of patients, including when to take corrective action and when to make referrals. Compassion. It s valuable for a nurse to be caring and sympathetic, a trait that is critical when treating patients. Detail oriented. RNs must make sure that patients get the correct treatments and medicines at the right time. Emotionally stable. RNs will be constantly exposed to a variety of stresses, and must possess the emotional strength and stability to cope with human suffering and medical emergencies. Organizational skills. Nurses often work with multiple patients with various health needs, and organizational skills are critical to ensure that each patient is given proper care. Patience. RNs will be expected to provide quality care under stressful or hectic circumstances. Communication Skills. RNs must be able to talk and listen effectively with patients and their families to correctly assess health conditions. Nurses need to clearly explain how to take medication or give other instructions. RNs also must be able to work in teams with other health professionals, including doctors and administrators, and to communicate patients needs. 7 Typical Duties Registered Nurses typically: Record patients medical histories and symptoms Give patients medicines and treatments Set up plans for patients care or contribute to existing plans Observe patients and record observations Consult with doctors and other healthcare professionals Operate and monitor medical equipment Help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results Teach patients and their families how to manage their illnesses or injuries Explain what to do at home after treatment 8 Continues 9

10 Additionally, some registered nurses oversee licensed practical nurses, nursing aides, and home care aides. Some RNs go on to become hospital administrators and fill other management positions. Education Required To become a registered nurse, you can take one of three education paths: a Bachelor s of Science degree in Nursing (BSN), an Associate degree in Nursing (ADN), or a diploma from an approved nursing program.all three will require you to take a variety of science courses. Classes can be taken through online colleges and universities or on-campus programs. Licensing is also required. BSN programs typically take four years to complete;adn and diploma programs usually take two to three years to complete. All programs also include supervised clinical experience in hospital departments such as pediatrics, psychiatry, maternity, and surgery.a number of programs include clinical experience in extended and long-term care facilities, public health departments, home health agencies, or ambulatory (walk-in) clinics. Your Nursing Checklist As you contemplate whether or not a career in nursing is right for you, run yourself through this quick checklist: Do you have good communications skills? Both speaking and listening? Are you emotionally stable and strong? Are you empathetic? Are you patient? Are you able to work well with a variety of people? Do you pay attention to detail? Do you have good physical endurance? Are you good in stressful situations? If you answer yes to most of these questions, there s a good chance that nursing will be an excellent fit and that you do indeed have what it takes to become a nurse. 10

11 Part 2: What Do Nursing Jobs Pay? How much can you expect to earn after you earn a degree in nursing? The answer to that question depends on many factors, including... The degree you earn ob candidates with bachelor s degrees generally command higher salaries than do candidates with associate degrees at least during their early working years. Your specialty and/or certifications If you ve been trained for high-demand specialty like psychiatric nursing, for example, you can expect to command a larger paycheck.additionally, certifications that you earn, such as a certificate in advanced diabetes management, can enhance your earning potential. And remember, you can study and train for additional certification credentials while you are working as a nurse. 9 Your geographical area According to data collected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse compensation is highest in: California (annual mean salary of $90,860); New York ($75,370);Texas ($67,580); Pennsylvania ($67,140); and Florida ($64,020). 10 Nursing Salaries by Specialty StudentDoc.com and Salary.com have put together a comprehensive list of nursing specialties and the average salaries that they pay. 11 If you visit the site and type in your specialty (or one that you might like to train for), you can review detailed information about the compensation you can expect for it. Here are median salaries listed on the site for some of the nursing specialties that earn the most... Certified Nurse Anesthetist - $157,204 Neonatal Nurse Practitioner - $102,556 Nurse Practitioners (median income for all specialties) - $90,753 Emergency Room Nurse Practitioner - $94,428 Charge Nurse (supervises other nurses in a specific hospital wing or floor) - $71,806 Home Care Clinical Nurse Specialist - $65,953 11

12 But as you consider training to become a nurse, it is wise to think about more than how much you can earn annually. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for Registered Nurses will grow faster than the average for other occupations through year So when you train to become a nurse, you can enjoy the kind of job security that few other professions offer today. Nursing Salaries by Certification How much can you add to your earning potential by becoming a Registered Nurse (RN), a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN),or by adding another certificate to your professional credentials? Here is some information you should know... Registered Nurses (RNs) must have earned certain educational credentials, such as a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree.additionally, the RN certification is awarded after passing a national licensing exam, the NCLEX-RN. RNs work in many different settings, including intensive care units, hospitals of all kinds, and emergency rooms. Earnings vary, but here are two examples:according to Salary.com, an RN who works as a staff nurse in a long term care facility can expect to earn a median annual salary of $59,049; an RN who works in an intensive care unit can expect to earn $67,356. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) do not need to earn college degrees in order to be certified. LPNs are awarded certificates after passing the National Council Licensure Exam for Practical Nurses, NCLEX-PN. Licensed Vocational Nurses often train to obtain that credential at vocational or training schools, yet credentials and licensing requirements can vary by state. Be sure to consult your state s department of health or other appropriate agencies to determine what tests the state requires for licensure or certification. Salaries vary widely, because both LPNs and LVNs work in many kinds of facilities - from hospitals to testing and emergency care facilities. But here is one sample salary:according to Salary.com, the median salary for all LPNs is $41,

13 Part 3: How to Get Started in Nursing Once you ve decided that a career in nursing is right for you, you ll quickly discover you have many options when it comes time to earn your nursing degree.you can study nursing in online nursing programs or at traditional brick and mortar channels like colleges, universities and hospitals in your own city or town. But as an adult, having flexible and budget-friendly distance learning options, like those offered online,can make all the difference between wanting to fit a nursing education into your life and actually having the flexibility to do so. Not only are some of the most flexible and respected nursing programs in the country offered online, like those at Johns Hopkins University, Capella University, Georgetown University, Excelsior College,Western Governors University and more, they are also quickly becoming one of the best ways to earn or upgrade your nursing credentials. For example: If you want to try out prerequisite college courses for nursing to see if nursing feels right to you you can take online nursing courses available a la carte.you don t want to be stuck paying full-time college tuition prices, only to find out thousands of dollars later that nursing isn t a fit for you. If you want to dive deeper into courses required for a nursing degree before you enroll in a nursing program you can take online college courses available as a bundle. For $999, you can enroll in StraighterLine s Freshman Year of College program, and take up to 10 fully transferrable required college courses for earning your nursing degree. If you are on a waiting list to enter nursing school, you can earn college credits online while you wait.though it depends on the program you plan on attending, there s a good chance you will be able to transfer all of your college credits when you finally get the green light to enroll. If your current position requires you to upgrade your nursing credential to a BSN, online education provides you with ability to take classes anytime, anywhere. If you need to continue working while earning your degree, as most adult learners do, the flexibility of online learning is unbeatable. 13

14 Don t wait for the next chapter of your life to begin; enjoy an accelerated path towards earning your degree today. Follow these Educational Pathways to Nursing and you ll be well on your way towards achieving your career, and educational, goals. Educational Pathways to Nursing 1 - Earn College Credits Before Enrolling in Nursing School You can complete nursing prerequisites through online college course providers no matter what nursing degree you plan on earning. Earning college credits before you enroll in a program can put you on the fast track to earning your degree. Since nursing has a very clear set of educational requirements, and the healthcare field has clearly defined educational progression paths, it s easy to make a personal educational plan. Having a plan can not only help you save time and money, it can place you in the right nursing program for where you are and set the stage for where you want to be next. At StraighterLine, the premier online college course provider for students looking to earn their nursing degree, you take online classes for $99/month plus a one-time $39 per course registration fee.alternatively, you can take 10 online college classes through their Freshman Year of College Program for just $999.All StraighterLine college courses come with a credit transfer guarantee to an extensive list of partner colleges the majority of which offer degrees in nursing, no wait list for enrollment, and the ability to take courses anywhere. Here are some of the courses you can take for college credit through StraighterLine many of them prerequisites for a full spectrum of nursing programs. Keep in mind that though it may seem odd that a course like English Composition or History is considered a prerequisite to becoming a nurse, they oftentimes are.when enrolling at a nursing college or university including StraighterLine partner colleges such as Western Governors University or Excelsior College,you ll need to take prerequisites beyond the science core which can include courses in the Humanities and English as well as math. No matter what nursing degree you d like to graduate with, you can save money each step of the way by earning college credits for the basic college courses you know you will need. Bypass paying premium tuition prices for prerequisite courses that you can take at StraighterLine for $99/month. Instead, earn those college credits for introductory courses taken at StraighterLine, and have those credits transferred to a StraighterLine partner college s nursing degree program. 14

15 2 - Licensed Practical Nurse or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) 12 You can earn your LPN or LVN during yearlong programs typically offered through a technical school, community college, or online.these programs are occasionally found in high schools or hospitals as well.as you earn your LPN or LVN, you will most likely combine hands-on supervised clinical experience with taking classes in subjects such as nursing, biology, and pharmacology. Once you receive your certificate, you are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).You must pass the exam to get a license to work as an LPN/LVN. 3 - Nursing Diploma (Hospital Earned) 13 You can earn a Nursing Diploma by enrolling in a hospital nursing program. Generally, these programs take 2 years to complete and offer you the ability to observe and practice patient care in a variety of environments.typically, hospitals partner with community college or online colleges and universities where students complete the college course work necessary to earn an associate degree in addition to a nursing diploma. 4 - Associate in Nursing (ASN/ADN) 14 An Associate degree in Nursing trains and prepares nurses to provide direct patient care in settings such as hospitals or rehabilitation centers. Earning an ASN/ADN, whether through an online college or on-campus, is an excellent first step into nursing.an ASS/ADN provides an opportunity for you to quickly gain experience with direct patient care. Many students use their ASN/ADN as a stepping-stone towards earning their BSN or even a Masters in Nursing later on. Earning an ASN/ADN allows you to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX- RN). 15 Once you pass the NCLEX-RN test, you are considered a Registered Nurse (RN). 5 Bachelor s of Science in Nursing (BS/BSN) 16 A BS/BSN is a 4-year degree that can be earned through online colleges and universities as well as at on-campus settings. BS/BSN programs usually require more training in the physical and social sciences, advanced communication skills, leadership ability, and more critical thinking than an associate degree.a Registered Nurse who holds a Bachelor s degree in Nursing generally has a greater opportunity for advancement compared to other types of RNs. Additionally, many nursing positions that previously did not require a BSN now do. Furthermore, if you are interested in moving your nursing career towards administrative positions, research, consulting, or teaching earning your Bachelor s in Nursing is the way to go. When you earn your BS/BSN, you are able to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Passing this test allows you to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN). 15

16 6 - Accelerated BSN or Nursing As a Second Career If you are considering switching your career into nursing, but have already earned your degree in another field, you are in luck.you can enroll in an accelerated nursing program that allows you to bridge your current degree into nursing without repeating course work you ve already taken.typically accelerated programs are just that faster. Building on course work you ve already taken, or prerequisite courses you ve taken through online course providers, you can earn your BSN in a shorter amount of time than it would take if you were starting from scratch. You can earn an accelerated BSN through online colleges and universities as well as through on-campus programs. Make Connections Now As you research the variety of nursing programs out there, whether online or on-campus, it s a good idea to start making connections in the nursing field now.the more familiar you are with medical terminology, career options, and the issues facing the nursing field today, the better equipped you will be to enter the field. Here are a few suggestions: Volunteer: Whether at the hospital nearest you or a doctor s office, you can get a sense of the reality of nursing.to search for hospitals where you can volunteer, check out the HospitalConnect search engine at Participate in a Nursing Organization: You can stay a step ahead of what s going on in the nursing field by following the latest trends on the National Nursing Association website, or by subscribing to newsletters and publications of the various programs which serve nurses: American Nurses Association Association of Women s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses National Student Nurses Association 16

17 Spotlight Success in Nursing: One Nurse s Story of Earning a Nursing Degree Online Here s how one student started out her nursing career as a medical assistant, then earned her ASN, an eventually a BSN all online. Meet Deb-ee Jones, RN I received both my ASN and BSN online and have not regretted a minute of the experience. First, as a medical assistant, I found that I had topped out in my advancement opportunities. As I was contemplating what to do I received a post card advertisement from Excelsior College in New York. I jumped at the chance to advance my degree and still work and carry on with a decent family life.their program was self paced so my first two courses took 6 plus months to complete but after I found out how to study effectively and rid myself of my doubts of preparedness the rest flew by quickly. I completed my ASN in 2½ years while working full time and taking care of a young son and 89-year-old father-in-law. Once I obtained my RN, I quickly changed jobs to work with a facial plastic surgeon and realized an increase of $20 per hour. It made the cost of the online courses worthwhile. After a year of work I then signed up with Kaplan University to complete my BSN.That transition took 16 months and yielded another jump in hourly wage. My biggest fear was my statistics class because I had had a hard time previously with math. What was amazing about the online study was that I found that I had far better teacher interaction than when I had taken stats many years earlier in a classroom setting. I attended the online classes, utilized the online chalkboards to help work out problems and entered into the online student chat rooms for extra help and support.what I found amazing was that my math teacher even called me a few times (before Skype) so that she could talk me through a few problems. I passed with 96%. I found that working online fit my personality better and that I was more willing to ask for help when I was an anonymous, faceless student.also, I was able to study and attend class any time of the night or day and everything was archived to review as many times as needed. I would recommend online studies to anyone that is interested in furthering their education regardless of whether they are near a campus or not. Deb-ee Jones, RN Lake Oswego, OR 17

18 When It s Right, It s Right Whether you are taking your first college course towards your nursing degree, or returning to school for advanced credentials, you can fit college into your already-busy life. For many, the flexibility of online colleges and universities has caused them to become the college solution of choice for students earning a nursing degree.after all, nursing is all about the health and well being of the people you serve; not how green the grass is on the campus where you are earning your degree. Your nursing education is the fuel to help you better serve your patients.the better you serve your patients, the better served you are in your career. If you have the passion, the timing is certainly right to start training to become a nurse. With the revolution in online learning, you can begin anytime,anywhere and be on your way. After all,when it s right,it s right. And the only way you will know for sure if nursing is right for you is to take that first class and be on your way. 18

19 Part Four: Where are the nursing jobs? How do I get one? Advice from Steven Pope,former enrollment counselor at Western Governors University I ve spoken to about 1,500 nurses in the past twelve months as an enrollment counselor at Western Governors University.There are typically two types of students I spoke to that are looking to get a degree in nursing to improve their job opportunities.the first are those that have an associate degree or diploma from 15+ years ago and are coming back to get their BSN, often because their hospital is forcing them to for magnet status purposes.and second are fresh graduates who just finished their Associate degree in Nursing from a community college. Both face the same problem how to obtain or keep a nursing job? Education, the prerequisite for a nursing job Education is the key answer,and getting the nursing classes required can be a challenge.luckily most of the general education classes can be taken online for college credit,but clinicals cannot. Nurses returning to finish their degree are often missing nutrition and biochemistry.most programs also require statistics as a general education course. Best locations for nursing jobs In my personal opinion big cities in Texas are currently the best place to find a nursing job,by far.salt Lake City would be my next choice.since Austin and SLC are also ranked by AOL as the 2nd and 3rd best cities for jobs in general,it may not be related to the nursing industry at all but rather just to strong growth opportunities.oklahoma has a lot of nursing growth,and shows it dominating the job listings.california may be bad in general for jobs overall,and may be the hardest state to get state nursing certification in,but its demand for nurses is very high.since the bar is so high,the competition can be easier if you excel.california is the only state that requires a clinical for the BSN.Florida has a lot of substantial growth for nursing, which is kind of obvious because of the older population s attraction to retiring there.so there s a lot of elder care in Florida. 19

20 Best way to find a job? Network There are many ways to network. I m a strong believer in LinkedIn. Before you are looking for a job, be sure to add the important contacts, get the appropriate recommendations, and have a resume all ready to go.this advice is not unique to nursing. Nursing job demand will skyrocket soon There are a lot of nurses out of work right now.the main reason is hospitals can t afford to hire additional staff despite a desperate need. Instead, they are paying overtime and many nurses are working more than fulltime.add to this the aging demographics in the U.S. as healthcare technology and overall healthcare increase the average age and you have an inevitable demand for nursing on the horizon. Many of the overtime nurses will burn out, hospitals will be forced to hire staff, and when the economy recovers it will create a high demand situation overnight. 20

21 Going to College? Consider Taking Your Nursing Related Courses or other Required Courses from StraighterLine When you enroll at StraighterLine, you take our online, self-paced college courses in the comfort of your own home. If you pass those courses, they automatically transfer for full credit when you enroll in one of our accredited partner colleges. Your Degree Comes From Them.The Savings Comes From Us. Why pay more for the same degree? For just $99 a month plus a $39 per course registration fee, you can take as many 3- and 4-credit college courses as you want. Courses include: Mathematics College Algebra Precalculus General Calculus I General Calculus II Business Statistics Business Accounting I Accounting II Managerial Accounting Economics I: Macroeconomics Economics II: Microeconomics Introduction to Business English English Composition I English Composition II Business Communication Humanities United States History I Western Civilization I Introduction to Criminal Justice Introduction to Sociology Personal Finance Introduction to Nutrition Sciences Introductory Biology for Nonmajors Introductory Biology for Nonmajors & Lab General Chemistry I General Chemistry I & Lab Anatomy & Physiology I Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab Anatomy & Physiology II Anatomy & Physiology II With Lab Medical Terminology Introduction to Psychology Pharmacology I Pharmacology II General Physics I General Physics I with Lab College Prep Introductory Algebra Developmental Writing Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Student Success 21

22 Why StraighterLine? We re New. We re Different.Why Should You Trust Us? In the short time we've been around, we've been recognized as a revolutionizing force in education by major news organizations and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and have forged partnerships with the leading accredited online colleges and universities. Our courses are evaluated and recommended by the American Council on Education s College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE CREDIT). In addition to the institutions with which StraighterLine has a direct relationship, more than 200 other schools are reported to have accepted StraighterLine coursework for transfer credit. Don t Take Our Word for It. Listen to Our Students I ve had 10 courses transferred so far without any issue, and it s usually been very prompt in comparison to most schools I ve dealt with. Adam Ditillo, 12/12/11 I saved quite a bit of money, time, and frustration by taking this course at StraighterLine.The credit transfer process took about a week from start to finish. Jamie Pole 10/31/11 It was by far the best and most smooth experience in credit transfer for me ever. It took less than 3 days for it to show on my CCSU transcripts. Ahmed Behery 5/1/11 transferred my credit with ease.the staff was helpful at both ends of the transaction and eventually I transferred that credit again to the University of Missouri where I m working to finish my degree... Joe Scheinkopf, 8/31/10 22

23 Our Students Grade Us! To better understand how our courses are meeting students needs, we commissioned a well-regarded higher education research firm to conduct a survey of our alumni. StraighterLine Students Earn Real College Credit Over 90% of the students who sought credit for completed StraighterLine coursework were successful.this includes nearly 80% of those who sought credit at colleges and universities outside the StraighterLine partner college network (ie, institutions with which StraighterLine does not have a formal articulation-like arrangement). StraighterLine s Programs Are Effective Nearly 90% of StraighterLine alums are either currently enrolled in a degree program or have completed a college degree since taking their StraighterLine course. Over 70% who completed a StraighterLine course felt it made them more likely to complete a college degree. Nearly half felt better prepared for traditional college courses as a result of having taken a StraighterLine course. Students Are Overwhelmingly Satisfied with StraighterLine s Courses Among those who completed a StraighterLine course, well over 90% would recommend the program to a friend. Satisfaction was remarkably high even among those who did not successfully complete, where 70% would still recommend StraighterLine to a friend. StraighterLine vs. Online Courses Offered by Traditional Colleges and Universities Respondents who had also earned college credit through an online course offered by a college or university were asked to compare that experience with StraighterLine on a number of measures. StraighterLine courses were found to be: Equally or more rigorous 79% indicated StraighterLine equally or more academically rigorous Continues 23

24 More convenient 72% indicated StraighterLine more convenient More affordable 73% indicated StraighterLine lower cost Greater overall satisfaction 90% indicated more or equally satisfied with Straighterline About the study: Hezel Associates invited to participate in the survey all students who had either successfully or unsuccessfully completed a StraighterLine course during the period from the company s inception to June 6, 2011.There was an 11.5% response rate during the data collection period. You can download a PDF of the final results at: 24

25 Notes 1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, How to Become a Nursing Aide, Orderly, or Attendant, 2012, p1. Planning 2 Bureau of Labor Statistics, a Successful What Nursing Aides, Orderlies, First andcollege Attendants Do, 2012, Semester p Bureau of Labor Statistics, What Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants Do, 2012, p Bureau of Labor Statistics,How to Become a Licensed Practical or Licensed Vocational Nurse,2012,p Bureau of Labor Statistics, What Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Do, 2012, p Bureau of Labor Statistics,How to Become a Licensed Practical or Licensed Vocational Nurse,2012,p Bureau of Labor Statistics, How to Become a Registered Nurse, 2012, p Bureau of Labor Statistics, What Registered Nurses Do, 2012, p American Nurses Credentialing Center: Certification Center 10 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 11 StudentDoc.com, Nursing Jobs Salaries 12 Bureau of Labor Statistics,How to Become a Licensed Practical or Licensed Vocational Nurse,p The Campaign for Nursing s Future, Starting Out, p Bureau of Labor Statistics, How to Become a Registered Nurse, p The Campaign for Nursing s Future, Starting Out, p Bureau of Labor Statistics, How to Become a Registered Nurse, p