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Nursing Schools

Outstanding opportunity, career satisfaction, flexibility and more.

Nursing Schools

Nursing is a rewarding career with a wide range of options. Local nursing programs include Helene Fuld School of Nursing in Camden County and Burlington County College. Drexel University offers online programs with special tuition discounts for Virtua employees.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

LPNs attend school for about a year and upon graduation, typically perform nursing tasks under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). In South Jersey, the Burlington County Institute of Technology and the Technical Institute of Camden County offer LPN education.

Registered Nurse (RN)

RNs graduate from one of the following nursing education programs:

  • Diploma program: A two- to three-year program based at hospitals, usually in conjunction with community colleges
  • Associate of Science (AS): A two- to three-year program offered at community colleges, locally, the Helene Fuld School of Nursing in Camden County and Burlington County College have programs.
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A four-year program offered at colleges and universities. For complete information, go to the Discover Nursing site. Drexel University offers online programs (including RN-to-BSN) with special tuition discounts for Virtua employees.

After completing their education and training, RNs are required to pass a state exam to obtain a license to practice nursing.

Master's Degree (MSN)

Master's degree programs are offered at universities and prepare nurses for more independent roles, such as:

  • Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM): Focuses on the care of the mother during pregnancy and assist with childbirth
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): Focuses on a specialty, such as cancer or pediatrics
  • Nurse Anesthetist: Works with the surgeon to administer medication and helps to keep the patient stable during surgery
  • Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP): Works with the physician to provide primary care for the patient

Learn more about MSN programs at Discover Nursing. Drexel University offers online programs (including Nurse Practitioner specializations and Master's and Certificates in Nursing Education) with special tuition discounts for Virtua employees.

Doctoral Degree (PhD, EdD, DNS)

Doctoral programs are offered at universities and prepare nurses to assume leadership roles, conduct research and teach.

Nurses work in all areas of a hospital:

  • Pediatrics: Care for children
  • Obstetrics: Care for mothers and their new babies
  • Emergency Department: Care for patients with sudden illness or injury
  • Intensive Care Unit: Care for critically ill patients
  • Medical/Surgical Unit: Care for patients after surgery or seriously ill patients
  • Surgical Services: Care for the patient before, during and after surgery
  • Management: Manage a nursing unit, department or a hospital
  • Education: Teach the staff

Nurses work outside hospitals

Nurses can take their education and experience out of the hospital and into the community. Nurses at long-term care centers (nursing homes) care for patients who are rehabilitating from an illness or who are no longer independent. Home care nurses provide direct care and education to patients and their families.

Nurses with jobs in clinics and physician offices work with doctors to treat and educate patients. Nurses also work in business and industry as consultants, or to monitor the health needs of employees.