Meagan Hollman
Perhaps the most cliché reason given for becoming a medical anything is “You get to help people.” While this is a very admirable reason, and one that more professions should set at high priority, there are more economic, “real world” reasons to consider becoming a nurse at one of Utah's colleges.
Good nursing programs aren’t hard to come by. You can choose from 4-year programs at universities and nursing schools or 2-year programs at Utah vocational colleges. Whether it is a Utah college or a nursing school, you will be getting a certified, comprehensive education.
Being a nurse comes with great medical and dental benefits, plus access to the best medical doctors. Nursing benefit packages generally include life insurance as well as retirement plans which are becoming increasingly more important in today’s struggling economy. As far as bonuses go, there are many opportunities to move up in the nursing hierarchy, such as Nurse Manager, plus special salary for certain positions.
Registered Nurses (RNs) with Bachelor’s degrees can make $18 to $20 per hour; LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurses) trained at Utah colleges can make $12 to $14 per hour. Regardless of whether you got your degree at a Utah college or a nursing school, there are always opportunities for pay advancement over time.
The field of medicine is always advancing. Research is always being conducted; medical discoveries are being made every day; new treatments for diseases like cancer are being developed. Nurses will always be needed. Plus, the baby boomers, who represent nearly 20% of America’s population, are getting older, which means they’ll soon need care. You’ll never have to worry about being out of a job.
Nursing schools and Utah colleges prepare students to work in a number of healthcare environments. Nurses can work in nursing homes, hospitals and private practices. They even get to travel on occasion, working specifically with patients who need at-home care. Nurses and other healthcare professionals have the opportunity to volunteer abroad in third-world countries. Work hours are flexible from 9-5 weekdays, occasional weekends and sometimes nightshifts, depending on where you work.
