on the growing need for nurses in the U.S.鈥攁nd for more nursing schools to educate them. This is nothing new. Nurses have always been regarded as the backbone of our healthcare system, and with more positions becoming available every day, we continually need more nurses to fill them.

According to the , the United States is facing a nursing shortage due to multiple factors that were only exacerbated by the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. This demand for nurses is ongoing as evidenced by an HHS study that states that 50,000 new registered nurses should be added to the existing workforce every year since 2014 just to meet the growing need. Despite this, the that registered nursing employment will grow by 6% in the next decade.

黑料网最新入口 is proud to help meet the rising demands for well-trained nurses by offering accelerated, year-round education programs that enable new nurses to become licensed faster than traditional programs. Registered nurses are required to have a minimum of an associate鈥檚 degree in nursing to become licensed. However, for nurses seeking to grow in their careers, earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree in nursing can open more doors for nurses looking for career advancement, increased salaries, and improved patient outcomes.

1. You Can Apply to More Jobs

A BSN degree opens more employment doors. Jobs for BSNs include leadership positions, management roles, traveling nurse contracts, and other specialty positions. A bachelor鈥檚 degree is widely accepted as essential for many nursing careers, but a BSN is also becoming a requirement for many nursing positions at certain hospitals and healthcare facilities.

Recognizing the value of more educated nursing staff, many institutions now require all of their nurses to hold a BSN, even for positions that previously requires an associate鈥檚 degree only. This practice is becoming more common, so to remain competitive for the majority of posted nursing jobs, nurses are encouraged to continue their education and become BSN-prepared.

Related Resource: Why You Should Consider Alternative Nursing Jobs

2. You鈥檒l Be More Eligible for Leadership Positions

Every person has to start somewhere, and almost every career begins with an entry-level position. 罢丑别谤别鈥檚 an egalitarian nature to nursing, the sense that all nurses are in this together, but there鈥檚 still some hierarchy. When looking at jobs for BSNs, you’ll notice that leadership, management, and higher-level nursing staff positions require a BSN degree. Meaning, if you want more upward mobility in your nursing career, earning your BSN will give you broader opportunities for career growth.

Related Resource:聽5 Nursing Specialties That Require a BSN Degree

3. You Could Have Access to More Benefits

As a whole, BSN-educated nurses receive improved benefits for their labor. Nurses with a bachelor’s degree can earn a higher salary, enjoy a better work-life balance, and have more control over their work schedules. As a leader and an expert within the field, you also pull more influence over internal processes and workplace culture with a BSN.

Related Resource:聽How to Get Your BSN Degree

4. A BSN Can Open Doors to Non-Hospital Opportunities

Some nurses spend their whole careers in direct patient care positions and wouldn鈥檛 dream of doing anything else; others find the idea of teaching, case management, informatics, leadership or policy more appealing after they鈥檝e put in a few years bedside.

While you may be okay with the high-impact physical activity you do as part of your nursing job today, this may not be the case five, 10, or 15 years down the road. Earning a BSN will open the doors to non-clinical jobs in the future, so you have the option of teaching or administration.

Related Resource: Why Nurses Should Consider Non-Direct Patient Care Jobs

5. You Can Find a BSN Program That Fits Into Your Schedule

Online education has come a long way. 黑料网最新入口鈥檚 RN to BSN program is designed for working nurses with 100% of the didactic coursework completed online and asynchronously. This means you can complete the program in as little as one year so you can balance coursework with the rest of your life. It allows you to keep your current job and be more present for your family and friends. You can do the schoolwork when it fits into your schedule, wherever you work most comfortably, and you don鈥檛 have to commute to campus.

Related Resource:聽Why Choose 黑料网最新入口鈥檚 aBSN Program?

6. You Can Improve Your Nursing Skills

The has aggregated numerous studies reporting on nursing care. Some of the many benefits of a BSN degree include:

• Lower patient mortality rates
• Lower failure-to-rescue rates
• Higher proficiency at diagnoses and evaluating nursing interventions
• Improved professional integration and research/evaluation skills

This research, though impressive, shouldn鈥檛 be too surprising. The purpose of higher education in nursing is to increase your workplace knowledge and proficiency. This evidence simply proves its effectiveness and that earning your BSN will make you a better nurse.

Related Resource:聽Work Benefits of Getting a BSN Degree

7. You Could See a Bump in Your Salary

A glance at the median salaries of nurses with an ASN vs. nurses with a BSN shows that you can earn quite a bit more money with an advanced degree. According to , the pay difference between nurses with and without a BSN was over $6,000 a year. Some nurses see an immediate pay increase after obtaining their BSN depending on their current position and work benefits. However, others may not see a raise until they apply for higher-paying positions that are only available to those with higher education.

Higher-paying nursing positions often require a BSN, as do some graduate programs, which can open the door to many different career paths. The real financial benefit is that you can apply for the highest-paying BSN jobs. Earning a BSN might not increase your salary overnight (though it might!), but it will open the door to a higher salary.

Related Resource:聽15 Highest Paying Nursing Jobs

8. You’ll Help Shape the Nursing Industry

Even if it’s your first day as a nurse, you鈥檙e contributing to the nursing profession. But if you want to claim a stake and help bring some definition or further change to the evolving world of healthcare 鈥� through educating others, shaping policy, or conducting research 鈥� a BSN will help get you there.

It is valuable for nurses to constantly continue the pursuit education, notably to have a stronger voice and impact on how the nursing profession evolves. Earning a BSN can solidify your authority and enable you to contribute in more meaningful ways to the nursing industry.

Related Resource:聽How to Create a Healthy Work Environment in Nursing

9. You Can Stay Ahead of Legislative Changes

If the previous reasons didn鈥檛 convince you, many state legislators have already made up their minds. While many top hospitals and healthcare systems already require their nurses to be bachelor-prepared, or to get their BSN within a certain amount of time after hire, legislation like the are being introduced in various states and has been passed in New York state requiring RNs to earn their BSN within 10 years of licensure to continue practicing. While New York is the only state to approve this rule, it is likely other states will follow suit by requiring nurses to earn their BSNs to help improve patient outcomes.

Related Resource:聽Why Some Hospitals Already Require a BSN Degree

10. You May Have Better Work-Life Balance

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree can provide nurses with a better work-life balance for several reasons. Because BSN-prepared nurses receive a more comprehensive education and advanced skills, they often have access to a wider range of job opportunities, allowing them to choose roles that align with their personal preferences and family commitments. Additionally, healthcare institutions increasingly value BSN degrees, offering more favorable work schedules, higher salaries, and improved job satisfaction for nurses with BSN degrees.

Related Resource:聽Nursing Careers for Working Moms

If you鈥檙e interested in expanding your career choices as a nurse by earning your accelerated BSN degree, learn more about our 1-year RN to BSN program. You can complete schoolwork when it fits into your schedule, keep your current job while attending, and be more present for your family and friends. Request more information online or call us a (801) 890-4704.

We designed our RN to BSN program with working nurses in mind 鈥� it鈥檚 online and flexible so you can balance school, home, and work. This program will build on your prior nursing education and practice with classes on nursing ethics, healthcare management, advanced nursing practice, and more.

Here are 10 reasons why you should earn your BSN at Joyce.

1. Our RN to BSN Program is Only 4 Semesters

Your time is valuable, so we designed an accelerated RN to BSN pathway that only takes four semesters, or just over one year, to complete. That makes this one of the fastest ways to grow your nursing career. Joyce鈥檚 online RN to BSN program is 120 credit hours, consisting of 51 credits and 45 practicum hours, adding to the 69 hours of transfer credit previously earned in your ASN program. We build on your prior education, so you can fast-track your nursing career growth.

2. Our RN to BSN Coursework is 100% Online

We created an online RN to BSN program that you can complete on your schedule and at your convenience. 黑料网最新入口 is staffed with seasoned nurse faculty, so we recognize what it takes to balance work, school, and family.

Our RN to BSN coursework is asynchronous, which means that you can complete weekly assignments when it鈥檚 convenient for you. Our online format also means that you have a digital library, virtual tutoring, student services support, and IT help at your fingertips. Students in this program are not required to travel to campus for any training, enabling qualified out-of-state students to complete the program in their location.

3. Our RN to BSN Program Focuses on Holistic Nursing Practice

You already know that nursing is about much more than administering medications. Our RN to BSN degree integrates practice standards set by the American Holistic Nurses Association that promotes a well-rounded, client-centered nursing philosophy.

For 黑料网最新入口, holistic nursing means that we consider the client as a whole person. Patients have social, cultural, and spiritual lives that extend beyond the walls of any healthcare facility. We teach communication, cultural sensitivity, evidence-based practice, client education, complementary therapies, and how to collaborate with the whole healthcare team, and we find that well-rounded nurses exceed expectations for bedside manner and client care.

4. Our RN to BSN Doesn鈥檛 Require a Traditional Pre-Licensure Clinical

罢丑别谤别鈥檚 no need to send qualified RNs through traditional supervised clinical rotations to obtain their BSN. At Joyce, we create the opportunity for RN to BSN students to dive into specialized work with hands-on practicum experience. BSN practicums are immersive ways for nursing students to bring theoretical knowledge into their nursing practices.

5. Every Project is Practical and Designed for Portfolio Development

We designed the Joyce RN to BSN degree to hone your nursing instincts at every step and build your portfolio for future job applications. Coursework at Joyce is practice-focused and offers real-world applications. You can be sure that everything you learn is relevant to your career. When applying for jobs at the end of your BSN program, you can look back on every project and tell an interviewer how it has strengthened your nursing and critical thinking skills.

6. You鈥檒l Learn From Seasoned Faculty with a Variety of Specialties

Just because our RN to BSN program is online doesn鈥檛 mean that you鈥檙e on your own. Joyce鈥檚 faculty members have all worked in the nursing profession, representing a wide variety of professional and educational experience. Our faculty makes themselves available to mentor students and empower them with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. We also have faculty advisors available who can help you develop your career, network, and land the right job. At Joyce, we have your back.

7. The Curriculum is Founded on a High Standard of Excellence

On top of our institutional and programmatic accreditation, we structured the RN to BSN program to meet the American Association of Colleges of Nursing鈥檚 The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education guidelines. These guidelines are designed as a framework that pushes nurses beyond the basics and into a higher realm of critical thinking and client care.

8. Our RN to BSN is Current to the Changing Healthcare Industry

Evidence-based practice is always shifting to reflect scientific developments. Because Joyce鈥檚 curriculum is designed for working nurses, we keep up to date on current nursing practice, including healthcare research and trends. In this way, we prepare our RN to BSN students to lead the nursing field and shape it in positive ways.

9. Our RN to BSN Has High Job Placement Rates

A Joyce BSN is a great move for your career, and most BSN nursing graduates who pass the NCLEX find employment within six months of graduating. A Joyce degree will challenge you to meet high standards of excellence and provide you with marketable skills designed to prepare you for the workforce. Our career services team is to assist you as you all along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions 黑料网最新入口 RN to BSN Programs

Where Will You Complete Your Practicum?

Practicums get students out of the virtual classroom and into the community. Clinical practice experiences take place in local-to-you healthcare facilities and may include interviews, observation, and research. During your practicum, you鈥檒l collaborate with preceptors and faculty mentors. This can open the door for future job placements and gives insight into nursing management.

What Is the RN to BSN Curriculum?

Our curriculum builds on your prior nursing education and will raise you to the next level of professionalism and expertise. RN to BSN courses focus on professional development, research, advanced nursing practice, ethics, collaboration across professions, nursing management, and more.

What Can BSN Nurses Do That ASN Nurses Can鈥檛?

Our RN to BSN program prepares students to fill advanced specialist roles after graduation, which ASN-prepared RNs rarely get the opportunity to do. BSN nurses typically have better job placement, more leadership opportunities, more career options, and increased earning potential. Because many healthcare facilities prefer to hire nurses with BSNs over an ASN, a Joyce BSN may open up your career prospects and your potential for a rewarding healthcare career.

Start Your RN to BSN Journey Today

黑料网最新入口鈥檚 RN to BSN completion program can fast-track your growth in a little over one year. We designed our flexible, online format to give you control over your career, and our focus on projects with real-world applications will prepare you for nursing excellence.

Ready to get started? Talk to an admissions advisor today.

If you’re looking into Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) school, you鈥檙e starting down a meaningful and lucrative career pat. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a in OTA job opportunities over the next decade, meaning that an OTA career will be stable and offer a great salary right out of school.

Before you start your journey, it’s important to choose a school that will be a good fit for you and set you up for long-term success. Here鈥檚 how to choose the best OTA school for you.

What is OTA school?

OTA school is how you become an OTA. A good OTA program will include courses and lectures, hands-on learning, fieldwork, and exam prep. All these learning formats work together to prepare you to be a competent, successful OTA.

9 Considerations for Choosing an OTA School

1. Accredited OTA Programs

It鈥檚 important to attend an accredited OTA program. Accreditation means that a respected outside organization has thoroughly vetted a school or program and found that its curriculum, faculty, programs, and services are up to standards. The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education () is an organization that reviews OT schools and programs to make sure that they鈥檙e preparing students for OT careers. There are also accredited online OTA programs, so you can be sure of a quality OT education both in person and remotely.

黑料网最新入口鈥檚 OTA program is ACOTE accredited, and we have institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). At the time of this publication, 黑料网最新入口 is one of only six schools approved to offer an OTA program through distance education, enabling students from select states to prepare for NBCOT licensure in just 20 months.

2. OTA Program Length

OTA school generally takes two years to complete but some programs are faster, and some let you go at your own pace. At Joyce, you can finish your OTA program and qualify as an OTA in just 20 months.

Compare OTA program lengths and choose a school that works with your lifestyle and plans. Some students want to stay in school for longer and take their time, and some prefer to move quickly through OT school and hit the ground running with a career. Either way, be clear on your own plans and learning style to choose an OTA program that you鈥檒l thrive in. Students looking for a fast-track program thrive at Joyce.

3. OTA School Cost

When you鈥檙e considering OTA school cost, remember to factor in:

• Tuition
• Books and materials
• Fees
• Cost of living and/or relocation
• Licensure and certification costs
• Financial aid

According to , the average cost of OTA school (including tuition and fees) as of 2023 is $38,545, which means that the average cost of OTA school per semester is around $9,600. Investing in your future with OTA schooling can feel intimidating, but it comes with a great return. The BLS that in 2022, the median annual wage for OTAs is $64,250, with top earners making an average of $85,580 per year.

You can also defray the cost with financial aid. Most OTA schools will have a financial aid office and resources to help you pay for school.

As of 2023, 黑料网最新入口鈥檚 OTA program costs $44,175. Our financial aid office is here to help you find scholarships, grants, loans, work study opportunities, and (if applicable) veterans benefits to help you pay for your OTA training.

4. OTA School Requirements

Many OTA schools have prerequisites, which can include physiology labs, general education classes, and medical terminology courses. Make sure you check the OTA school requirements for every program you consider.

Joyce鈥檚 OTA program has no college-level prerequisites. To enroll, students must have proof of high school graduation or its equivalent, pass a college readiness exam, and meet our general admissions requirements.

5. OTA Program Format

In the digital age you have access to different types of OTA schools, including traditional in-person classes and online OTA programs. Keep in mind that this career requires hands-on learning, so OTA online programs generally include in-person aspects like labs, clinical experiences, and fieldwork.

At 黑料网最新入口, you can do accredited OTA classes online and you don鈥檛 even need to live near our Draper, Utah campus. Distance learners from several states take advantage of our flexible, convenient OTA program. Joyce鈥檚 didactic courses are held mostly online, and out of state students travel to our campus for short periods to participate in labs. You can read more about our residency requirements and resources for distance learners here.

6. NBCOT Test Preparation

Your OTA program should set you up for success when it comes time to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy () test to earn your OTA certification. Look for schools and programs with a high NBCOT pass rate and courses dedicated to test prep.

We鈥檙e proud of Joyce鈥檚 98% NBCOT pass rate. Your final semester in Joyce鈥檚 OTA program will include a dedicated review course, which is a big way that we support students in successfully becoming certified OTAs.

7. OTA Program Curriculum

Accredited OTA programs will all cover the same OT basics, but the specific curricula will differ. Some will include general education courses, and some may have varying emphases, like pediatric or geriatric care. If you have a specialty in mind or know where you want to work, make sure to apply to OTA schools that cover your area of interest.

Joyce has a comprehensive OTA curriculum that covers the lifespan from pediatrics through adult and geriatric populations. You鈥檒l learn both knowledge and hands-on skills from didactic courses, labs, simulations, and fieldwork. Take a closer look at Joyce’s OTA curriculum here.

OTA school is designed to be challenging. Look for schools with supportive faculty and student resources to help you succeed. Joyce鈥檚 student portal gives insight into how your OTA student experience would be here. It has links to student services like IT support, tutoring programs, and additional resources for student success.

8. Faculty Experience

Professors and faculty will shape much of your day-to-day experience at OTA school. Connecting with a faculty mentor can give you someone to turn to during school鈥檚 challenges and later, when you鈥檙e facing questions during your OTA career.

Look into each prospective school鈥檚 faculty. You鈥檒l want to learn from highly-qualified professionals with lots of teaching experience. At Joyce, we hire experienced, doctorate-prepared faculty.

9. Job Placement Support

The result of any good OT school is job placement as an OTA. Your education and licensure will qualify you for work and are important parts of this process, but your OTA program should also support you in finding a good job.

When you鈥檙e researching OTA programs, look for schools with career services offices. These will support your long-term success with jobs that are a great fit for you.

All 黑料网最新入口 students and graduates can access our career services for support. Career services tracks student job placement by program, showing that 76.9% of OTA graduates were employed.

罢丑别谤别鈥檚 a lot to consider when you鈥檙e choosing the right OT school. Remember, you are entering this field as an OTA to make a difference in your clients鈥� everyday lives. Take the next step in your OTA education by exploring a variety of programs to find the one that best fits your schedule and cultivates career opportunities.

Explore All Healthcare Education Options at 黑料网最新入口

From our renowned OTA program to our nursing pathways鈥攚hether you’re beginning your healthcare journey with our ASN program, pursuing a 3 year BSN degree or accelerated BSN program, advancing through our RN to BSN program, or reaching higher with an MSN degree, discover which healthcare pathway aligns with your career goals by exploring our nursing programs.

Occupational Therapy (OT) helps people of any age living with injuries and disabilities learn to perform daily activities. For children, daily activities mean learning and playing.

Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) help children with a wide range of disabilities, injuries, and physical and cognitive needs play and learn. The skills built through pediatric OT set children up for lifelong growth and help build self-sufficiency.

If you enjoy children and are patient, compassionate, and creative, a pediatric OT career could help you make a lasting difference. At 黑料网最新入口, our OTA program teaches childhood development and the specialized skills you鈥檒l need in pediatric OT jobs.

What Do Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistants Do?

Pediatric OTAs collaborate with other professionals to carry out treatment plans for injured and disabled children. OT for children supports learning and playing skills, and can include a wide variety of physical, cognitive, social, and creative exercises.

All of these exercises and strategies support children鈥檚 development and build skills for independence so they can better operate in a world that isn鈥檛 accommodating for them.

It鈥檚 never too early to support a child鈥檚 development. Pediatric OT is an early intervention that builds a foundation for long-term success with physical tasks, social situations, and other activities of daily living.

How do Pediatric OTAs Impact Children’s Lives?

Pediatric OTAs have a huge influence on children鈥檚 development. Through the help of pediatric OT, many children develop lifelong skills for self-care and independence, like hygiene, dressing themselves, cooking, and cleaning. Pediatric OTAs assist children in finding ways to succeed in education, helping them build effective communication and social skills.

Pediatric OTAs love seeing their work make a difference in a child鈥檚 life. Opportunities to contribute to a happier life draw many pediatric OTAs to the field. If you鈥檙e looking for an emotionally rewarding profession, you鈥檙e in the right place.

What Children Benefit from Pediatric OT?

Pediatric OT, like all OT, is always tailored to each individual鈥檚 needs. Children with the same diagnosis can have very diverse needs, and good pediatric OTAs will creatively build treatment plans. In 黑料网最新入口鈥檚 OTA program, you鈥檒l learn what a day in the life of an OTA looks like, gaining the tools to work and effectively communicate with these young patients. Here are some general ways that pediatric OT can serve a variety of children.

Children on the autism spectrum and with ADHD

Neurodiverse children have widely varied needs, and pediatric OT can support many of them. Pediatric OTAs help kids with autism spectrum disorder and ADHD:

• Manage sensory differences by using tools to help meet sensory needs
• Communicate effectively
• Navigate social situations
• Build emotional regulation skills

Children with Down syndrome

Pediatric OT can help children with Down syndrome:

• Learn age-appropriate, self-care activities like feeding and dressing themselves
• Communicate effectively with speech therapists
• Manage sensory differences and needs
• Develop fine and gross motor skills
• Build social skills

Children with cerebral palsy

Pediatric OT helps children with cerebral palsy:

• Improve joint and muscle coordination
• Develop motor skills
• Build social connections and play
• Manage sensory needs

Children with spinal cord injuries

Many children with spinal cord injuries have to relearn skills that came easily pre-injury. Pediatric OT gives these children and their families the tools to gain or regain independence.

Pediatric OTAs can help children with spinal cord injuries:

• Adapt to mobility aids like wheelchairs, including learning to transfer in and out of the chair
• Learn or relearn how to walk
• Strengthen parts of the body affected by spinal cord damage
• Build or rebuild balance
• Develop skills for independence
• Navigate new ways to play

Children with developmental delays or other disabilities

Children with a wide array of developmental delays or disabilities can benefit from pediatric OT. Pediatric OTAs mix and match treatments as appropriate, but may help children:

• Learn adaptive technology
• Practice educational skills like writing
• Hone motor skills
• Integrate in social situations
• Manage sensory needs
• Build age-appropriate self-care skills

How to Become a Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant

To become a pediatric OTA, you must:

1. Earn an OTA associate鈥檚 degree

2. Pass the NBCOT qualifying exam

3. Apply for and obtain state licensure

This associate-level education and training typically takes two years, but some fast-track programs can accelerate the process. At 黑料网最新入口, you can become a certified OTA in as little as 20 months (just five semesters) of mostly online classes.

Joyce鈥檚 OTA training is comprehensive, so you鈥檒l take specialized courses on OT for every life stage, as well as psychosocial, physical, and psychological approaches to OT. During your final semester at Joyce, you鈥檒l complete fieldwork for hands-on learning and take an NBCOT review course, which prepares students to pass the qualifying exam and obtain OTA certification.

Once you鈥檙e certified, you can begin applying for pediatric OTA jobs. At 黑料网最新入口, our faculty is available to help all students and alumni find great jobs.

What Skills & Techniques do Pediatric OTAs Use?

Being a great OTA for adults is one thing, but effectively treating children is a whole other game. Pediatric skills for OTAs can include:

• Sensory integration therapy
• Play-based therapy
• Animal-assisted therapy
• Art and music therapy
• Outdoor play and nature-based activities

Children of different ages benefit from different techniques. For example, early childhood OT with a toddler may use mostly play to build skills or strength. OTAs working with teens may still play but are likely to incorporate life and job skills.

Child-focused OT gives OTAs the opportunity to collaborate with other specialists, like art and music therapists and recreational therapists. These experiences make pediatric OT a varied and exciting field with lots of chances to keep learning.

How to Get Pediatric OTA Jobs?

At 黑料网最新入口, we encourage our students to take advantage of networking opportunities through volunteer programs, fieldwork, and networking events. Our career services office can also connect you with pediatric OTA jobs.

Pediatric OT is a growing field with a great job outlook. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 23% growth projection for OTA jobs in the next decade. This far outstrips the average job outlook, which means that pediatric OTAs have great potential for career advancement.

As the pediatric OT field grows, more diverse pediatric OTA jobs are hitting the market. These pediatric OTAs can work in schools, clinics, hospitals, summer camps, homes, speech and language centers, and more. As the field advances, more opportunities will arise.

FAQs 黑料网最新入口 Pediatric OTAs

How is a pediatric OTA different from a pediatric OT?

Pediatric OTAs work alongside pediatric OTs. Pediatric OTAs report to pediatric OTs and support them in building treatment plans, performing therapeutic activities exercises, managing and maintaining equipment, communicating with families, tracking patient progress, and more.

What are common conditions that require pediatric OT?

Children with a diverse range of needs and abilities can benefit from pediatric OT. Pediatric OTAs frequently work with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, and other disabilities.

How much does a pediatric OTA make?

Factors like location, years of experience, and education impact your pay, but the average annual pediatric OTA salary is

Where do pediatric OTAs get paid the most?

According to , the highest-paying areas for pediatric OTAs are Washington DC, California, New Jersey, Alaska, and Massachusetts.

As a pediatric OTA, you could help build the foundation for many happy and successful lives. If you are interested in a fulfilling career as an OTA, start your journey at Joyce today.

Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) are frequently confused, so let鈥檚 set the record straight. The difference between OT and PT is that OT focuses on improving a client鈥檚 ability to perform everyday activities while PT focuses on improving a patient鈥檚 ability to perform body movements and function. Here鈥檚 a breakdown of how they differ.

Occupational Therapy vs Physical Therapy

Both occupational therapy and physical therapy are important healing modalities that help patients live full lives. 罢丑别谤别鈥檚 also plenty of overlap between the methods and skills used in PT and OT. The difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy is that OT focuses on lifestyle and skills and PT focuses on physiology.

PT is focused on patients鈥� physiology and helps them build physical strength, range of motion, and flexibility. Physical Therapists (PTs) help patients recover after injuries or operations through targeted practices like stretches, exercises, and hands-on treatments. PTs work closely with their assistants, Physical Therapist Assistant (PTAs), to restore lost function.

While OT also considers physical strength, range of motion, and flexibility, it鈥檚 more focused on lifestyle. Occupational Therapists (OTs) take a holistic approach that builds patient ability and makes reasonable modifications that helps a patient function. On top of physical exercises, OTs may help their patients adapt their home and work environments with equipment and aids. OTs and their assistants, Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs), love the opportunity to think creatively.

Whether a patient seeks OT vs PT depends on their individual needs and goals. For example, an injured or post-surgical patient who鈥檚 otherwise healthy might attend PT to regain strength and reduce pain. OT patients require help with both physical rehabilitation, skill development, and lifestyle changes in order to perform daily tasks. At 黑料网最新入口, our OTA program teaches students how to assist OTs in all these areas.

Job Duties in OT vs PT

Daily life and job duties look a little different in OTs versus PTs, and the same goes for OTAs and PTAs. Here鈥檚 a breakdown of each job.

Occupational Therapist Job Duties

• Evaluate a client鈥檚 condition and treatment needs.
• Develop a client鈥檚 individualized treatment plan.
• Help clients perform daily tasks and practice self-care.
• Advise clients on adaptive equipment.
• Record and assess client progress.
• Evaluate a client鈥檚 home and/or workplace to identify potential improvements, then educate family members and employers on recommended adjustments.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Duties

• Collaborate with OTs to help clients develop and recover skills for activities of daily living.
• Implement treatment programs created by OTs (including activities, exercises, and training on adaptive equipment).
• Track client progress and report it to the OT.
• Guide family members, caregivers, and other healthcare providers on how to best support the client鈥檚 treatment program.
• Maintain treatment areas and set up therapy equipment.

Physical Therapist Job Duties

• Assess physical problems caused by injury or illness.
• Develop individualized treatment plans for patients.
• Utilizes exercises, stretching, hands-on therapy, and equipment to help increase mobility, ease pain, and facilitate improved patient health.
• Maintains records and tracks patient鈥檚 goals and progress.
• Creates wellness programs aimed at preventing injury.
• Educate patients about the recovery process.

Physical Therapy Assistant Job Duties

• Provide PT services under the direction and supervision of a PT.
• Implement treatment plans created with PTs, which include stretching, strength training, exercises, and equipment use.
• Track and report patient progress before, during, and after therapy.
• Maintain treatment areas and set up therapy equipment.

Education and Job Requirements for OT vs PT

PT and OT careers have similar educational requirements. While the required courses and focus varies, both require training, a qualification exam, and licensure. Here are the key steps to careers in OT and PT.

Occupational Therapist Education and Job Requirements

• Earn a master’s or doctorate degree in OT.
• Pass the NBCOT exam for OTs.
• Apply for and obtain state licensure.

Occupational Therapist Assistant Education and Job Requirements

• Earn an associate’s degree.
• Pass the NBCOT exam for OTAs.
• Apply for and obtain state licensure.

While most OTA associate degrees take two years to complete, you can study and qualify to be an OTAs in as few as 20 months at Joyce university. OTA programs are designed to be fast and flexible and will prepare you to pass the NBCOT and meet your state鈥檚 licensure requirements.

Physical Therapist Education and Job Requirements

• Earn a master鈥檚 degree.
• Pass the NPTE exam for PTs.
• Apply for and obtain state licensure.

Physical Therapist Assistant Education and Job Requirements

• Earn an associate鈥檚 degree.
• Pass the NPTE exam for PTAs.
• Apply for and obtain state licensure, which includes CPR and first aid training in some states.

Occupational Therapy vs Physical Therapy Salary

Both OT and PT are high-paying careers with great job outlooks. Many OTAs and PTAs are drawn to their fields by the high salary you can earn after a quick associate鈥檚 degree.

Occupational Therapist Salary

According to The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an average salary of $93,180 annually. As of 2023, job outlook for OTs is also higher than the average, with a 12% growth projection.

Occupational Therapist Assistant Salary

If you鈥檙e looking for a stable job with lots of demand, an OTA career could hit the spot. The BLS a 23% growth projection for OTAs, with an average median salary of $64,250. This field is growing far faster than the average industry, making an OTA degree a great investment in your future.

Physical Therapist Salary

PTs earn an average annual pay of $97,720. The PT job outlook is , with a 15% growth projection.

Physical Therapist Assistant Salary

In 2022, BLS the median annual wage of an PTA is $62,770, with higher than average job prospects at a 19% growth projection.

Physical vs Occupational Therapy Specialties

OT and PT have different opportunities for specialization and advanced certification. Check out some options in each field.

Occupational Therapy Specialties

OTs can earn advanced certifications from the American Occupational Therapy Association (). To earn advanced certifications, OTs must be at least three years into their OT career and have lots of experience in their area, then take a certifying exam.

The current areas of certification are:

• Gerontology
• Pediatrics
• Physical Rehabilitation

Occupational Therapy Assistant Specialties

For OTAs and OTA students, the AOTA offers micro credentials and professional certificates. These are specialized training achievements (and they look great on your resume).

You can earn micro credentials in:

• First Response for Low Vision Rehabilitation
• Supporting Academic Achievement in School-Based Practice
• Supporting Social and Emotional Wellbeing in K-12
• Supporting Educational Transitions from K-12 to Adulthood
• Driving and Community Mobility
• Participation, Resilience, and Wellness
• Home Modifications and Falls Prevention
• Performing a Home Health Start of Care

Micro credentials are a step toward professional certificates for OTAs. You can earn professional certificates in school-based practice and home & community safety and driving.

Physical Therapy Specialties

PTs can earn an American Physical Therapy Association () specialist certification, which sets you apart in your field and signals your commitment to the profession.

APTA specialist certifications are available in:

• Geriatrics
• Wound Management
• Neurology
• Orthopedics
• Cardiovascular and Pulmonary
• Clinical Electrophysiology
• Pediatrics
• Sports
• Women鈥檚 Health
• Oncology

Physical Therapy Assistant Specialties:

PTAs can specialize through APTA鈥檚 .

Advanced proficiency program recognition is valid for ten years and available in the following areas:

• Acute Care
• Cardiovascular and Pulmonary
• Geriatrics
• Neurology
• Oncology
• Orthopedics
• Pediatrics
• Wound Management

Occupational Therapy vs Physical Therapy FAQ

Why choose OT over PT?

OT and PT represent different approaches to healing and rehabilitation. Both can work with all sorts of patients, but OT is more focused on daily living tasks and PT is more about motion and movement. If you鈥檙e trying to decide between careers in OT vs PT, try volunteering. PTA and OTA volunteer work can help you choose which path is right for you.

What do OTs do?

OTs work with individuals who were either born with a medical condition, acquired an injury, or people with health conditions or impairments to build the skills and abilities needed for daily life.

Where do OTs work?

OTs and OTAs work in hospitals, clinics, schools, homes, and more.

Is becoming an OT worth it?

Every career is worth it if it brings you meaning and does good in the world! If you鈥檙e referring to the financial costs and benefits of becoming an OT or OTA, the answer is also yes. 黑料网最新入口鈥檚 OTA program costs approximately $44,000, and your annual salary could be around $60,000, making it a great ROI from the start.

Who should go into OT?

Anyone who wants to make a difference and work directly with people could succeed as an OTA.

What major is best for OT?

An OTA associate鈥檚 degree will prepare you to jump right in as an OTA. If you plan to pursue a master鈥檚 or doctorate degree in OT, bachelor鈥檚 degrees in sports medicine, kinesiology, biology, health science, or exercise science will prepare you to continue studying.

The main difference between OT and PT is that PTs focus on physiological healing and rehabilitation, whereas OTs focus on both physical rehabilitation and skill building for daily life. If you want to begin a career as an OTA, contact an admissions officer today.

Explore Your Healthcare Education Options at 黑料网最新入口

From our renowned OTA program to our comprehensive nursing pathways鈥攚hether you’re beginning your healthcare journey with our ASN program, pursuing a traditional BSN degree or accelerated BSN program, advancing through our RN to BSN program, or reaching higher with an MSN degree, discover which nursing program aligns with your career goals by exploring our nursing school.

Occupational therapy (OT) is hard work for professionals and patients alike. As an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), you will utilize fun therapy interventions that will keep a diverse community of patients engaged, enjoying therapy, and building skills for activities of daily living (ADL). Here are 53 creative OT treatment ideas to add to your OT activity toolkit.

Occupational Therapy Ideas for Kids

Children鈥檚 ADL center around playing and learning. While it鈥檚 not all fun and games, pediatric OTAs gamify many therapeutic interventions. These pediatric OT treatment are designed to keep kids both entertained and learning.

Occupational Therapy Games for Kids

1. Pictionary

Most children love drawing, and it鈥檚 a great OT fine motor activity.

2. Charades

Acting can develop fine and gross motor skills, and it gives children with different communication skills the opportunity to get a point across.

3. Role-playing

Role-playing encourages patients to communicate effectively and practice humor and assertiveness. You can practice using 鈥淚鈥� statements, as well as prepare for challenging or stimulating settings like school, field trips, stores, and more.

4. Dress up

Kids love using their imaginations, and dressing up is a favorite OT idea for preschoolers. Dressing is also an important age-appropriate functional activity and an opportunity to work on motor skills.

5. Board games

Board games are great for communication, social skills, motor skills, reading, and more. You can also modify board games to suit your individual patient鈥檚 needs by customizing cards or the game鈥檚 rules.

6. Build with Legos or blocks

Not only do Legos and blocks encourage motor skills, they also can serve as a launch point for conversation practice. Kids love talking about their creations.

7. Fold paper airplanes

Folding paper airplanes or other origami activities is great for motor skill development. You can also make a game of trying to land the airplanes in a basket, experiment with different airplane designs, or see which airplanes can fly the farthest.

8. Phone games

There are some great phone games that walk children through OT exercises and can motivate them to keep learning and building strength.

Sensory Engagement Ideas for Pediatric Occupational Therapy

9. Play doh

Play doh encourages motor skills and creativity. The texture also makes play doh a great OT tool for autistic kids who may have additional sensory needs.

10. Water balloons

Tossing water balloons is a kid favorite. So much so that it makes the challenge of filling and tying them worth it to some kids who struggle with fine motor skills.

11. Scratch and sniff sticker collage

When looking for sensory OT project ideas, don鈥檛 forget about smell! Scratch and sniff stickers are fun, easy, and can help kids practice putting words to smells.

12. Sensory bins or sandboxes

A sandbox or a big tub filled with beads, dried beans, rice, or other tactile materials can be calming for children. It鈥檚 an especially fun OT activity for autistic individuals or those with sensory processing disorder.

13. Taste test foods

Everyone loves snack time. Try taste testing foods that are sweet, salty, sour, and bitter, then give your pediatric OT patients the chance to describe the flavors.

14. Finger painting

Finger painting combines sensory play with creativity and self-expression, making it a great OT idea for preschoolers to older kids and beyond.

15. Confetti

Make confetti by tearing up paper, using a hole punch, and (if appropriate) practicing with scissors. You may even practice the functional skill of vacuuming or sweeping up after playtime is over.

16. Vibration for lip closure

Some children struggle to close their lips, which leads to excessive drooling. The simple touch of an oral motor tool can give them enough body awareness to close their lips.

17. Suck up animal crackers with straws

We鈥檙e back to snack time! This activity builds oral motor musculature, requires precision and concentration, and offers immediate sensory feedback.

18. Blowing bubbles

Bubble blowing also works on oral muscles. Plus, it鈥檚 delightful.

Adapting Tools for Kids

19. Cheerios and Froot Loops

String cereal on a pipe cleaner or other string for an edible, accessible kids鈥� fashion statement. As a bonus, this is great for fine motor development.

20. Loops for practicing dressing

Dressing is an important skill for children, but you don鈥檛 want them disrobing in the clinic to practice. Use loops like bracelets, wristbands, cut off strips of fabric or ribbing from old t-shirts, or elastic bands to practice threading your patients鈥� hands and feet through the opening.

21. Button strips

Cut the button band of an old shirt to practice buttoning. A range of button sizes helps children of varying motor skill levels succeed with this OT idea.

22. Highlighter bookmark

Kids鈥� eyes can get lost on the page, making reading a struggle. A small strip of transparent colored plastic helps kids keep their place in a book.

Occupational Therapy Ideas for Adults

Adults with diverse ranges of abilities and backgrounds will come into your OT practice. Creatively applying OT activity ideas will allow you to help a vast population of adults. OT can even be applied in unconventional settings like prisons and homeless shelters, or with individuals with hoarding disorder or gaming addiction. Really, there鈥檚 no limit to the power of a creative OTA.

Many of these OT activity examples could be appropriate therapeutic interventions for children and seniors too, so don鈥檛 limit yourself to the listed categories.

Occupational Therapy Games for Adults

23. Sports

Sports turn exercise into a game, making it much more fun, engaging, and social than solitary treadmill jogging. Especially for injured patients, sports can be an excellent OT rehab activity.

24. Play catch

It鈥檚 a classic for a reason. Catch helps develop motor skills and can give patients something to do with their hands while having a conversation. If it鈥檚 not safe to start with a ball, balloon toss is a fun alternative!

25. Feats of strength

Here鈥檚 another way to gamify exercise. Set out an obstacle course, make a high jumping challenge, or begin an arm-wrestling tournament. A little friendly competition can motivate your patients to move.

26. Personal records

Competition isn鈥檛 for everyone. Some patients may feel overwhelmed at the prospect of comparing their activity to yours or a friend鈥檚. Working to beat their own personal record takes away the pressure.

27. Bowling

Some patients will see right through your gamified attempts to get them moving. Bowling with friends makes a fun OT group activity.

28. Jigsaw puzzles

Jigsaw puzzles work your patient鈥檚 brain and their fingers. They are an excellent OT fine motor activity, providing a peaceful backdrop for conversation practice.

29. Jeopardy

You can customize (trivia) for all kinds of skills and situations. Your patient struggles with meal prep or grocery shopping? Make it a trivia game. Self-care and household tasks are overwhelming. Jeopardy makes conversations about frustrating topics fun.

30. Coupon clipping games

Money management is an important ADL. Turn coupon clipping into a game and a functional activity by looking for the cheapest vegetable, planning a hypothetical party with food from coupons, or organizing a meal plan with coupons.

Sensory Engagement Ideas for Adults in Occupational Therapy

31. Animal assisted OT

Animal assisted OT helps patients of all ages. Petting a dog or cat is a soothing sensory engagement activity, and clients love it.

32. Go for a walk

The great outdoors are full of sensory stimuli. Point out different colors and textures in the wildlife you see, and literally stop to smell the roses.

33. Tend a garden

Putting your hands in the soil can be calming, and you could even work up a sweat while pulling weeds. What鈥檚 more, it鈥檚 rewarding to watch your very own veggies, fruits, or flowers grow.

34. Music therapy

Go to concerts or recitals. Some clients will enjoy making music together or singing karaoke, so music is a creative and fun OT intervention.

35. Cooking

Even outside of OT, many adults struggle to cook healthy, delicious meals for themselves. Make a simple meal plan and help your patient shop for and prepare their favorite food.

36. Bead crafts

Beading develops fine motor skills and gives your patients the opportunity to create something they can be proud of and wear to express themselves.

Adapting Tools for Adults in Occupational Therapy

37. Tennis ball paint brush

Everyone needs art! Stick a paintbrush through a tennis ball. Gripping a large, soft ball is much easier than gripping a slender, slippery stick.

38. Foam tube toothbrush

The same principle applies here as with the paintbrush. Toothbrushes can be hard to hold, so make a foam grip.

39. Soap in a stocking

Put a bar of soap in a long stocking and tie it around the shower bar. The soap will be easy to find, easy to grab, won鈥檛 slip out of your patients鈥� grip, and will lather well.

Geriatric Occupational Therapy Treatment Ideas

Many OT treatment ideas for geriatrics revolve around day-to-day comfort and safety, but that doesn鈥檛 mean you can鈥檛 have fun. It鈥檚 just as important to enjoy life at 90 as it is at nine.

Occupational Therapy Games for Seniors

40. Bingo

Not to play into stereotypes, but Bingo is a great OT game for seniors. It鈥檚 social, and placing the little chips makes it an effective OT fine motor activity.

41. Crafts

If your patients already know a craft like knitting or crochet, they might enjoy teaching you. This boosts their confidence, is functional, and is great for fine motor skills.

42. Collage

Print of family photos or use magazine clippings to make collages. This is an opportunity to talk about their family or memories, making it an OT treatment for dementia.

43. Matching games

Another fun OT treatment for dementia is matching games, where you turn over two cards and try to remember where the match is. These come in all kinds of cute designs and can keep your patients鈥� memories sharp.

44. Crossword puzzles

Everyone loves showing off their expertise. Find themed crossword puzzles that let your patients鈥� niche knowledge shine. Themed crossword puzzles are also great for autistic patients with a special interest.

Sensory Engagement Ideas for Seniors in Occupational Therapy

45. Manicures and pedicures

A little pampering can lift your patients鈥� moods. Manicures can help geriatric patients feel elegant, and they also provide sensory engagement. Orthopedic patients especially benefit from pedicures, because their feet can be painful and need extra TLC.

46. Install bird feeders

Visual stimulation is important, especially for seniors or people who spend much of their time in one room. Bird feeders outside the windows provide a cheerful source of entertainment. If your patient is crafty, you could even make or decorate one together and practice motor skills.

Adapting Tools for Geriatric Occupational Therapy Patients

47. Pool noodle card holders

Styrofoam pool noodles are an OTA鈥檚 best friend. Cut a 鈥渟lice鈥� of the noodle, add a parallel slit, and viola! Play Gin Rummy with no hands!

48. Foam tubes for crochet hooks

We talked about modifying toothbrushes and paintbrushes to make them easier to grip. Try the same trick on crochet hooks so that your geriatric patients can maintain their creative hobbies, even with tired hands.

49. Bells

Some patients with Alzheimer’s have a tendency to wander or get lost. Bells on doors can help their care team keep an eye on (or ear) them. Adding a curtain over a door can disguise it and help prevent elopement.

50. Fall-proof the house

You may need to modify aspects of your patients鈥� homes to make them safer for seniors. One step you can take is removing all throw rugs, which are a serious tripping hazard.

51. Night lights

Place night lights in bedrooms, bathrooms, hallways, and any areas where your patients may need to walk after dark. Darkness is a falling hazard and geriatric patients often struggle with balance, so all safeguards against falls are helpful.

52. Button lights in closets

After a lifetime of collecting, closets can become cluttered. Adding an easy-to-use, battery-operated light makes it easier for geriatric OT patients to access their belongings and lowers their risk of pulling heavy objects onto themselves.

53. Shower seats

Shower seats are a simple and effective OT tool. The shower can be slippery and is a common site for falling injuries. OT patients who have had hip replacements or struggle with balance especially benefit from shower seats.

Want to keep improving as an OTA? Joyce鈥檚 OTA program helps students navigate the job opportunities that follow your training. By using creative OT ideas learned from your education and applying this list of therapeutic interventions, you will enhance your clients鈥� ADL.

Explore Your Healthcare Education Options at 黑料网最新入口

Whether you’re interested in our OTA program, or exploring nursing pathways through our ASN program, pursuing a traditional BSN degree or accelerated BSN program, advancing through our RN to BSN program, or reaching higher with an MSN degree, discover which nursing program aligns with your career goals by exploring our nursing school.

罢丑别谤别鈥檚 never been a better time to work as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA). With a employment outlook, OTAs have the opportunity to work in a variety of clinical and home settings.

Occupational Therapy (OT) is a great career if you want to make a difference in a person鈥檚 everyday life, and volunteer OT opportunities help get your foot in the door. For ways to gain valuable OT experience and boost your resume, here are five OT volunteer ideas to consider.

OT Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer opportunities, including OT internships or shadowing an OT, gives insight into the variety of OTA environments you could work in. Wherever you do it, OT volunteer work will teach you valuable skills that will propel your career forward.

1. Geriatric Facilities

Geriatric care makes up a large percentage of the OT industry, and most OTAs work with older individuals at some point in their career. Volunteering at a nursing home can give you a head start as an OTA, and many Joyce graduates make meaningful careers in geriatric care.

Skills and Experiences Gained

As an OT volunteer in a geriatric facility, you鈥檒l help patients regain and maintain skills they may have lost due to illness or injury. If patients live in the facility, you鈥檒l spend time assisting them with their daily tasks and tailoring their space to suit their individual needs.

Time Commitment

Nursing homes, resident facilities, and treatment centers each require different time commitments from volunteers. Be prepared to spend a few hours weekly for a few months if you want to complete a geriatric care OT internship, and check with the volunteer coordinator at local care facilities for specific requirements.

Required Qualifications

Most nursing homes and geriatric care facilities provide on-site volunteer training, so you don鈥檛 need a degree or prior qualifications.

2. Children鈥檚 Hospitals

Pediatrics is another big focus in the OT field. As an OT volunteer in a children鈥檚 hospital, you鈥檒l work with children born with a medical condition that results in developmental delays and chronic conditions, as well as children with traumatic injuries. 黑料网最新入口鈥檚 OTA program will teach you specialized pediatric OT skills to help you succeed in children鈥檚 hospitals.

Skills and Experiences Gained

Pediatric OT volunteers help children learn independence-building skills like tying shoes and brushing teeth. OT treatment for children often resembles play, and you鈥檒l need to be creative. This makes children鈥檚 hospital OT volunteer work so formative for many aspiring OTAs 鈥� creativity is key in OT.

Time Commitment

The volunteer time commitment varies between children鈥檚 hospitals, but many require about 100 hours spread out over six months to a year.

Required Qualifications

Most children鈥檚 hospitals require OT volunteers to be at least 18 years old and pass a background check and a health clearance screening. You鈥檒l also receive on-site training and orientation.

3. Special Needs Day Programs

Special needs day programs are a safe, structured place for disabled adults to participate in activities and build skills. There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer at special needs day programs, and Joyce鈥檚 holistic approach to healthcare sciences makes our OTA students a welcome addition to many volunteer teams.

Skills and Experiences Gained

OTA volunteers at special needs day programs will practice a holistic approach to OT. Much of your work here will revolve around developing social skills, work skills, and the tools for independence. Volunteering at special needs day programs will expose you to a wide variety of OT modalities.

Time Commitment

The time commitment for OT volunteers varies between special needs day programs. Make sure you go over any time commitments with the volunteer coordinator.

Required Qualifications

To volunteer as an OTA at a 鈥渟pecial needs鈥� day program, you鈥檒l need to pass a background check. Some programs will have additional requirements, so check with each facility.

4. Equine-Assisted Therapy

If you鈥檙e an animal whisperer, consider volunteering in equine-assisted OT, also known as hippotherapy. This is a form of animal assisted therapy that uses horses to help patients with physical, developmental, or psychiatric needs.

Skills and Experiences Gained

As an equine-assisted OT volunteer, you鈥檒l work with a wide variety of patients and learn how to incorporate animals into your OTA practice. Equine-assisted therapy requires great communication, so volunteering here will teach you crucial skills for your OTA career.

Time Commitment

Most equine-assisted therapy organizations require their volunteers to make a regular time commitment, even if it鈥檚 a small one, like an hour every week.

Required Qualifications

Most equine-assisted OT volunteers must take a short training course before beginning. After that, you can take the reins and help horse therapy patients!

5. OTA Policy Organizations

Leadership training is big at 黑料网最新入口. We encourage students with a special interest in leadership roles to volunteer with OTA policy organizations. Rather than working with patients directly, you鈥檒l shadow OT policy-makers in these positions.

Skills and Experiences Gained

Volunteering with OTA policy organizations can prepare you for a future shaping big-picture changes in the OT industry. This behind-the-scenes career path influences the daily experiences of OTAs and patients. The leadership skills you鈥檒l learn here will serve you during your whole OTA career.

Time Commitment

OTA policy organizations have varying time requirements. Reach out to the volunteer coordinators at your local organizations for more information.

Required Qualifications

Most OTA policy organizations give on-site training and don鈥檛 require their volunteers to have prior qualifications before jumping in and helping. You will need to pass a background screening.

Why Do Volunteer OT?

Volunteer OT is a great way to:

• Learn about various OT specialties
• Boost your resume
• Find mentors
• Make connections with potential employers
• Serve your community

OT Volunteer Programs

Most OTA programs require students to complete OT volunteer hours or spend time in the workforce getting hands-on experience.

Joyce鈥檚 OTA program includes 16 weeks of clinical practice fieldwork, during which you鈥檒l work with a diverse group of patients and get a feel for the industry. Any OT volunteer work you do before your fieldwork will get you ahead, helping you decide what you want to specialize in your practice.

FAQs 黑料网最新入口 OT Volunteer Opportunities

How to get OT volunteer hours?

If you鈥檙e in an OTA program, your school likely has connections to OTA organizations where you can volunteer. If you know you鈥檙e interested in a particular specialty, you can get OT volunteer experience by calling up relevant organizations in your area. Most will have a volunteer program you can join.

Where to volunteer for OT?

Check out geriatric facilities, children鈥檚 hospitals, special needs day programs, equine-assisted therapy organizations, and OTA policy organizations for OT volunteer opportunities.

Does OT volunteering count toward observation hours?

Volunteer hours usually count toward observation hours on OT program applications. However, some schools have strict guidelines about what counts, so it鈥檚 worth checking with their specific policies.

What does an OT volunteer do?

OTA volunteers can work with therapists to help with stretches and simple therapies. They also clean toys and equipment and fill in where needed to keep things running smoothly.

How to get OTA jobs?

Read more about OTA job opportunities and application tips here.

Volunteer OT is a great way to learn where you want to specialize while preparing for a rewarding career as an OTA. If you鈥檙e ready to dive in, check out Joyce鈥檚 OTA program today.

Explore All Healthcare Career Paths at 黑料网最新入口

From our renowned OTA program to our nursing pathways鈥攚hether you’re beginning your healthcare journey with our ASN program, pursuing a 3 year BSN degree or accelerated BSN program, advancing through our RN to BSN program, or reaching higher with an MSN degree, discover which healthcare volunteer and education opportunities align with your career goals by exploring our nursing school.

This is where the accreditation comes in.

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education () is an accrediting institution that sets a high standard of excellence for nursing degree programs. Nursing employers trust (and hire!) graduates from CCNE accredited nursing programs, and students can trust them, too. Joyce鈥檚 CCNE accredited BSN programs meet or exceed rigorous qualification standards for curriculum, faculty, student support, and more.

What is CCNE Accreditation?

CCNE accreditation means that a nursing program meets high standards and is committed to continual improvement. Think of CCNE accreditation as a seal of approval from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (), which establishes guidelines and standards for nursing education across America. CCNE accredited programs have been vetted as quality nursing programs that will set students up for success during and after school.

The Benefits of CCNE Accreditation

CCNE accreditation is a great way to make sure that your program meets a high standard of education. It鈥檚 important to choose a CCNE accredited program because it indicates to your future employers that you have a quality nursing education. If you鈥檙e looking into how to get a BSN degree, consider looking for a CCNE accredited program like Joyce鈥檚.

Because CCNE is a national accreditation and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, attending a CCNE accredited nursing program makes you eligible for federal financial aid.

Another benefit of choosing a CCNE accredited nursing program like Joyce鈥檚 BSN program is that it will prepare you for the NCLEX, which is the test all nursing students have to pass in order to become nurses . In fact, nurses in some states aren鈥檛 even allowed to take the NCLEX if they don鈥檛 attend a CCNE or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited nursing program.

Comparing CCNE vs. ACEN Accreditation

Both CCNE and ACEN accreditation are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. So what鈥檚 the difference between CCNE and ACEN accreditation? ACEN accredited programs can include all kinds of nursing programs, from LPN diplomas to DNP degrees and everything in between. The CCNE only accredits BSN and MSN programs, with a tighter focus on continual improvement.

Neither CCNE nor ACEN accreditation is inherently better than the other, and both will indicate to future employers that you鈥檝e received a quality nursing education. You can also earn a BSN from both CCNE and ACEN accredited programs.

Some hospitals require their nurses hold a BSN degree or higher and nurses who graduate from Joyce鈥檚 CCNE accredited 3-year BSN program and online MSN program are well-prepared to fill those high-demand nursing roles.

CCNE Accreditation Process and Requirements

The CCNE accreditation process is rigorous 鈥� not every nursing program that applies is approved. CCNE accreditation is designed to hold programs and institutions accountable to their students, faculty, and the communities they serve.

The process begins with a letter of intent to the CCNE stating that the nursing program would like to be assessed. After that, CCNE officials will schedule an on-site evaluation, during which they鈥檒l go over up to 90 pages of information about the program, institution, faculty, student outcomes, curriculum, syllabi, that the nursing faculty and administration have written and provided to the CCNE accreditors. The evaluators also meet with and interview students, faculty, alumni, and relevant community members.

Programs that meet the CCNE accreditation requirements and pass the evaluation are awarded accredited status. CCNE accreditation standards include:

• High levels of faculty proficiency
• Up-to-date curriculum
• Graduation requirements
• Institutional efficiency
• Student support

CCNE accreditation is good for five years, after which programs have to submit continuing improvement reports to stay accredited. 黑料网最新入口鈥檚 BSN program underwent their accreditation and approval in 2023, which means that this program will be CCNE accredited until 2028, when the accreditation process will take place again. You want to make sure that the nursing program you choose maintains high standards so that it will stay CCNE accredited during your graduation year and beyond.

Getting and staying accredited is no small feat, and we鈥檙e proud of our CCNE accredited BSN, aBSN, and RN-BSN programs.

How does CCNE Accreditation Impact 黑料网最新入口’s BSN Program?

CCNE 鈥渆nsures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency/fellowship programs in nursing. CCNE serves the public interest by assessing and identifying programs that engage in effective educational practices.鈥� Excellence in education has always been a value at 黑料网最新入口, which is why earning CCNE accreditation further emphasizes our dedication to quality curriculum within our BSN and MSN programs.

Because employers only hire graduates from accredited nursing schools, our accredited status makes it easier for Joyce nurses to get great jobs. This further increases the value of a 黑料网最新入口 education. Our CCNE accreditation also contributes to Joyce鈥檚 rank among the top nursing schools in the US in 2023.

The CCNE has high standards for BSN programs called CCNE BSN essentials. These standards focus on innovative nursing education based around the CCNE BSN essentials. Our curriculum is designed to teach nurses how to research and stay at the cutting edge of nursing care. CCNE BSN essentials establish a clear purpose, which aligns with Joyce鈥檚 BSN program targeted goals and learning outcomes. The 黑料网最新入口鈥檚 BSN, aBSN, and RN-BSN programs meet standards set by the AACN – the governing body over CCNE.

Why Choose 黑料网最新入口’s CCNE Accredited BSN Programs

CCNE BSN programs at Joyce

黑料网最新入口鈥檚 programs are all designed by and for nurses, with speed and flexibility in mind. Our CCNE accredited RN to BSN program is only four semesters long and has flexible online options to accommodate working professionals, because you shouldn鈥檛 have to put your career on pause to deepen your nursing practice.

Our CCNE accredited Accelerated BSN program can be completed in as few as 20 months and a majority of the coursework is online and flexible. This is a great fast track to enter the nursing field if you already have a non-nursing bachelor鈥檚 degree.

Joyce鈥檚 CCNE accredited BSN program is the perfect choice if you don鈥檛 have prior college experience because there are no college-level prerequisites required prior to enrollment, and you can practice in just three years. You鈥檒l learn everything you need to know about nursing through blended online and in-person courses while also completing all of your general education courses at the same time.

Benefits of a Joyce Education

黑料网最新入口 is committed to excellence and continual innovation through our CCNE accreditation. Joyce鈥檚 professors are masters and doctorate-prepared and highly qualified, and many have decades of wisdom and clinical experience under their belts.

Our curriculum鈥檚 focus on research prevents our nurses from ever getting stuck in outdated nursing methods. Joyce BSN graduates are prepared to shape the nursing field as leaders. Our curriculum also emphasizes a holistic approach to nursing, which is a philosophy of healing a whole person, not just their body.

At Joyce, you鈥檒l have access to state-of-the-art technology in our Joyce Johnson Center of Simulation, and you鈥檒l also make great connections with industry nurses through clinical rotations.

Because we offer several degree programs, students who wish to continue their education, become nursing leaders, or become nursing educators can ladder their degrees and earn a CCNE accredited Master鈥檚 of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from Joyce as well.

How CCNE Accreditation Can Help Your Career

Graduating from a CCNE accredited BSN program ensures that you鈥檒l get a quality education and signals your expertise to future employers. At a CCNE accredited nursing program like Joyce鈥檚, students will benefit from qualified instructors, an updated curriculum, student support, ample NCLEX preparation, and more. To learn more about how a CCNE accredited BSN from Joyce can jumpstart your nursing career, contact an admissions advisor today.

Considerations for Getting a BSN

Now that you’ve decided to obtain a BSN degree, where do you begin? At 黑料网最新入口, we’re here to guide you through the essential steps and offer valuable tips to make earning your BSN a smooth and successful one.

Research BSN Programs

• Accreditation and Program Reputation
  The first step in your journey to a BSN is to research the nursing programs diligently. Start by considering the accreditation and reputation of the programs. Ensuring that your chosen program is accredited guarantees that you’ll receive a high-quality education that meets industry standards.
• Consideration of Personal and Professional Goals
  Next, think about your personal and professional goals. Different BSN programs may align better with your aspirations, so choose one that suits your needs and career objectives.

Get to Know the Application Process

• Admission Requirements
  Once you’ve narrowed down your options, delve into the application process. Each program may have specific admission requirements, so make sure you meet them. This may include prerequisites, such as previous coursework or certifications.
• Application Deadlines
  Be mindful of application deadlines. Missing them could mean waiting for the next enrollment period. Create a schedule that ensures you submit your application on time.
• Letters of Recommendation and Personal Statement
  Prepare your application materials meticulously. Most BSN programs require letters of recommendation and a personal statement. Reach out to individuals who can provide strong references while crafting a compelling personal statement that showcases your passion for nursing.

Consider Financial Aid Options

• Tuition Costs and Financial Aid Options
  Finances play a crucial role in your BSN journey. Calculate the tuition costs and explore available financial aid options. Scholarships, grants, and loans can help ease the financial burden of obtaining a BSN degree.
• Scholarships for Nursing Students
  Another way to avoid accumulating excessive student debt while funding your BSN education is to investigate scholarships specifically tailored for nursing students.

Think 黑料网最新入口 Time Management

• Balancing School, Work, and Personal Life
  As you embark on your BSN journey, it’s vital to master the art of time management. Balancing school, work, and personal life can be challenging, but it’s achievable with effective planning and organization.
• Effective Study Strategies
  Learn effective study strategies that work for you and schedule focused study times. These will be essential for success as you are becoming a nurse through a BSN program.

Utilize Available Resources

• Faculty Support and Networking Opportunities
  Don’t underestimate the importance of faculty support and networking opportunities. Your nursing professors can provide valuable guidance and networking can open doors to future career opportunities.
• Clinical Placements and Hands-on Experience
  Lastly, take full advantage of clinical placements and the hands-on experience offered in a BSN program. These opportunities provide invaluable real-world learning experiences that will shape your nursing career.

Ways to Earn a BSN

The journey to obtaining your BSN can take a few routes, depending on your unique circumstances and career goals. From on-campus to online, the types of BSN programs differ.

Traditional BSN Programs

• On-campus Programs
  Traditional BSN programs offer a classic educational experience on campus. You’ll attend classes in person and engage in hands-on learning opportunities. Consider factors like location, class schedules, and campus resources when choosing the right program for you.
• Full-time vs. Part-time Options
  Traditional BSN degree programs can offer full-time and part-time enrollment options. Full-time programs typically have a faster completion timeline, while part-time options allow you to balance your studies with other commitments.
• Accelerated BSN Programs
  For those eager to expedite their BSN journey, accelerated BSN (aBSN) programs are an attractive choice. These intensive programs are designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and wish to transition into nursing swiftly. 黑料网最新入口鈥檚 aBSN program is designed for career changers and can be completed in as little as 20 months.

Hybrid Online BSN Programs

• Flexibility for Working Professionals
  Online BSN programs provide flexibility, making them ideal for working professionals. You can pursue your BSN while maintaining your current job and personal commitments.
• Accredited Online Nursing Schools
  When choosing an online BSN program, prioritize accredited institutions. Accreditation ensures the program meets rigorous standards and delivers quality education.
• Balancing Online Coursework and Clinicals
  Online BSN programs often incorporate clinical rotations. Familiarize yourself on how the program manages these hands-on experiences, ensuring they align with your location and schedule.

RN-to-BSN Programs

• Bridge Programs for Registered Nurses
  RNs can bridge their existing Associates of Nursing (ASN) knowledge and experience to earn a BSN through RN-to-BSN programs. Designed for working RNs, these programs build upon your nursing foundation, allowing you to further your education.
• Credit Transfer and Prior Experience
  Find out about credit transfer policies and how your prior nursing experience may contribute to your BSN journey. These programs recognize your expertise and aim to streamline your path.
• Advantages of Building on Existing Nursing Knowledge
  For RNs, pursuing a BSN degree can open doors to advanced nursing roles and career growth. Explore how building on your existing nursing knowledge can enhance your professional opportunities such as improved benefits and higher salary.

What BSN Students Study

The academic journey that lies ahead to becoming a BSN follows specific guidelines. Let’s delve into the details about what BSN students study, providing you with insights into the curriculum that awaits.

Core Curriculum

• Nursing Theory and Practice
  The foundation of your BSN education is a deep dive into nursing theory and practice. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles, skills, and ethics that underpin the nursing profession.
• Health Assessment and Clinical Skills
  Mastering health assessment and clinical skills is paramount for BSN students. You’ll develop the ability to conduct thorough client assessments, ensuring accurate diagnoses and effective care.
• Pharmacology and Medication Administration
  A crucial aspect of nursing education is pharmacology and medication administration. You’ll learn about various drugs, their effects, and safe practices for administering medications to clients.
• Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice
  BSN students are equipped with the tools to engage in nursing research and apply evidence-based practice to improve client outcomes. This empowers you to make informed, data-driven decisions about client care.

Coursework in Diverse Patient Care Needs

• Pediatric Nursing
  For those with a passion for caring for young clients, BSN curriculum offers a skill development in a diverse range of client scenarios including pediatric nursing. You’ll explore the unique healthcare needs of children and adolescents.
• Adult and Geriatric Care
  Another specialization for nurses is adult and geriatric care, where you’ll focus on the healthcare needs of adults and older populations. This coursework equips you with the knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive care for a diverse and aging client demographic.
• Mental Health Nursing
  Mental health nursing is a critical field within healthcare. BSN programs often include courses that prepare you to address the unique challenges of clients with mental health issues and promote overall client well-being.
• Community Health Nursing
  Community health nursing emphasizes care beyond hospital walls. You’ll learn to work in diverse community settings, promoting health and preventing disease among populations.

The Benefits of a BSN

If you’re contemplating pursuing a BSN degree, you’re on the path to a career that comes with a multitude of advantages. Let’s explore some of the benefits that come with earning your BSN.

Career Opportunities

• Expanded Job Prospects
  A BSN significantly broadens your horizons in the nursing field. It opens doors to a wider array of job prospects. A BSN allows you to explore various healthcare settings and specialties such as leadership positions, traveling nurse contracts, and management roles.
• Leadership Roles and Advanced Practice
  With a BSN, you’ll be well-prepared to step into leadership roles within your organization. You can also pursue advanced practice roles, such as nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist, expanding your scope of practice and impact.
• Opportunities in Specialized Nursing Fields
  While ASN nurses can specialize in various areas of nursing, BSN-prepared nurses have access to better roles and positions in specialized areas of nursing such as pediatrics, critical care, or oncology. These roles offer a unique focus and the chance to make a significant difference in clients鈥� lives.

Higher Earning Potential

• The Correlation Between Education and Salary
  A strong correlation can be found between education and earning potential in the nursing profession. BSN-prepared nurses tend to command higher salaries, reflecting their advanced education and skills. According to , the pay difference between nurses with and without a BSN was over $6,000 a year.
• BSN-Prepared Nurses in High-Demand Areas
  In high-demand areas of nursing, such as critical care, emergency nursing, and nurse management, BSN-prepared nurses are highly sought after. Earning your BSN can make you a valuable asset in these specialized roles.

Enhanced Client and Patient Care

• Improved Critical Thinking Skills
  A BSN education enhances your critical thinking skills, enabling you to assess complex client situations and make informed decisions quickly. This has been proven to lead to better client outcomes and higher quality care.
• Ability to Provide Evidence-Based Care
  BSN-prepared nurses are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide evidence-based care. This means you can integrate the latest research and best practices into your nursing practice, ensuring optimal patient and client care.
• Better Understanding of Complex Health Issues
  A BSN program delves into complex health issues, equipping you with a deeper understanding of healthcare challenges. This knowledge empowers you to address the patient or client鈥檚 needs comprehensively and proactively.

Earning a BSN is not just an educational milestone; it’s a gateway to a world of career possibilities. It opens doors to enhanced career prospects, increased earning potential, and the ability to provide exceptional patient care. By joining Joyce’s community of BSN-educated nurses, you become a vital force in healthcare, making a meaningful impact on patients, clients, and communities alike.

Released once a decade, the NAM Future of Nursing report provides updated guidelines for the nursing industry and nursing education. These factor heavily into nursing education goals and outcomes and are especially relevant for bachelors of science in nursing (BSN) students in the 2010 report. BSN graduates go on to become nursing leaders and will help shape the industry and put the Future of Nursing recommendations into practice.

What Is the NAM Future of Nursing Report?

Every 10 years, expert nurses and researchers write the NAM Future of Nursing report to express a united vision of nursing progress and recommendations. They synthesize scientific, social, educational, and practical research into a report that considers the nursing industry from a nuanced and holistic approach.

How the NAM Future of Nursing Report Shapes Healthcare Policy and Education

Looking at the past decade鈥檚 report shows just how influential the NAM Future of Nursing report has been.

In 2011, the NAM (then called the IOM) released The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. The NAM report emphasized a need for more nurses with BSN degrees who could use their nursing, critical thinking, and leadership skills to innovate the healthcare system in years to come. The NAM recommendation that 80% of nurses earn their BSN degree by 2020 played a significant role in the development of BSN in 10 legislation and hospital policies requiring nurses to have BSN degrees.

At 黑料网最新入口, we work hard to stay on the cutting edge of nursing education and do our part to meet NAM recommendations. In 2013, we launched our RN to BSN degree completion program which gives nurses access to an accelerated, flexible educational pathway to advance their careers in as few as 20 months, while they are working as nurses.

Future of Nursing Recommendations and Patient Outcomes

The numbers back them up 鈥� NAM Future of Nursing recommendations have big implications for healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. A found that surgical patient mortality decreases by 5% for every 10% increase in a hospital鈥檚 proportion of BSN nurses. Even though the industry has yet to meet the NAM鈥檚 recommendation that 80% of nurses earning a BSN degree, its 2011 Future of Nursing recommendation has already improved client outcomes and saved lives.

NAM Future of Nursing BSN Recommendations for 2020-2030

The NAM鈥檚 current Future of Nursing report is called . This report details ways in which nurses can combat health disparities and shape the nursing field as leaders. It also outlines areas where nurses need additional support and where nursing education can improve.

The NAM Future of Nursing 2020-2030 recommendations that BSN nurses and students should be especially familiar with are:

• Employing evidence-based programs and structures that enhance nurse well-being.
• Protecting and strengthening the nursing workforce during public health emergencies and disasters, including climate-related disasters.
• Collaborating on research that describes how nursing impacts 鈥渟ocial determinants of health, environmental health, health equity, and nurses鈥� health and well-being.鈥�
• Taking nursing expertise into account while creating all initiatives that use technology to support health equity.
• Being 鈥減repared to address social determinants of health and achieve health equity.鈥�

Significance of NAM Future of Nursing Recommendations for BSNs

Several of the Future of Nursing 2020-2030 recommendations emphasize how important it is for employers and educational institutions to support their nurses鈥� well-being. Heavy demands on nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic left scores of nurses with burnout and compassion fatigue, and many even stepped away from the nursing profession. With the current , it鈥檚 clearer than ever that supporting nurses is a public health measure.

The Future of Nursing 2020-2030 report recommends that institutions take evidence-based measures to care for nurses working their everyday shifts. Employers and institutions must also prepare to support nurses during public health emergencies and disasters. This is good news for BSN nurses and students, who should expect a higher standard of support from employers.

罢丑别谤别鈥檚 also a renewed emphasis on listening to nurses’ expertise when making plans for systemic programs and policies that work toward healthcare equity. The healthcare industry is looking for nurse leaders who can join these conversations so BSN degrees are more valuable than ever as they hold more sway in these sorts of conversations than associates level nurses. Nurses with associate-level training should consider an RN to BSN program to help impact their lives and the community for the better.

Overall, the NAM report recommendations are geared toward building a more equitable healthcare system for all type of clients. The National Academy of Medicine calls for more research and emphasis on the social determinants of health, and all nursing students should be prepared to address health equity throughout their careers.

Key Messages for BSN Nurses from the NAM Future of Nursing 2020-2030 Report

The NAM Future of Nursing 2020-2030 report is clear: BSN nurses are key in promoting healthcare equity.

Exploring Emerging Nursing Trends

Increased awareness of social determinants of health and technological developments are shaping the nursing industry. The NAM report outlines the following nursing trends:

• Educating the Next Generation of Nurses for the Future 鈥� The Future of Nursing 2020-2030 report emphasizes the need for future nurses to be trained to promote health equity. As the population ages and becomes increasingly diverse, our collective healthcare needs grow. The world needs dedicated nurses from diverse backgrounds to care for our growing needs.
• Nurses and Healthcare Equity 鈥� Health equity refers to the state in which all patients have an equitable opportunity to attain their highest level of wellness. Nurses are key in the movement for increased healthcare equity. Because nurses work directly with patients, they are crucial in-patient education and preventative healthcare. Nurses also play a key role in healthcare equity by considering the social determinants of health and healthcare access when caring for their clients.
• Innovation for Improved Patient Care 鈥� Technology and innovation are changing the nursing game. Nurses are connecting with and treating more patients than ever through telehealth, which is a gigantic step forward for improved healthcare access. Also, implementation of genetic testing is quickly becoming another useful technological tool in a nurses arsenal to combat things like mental illnesses and medication use.

How 黑料网最新入口鈥檚 BSN Curriculum Aligns with Future of Nursing Goals

BSN programs play an important role in embedding NAM recommendations into the dominant nursing culture. By training nurses in accordance with NAM guidelines, accredited BSN programs like Joyce鈥檚, teach a new generation of nurses to stay up to date on research and professional guidelines. As an institution we talk the talk, but we also must walk the walk and apply current research to our curriculum. Here are some ways that we鈥檝e stepped up to fulfill NAM Future of Nursing recommendations:

Fast and Flexible BSN Qualification

黑料网最新入口 is doing our part to train future nursing leaders who can shape policy and programs. We use online coursework and flexible scheduling to make a BSN degree as accessible as possible. At Joyce, working RNs can earn a BSN degree in just over a year.

But you don鈥檛 have to have any nursing experience to earn a BSN fast. While many start their nursing journey with an ASN degree, students can earn a 3-year BSN degree no college prerequisites (which is faster than most 4-year BSN programs). If you already have a non-nursing bachelor鈥檚 degree, our 20-month, accelerated BSN program could be for you.

Joyce Teaches Nursing Leadership

BSN nurses are in high demand for nursing leadership positions because they have the management skills that leadership roles demand. Our BSN programs prepare students with leadership courses so that they鈥檙e ready to shape the nursing industry. You can also earn a Joyce 1-year online MSN degree once you realize how much you can do and grow in the leadership field.

Holistic Nursing that Incorporates Social Determinants of Health

Joyce further aligns with NAM Future of Nursing recommendations by focusing on a holistic approach to nursing that incorporates social determinants of health. In holistic nursing, we think about healing a whole person, not just one ailment. This means that Joyce nurses are prepared to consider social determinants of health as well as emotional, spiritual, and mental health.

Joyce鈥檚 Clinical Practice

Joyce鈥檚 nursing clinicals give students the opportunity to learn about social determinants of health up close and personal. From hospitals, community health centers, and mental health clinics to international organizations, Joyce nursing students work in a wide array of clinical healthcare settings and learn from each one. Read more about Joyce nursing clinicals here.

Community Engagement and Health Promotion

Joyce faculty and students stepped up during the COVID-19 pandemic to screen and test community populations as part of the Medical Reserve Corps operation. Between April and November of 2020 alone, students and faculty volunteered nearly 10,000 hours to the MRC. Read more about Joyce鈥檚 pandemic-era community engagement and health promotion.

Implementing the NAM Future of Nursing Report

Implementing the NAM Future of Nursing 2020-2030 report requires educational and policy updates, as well as a cultural shift in the way nurses think about healthcare equity.

Successful Implementation Strategies

COVID relief legislation called the has funded nursing scholarships, loan repayments, and job placements for nurses working in underserved and rural areas.

Increased telehealth access also improves health equity.

Ongoing Challenges for Implementation

The legislative process moves slowly, so it takes time to turn NAM recommendations into laws. Hospital policies can also take a long time to change.

Future Steps for Implementing Future of Nursing Recommendations

Turning NAM recommendations into policies, laws, and practices doesn鈥檛 happen overnight. When effective nursing leaders keep these recommendations at the forefront of policy-focused conversations, however, they make progress. Nursing schools can also play a role in implementing NAM recommendations by adopting their norms in their BSN curricula, thus training a generation of nurses for whom NAM recommendations are second nature.

The NAM Future of Nursing 2020-2030 report is clear: nurses are vitally important and have the power to shape the future of healthcare. Nurses should expect to work for institutions that prioritize their well-being and should prepare to take on leadership positions with BSN training.

A Joyce BSN degree that emphasizes research and leadership is a powerful way to step into your role as the future of the nursing industry. Talk to an admissions officer and learn more about our RN to BSN program.