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Consider the Options

If job security is a priority for you, you’ll be happy to know that nursing is a career with a bright future. The U.S. Department of Labor projects that more than one million new and replacement registered nurses will be needed by 2018. By choosing a career-focused college major like nursing, you’ll be preparing for a future of endless learning and growth potential.

Students interested in becoming nurses can choose from several training programs.

Choosing the Right Program for You

As a high school student considering a nursing career, you have three main options once you graduate. You can earn a practical nursing diploma and become a licensed practical nurse (L.P.N.), also known as a licensed vocational nurse (L.V.N.). Or you can earn either an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree and become a registered nurse (R.N.). Generally, the more education you complete, the more opportunities you’ll have.

Practical Nursing Training

You can earn a diploma in licensed practical nursing in approximately one year. During that time, you’ll balance practical experience in hospitals and other settings with course work in everything from anatomy to nutrition. Once you graduate and pass an exam, you’ll be qualified to provide some care directly to patients. You’ll also assist R.N.s and doctors.

The A.D.N.

If you’re willing to attend college for two to three years, you can earn an associate degree in nursing (A.D.N.). During their added schooling, A.D.N. students pick up related courses, such as microbiology; take more specialized nursing courses, such as geriatric nursing; and spend longer hours in each class.

With an A.D.N. from a two-year college, you’ll be able to provide direct patient care in many settings. Some hospital nursing schools, colleges and universities also offer A.D.N. programs.

The B.S.N.

If you want the most options, including graduate school later on in your career, consider the bachelor of science degree in nursing (B.S./B.S.N.). This four-year program prepares nurses to practice in all healthcare settings.

As a B.S.N. student, you’ll have more time to develop skills in communication, critical thinking and leadership. Of course, you’ll also take more advanced nursing courses, studying such subjects as complex illnesses and perhaps conducting your own scientific research.

Getting There

Prepare now for a future in nursing. Start by reading these major profiles:

You can also learn about the working life of nurses in these career profiles:

Learn more:

Welcome New Class Start November 18!

Happy first day, and welcome, to our newest class starting today, November 18! Thank you for choosing Sumner College to continue your educational career! Dream

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What Are Clinicals?

If you have been researching nursing schools, you may have seen the word "Clinicals" before but not known what they are. Clinicals are a safe

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Sumner College Student of the Month | November 2024

Congratulations Olga for being the November 2024 Student of the Month at Sumner! Olga was inspired to join Sumner College's nursing school after hearing about

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Sumner College Student of the Month | October 2024

Congratulations Benjamin for being the October 2024 Student of the Month at Sumner! Benjamin is a compassionate nursing student who learned about Sumner College through

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Thank you, Veterans

Sumner College thanks and values our veterans on this honorable day. If you or someone you know has an interest in continuing education, please see

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Nursing in the 21st Century

21st Century nursing is the glue that holds a patient’s health care journey together. Across the entire patient experience, and wherever there is someone in

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Paying for Nursing School- Scholarships

Sumner College understands that every student’s financial situation is unique. Our financial aid department can provide you with more information about Oregon financial aid options

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How to Prepare for Nursing School

Nursing school can be intimidating, but here are some helpful tips for you to make the most of your time and studies. As always, feel

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Bend, Oregon, Our New Home!

In a recent article with the Bend Bulletin, our School President Joanna Russell shared how we are enrolling for February 24, 2025 at our newest

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RN to BSN – Career Upgrade!

Here at Sumner College we offer a program for current Registered Nurses, to further their education in a flexible schooling style and get a Bachelors

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Niche Award!

Exciting news! Sumner Nursing College was recently ranked by Niche, listed as #1 in Best Value Colleges in Oregon, #1 in Best Value Colleges in

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Check Out Our New Campus!

Welcome to our new campus in Bend, Oregon! We are excited to be welcoming the first BSN cohort February 24th, 2025. Stay tuned as we

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Upcoming Info Sessions

On the fence or have questions about starting your education at Sumner College? Check out our upcoming BSN Info Sessions! Available for on-campus in Portland

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All About TEAS

If you're considering enrolling at Sumner College (or other nursing schools!) you will be required to take the TEAS Exam. This stands for Test of

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Nursing School Study Tips

Nursing school is known to be extremely difficult, but there are ways to make it easier on yourself! NursingWorld.org suggests a few different things to

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$5,000 Education Award Available!

Exciting news! DiversityNursing.com is offering a $5,000 education award, with easy entry and no essays, why not enter for a chance to win $5,000 to

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New Member Bend Chamber of Commerce

Sumner College is proud to share we are new members of the Bend Area Chamber of Commerce. Coming soon our official ribbon cutting and social

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Spirit Week!

Happy Spirit Week! Stop by the Lobby or Front Desk throughout the week to say hi and show some school spirit! Monday: Meal Prep and

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Sumner College Student of the Month | September 2024

Congratulations Kristina, for being the September 2024 Student of the Month at Sumner! Kristina completed the LPN program from Sumner College and recently returned to

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Virtual Tour: SIM Lab 202

Welcome to Sumner College! Before you head in to our Portland Campus take a virtual tour where you can see our Simulation Lab, Hospital Simulator,

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New Campus Alert!

We are extremely excited to announce the opening of our new additional campus location in Bend, Oregon! Conveniently located just around the corner from Bend's

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The Heart of Healthcare

Nursing can be described as both an art and science; a heart and a mind. At its heart, lies a fundamental respect for human dignity

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Labor Day Weekend

Happy Labor Day! We will be closed Monday to enjoy a long weekend!

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Upcoming Class Start Dates

Join us on one of our upcoming start dates for RN's looking to achieve a BSN completion!

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What is an RN-BSN Program?

RN to BSN Degree- What is it? The RN-BSN degree is designed for nurses that earned their Registered Nurse licensure and would like to continue

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There’s Still Time!

There's still time to enroll for the September 3 class start date! All three programs are starting fresh this fall; BSN, RN to BSN, and

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Sumner College Student of the Month | August 2024

Congratulations Hanna, for being the August 2024 Student of the Month at Sumner College! Hanna was inspired to pursue a career as a Practical Nursing

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Tips for Great Admission Essays

Writing an admission essay may feel like a daunting task to accomplish, much less three, as we require here at Sumner. While they are short

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Is Nursing for Me?

Have you ever wondered whether nursing is the right profession for you? Take our personality exam to see if you have the characteristics of a

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Join the Nursing Workforce

When deciding what career to go into, one often will research the career to find out information like: average income, durability in the economy, and

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