The 411 on Online Nursing Degrees
Did you know you could get your nursing degree online? The costs, best schools to go to and types of online nursing degrees available.
With the advent of the Internet, many concepts that were once out of reach have now become more easily accessible. One such concept is online nursing programs. Even in a down economy, the nursing profession is in great demand today and hospitals continue to hire a qualified nursing staff. In addition, as healthcare has become more specialized, so has the nursing field. There are a broad range and various levels of programs available in the nursing profession today.
If you are just beginning your nursing education, you may decide on a certificate to quickly enable you to transition into the nursing workforce. Then, again, you may already be a Registered Nurse (RN) and want to pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN), some specialty program or a more advanced degree. Regardless of your level of education and expertise, there are online programs to fit your goals.
Video: RN versus BSN
The following degrees/certificates are the high-level online programs available specific to nursing:
- Associates in Nursing
- Bachelors in Nursing
- Masters in Nursing
- Doctor in Nursing
- Diploma/Certificate in Nursing
There is also a variety of nursing and sub-specialty nursing programs for you to consider. The following is a list of several examples:
- Advanced Practice Nursing
- Cardiac Care Nursing
- Cardiac Lab Nursing
- Case Management Nursing
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Critical Care Nursing
- Dermatology Nursing
- Emergency Nursing
- Genetics Nursing
- Gynecology/Obstetric Nursing
- Hematology Nursing
- Infusion Nursing
- Labor & Delivery Nursing
- Medical Surgical Nursing
- Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Online Nursing Programs: What’s It Gonna Take?
Some particulars you’ll want to consider when deciding on an online nursing program are how much time you have to devote to the program, the cost of the different online programs, whether the program is available for your state, what your current level of education is, pre-requisites for the program and your short-term and long-term goals. You’ll also want to decide when you can start – schools will either have specific start dates or rolling enrollment. In addition, you won’t want to forget how your nursing program will be paid for – e.g., your employer, a government grant or personal or government loan.
Online schools don’t typically publish what they charge for their nursing programs. You may need to call for particular. Costs for the online nursing programs may range from $15,000 to over $30,000 and typically include all course materials, online tools and required textbooks. Keep in mind that you’ll probably have to devote from 15 to 20 hours per week on your studies.
The amount of time it takes to finish a program is typically up to you and depends on the program you select. An Associates in Nursing will only take two years to complete if you follow the curriculum as noted, less if you are able to double up on classes. A Bachelors in Nursing, however, will take you much longer.
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Sample Online Nursing Class Schedule
You may be interested in what classes might be included in the curriculum. One such example is below and reflects classes you might take for a RN to BSN degree.
1st Semester –
- Nursing Therapeutics for Adults I
- Pathophysiology/Pharmacology I
- Parent/Newborn Nursing
2nd Semester
- Nursing of Children and Families
- Humanities
- Pathophysiology/Pharmacology II
- Nursing Therapeutics for Adults II
3rd Semester
- Psychosocial Adaptations for Individuals
- Health Assessment
- Nursing of Families and Communities
4th Semester
- Ethics
- Nursing Research
- Professional Role in the Health Care System
- Senior Colloquium and Practicum
10 Online Nursing/Healthcare Schools
See the list below for several online nursing schools you may want to consider. A short review is included for each.
- Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences – This college’s specialties are in allied health and nursing education.
- Indiana State University – LVNs and LPNs can earn their National League Nursing Accredited Commission (NLNAC) Bachelor of Science Degree without ever stepping foot on the university’s campus.
- Kaplan University – This university touts a teaching emphasis on how to assimilate and apply real-world knowledge that will enhance your professional life.
- National American University – This private school that calls itself the “Biggest Small University … on the Planet” has been around for around 65 years, and offers a variety of convenient online learning.
- Olympia College – This college is proud of their nursing curriculum that offers a balance of nursing theory, nursing practice and general education courses.
- University of Phoenix Online – This was one of the first schools that offered online degrees. The school has year-round enrollment, and new classes start every week.
- University of Wisconsin - Green Bay – This university provides exceptional, fully accredited programs that meet the needs of their adult learners.
- Western Governors University – This school offers the perfect program for RNs who already have their nursing degrees.
- University of Cincinnati – This university is proud of their innovative curriculum and exceptional instruction.
- Mountain State University – This university offers cutting edge online learning using WebCT CE4 and Blackboard CE learning management systems.