Online Nursing Schools – Nursing Degree Info

Find Out About Nursing School Before You Start

Are you looking for the best nursing schools in your state? If you answered yes, then it’s time to start your search! Nursing schools are becoming more popular as baby boomers reach retirement age. With the demand for nurses expected to exceed the supply for many years to come, now is the time to find a program that will provide you with the career you have dreamed of.

First, you need to understand the two different types of nursing schools. There are both online nursing schools and traditional on-campus programs. Some nursing programs are based on campus programs, and some are based on licensed online nursing programs. Each has its own benefits, which is why you need to understand them both before you choose. You will also need to decide which type of program is right for you.

If you have already completed an online program, then you can focus on earning your Associate’s degree while working and studying at the same time. Many people are great at taking courses online, but if you are not set on this path yet, you should take nursing courses at an on-campus nursing program so you can focus on earning your Bachelor’s degree as soon as possible. Both nursing schools that offer online programs and traditional on-campus programs have the same goals in mind: nurse practitioner training. If you want to become a nurse practitioner, then prepare to take the licensing exam in whatever state you currently reside.

The vast majority of nurse practitioners will go on to obtain further degrees such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice. This is a doctorate degree and will usually take about two years to complete. In the medical field, nurse practitioners work together with physicians and are often involved in research studies, teaching, and practice. There are also LPN/LVN programs, however these tend to be for those who already have a license and wish to advance their career.

Many LPNs begin their careers by going to school for a few years at an LPN or LVN program before they choose to take a nursing career. Others opt to do it all at once, which is often referred to as an RN. RNs perform many of the same duties as nurse practitioners, but are granted more responsibility. RNs may not have the hands-on experience that LPNs get, but they do earn more money and have better prospects than a nurse practitioner. For those who want to get out into the workforce as quickly as possible, an RN might be the right choice.

You will find nursing schools that are accredited by every state. You may have to pay more tuition and start out with lower class status, but you will be qualified for jobs much faster. Most nurse practitioners end up in hospital jobs and nursing homes, which can take two or three years to complete. After completing nursing schools, you will be ready to enter the world of health care, where your skills will be in high demand.

Why A Nursing Degree Online Might Be A Better Option

By Laura LC

You are well aware of the traditional way to get an education. You sit in a classroom, take notes and then get some lab time.

When searching for online nursing degrees, be aware that all of your classes cannot be online. You will have to work at a facility so that you can get your clinicals.

Online for More Options

There are certificates that you can get online and you can start your career in nursing as a certified nursing assistant.

There are some programs that enable you to complete your associate degree in nursing by taking some classes online and then working in a local facility to get your hands on experience.

If you are already an RN and you want to further your education, you could the classes online that you would take on any on-campus program And of course, do your clinicals at the local hospital or other health facility.

Because so many are now enrolled in online programs, prospective employers consider an online degree the same as an on-campus degree.

You have to be aware that you’re not going to be able to take all your classes online for any type of nurse that is above a certified nursing assistant. At this point in time there is no other way to get the experience you need except with some on-the-job training.

On Your Time

It may be tough to find time to go to college while you are working a full-time job. For nurses that wish to continue their education in nursing, they can still work and take one or two classes a semester.

When you enroll in an on-campus college program, you may have to take a full schedule which can be impossible when you are working 40 hours a week or more.

Many online nursing schools offer accelerated programs which allows a person to finish in only 6 to 8 weeks.

The Most Common Nursing Degrees Offered Online

Most schools Offer only a handful of programs for online degrees. The most common online degrees are for Registered Nurses who want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing.

Cost of Online Degrees

Although this could vary by school and program, the approximate price is between $110 and $170 for each credit. If you enroll in an online program that is out of state you do not have to pay any out-of-state tuition.

Prerequisites

The entrance requirements are different for each school or degree program. The basic requirements are:

Two years of a foreign language in high school
Four years of English in high school
Three years of science in high school including chemistry and biology
Three years of math in high school including algebra 2 and geometry
Minimum GPA between 2.0 and 3.25
For the SAT or ACT exam, the minimum scores will vary per school

For the RN to BSN, RN to MSN and the MSM program, the requirements are:

Graduated from an NLN accredited nursing school
A 2.5 to 3.0 GPA in any prerequisite courses
An RN license

Credit for Work Experience

Some online programs offer work experience credits. You’ll need a portfolio that has been officially documented that lists all of your experiences that are relevant to any of the classes offered.

You may have to complete the College Level Examination or the Proficiency Examination Program.

If you are currently working on another job, whether it’s a nursing job or not, starting out with an online program can be a good option.

When you decide what you need, start looking online to find a nursing degree program that fits your needs.

What Online Nursing Schools Can Do For You

By Laura LC

The profession of nursing is a demanding one. As the general population ages and veteran nurses are retiring, more of them are needed. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that the employment of registered nurses alone will go up 15 percent over the next decade. Enrollment in nursing classes and programs did go up nearly 4 percent in 2016, but there remains high demand for both nurses and nursing students.

Hospitals and many other medical establishments are trying to address this shortage by increasing funding for nurse education, as well as expanding opportunities for them. Modern nurses now have more educational pathways and potential degrees than ever before, and online nursing degrees are one route that many are choosing to go through.

Online nursing programs let students enjoy a lot of options in how they might finish their degree in a manner that is timely, convenient, and cost-effective. Online nursing degrees mean that students can pursue their degrees even while working or just so that they can get their education for a cheaper price. Getting a nursing degree online might mean launching a new career or even helping you move ahead with something that you’re already in. You can hone your skills and even explore specializations all without having to give up a few years of life.

Nursing programs can cover any level of degree, be it associate, bachelor, masters, graduate, or doctoral. Bachelor’s degrees are still the most popular kind, since they are the one most in demand for the majority of nursing positions. RNs can use online nursing work to move ahead in their education by finishing either a bachelor’s or even a master’s degree.

Online nursing degrees do still contain clinical components. Students typically finish this work at either a community hospital or a local medical provider. RNs who are already employed might be able to include the hours they already work. Online nursing schools usually also offer options which on-campus programs don’t, like cheaper tuition and more schedule flexibility. A lot of online programs are great for busy professionals who are working around their current schedules. Other programs might be accelerated or intensive in order to get a nurse educated and into the medical field.

An associate nursing degree online usually needs 90 credits, taking a year or two to finish. Some finish faster by going over a full course load every semester or even taking summer courses. Completing a clinical rotation isn’t usually necessary, but you’d still have to pass the NCLEX-RN exam after finishing the program to become an RN.

The bachelor’s online path is more popular since it offers specializations. It might take three to four years to finish, but intensive and accelerated courses can speed this up. The BSN is certainly in higher demand than ADNs.

Now that you’ve read this article, you know what online nursing schools might be able to offer you if you’re looking to either enter this necessary and noble profession or just advance your career if you are already in the field.

Some Easy Guidelines For Becoming A Nurse In The USA

By Laura LC

There are a number of education steps that you have to complete to accomplish becoming a registered nurse or even an LPN. However, the route that you choose will vary depending on the type of nurse you want to come.

Before you embark upon this journey of becoming a nurse, you should have a basic outline of what your requirements will be. There are entry level requirements that you must comply with if you want to get started in a nursing program. You need to have attended a community college, preferably earning an AA, that will give you the foundation for stepping into a nursing program. Some of the classes that you take must involve science, including human biology, math, and basic English classes. Essentially, you need at least three A level equivalent qualifications to begin this process.

The Educational Requirements

The first and most important step in how to become a nurse will be your education. All nurses have to complete formal training and education, but the level of this does vary. There are some types of nurses who have to complete a year-long training program while others need a master’s degree in nursing.

If you want to become a licensed practical nurse or a licensed vocational nurse, you will need to complete entry-level training. This is a one-year program offered by vocational schools, community colleges, and technical schools. The program includes classroom learning as well as clinical practice in a hospital or clinic.

Tests Or Exams That You Will Have To Pass

Some of the exams that you will have to pass will include the accreditation test so that you can be a registered nurse or our and. You also need to pass the NCLEX-RN test, obtain a state license for wherever you will be working, and also get employment as a registered nurse. From that point forward, you are required to take additional training to keep up with your education as a nurse. That is because many medical breakthroughs come out from time to time. You also need to refresh your awareness of the skills that you learned in nursing school just to make sure that you are doing things to the best of your ability.

How Long Will It Take To Complete Nursing School?

There are two different programs that you can take. First of all, you can earn your AA or Associates degree in nursing over the course of two years. Following that, if you are at the same school where your credits will transfer evenly, it will take an additional two years to complete your bachelors program. There will be additional courses that you may want to take such as those that will give you training within a hospital setting. Therefore, it may take an additional three years after your AA to complete your training, but this will give you more opportunities because you will be highly skilled.

If you want to become a registered nurse, the minimum in educational requirements is an Associate’s Degree in nursing. Once you have completed this degree, you will be able to take the examination for licensing. You could also consider completing a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing and getting work experience in a medical setting.

If you want to become an advanced practice nurse, you will have to complete a Master’s of Science in Nursing. These programs will not accept all nurses and only take licensed RNs. When you complete this training you will be able to practice as a nurse-midwife, a clinical nurse specialist and a nurse anesthetist.

Getting A License

In order to get a job as a nurse, you will need to have a nursing license. To get a license, you will need to complete the National Council Licensure Examination. There are 2 forms of this examination and you need to know which you should take.

The first is for registered nurses and is the NCLEX-R. The second is for practical nurses and will be the NCLEX-PN. You will have to pay a fee to take either of these exams and they are completed via computer. The number of questions you are asked will vary depending on your performance as the computer continues questioning you until it is certain that you are qualified or not.

Getting Certifications

After you have passed the licensure examination, you will be able to start working as a nurse. However, you may want to consider further certification to care for specific groups such as people with mental illnesses, children and the elderly. While these certifications are voluntary, certain employers may insist that you have them in order to be hired. Certifications can be obtained via the American Nursing Credentialing Center as well as the National League for Nursing.

Depending on the state that you live in, you might have to undergo additional certification. This will generally be a requirement for RNs and will depend on the state regulations. This is required as an RN in some states can prescribe medication.

Following these guidelines, you simply need to start contacting the schools that you locate online and requesting applications for their registered nursing degrees. They will then tell you how to apply, how much it will cost, and give you a general guideline as to how long it will take to complete this type of training. Finally, they may also provide you with job placement options that may only be available from certain well-known registered nursing schools. All of this information can be obtained online, allowing you to make the right choice as you are deciding on a nursing school to pursue your your career as a registered nurse.