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.
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.