Online Nursing Schools and Programs
Online nursing education is becoming increasingly popular as more students have a positive experience with online classes. Students have the opportunity to obtain nursing degrees completely online through the use of the Internet. Numerous colleges and universities have been offering online nursing degrees and many of them are leaders in nursing education.
When selecting a particular college or university it is important to make sure that their online nursing program is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). There are various types of nursing programs which can be completed online leading to a Bachelor Degree, a Master Degree, or a Doctoral Degree (PhD or DNP) in Nursing. One can also become certified in a specific nursing area through completion of an online certification program. The duration of the online program varies depending on what degree type you are pursuing, the university policies, and the number of classes you enroll in each semester.
Most colleges and universities that offer an online nursing degree are very flexible and allow nursing students to choose a pace that is comfortable in order to complete the degree requirements. One of the most popular online nursing programs is the RN to BSN degree. In order to be considered for admission to this program one must be licensed as a Registered Nurse. The entire program can be completed online with no on-campus attendance. The number of credits needed to complete this online nursing degree program depends on how many previous credits are transferable for each individual student.
While some students may need less than 50 credits towards program completion, it is best to check with the nursing school you are interested in about how many credits you need to complete the online RN to BSN degree. A clinical component is required in order to complete the RN to BSN nursing program. Most nursing schools typically require 60 hours of clinical time at a particular site where the student gains hands-on experience under the supervision of a preceptor. Graduates of a RN to BSN online program are better prepared to assume nursing leadership roles which require critical-thinking, decision-making and communication skills.
The RN to BSN to MSN online nursing program is another option nurses have to further their education and skills without on-campus attendance. This type of accelerated online nursing program is designed for the licensed Registered Nurse who is committed to earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. The minimum requirement for admission into this program is to be licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) and hold either a Diploma or an Associate of Science degree in nursing.
Most colleges and universities will accept approximately 70 transferable credits from your previous nursing education. The student nurse can enroll in graduate courses that will count towards both the BSN and MSN degrees. This unique online nursing program allows the nurse to work on a master degree while still working on their bachelor's and completing both degrees in a shorter time frame. Online RN to BSN to MSN programs take about three years of full time enrollment to complete and may take longer depending on how many credits you complete each semester. Clinical components need to be completed on-site under the supervision of a nursing preceptor while the coursework in the online RN to BSN to MSN program is completed using state-of-the-art distance learning technology.
If you hold a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) and are interested in continuing your nursing education at your own pace without having to attend on-campus classes, then you should consider an online Master Degree program in nursing. An absolute requirement for admission to the online Master degree program in nursing is having a valid Registered Nurse license. Depending on which MSN program you choose you may or may not need GRE scores and is best to inquire at the University you are interested in.
Most MSN program coursework will be completed online while clinical experiences can be arranged at a convenient site near your home. It is important to know that some online master in nursing programs do require a few on-campus visits. Again, check with the particular University you are interested in to see if the online MSN program of your choice requires any on-campus time. Universities allow students to enroll in as few or as many courses they want per semester as long as they complete the program within seven years. The tuition for online master degree programs is lower than the regular graduate tuition rate and many schools offer tuition discounts for employees of partnering health systems or specific nursing associations.
Nursing Advice and Resources
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