Online learning has simplified the process of earning a college degree, evena nursing degree. While you cannot graduate from high school and become a“real” nurse online, it is possible for a registered nurse (RN) or licensedpractical nurse (LPN) to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor ofScience in Nursing (BSN) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) on theirlaptop computer, in the convenience of their own home.
The Prerequisites
To enroll in an online nursing degree program, the prospective student musthave graduated from an accredited nursing program and passed the NationalCouncil Licensure Exam for RNs (NCLEX-RN) or LPNs (NCLEX-PN). Online nursingdegree programs are designed to enhance, not inaugurate, a nurse’scredentials.
Program Particulars
LPN to RN or BSN, RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs are available in mostaccredited online schools. Nationally, the most popular online nursing programis RN to BSN.
Online nursing degrees take 1 1/2 to 3 years to complete, depending uponpreviously earned college credits transferred into the program and whetherenrollment is part-time or full-time.
The cost of an online nursing program averages of 0 to 0 per credit. Totalcost varies, depending upon college credits transferred and credits awarded forlife and work experience.
Applying
Applying to a nursing online program is done via the internet. Some schoolsoffer rolling admission since students work at their own pace while othersadhere to the same schedule as the traditional students, semester bysemester.
The entrance requirements are the same as for a traditional collegedegree:
SAT or ACT exam with minimum score determined by the school Minimum GPA,usually 2.5 to 3.0 3 years high school math, including geometry and algebra II3 years high school science, including biology and chemistry 4 years highschool English 2 years high school foreign languageProficiency exams are offered by most schools to determine credit for workand life experience.
The Course
The typical curriculum includes general education courses as well as nursingmanagement, community health nursing, nursing research and non-traditionaltherapies such as acupuncture, guided imagery and massage.
A full-time student is assigned an academic adviser to help them navigatethrough the college experience. While there is no face-to-face interaction withinstructors at the college, lines of communication are kept open via onlinelectures, chats/discussions and assignments. Exams are usually taken onlinealthough some colleges require that students take ?proctored exams at anapproved location in their area.
Some programs require students to spend a few days to a few weeks on campusbefore graduating; most do not. If a clinical component is mandated forgraduation, arrangements are made at a hospital or medical center close to homefor the student to complete clinical hours. This is the biggest obstacle of anonline program. Otherwise, all course requirements are conveniently fulfilledwithout commuting anywhere and on the student’s personal time schedule, 24hours a day, 365 days a year.
The Finale
Earning a nursing degree online is accomplished in many differentconfigurations. The prerequisites, the coursework and the clinical componentvary from college to college.
Research the options to find the program that best fits your schedule andbudget. After all, isn’t that the main reason for choosing an online collegedegree program? Two online sites that offer the most comprehensive informationare: rndegrees.net and allnursingschools.com.
Good luck!